The Best macOS AlternativesTop Operating Systems and other similar apps like macOS

macOS is described as 'Unix-based operating system for Macs, excels with an intuitive UI, robust built-in apps like Safari, and strong security via FileVault, Gatekeeper, and SIP' and is a leading operating system in the os & utilities category. There are more than 100 alternatives to macOS for a variety of platforms, including Linux, BSD, Windows, Self-Hosted and Fedora apps. The best macOS alternative is Ubuntu, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like macOS are Linux Mint, elementary OS, Debian and Fedora.

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macOS alternatives are mainly Linux Distros but may also be Operating Systems or Server Management Tools.  Filter by these or use the filter bar below if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of macOS.
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Unix-based operating system for Macs, excels with an intuitive UI, robust built-in apps like Safari, and strong security via FileVault, Gatekeeper, and SIP.

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macOS alternatives page was last updated Jan 26, 2025
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Alternatives
  1. Ubuntu icon

    Ubuntu

     2347 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 macOS

     
    Comments about Ubuntu as an Alternative to macOS
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    Jul 19, 2019
    6

    It has a similar-looking toolbar, and also uses command-line interfaces quite a bit.

    Most Recent Comment
    Joseph Leskey
    Positive •Jan 26, 2025
    0

    Ubuntu makes for a very smooth transition for macOS users. While being considerably more open and flexible, its slightly modified version of GNOME should feel quite familiar.

    Ola Johansson
    Positive •Apr 5, 2021
    0

    It's pretty similar to MacOS tbh.

    Show more comments
    3 of 8 comments
    macOS Icon
    Ubuntu icon

    • Most users think Ubuntu is a great macOS alternative.

    • Ubuntu is the most popular Linux alternative to macOS.

    • Ubuntu is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to macOS.

    • Ubuntu is Free and Open SourcemacOS is Free and Proprietary
    • Ubuntu is Customizable and LightweightmacOS is not according to our users
  2. Linux Mint icon

    Linux Mint

     1109 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 macOS

     
    Comments about Linux Mint as an Alternative to macOS
    Most Recent Comment
    EliottNo
    Positive •Dec 26, 2017
    5

    It's user friendly, stable, ergonomic, good looking.

    Guest
    Positive •Jun 22, 2019
    4

    It is very easy to learn to use!

    Guest
    Negative •May 15, 2020
    0

    The desktop environment is very different, and much more similar to Windows'.

    macOS Icon
    Linux Mint icon

    • Most users think Linux Mint is a great macOS alternative.

    • Linux Mint is Free and Open SourcemacOS is Free and Proprietary
    • Linux Mint is Customizable, Lightweight and Privacy focusedmacOS is not according to our users
  4. elementary OS icon

    elementary OS

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

    194 elementary OS alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Boot Screen

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Configurable
    3.  Distraction-free

    Features

    1.  macOS-like
    2.  Based on Ubuntu
    3.  Debian package compatible
    4.  Flatpak
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  Consistent UI
    7.  Out Of The Box
    8.  App center
    9.  No Tracking
    10.  No registration required
    11.  Dark Mode
    12.  Works Offline

    elementary OS VS macOS

     
    Comments about elementary OS as an Alternative to macOS
    Comment summary: Elementary OS is consistently praised for its resemblance to macOS, featuring a similar interface with a dock and top bar that caters to macOS users. It is also appreciated for its simplicity, elegance, and privacy-respecting features, while being Linux-based. Although many commenters find it easy to use and stable, some note that it may require more computer knowledge due to its Linux foundation.
    Top Positive Comment
    Conner Vieira
    Apr 15, 2020
    3

    Similar interface, with a lot of attention detail. More privacy respecting, and runs Linux

    Most Recent Comment
    RemovedUser
    Positive •Dec 7, 2021
    0

    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. ;)

    Guest
    Positive •Nov 30, 2020
    0

    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.

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    3 of 10 comments
    macOS Icon
    elementary OS icon

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

    • elementary OS is Free and Open SourcemacOS is Free and Proprietary
    • elementary OS is LightweightmacOS is not according to our users
  5. 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 macOS

     

    • Most users think Debian is a great macOS alternative.

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

    • Debian is Free and Open SourcemacOS is Free and Proprietary
    • Debian is Customizable, Lightweight and Privacy focusedmacOS is not according to our users
  6. Fedora icon

    Fedora

     566 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 macOS

     
    Comments about Fedora as an Alternative to macOS
    Guest
    Positive •May 15, 2020
    0

    User interface is very similar

    macOS Icon
    Fedora icon

    • Most users think Fedora is a great macOS alternative.

    • Fedora is Free and Open SourcemacOS is Free and Proprietary
    • Fedora is Customizable and Privacy focusedmacOS 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 macOS

     
    Comments about Manjaro Linux as an Alternative to macOS
    Most Recent Comment
    John Fastman
    Positive •Dec 27, 2016
    5

    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.

    Guest
    Positive •Mar 15, 2021
    0

    its modern fast and works perfectly, apart from that despite being rolling release its very stable just perfect os

    Guest
    Positive •Sep 19, 2020
    -1

    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

    macOS Icon
    Manjaro Linux icon

    • Most users think Manjaro Linux is a great macOS alternative.

    • Manjaro Linux is Free and Open SourcemacOS is Free and Proprietary
    • Manjaro Linux is Customizable and LightweightmacOS is not according to our users
  9. 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 macOS

     
7 of 172 macOS alternatives