macOS Alternatives

macOS is described as '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' and is a leading operating system in the security & privacy category. There are more than 100 alternatives to macOS for a variety of platforms, including Linux, BSD, Self-Hosted solutions, Windows and Electrum. The best alternative is Ubuntu, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like macOS are Linux Mint, elementary OS, Debian and Fedora.

macOS 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 macOS.

This page was last updated

macOS

550

Free • Proprietary
Operating System
Mac

macOS is a Unix-based operating system, developed and marketed by Apple Inc. It is designed to run on Macintosh computers,...

Learn more about macOS

Ubuntu
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Operating System
Linux Distro
Linux
Ubuntu
200 alternatives to Ubuntu
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.
Suggest and vote on features
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
Ubuntu vs macOS opinions
Almost everyone thinks Ubuntu is a great alternative to macOS.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Ola
It's pretty similar to MacOS tbh.
Top positive comment•
0

Guest
Easy to use and get started with, runs well on older hardware (even if it's one of the more resource-heavy Linux distros).
Top positive comment•
0

Guest
Not for mac folks. Collects user data. Hardware resource-heavy.
Negative comment•
-15

Guest
It has a similar-looking toolbar, and also uses command-line interfaces quite a bit.
Positive comment•
6

brodsolutions
I made the switch from MacOS to Ubuntu as the UX is very similar. Ubuntu allows you to customize the software around your tasks, stripping away all the programs you'd otherwise not use. Linux developers are great at creating functionality that is similar to Mac, streamlining the programs and making them easy to use and tweak. RECOMMEND try Ubuntu as an alternative to Mac!
Positive comment•
10

Show more comments ▾
5 of 7 comments
Linux Mint
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Operating System
Linux Distro
Linux
219 alternatives to Linux Mint
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).
Suggest and vote on features
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. 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
Linux-based
User friendly
Out Of The Box
Based on Debian
Linux Mint vs macOS opinions
Almost everyone thinks Linux Mint is a great alternative to macOS.
EliottNo
It's user friendly, stable, ergonomic, good looking.
Positive comment•
4

Guest
The desktop environment is very different, and much more similar to Windows'.
Negative comment•
0

Guest
It is very easy to learn to use!
Positive comment•
3
elementary OS
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Operating System
Linux Distro
Linux
228 alternatives to elementary OS
elementary OS is a free, fast and aesthetically pleasing operating system based on Ubuntu .
Suggest and vote on features
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
elementary OS vs macOS opinions
Almost everyone thinks elementary OS is a great alternative to macOS.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
satishviswanathan
Lot of its functionalities resemble the MacOS
Top positive comment•
16

somepeter
I have not seen any GNU/Linux distribution so far which emphasises the quality and consistence of user experience equally much as elementary OS, pursuing the same design principles. Simplicity, elegance and reliability. If it wouldn't be for the apps, maybe I would not write this comment from a Mac. ;)
Top positive comment•
0

Guest
elementary OS has a very similar interface and is easy to learn for long time users of macOS, unlike other Linux distributions such as Ubuntu or Mint, and other operating systems like Windows. It has a dock and a top bar, similar to macOS, and it comes with it's own alternatives to the applications.
Positive comment•
0

Guest
The fantastic design: the dock, the top bar, the UI design.
Positive comment•
0

cvieira
Similar interface, with a lot of attention detail. More privacy respecting, and runs Linux
Positive comment•
3

Show more comments ▾
5 of 10 comments
Debian
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Operating System
Linux Distro
Windows
Linux
Windows S
BSD
Self-Hosted
229 alternatives to Debian
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.
Suggest and vote on features
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.
Customizable
Low memory usage
Package Control
Based on Debian
Debian vs macOS opinions
Most users think Debian is a great alternative to macOS.
Fedora
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Operating System
Linux Distro
Linux
221 alternatives to Fedora
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.
Suggest and vote on features
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. Rolling ReleaseFedora supports updates that are continuously rolled out, rather than in batches of versions.
5. LightweightFedora consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
Out Of The Box
Linux-based
Customizable
Wayland Support
Unix-like
Multiple languages
Support for BTRFS
FOSS
Separated workspaces
Key rebinding
Fedora vs macOS opinions
Most users think Fedora is a great alternative to macOS.
Guest
User interface is very similar
Positive comment•
0
Manjaro Linux
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Operating System
Linux Distro
Linux
Arch Linux
239 alternatives to Manjaro Linux
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...
Suggest and vote on features
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.
Based on Arch Linux
Arch User Repository
Customizable
User friendly
Community-based
Linux-based
Out Of The Box
Clean design
Simple installation
Support for Nvidia drivers
Manjaro Linux vs macOS opinions
Most users think Manjaro Linux is a great alternative to macOS.
JohnFastman
Of all the Linux distros that could replace MacOS in terms of ease-of-use and versatility, Manjaro comes top of the pile. Free, open-source, updated very quickly, and with access to tens of thousands of apps through Manjaro's own repositories as well as those of Arch on which it is based. As easy as Ubuntu to get started but not made by Canonical. Great community, too.
Positive comment•
5

Guest
its modern fast and works perfectly, apart from that despite being rolling release its very stable just perfect os
Positive comment•
0

Guest
In my opinion, this is the best Linux distro I ever used. It's great for beginners and experts, it's Arch based so it has the AUR and it has a Live USB mode for people that want a test drive before installing it. If you're distrohopping right now then try Manjaro
Positive comment•
-1
Windows 10
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Proprietary
Operating System
Windows
160 alternatives to Windows 10
Windows 10 is a personal computer operating system released by Microsoft as part of the Windows NT family of operating systems
Suggest and vote on features
Windows 10 Features
Auto Update
Usability
PowerShell Scripting
Xbox Streaming
Onedrive integration
Tablet support
Binary packages
Windows 10 vs macOS opinions
Some users think Windows 10 is a great alternative to macOS, some don't.
kayvonkamyar
You can use Boot Camp to use both Windows and macOS at once. If windows gets a virus or a BSOD problem, you can switch back to macOS with ease.
Top positive comment•
-3

cvieira
Not respective of privacy, not Unix based, and resource intensive
Top negative comment•
6

Guest
Windows is bad as operating system, because it is missing so many important features present in any modern *nix
Negative comment•
6

Guest
it has the combined advantages of win 7 win 8 and most of all unlike macos it is easy to use
Positive comment•
-10

JohnFastman
If you're on MacOS, you probably have an Apple computer too. Unless you're a techie, switching to Win 10 means switching to a new computer. If you're doing that, at least consider Linux (it's safer and free). If you're staying with your Apple hardware and not technical, you're prob. stuck with MacOS.
Negative comment•
-7
Windows 7
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Proprietary
Operating System
Windows
144 alternatives to Windows 7
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.
Suggest and vote on features
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.

Windows 7 vs macOS opinions
This alternative is disputed. Windows 7 is still a legitimate alternative to macOS, but it might have issues that some users think are important.
Guest
It is very stable and a good, fast system
Positive comment•
-3

Guest
Looks different. And is no longer supported ( it means no official updates ).
Negative comment•
3
Tails
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Operating System
Linux Distro
Linux
Electrum
Tor Browser Bundle
GNOME
Tor
VeraCrypt
Thunderbird
116 alternatives to Tails
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...
Suggest and vote on features
Tails Features
1. Privacy focusedTails is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
2. No TrackingTails will not track you or use your personal data.
3. Ad-freeTails doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
4. LightweightTails consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
5. PGP EncryptionTails supports PGP, an encryption system used for sending encrypted emails and files.
6. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Tails without registration.
Tor
Booting from USB
Online Anonymity
Security focused
Based on Debian
Compatible with TrueCrypt
Support for TOR
RAM Scraping Protection
Lock screen controls
Cold Boot Protection
openSUSE
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Operating System
Linux Distro
Linux
218 alternatives to openSUSE
openSUSE is a free and Linux-based operating system for your PC, Laptop or Server.
Suggest and vote on features
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