Gentoo Alternatives

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

Gentoo alternatives are mainly Operating Systems but may also be Linux Distros. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Gentoo.

Gentoo alternatives page was last updated

Gentoo

150

Free • Open Source
Operating System

Gentoo Linux is a versatile, fast, highly configurable and completely free Linux and FreeBSD distribution geared towards...

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Ubuntu
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Operating System
Linux Distro
Linux
Ubuntu
207 Ubuntu alternatives
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.
- - Ubuntu is the most popular Linux alternative to Gentoo.
- - Ubuntu is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Gentoo.
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Ubuntu Features
1. Support for scriptingUbuntu supports scripts and macros to automate or customize tasks.
2. PortableUbuntu can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
3. LightweightUbuntu consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
4. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsUbuntu can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
Linux-based
Customizable
Based on Debian
User friendly
APT package manager
Support for Unicode
OTA Updates
Kde support
KDE
X server
Comments about Ubuntu as a Alternative to Gentoo
Some users think Ubuntu is a great Gentoo alternative, some don't.
crazypens30
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.
Negative comment•
3

Vitaly Zdanevich
A few years on Ubuntu/Lubuntu/Xubuntu: it is good, usually no problems, even my grandfather can use it when I install it.
Positive comment•
1

cakedy
Gentoo is mainly for experienced Linux users and is source based while Ubuntu is aimed towards newer users and uses binary packages.
Negative comment•
3
Linux Mint
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Operating System
Linux Distro
Linux
224 Linux Mint alternatives
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: Vera (21.1).
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Linux Mint Features
1. Ad-freeLinux Mint doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
2. No TrackingLinux Mint will not track you or use your personal data.
3. LightweightLinux Mint consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
4. Privacy focusedLinux Mint is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
5. Dark ModeLinux Mint supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
Customizable
Windows-like
Based on Ubuntu
Support for Nvidia drivers
Debian package compatible
Cinnamon Desktop
User friendly
Linux-based
Out Of The Box
Based on Debian
Debian
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Operating System
Linux Distro
Windows
Linux
BSD
Self-Hosted
235 Debian alternatives
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.
- - Debian is the most popular Windows & Self-Hosted alternative to Gentoo.
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Debian Features
1. Rolling ReleaseDebian supports updates that are continuously rolled out, rather than in batches of versions.
2. No TrackingDebian will not track you or use your personal data.
3. LightweightDebian consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
4. Privacy focusedDebian is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
5. Ad-freeDebian doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
6. Command line interfaceDebian either have CLI support or is a CLI-only app.
7. Dark ModeDebian supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
8. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Debian without registration.
9. PortableDebian can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Customizable
Low memory usage
Package Control
Based on Debian
Comments about Debian as a Alternative to Gentoo
pros, cons and recent comments
Vitaly Zdanevich
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.
Positive comment•
1
Arch Linux
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Operating System
Linux Distro
Linux
222 Arch Linux alternatives
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.
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Arch Linux Features
1. Rolling ReleaseArch Linux supports updates that are continuously rolled out, rather than in batches of versions.
2. LightweightArch Linux consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
3. Ad-freeArch Linux doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
4. Privacy focusedArch Linux is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
5. No TrackingArch Linux will not track you or use your personal data.
6. Command line interfaceArch Linux either have CLI support or is a CLI-only app.
7. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Arch Linux without registration.
Customizable
Arch User Repository
Wiki documentation
Minimalistic
Community-based
Bleeding edge
Linux-based
FOSS
Package Control
ARM support
Comments about Arch Linux as a Alternative to Gentoo
Almost everyone thinks Arch Linux is a great Gentoo alternative.
1598
Can be as minimal as gentoo.
Positive comment•
0

Buster_Blue
Also targets advanced users, but its excellent documentation, and slightly less low-level methods make it more approachable to newcomers as well.
Positive comment•
2
Fedora
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Operating System
Linux Distro
Linux
226 Fedora alternatives
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.
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Fedora Features
1. No TrackingFedora will not track you or use your personal data.
2. Privacy focusedFedora is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
3. Ad-freeFedora doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
4. Dark ModeFedora supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
5. Rolling ReleaseFedora supports updates that are continuously rolled out, rather than in batches of versions.
6. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Fedora without registration.
7. LightweightFedora consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
Out Of The Box
Linux-based
Customizable
Wayland Support
Support for BTRFS
FOSS
Unix-like
Multiple languages
Separated workspaces
Key rebinding
Windows 7
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Proprietary
Operating System
Windows
147 Windows 7 alternatives
Windows 7 is the successor to Windows Vista . The new OS introduces a compelling combination of welcome innovations and much-needed polish. Windows 7 is built with the codebase from Vista and is a minor upgrade (6.
- - Windows 7 is the most popular commercial alternative to Gentoo.
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Windows 7 Features
Usability
Windows XP Compatibility
Package Installing
Snap windows
Discontinued
Mainstream support for Windows 7 ended on January 13, 2015. Extended support with security updates ended on January 14, 2020.
Manjaro Linux
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Operating System
Linux Distro
Linux
Arch Linux
245 Manjaro Linux alternatives
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...
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Manjaro Linux Features
1. Rolling ReleaseManjaro Linux supports updates that are continuously rolled out, rather than in batches of versions.
2. LightweightManjaro Linux consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
3. No TrackingManjaro Linux will not track you or use your personal data.
4. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Manjaro Linux without registration.
5. Ad-freeManjaro Linux doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
Based on Arch Linux
Customizable
Arch User Repository
User friendly
Community-based
Linux-based
Simple installation
Out Of The Box
Clean design
Support for Nvidia drivers
Tails
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Operating System
Linux Distro
Linux
Electrum
Tor Browser Bundle
GNOME
Tor
VeraCrypt
Thunderbird
125 Tails alternatives
The Amnesic Incognito Live System (Tails) is a Debian 9 based live CD/USB with the goal of providing complete Internet anonymity for the user. The product ships with several Internet applications, including web browser, IRC client, mail client...
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Tails Features
1. Privacy focusedTails is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
2. Ad-freeTails doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
3. LightweightTails consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
4. PGP EncryptionTails supports PGP, an encryption system used for sending encrypted emails and files.
5. No TrackingTails will not track you or use your personal data.
6. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Tails without registration.
Booting from USB
Tor
Online Anonymity
Security focused
Support for TOR
Based on Debian
RAM Scraping Protection
Lock screen controls
Cold Boot Protection
Compatible with TrueCrypt
macOS
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
Operating System
Mac
194 macOS alternatives
macOS is a Unix-based operating system, developed and marketed by Apple Inc. It is designed to run on Macintosh computers, having been pre-installed on all Macs since 2002. Within the market of home computers, and by web usage, macOS is the second most widely used desktop OS...
- - macOS is the most popular Mac alternative to Gentoo.
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macOS Features
1. Chromecast SupportCast your content to a Chromecast connected device with macOS.
Consistent UI
Usability
Unix-like
Spotlight
Compatible with Microsoft Office
Unlock with fingerprint
Voice Commands
QuickLook File Preview
elementary OS
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Operating System
Linux Distro
Linux
233 elementary OS alternatives
elementary OS is a free, fast and aesthetically pleasing operating system based on Ubuntu .
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elementary OS Features
1. Lightweightelementary OS consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
2. Distraction-freeelementary OS has a distraction-free mode for when you need to focus.
macOS-like
Based on Ubuntu
Debian package compatible
Configurable
Flatpak
App center
Consistent UI
Out Of The Box
Unix kernel
openSUSE
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Operating System
Linux Distro
Linux
225 openSUSE alternatives
openSUSE is a free and Linux-based operating system for your PC, Laptop or Server.
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openSUSE Features
1. Rolling ReleaseopenSUSE supports updates that are continuously rolled out, rather than in batches of versions.
2. Ad-freeopenSUSE doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
3. No TrackingopenSUSE will not track you or use your personal data.
4. Privacy focusedopenSUSE is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
Kde support
Customizable
User friendly
Linux-based
Community-based
Kubuntu
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Operating System
Linux Distro
Linux
233 Kubuntu alternatives
Kubuntu is an official "flavor" of Ubuntu that uses the KDE Plasma desktop environment. This gives it a completely different look and feel.
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Kubuntu Features
1. No TrackingKubuntu will not track you or use your personal data.
2. Privacy focusedKubuntu is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
3. Ad-freeKubuntu doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
Based on Ubuntu
KDE
Customizable
Based on Debian
User friendly
Desktop Application