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 page was last updated Jan 14, 2025

Linux Mint
1162 likes
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.
183 Linux Mint alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
Ireland
EU
Platforms
Linux
+4
Is Linux Mint a good alternative to elementary OS?

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3comments
20users say it's a good alternative
Comments about Linux Mint as an Alternative to elementary OS

John Fastman
Positive commentJan 4, 2017
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 commentJan 31, 2022
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 commentMay 4, 2018
2
Very user-friendly and easy to use.
Review by a new / low-activity user.
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
Ubuntu
2364 likes
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
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
United Kingdom
Platforms
Linux
Ubuntu
+1
Is Ubuntu a good alternative to elementary OS?

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13users say it's a good alternative
Debian
1155 likes
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.
198 Debian alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
International
Platforms
Windows
Linux
BSD
Self-Hosted
+2
Is Debian a good alternative to elementary OS?

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3comments
13users say it's a good alternative
Comments about Debian as an Alternative to elementary OS

Guest
Negative commentDec 2, 2019
7
Elementary is for beginners, Debian is for advanced users.
Review by a new / low-activity user.
Guest
Negative commentApr 9, 2017
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 commentMar 11, 2017
-11
No tricks, no gimmicks colored funny things but works fine. Elementary has to grow up.
Review by a new / low-activity user.
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
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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
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Fedora
592 likes
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.
183 Fedora alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
United States
Platforms
Linux
+9
Is Fedora a good alternative to elementary OS?

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1comment
Comments about Fedora as an Alternative to elementary OS

John Fastman
Positive commentDec 31, 2016
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).
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
Arch Linux
782 likes
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
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
Canada
Platforms
Linux
+1
Is Arch Linux a good alternative to elementary OS?

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2comments
6users say it's a good alternative
Comments about Arch Linux as an Alternative to elementary OS

John Fastman
Negative commentDec 31, 2016
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 commentDec 2, 2019
4
Arch Linux is for advanced users. ElementaryOS is for beginners.
Review by a new / low-activity user.
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
Manjaro Linux
330 likes
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
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
Germany
EU
Platforms
Linux
Arch Linux
+5
Is Manjaro Linux a good alternative to elementary OS?

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2comments
Comments about Manjaro Linux as an Alternative to elementary OS

John Fastman
Positive commentDec 31, 2016
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 commentDec 2, 2019
2
More software in repositories (including AUR). Bigger community.
Review by a new / low-activity user.
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
openSUSE
339 likes
openSUSE is a free and Linux-based operating system for your PC, Laptop or Server.
192 openSUSE alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
Germany
EU
Platforms
Linux
Is openSUSE a good alternative to elementary OS?
macOS
565 likes
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
Operating System
Origin
United States
Platforms
Mac
+4
Is macOS a good alternative to elementary OS?
macOS is the most popular Mac alternative to elementary OS.
macOS is Free and Proprietaryelementary OS is Free and Open Source
Zorin OS
134 likes
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.
184 Zorin OS alternatives
Cost / License
Freemium (Pay once)
Open Source
Application types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
Ireland
EU
Platforms
Linux
+7
Is Zorin OS a good alternative to elementary OS?
Kubuntu
280 likes
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
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
United Kingdom
Platforms
Linux
Is Kubuntu a good alternative to elementary OS?

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1comment
Comments about Kubuntu as an Alternative to elementary OS

John Fastman
Positive commentJan 4, 2017
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.
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
Windows 10
413 likes
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.
178 Windows 10 alternatives
Cost / License
Pay once
Proprietary
Application type
Operating System
Origin
United States
Alerts
Discontinued
Platforms
Windows
+1
Is Windows 10 a good alternative to elementary OS?

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2comments
7users say it's a good alternative
Comments about Windows 10 as an Alternative to elementary OS

Guest
Negative commentDec 9, 2019
7
Not Unix based, different looking... a lot of things.
Review by a new / low-activity user.
Guest
Negative commentOct 26, 2019
7
It's more expensive and it doesn't respect users privacy.
Review by a new / low-activity user.
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
Pop!_OS
95 likes
Pop!_OS is an operating system for STEM and creative professionals who use their computer as a tool to discover and create. Unleash your potential on secure, reliable open source software. Based on your exceptional curiosity, we sense you have a lot of it.
175 Pop!_OS alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
United States
Platforms
Linux
+1
Is Pop!_OS a good alternative to elementary OS?