Fedora AlternativesTop Linux Distros & Operating Systems like Fedora

Fedora is described as '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' and is a leading Linux Distro in the os & utilities category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Fedora for a variety of platforms, including Linux, Self-Hosted, Mac, Windows and BSD apps. The best Fedora alternative is Linux Mint, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Fedora are Ubuntu, Debian, Arch Linux and openSUSE.

More about Fedora
Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard
Fedora alternatives page was last updated

Alternatives list

  1. Linux Mint icon

    Linux Mint

     1158 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Linux Mint 22.2 "Zara"
     
    |
    2
    10
    Comments about Linux Mint as an Alternative to Fedora
    valerie
    2

    Mint focuses more on a Windows-like Desktop Environment with Cinnamon, but overall, if you're used to Linux, it's better off to go with Fedora. Fedora ships with Wayland and Pipewire, they implement new technologies faster, and there are no real caveats.

    (Before you mention software support, most main-stream software contain support for Fedora in some way or another, with a rpm, appimage, or Flatpak.

    Not Yourbusiness
    Positive
    0

    The transfer from Windows to Linux Mint is most likely the easiest.

    Fedora Icon
    Linux Mint icon

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

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

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

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

    Ubuntu

     2364 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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
     
    |
    3
    14
    Comments about Ubuntu as an Alternative to Fedora
    Joseph Leskey
    Positive
    2

    Though I prefer Fedora and consider openSUSE a better alternative, Ubuntu is not without its perks. If you prefer a slower pace when it comes to updates, solid stability, and broad support, Ubuntu is a decent option, and it is very easy to use. It is extremely popular for good reason. It has had some controversy over telemetry and its snap packages, but it remains a considerably better operating system than others I could mention.

    John Fastman
    Negative
    12

    As of 2018, Ubuntu's installer will collect data about user devices. This has caused outrage amongst Linux users. Firstly, it's opt-out, rather than opt-in. Secondly, it shouldn't even be there. Thirdly, Canonical (Ubuntu's creators) have a very poor record on privacy, including harvesting local searches to drive Amazon sales and hostility to critics or their privacy practices. Try Linux Mint or Manjaro instead.

    Kdwk
    Positive
    1

    Solid, robust and powerful Ubuntu base with the latest Gnome desktop available. Some of the most painless proprietary software installation experiences on Linux, e.g. Nvidia drivers.

    Fedora Icon
    Ubuntu icon

    • Most users think Ubuntu is a great Fedora alternative.

    • Ubuntu is Free and Open SourceFedora is also Free and Open Source
  4. Debian icon

    Debian

     1155 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    Debian 9 gnome.
     
    |
    1
    18
    Comments about Debian as an Alternative to Fedora
    Guest
    Negative
    0

    There is no support for newer hardware, particularly Network Adapters that require “non-free” drivers. I never had this issue with Fedora, Linux Mint, or Ubuntu by the way.

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

    • Almost everyone thinks Debian is a great Fedora alternative.

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

    • Debian is Free and Open SourceFedora is also Free and Open Source
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    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. Arch Linux icon

    Arch Linux

     779 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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
     
    |
    1
    9
    Comments about Arch Linux as an Alternative to Fedora
    Kelson V
    Positive
    0

    Once you get it configured it's solid, and if you like customizing everything, that's great. But it does take a lot more effort to get from zero to a usable desktop than it does with Fedora.

    Fedora Icon
    Arch Linux icon

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

    • Arch Linux is Free and Open SourceFedora is also Free and Open Source
    • Arch Linux is MinimalisticFedora is not according to our users
  7. openSUSE icon

    openSUSE

     339 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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

    Platforms

    • Linux
    GNOME desktop in openSUSE Leap 15.2.
     
    |
    4
    13
    Comments about openSUSE as an Alternative to Fedora
    John Fastman
    Positive
    3

    OpenSuse is probably the closest alternative to Fedora (other than the commercial RedHat). Both OpenSuse and Fedora the .rpm packages. They come with different desktop environments by default, but you can install whatever you like once you have it up and running.

    Joseph Leskey
    Positive
    0

    Much like Fedora, OpenSUSE boasts a large collection of extremely up-to-date packages, operates extremely smoothly, heavily supports the open source ecosystem, and benefits from a large community and corporate backing.

    Guest
    Positive
    0

    It's underrated. Yast is much better way of configuring your system as well as adding software.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Show more comments
    3 of 4 comments
    Fedora Icon
    openSUSE icon

    • Almost everyone thinks openSUSE is a great Fedora alternative.

    • openSUSE is Free and Open SourceFedora is also Free and Open Source
  8. Manjaro Linux icon

    Manjaro Linux

     330 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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)
     
  10. elementary OS icon

    elementary OS

     351 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    elementary OS is a free, fast and aesthetically pleasing operating system based on Ubuntu .

    199 elementary OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Boot Screen
     
    |
    1
    6
    Comments about elementary OS as an Alternative to Fedora
    Not Yourbusiness
    Positive
    0

    Visually pleasing, and easy-to-use.

    Fedora Icon
    elementary OS icon

    • Almost everyone thinks elementary OS is a great Fedora alternative.

    • elementary OS is Free and Open SourceFedora is also Free and Open Source
  11. Zorin OS icon

    Zorin OS

     132 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Windows 10 layout
     
    |
    1
    Comments about Zorin OS as an Alternative to Fedora
    Not Yourbusiness
    Positive
    0

    It's the whole package. Basic, Pro and Education.

    Fedora Icon
    Zorin OS icon
    • Zorin OS is Freemium and Open SourceFedora is Free and Open Source
  13. FreeBSD icon

    FreeBSD

     266 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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...

    193 FreeBSD alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    FreeBSD screenshot 1
     
    |
    1
    Comments about FreeBSD as an Alternative to Fedora
    fifothebot
    Positive
    0

    Stable, free, reliable and simple.

    Fedora Icon
    FreeBSD icon
    • FreeBSD is Free and Open SourceFedora is also Free and Open Source
  14. EndeavourOS icon

    EndeavourOS

     59 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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
     
  15. Pop!_OS icon

    Pop!_OS

     94 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Pop!_OS screenshot 1
     
    |
    6
12 of 183 Fedora alternatives