Gentoo is described as 'Linux is a versatile, fast, highly configurable and completely free Linux and FreeBSD distribution geared towards developers and network professionals' and is a very popular Linux Distro in the os & utilities category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Gentoo for a variety of platforms, including Linux, Self-Hosted, Windows, BSD and Mac apps. The best Gentoo alternative is Linux Mint, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Gentoo are Ubuntu, Debian, Arch Linux and Fedora.
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.
Linux Mint is the most popular Linux alternative to Gentoo.
Linux Mint is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Gentoo.
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.
Gentoo is mainly for experienced Linux users and is source based while Ubuntu is aimed towards newer users and uses binary packages.
A few years on Ubuntu/Lubuntu/Xubuntu: it is good, usually no problems, even my grandfather can use it when I install it.
This alternative is disputed. Ubuntu is a legitimate Gentoo alternative, but it might have issues that some users think are important.
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.
It works. But old software != stable software. On the website of Audacity audio editor in the news I see that they have dark theme - I need dark theme - but in official Debian repository of Debian it will be after a few years.
Debian is the most popular Windows & Self-Hosted alternative to Gentoo.
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.
Also targets advanced users, but its excellent documentation, and slightly less low-level methods make it more approachable to newcomers as well.
Can be as minimal as gentoo.
Almost everyone thinks Arch Linux is a great Gentoo alternative.
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.
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...
openSUSE is a free and Linux-based operating system for your PC, Laptop or Server.
elementary OS is a free, fast and aesthetically pleasing operating system based on Ubuntu .
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...
Kubuntu is an official "flavor" of Ubuntu that uses the KDE Plasma desktop environment. This gives it a completely different look and feel.
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.
macOS is the most popular Mac alternative to Gentoo.
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.
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As cakedy said, Gentoo is geared toward experienced Linux users. Also, Ubuntu includes a lot of software from the start, whereas with Gentoo, you would install everything manually and customize it to your liking.