elementary OS AlternativesTop Linux Distros & Operating Systems like elementary OS

elementary OS is described as 'Free, fast and aesthetically pleasing operating system based on Ubuntu' and is a very popular Linux Distro in the os & utilities category. There are more than 100 alternatives to elementary OS for a variety of platforms, including Linux, Self-Hosted, BSD, Windows and Mac apps. The best elementary OS alternative is Linux Mint, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like elementary OS are Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora and Arch Linux.

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elementary OS alternatives are mainly Operating Systems, but if you're looking for Linux Distros or Penetration Testing Tools you can filter on that. You can also filter by region, for example EU-based alternatives if you prefer software developed in the European Union. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to elementary OS.
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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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    3
    20
    Comments about Linux Mint as an Alternative to elementary OS
    John Fastman
    Positive
    1

    Elementary OS and Linux Mint are both Ubuntu (and therefore Debian) derivatives. Both community distros. Both use .deb packages. The difference will be primarily in the default desktop you get (Mint comes with Cinnamon by default) but you can easily install whatever desktop you want anyway.

    BJ
    Positive
    1

    Mint works much better than ElementaryOS. Could never get wifi working properly in Elementary - something that only took Mint an automatic update and restart.

    Guest
    Positive
    2

    Very user-friendly and easy to use.

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

    • Almost everyone thinks Linux Mint is a great elementary OS alternative.

    • Linux Mint is the most popular Linux alternative to elementary OS.

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

    • Linux Mint is Free and Open Sourceelementary OS is also Free and Open Source
    • Linux Mint is Customizable and Privacy focusedelementary OS is not according to our users
  2. Ubuntu icon

    Ubuntu

     2364 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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    13
  4. Debian icon

    Debian

     1155 likes
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    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.

    199 Debian alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    Debian 9 gnome.
     
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    3
    13
    Comments about Debian as an Alternative to elementary OS
    Guest
    Negative
    7

    Elementary is for beginners, Debian is for advanced users.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Negative
    7

    Not suitable for beginners who need an out-of-the-box 100% working installation, requires tweaking. Basically, just what ElementaryOS is not.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    -11

    No tricks, no gimmicks colored funny things but works fine. Elementary has to grow up.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    elementary OS Icon
    Debian icon

    • Most users think Debian is a great elementary OS alternative.

    • Debian is the most popular Windows & Self-Hosted alternative to elementary OS.

    • Debian is Free and Open Sourceelementary OS is also Free and Open Source
    • Debian is Customizable and Privacy focusedelementary OS 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

     590 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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    1
    Comments about Fedora as an Alternative to elementary OS
    John Fastman
    Positive
    1

    Fedora MIGHT be a good Elementary OS. Fedora's 2016 release is its most polished and usable version yet. But if you're looking for an Ubuntu-, Debian- or any kind of distro suitable for complete beginners, Fedora shoots just a little wide of the mark. Try Elementary, Mint, Kubuntu or even Manjaro (yes, you hard that right: they're very beginner friendly these days).

    elementary OS Icon
    Fedora icon

    • Most users think Fedora is a great elementary OS alternative.

    • Fedora is Free and Open Sourceelementary OS is also Free and Open Source
    • Fedora is Customizable and Privacy focusedelementary OS is not according to our users
  7. Arch Linux icon

    Arch Linux

     779 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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    2
    6
    Comments about Arch Linux as an Alternative to elementary OS
    John Fastman
    Negative
    6

    Arch linux is a difficult distro for beginner or even intermediate users as it requires detailed system knowledge and how to set everything from the command line. If you want an Arch-based distro that is even more user friendly than Mint, try Manjaro. It comes with a wide choice of desktop environments, almost always works "out-of-the-box", has faster responses to security vulnerabilities and has great community support.

    Guest
    Negative
    4

    Arch Linux is for advanced users. ElementaryOS is for beginners.

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

    • Some users think Arch Linux is a great elementary OS alternative, some don't.

    • Arch Linux is Free and Open Sourceelementary OS is also Free and Open Source
    • Arch Linux is Customizable, Minimalistic and Privacy focusedelementary OS is not according to our users
  8. 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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    2
    Comments about Manjaro Linux as an Alternative to elementary OS
    John Fastman
    Positive
    2

    Elementary OS is certainly beginner-friendly. It enjoys a great, easy-to-use UI and Ubuntu compatibility. Don't commit to it before considering Manjaro, though. Manjaro is based on the ultra-difficult Arch, but it's made super user friendly by the Manjaro guys, has huge software repositories and great community support.

    Guest
    Positive
    2

    More software in repositories (including AUR). Bigger community.

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

    • Most users think Manjaro Linux is a great elementary OS alternative.

    • Manjaro Linux is Free and Open Sourceelementary OS is also Free and Open Source
    • Manjaro Linux is Customizable and Security-focusedelementary OS is not according to our users
  11. macOS icon

    macOS

     565 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
     

    • macOS is the most popular Mac alternative to elementary OS.

    • macOS is Free and Proprietaryelementary OS is Free and Open Source
  12. Zorin OS icon

    Zorin OS

     132 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
     
  13. 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.

    203 Kubuntu alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Kubuntu 19.10 "Eoan Ermine"
     
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    1
    Comments about Kubuntu as an Alternative to elementary OS
    John Fastman
    Positive
    1

    Kubuntu and Elementary OS are basically both Ubuntu under the hood but with different desktops. Kubuntu's Plasma is more complex and customizable, Elementary OS comes with something that aims at the look and feel of MacOS. Take your pick.

    elementary OS Icon
    Kubuntu icon
    • Kubuntu is Free and Open Sourceelementary OS is also Free and Open Source
    • Kubuntu is Customizable and Privacy focusedelementary OS is not according to our users
  14. Windows 10 icon

    Windows 10

     413 likes
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    Versatile OS with universal app architecture, free first-year offer for Windows 7 and 8.1 users, redesigned mouse-touch UI, virtual desktop, Microsoft Edge, upgraded security, and enhanced graphics for gaming, supporting fingerprint and face recognition login.

    179 Windows 10 alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Pay once
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Windows 10 screenshot 1
     
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    2
    7
    Comments about Windows 10 as an Alternative to elementary OS
    Guest
    Negative
    7

    Not Unix based, different looking... a lot of things.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Negative
    7

    It's more expensive and it doesn't respect users privacy.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    elementary OS Icon
    Windows 10 icon

    • This alternative is disputed. Windows 10 is a legitimate elementary OS alternative, but it might have issues that some users think are important.

    • Windows 10 is the most popular commercial alternative to elementary OS.

    • Windows 10 is Paid and Proprietaryelementary OS is Free and Open Source
  15. 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
     
12 of 199 elementary OS alternatives