The Best Debian AlternativesTop Linux Distros & Operating Systems like Debian

Debian is described as 'The Debian Project is an association of individuals who have made common cause to create a free operating system. This operating system that we have created is called Debian' and is a leading Linux Distro in the os & utilities category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Debian for a variety of platforms, including Linux, Self-Hosted, Windows, Mac and BSD apps. The best Debian alternative is Linux Mint, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Debian are Ubuntu, Arch Linux, Fedora and Manjaro Linux.

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Alternatives list

  1. Linux Mint icon

    Linux Mint

     1157 likes
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    Linux distribution focused on desktop use, with unique menus, media codecs, browser plugins, and DVD support pre-installed; offers easy package management, compatibility with Ubuntu repositories, and a Debian-based alternative for consistency and reliability.

    184 Linux Mint alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Linux Mint 22.2 "Zara"
     
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    23
    Comments about Linux Mint as an Alternative to Debian
    alexandredarochacelestino
    Positive
    5

    User friendly interface, pack of apps. Pre configured with java and flash.

    Guest
    Positive
    -1

    Not much an alternative, but alongside with Manjaro it's fairly, useful, sleek and intuitive to use from everyone coming from macOS or Windows. I think Debian it's more powerful, but it has it's learning curve.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Debian Icon
    Linux Mint icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Linux Mint is a great Debian alternative.

    • Linux Mint is the most popular Linux alternative to Debian.

    • Linux Mint is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Debian.

    • Linux Mint is Free and Open SourceDebian is also Free and Open Source
  2. Ubuntu icon

    Ubuntu

     2362 likes
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    Ubuntu is a community developed, Linux-based operating system that is perfect for laptops, desktops and servers. It contains all the applications you need - a web browser, presentation, document and spreadsheet software, instant messaging and much more.

    165 Ubuntu alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Ubuntu
    Ubuntu 24.04 with Gnome 46
     
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    1
    26
    Comments about Ubuntu as an Alternative to Debian
    LindsayBinsThompson
    Positive
    -23

    Ubuntu is best alternative by their quality OS

    Debian Icon
    Ubuntu icon

    • Most users think Ubuntu is a great Debian alternative.

    • Ubuntu is Free and Open SourceDebian is also Free and Open Source
  4. Arch Linux icon

    Arch Linux

     777 likes
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    Arch Linux is an independently developed, x86_64 optimized GNU/Linux distribution targeted at competent Linux users. It uses pacman, its home-grown package manager, to provide updates to the latest software applications with full dependency tracking.

    199 Arch Linux alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    arch with KDE 4.4 desktop
     
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    3
    30
    Comments about Arch Linux as an Alternative to Debian
    Kelson V
    Positive
    0

    Usually more current than Debian, but also more of a pain to set up a new system, and doesn't run on as many architectures.

    OAKSIF0
    Positive
    -3

    If you want something stable and more customizable with support and a better package managing system Arch Linux is for you. You can even use debtap to convert Debian packages to an Arch Package, there are other 3rd party programs that can do that too.

    Guest
    Positive
    -7

    Also light and configurable, ArchLinux is a much more up to date, and stays that way all the time. Its package manager is also much faster and easier to use.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Debian Icon
    Arch Linux icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Arch Linux is a great Debian alternative.

    • Arch Linux is Free and Open SourceDebian is also Free and Open Source
    • Arch Linux is MinimalisticDebian is not according to our users
  5. Ad
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    Zorin OS icon
    Zorin OS

    Linux-based OS designed for familiar user experience, mimicking Windows or macOS, supports dual-boot, runs Windows apps via WINE, pre-installed essential software, customizable desktop layouts, broad hardware compatibility, and p...

    https://zorin.com
    Learn More
  6. Fedora icon

    Fedora

     589 likes
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    Fedora creates an innovative, free, and open source platform for hardware, clouds, and containers that enables software developers and community members to build tailored solutions for their users.

    184 Fedora alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Fedora 38
     
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    17
  7. Manjaro Linux icon

    Manjaro Linux

     330 likes
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    Manjaro is a user-friendly Linux distribution based on the independently developed Arch operating system. Within the Linux community, Arch itself is renowned for being an exceptionally fast, powerful, and lightweight distribution that provides access to the very latest cutting...

    179 Manjaro Linux alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Arch Linux
    Manjaro 19.0 Kyria (Xfce)
     
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    1
    13
    Comments about Manjaro Linux as an Alternative to Debian
    Guest
    Positive
    1

    Arch based and drivers supports

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Debian Icon
    Manjaro Linux icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Manjaro Linux is a great Debian alternative.

    • Manjaro Linux is Free and Open SourceDebian is also Free and Open Source
    • Manjaro Linux is Security-focusedDebian is not according to our users
  10. FreeBSD icon

    FreeBSD

     266 likes
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    FreeBSD is an operating system used to power modern servers, desktops, and embedded platforms. A large community has continually developed it for more than thirty years. Its advanced networking, security, and storage features have made FreeBSD the platform of choice for many of...

    194 FreeBSD alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    FreeBSD screenshot 1
     
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    1
    12
    Comments about FreeBSD as an Alternative to Debian
    OAKSIF0
    Positive
    2

    Very stable and secure like Debian, but not Linux its BSD based. FreeBSD has been used as a base system for secure computing environments.

    Debian Icon
    FreeBSD icon

    • Almost everyone thinks FreeBSD is a great Debian alternative.

    • FreeBSD is the most popular Self-Hosted alternative to Debian.

    • FreeBSD is Free and Open SourceDebian is also Free and Open Source
  12. Kubuntu icon

    Kubuntu

     280 likes
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    Kubuntu is an official "flavor" of Ubuntu that uses the KDE Plasma desktop environment. This gives it a completely different look and feel.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Kubuntu 19.10 "Eoan Ermine"
     
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    10
  13. Zorin OS icon

    Zorin OS

     131 likes
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    Linux-based OS designed for familiar user experience, mimicking Windows or macOS, supports dual-boot, runs Windows apps via WINE, pre-installed essential software, customizable desktop layouts, broad hardware compatibility, and privacy-focused updates.

    186 Zorin OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Pay once)
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Windows 10 layout
     
  14. macOS icon

    macOS

     564 likes
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    A Unix-based OS for Mac with seamlessly integration with Apple’s ecosystem, offering an intuitive UI, productivity tools like Finder, Spotlight, and Automator, built-in apps like Safari and Photos, Continuity for cross-device functionality, and security features including FileVault and Gatekeeper.

    175 macOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    macOS screenshot 1
     
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    6

    • Some users think macOS is a great Debian alternative, some don't.

    • macOS is the most popular Mac alternative to Debian.

    • macOS is Free and ProprietaryDebian is Free and Open Source
  15. EndeavourOS icon

    EndeavourOS

     58 likes
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    EndeavourOS is an Arch-based distro that provides an Arch experience without the hassle of installing it manually for both x86_64 and ARM systems. After installation, you’re provided with a lightweight and almost barebones environment ready to be explored with your terminal...

    163 EndeavourOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Welcome window
     
12 of 199 Debian alternatives