Debian Alternatives

Apps similar to Debian include Linux Mint, which is free and open source. Other options are Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch Linux and CachyOS. There's no shortage of Operating Systems like Debian, with more than 100 alternatives for Linux, self-hosting, Mac, Windows and Chrome OS.

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Alternatives
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Alternatives list

  1. ObsidianOS is an Arch-based Linux distro with an A/B partition style so if a package has a breaking change that causes some issues, you can just reboot into the other partition and restore the other one, while relying on the robustness of EXT4.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source (MIT)

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Arch Linux
    Good alternative?
     
  2. A robust Linux distribution based on Debian 13 and Cinnamon, optimized out-of-the-box for CAD, 3D design, and engineering workflows.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Good alternative?
     
  3.  Like

    PorteuX is a Linux distro based on Slackware, inspired by Slax and Porteus and available to the public for free under GPL. Its main goal is to be super fast, small, portable, modular and immutable (if the user wants so).

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Slackware
    Good alternative?
     
  4. Lightwhale is a purpose-built operating system designed to run Docker containers effortlessly. It live-boots from an ISO straight into a fully functional Docker Engine, eliminating the need for installation or configuration.

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Good alternative?
     
  5. MicroPythonOS is a lightweight, fast, and versatile operating system designed to run on microcontrollers like the ESP32 and desktop systems. With a modern Android-like touch screen UI, App Store, and Over-The-Air updates, it’s the perfect OS for innovators and developers.

    50 MicroPythonOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source (MIT)

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Linux Mobile
    • Python
    • Mac
    • Raspberry Pi
    Good alternative?
     
  6. XeroLinux icon
     Like

    XeroLinux is an innovative Arch-based distribution designed to demystify the installation process while preserving the core principles of user-driven customization. It features a pre-configured KDE Plasma desktop environment that serves as an elegant and functional starting...

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Arch Linux
    Good alternative?
     
  7. Deblinux icon
     Like

    A lightweight and rock-solid Linux distribution based on Debian Stable, pre-configured for immediate use with essential drivers and codecs.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Good alternative?
     
  8. Progwilinux - simple Linux distribution, made from scratch.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Good alternative?
     
  9. Vitruvian is an operating system based on Linux, heavily inspired by BeOS, bringing the elegance and simplicity of a classic operating system to modern hardware. It leverages Linux's hardware support while maintaining the responsive, user-friendly nature of BeOS.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Good alternative?
     
  10. Kicksecure is a free and open-source Linux distribution that aims to provide a highly secure computing environment. It has been developed from the ground up according to a formidable -- and time proven -- defense in-depth security design.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Good alternative?
     
  11. RakuOS icon
     Like

    An atomic, image-based Linux distro, with your package manager intact. Transactional image updates. Immutable base. Instant rollback. Install anything natively.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Good alternative?
     
  12. eComStation icon
     1 like

    eComStation is an operating system based on IBM OS/2 that runs on current hardware.

    95 eComStation alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Self-Hosted
    Good alternative?
     
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