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, Windows, BSD, Self-Hosted and Arch Linux 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 is a free, fast and aesthetically pleasing operating system based on Ubuntu .

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elementary OS alternatives page was last updated Jan 14, 2025
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Alternatives
  1. Linux Mint icon

    Linux Mint

     1108 likes
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    Linux Mint is one of the most popular desktop Linux distributions and used by millions of people. The purpose of Linux Mint is to produce a modern, elegant and comfortable operating system which is both powerful and easy to use. Latest: Wilma (22).

    178 Linux Mint alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • IE flagIreland
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Linux Mint screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  User friendly
    3.  Lightweight
    4.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Windows-like
    2.  Based on Ubuntu
    3.  Support for Nvidia drivers
    4.  Cinnamon Desktop
    5.  Debian package compatible
    6.  Linux-based
    7.  Ad-free
    8.  Out Of The Box
    9.  No Tracking
    10.  Dark Mode
    11.  Community-based
    12.  Built-in File Manager

    Linux Mint VS elementary OS

     
    Comments about Linux Mint as an Alternative to elementary OS
    Most Recent Comment
    BJ
    Positive •Jan 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.

    John Fastman
    Positive •Jan 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.

    Guest
    Positive •May 4, 2018
    2

    Very user-friendly and easy to use.

    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, Lightweight and Privacy focusedelementary OS is not according to our users
  2. Ubuntu icon

    Ubuntu

     2348 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.

    158 Ubuntu alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • GB flagUnited Kingdom

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Ubuntu
    Ubuntu 24.04 with Gnome 46

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  User friendly
    3.  Lightweight
    4.  Support for Themes

    Features

    1.  Linux-based
    2.  Based on Debian
    3.  APT package manager
    4.  Support for Unicode
    5.  No registration required
    6.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    7.  Kde support
    8.  Support for .deb files
    9.  Works Offline
    10.  Ad-free
    11.  OTA Updates
    12.  Debian package compatible

    Ubuntu VS elementary OS

     
  4. Debian icon

    Debian

     1121 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.

    191 Debian alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • CH flagSwitzerland

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    Debian 9 gnome.

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Low memory usage
    2.  No Tracking
    3.  Package Control
    4.  Based on Debian
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  No registration required
    7.  Command line interface
    8.  Dark Mode
    9.  Works Offline
    10.  Portable

    Debian VS elementary OS

     
    Comments about Debian as an Alternative to elementary OS
    Most Recent Comment
    Guest
    Negative •Dec 2, 2019
    7

    Elementary is for beginners, Debian is for advanced users.

    Guest
    Negative •Apr 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.

    Guest
    Positive •Mar 11, 2017
    -11

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

    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, Lightweight and Privacy focusedelementary OS is not according to our users
  5. Fedora icon

    Fedora

     565 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.

    179 Fedora alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Fedora 38

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  Privacy focused
    3.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Out Of The Box
    2.  Linux-based
    3.  Wayland Support
    4.  Desktop Environment
    5.  No Tracking
    6.  Support for BTRFS
    7.  Ad-free
    8.  Unix-like
    9.  Dark Mode
    10.  Multiple languages
    11.  Separated workspaces
    12.  Rolling Release

    Fedora VS elementary OS

     
    Comments about Fedora as an Alternative to elementary OS
    John Fastman
    Positive •Dec 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).

    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
  6. Arch Linux icon

    Arch Linux

     753 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.

    191 Arch Linux alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Linux
    arch with KDE 4.4 desktop

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  Minimalistic
    4.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Rolling Release
    2.  Arch User Repository
    3.  Wiki documentation
    4.  Community-based
    5.  Linux-based
    6.  Bleeding edge
    7.  No Tracking
    8.  Ad-free
    9.  Command line interface
    10.  No registration required
    11.  Package Control
    12.  Works Offline

    Arch Linux VS elementary OS

     
    Comments about Arch Linux as an Alternative to elementary OS
    John Fastman
    Negative •Dec 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 •Dec 2, 2019
    4

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

    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, Lightweight, Minimalistic and Privacy focusedelementary OS is not according to our users
  7. Manjaro Linux icon

    Manjaro Linux

     327 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...

    177 Manjaro Linux alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • DE flagGermany
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Arch Linux
    Manjaro 19.0 Kyria (Xfce)

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  User friendly
    4.  Clean design
    5.  Configurable

    Features

    1.  Rolling Release
    2.  Based on Arch Linux
    3.  Arch User Repository
    4.  Community-based
    5.  Linux-based
    6.  Simple installation
    7.  Out Of The Box
    8.  No Tracking
    9.  Support for Nvidia drivers
    10.  Live booting from usb
    11.  Ad-free
    12.  Wiki documentation

    Manjaro Linux VS elementary OS

     
    Comments about Manjaro Linux as an Alternative to elementary OS
    John Fastman
    Positive •Dec 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 •Dec 2, 2019
    2

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

    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 Lightweightelementary OS is not according to our users
  9. 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.

    176 Windows 10 alternatives

    License model

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Windows 10 screenshot 1

    Windows 10 Features

    1.  Auto Update
    2.  Usability
    3.  PowerShell Scripting
    4. Microsoft OneDrive icon  Onedrive integration
    5.  Works Offline
    6.  Tablet support
    7.  Dark Mode
    8.  No registration required
    9.  Xbox Streaming
    10.  Binary packages

    Windows 10 VS elementary OS

     
    Comments about Windows 10 as an Alternative to elementary OS
    Guest
    Negative •Dec 9, 2019
    7

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

    Guest
    Negative •Oct 26, 2019
    7

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

    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
  10. openSUSE icon

    openSUSE

     334 likes
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    openSUSE is a free and Linux-based operating system for your PC, Laptop or Server.

    186 openSUSE alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • DE flagGermany
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Linux
    GNOME desktop in openSUSE Leap 15.2.

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  User friendly
    3.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Kde support
    2.  Linux-based
    3.  Rolling Release
    4.  Ad-free
    5.  No Tracking
    6.  No registration required
    7.  Dark Mode
    8.  Community-based

    openSUSE VS elementary OS

     
  11. macOS icon

    macOS

     559 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.

    172 macOS alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Proprietary

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    macOS screenshot 1

    Top macOS Features

    1.  Consistent UI
    2.  Unix-like
    3.  Usability
    4.  Spotlight
    5. Microsoft 365 Copilot icon  Compatible with Microsoft Office
    6.  Unlock with fingerprint
    7.  Dark Mode
    8.  Ad-free
    9.  Chromecast Support
    10.  Voice Commands
    11.  QuickLook File Preview

    macOS VS elementary OS

     

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

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

    Kubuntu

     274 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.

    197 Kubuntu alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • GB flagUnited Kingdom

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Kubuntu 19.10 "Eoan Ermine"

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  Customizable
    4.  User friendly

    Features

    1.  Based on Ubuntu
    2.  KDE
    3.  Based on Debian
    4.  No Tracking
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  Rolling Release
    7.  Desktop Application

    Kubuntu VS elementary OS

     
    Comments about Kubuntu as an Alternative to elementary OS
    John Fastman
    Positive •Jan 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.

    elementary OS Icon
    Kubuntu icon
    • Kubuntu is Free and Open Sourceelementary OS is also Free and Open Source
    • Kubuntu is Privacy focused and Lightweightelementary OS is not according to our users
  13. Zorin OS icon

    Zorin OS

     121 likes
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    Zorin OS is an easy to use, Linux-based operating system designed to make your computer faster, more powerful and secure.

    180 Zorin OS alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • IE flagIreland
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Windows 10 layout

    Properties

    1.  User friendly
    2.  Intuitive Interface
    3.  Customizable
    4.  Lightweight
    5.  Gaming-focused
    6.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Windows like desktop
    2.  Linux-based
    3.  Windows-like
    4.  Out Of The Box
    5.  Run Windows software
    6.  Printer compatibility
    7.  Ad-free
    8.  Based on Ubuntu
    9.  Dark Mode
    10.  Debian package compatible
    11.  No Tracking
    12.  User Levels

    Zorin OS VS elementary OS

     
  14. Pop!_OS icon

    Pop!_OS

     83 likes
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    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.

    172 Pop!_OS alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Pop!_OS screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  User friendly
    3.  Configurable
    4.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Based on Ubuntu
    2.  Linux-based
    3.  Automatic window tiling
    4.  Ad-free
    5.  Content creators
    6.  No Tracking
    7.  Dark Mode

    Pop!_OS VS elementary OS

     
12 of 194 elementary OS alternatives