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.Ubuntu
Do you think this is a good alternative?YesNo- Free • Open Source
- Operating System
- Linux Distro
200 alternatives to Ubuntu- Linux
- 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.
Ubuntu Features
Ubuntu vs macOS opinions
OlaIt's pretty similar to MacOS tbh.
0Easy to use and get started with, runs well on older hardware (even if it's one of the more resource-heavy Linux distros).
0Not for mac folks. Collects user data. Hardware resource-heavy.
-15It has a similar-looking toolbar, and also uses command-line interfaces quite a bit.
6brodsolutionsI 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!
10Linux Mint
Do you think this is a good alternative?YesNo- Free • Open Source
- Operating System
- Linux Distro
219 alternatives to Linux Mint- Linux
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).
Linux Mint Features
Linux Mint vs macOS opinions
EliottNoIt's user friendly, stable, ergonomic, good looking.
4The desktop environment is very different, and much more similar to Windows'.
0It is very easy to learn to use!
3elementary OS
Do you think this is a good alternative?YesNo- Free • Open Source
- Operating System
- Linux Distro
228 alternatives to elementary OS- Linux
elementary OS is a free, fast and aesthetically pleasing operating system based on Ubuntu .
elementary OS Features
elementary OS vs macOS opinions
satishviswanathanLot of its functionalities resemble the MacOS
16somepeterI 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. ;)
0elementary 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.
0The fantastic design: the dock, the top bar, the UI design.
0cvieiraSimilar interface, with a lot of attention detail. More privacy respecting, and runs Linux
3Debian
Do you think this is a good alternative?YesNo- Free • Open Source
- Operating System
- Linux Distro
229 alternatives to Debian- Windows
- Linux
- Windows S
- BSD
- Self-Hosted
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 Features
Debian vs macOS opinions
Fedora
Do you think this is a good alternative?YesNo- Free • Open Source
- Operating System
- Linux Distro
221 alternatives to Fedora- Linux
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.
Fedora Features
Fedora vs macOS opinions
User interface is very similar
0Manjaro Linux
Do you think this is a good alternative?YesNo- Free • Open Source
- Operating System
- Linux Distro
239 alternatives to Manjaro Linux- Linux
- Arch 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...
Manjaro Linux Features
Manjaro Linux vs macOS opinions
JohnFastmanOf 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.
5its modern fast and works perfectly, apart from that despite being rolling release its very stable just perfect os
0In 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
-1Windows 10
Do you think this is a good alternative?YesNo160 alternatives to Windows 10- Paid • Proprietary
- Operating System
- Windows
Windows 10 is a personal computer operating system released by Microsoft as part of the Windows NT family of operating systems
Windows 10 Features
Windows 10 vs macOS opinions
kayvonkamyarYou 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.
-3cvieiraNot respective of privacy, not Unix based, and resource intensive
6Windows is bad as operating system, because it is missing so many important features present in any modern *nix
6it has the combined advantages of win 7 win 8 and most of all unlike macos it is easy to use
-10JohnFastmanIf 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.
-7Windows 7
Do you think this is a good alternative?YesNo144 alternatives to Windows 7- Paid • Proprietary
- Operating System
- Windows
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 Features
DiscontinuedMainstream support for Windows 7 ended on January 13, 2015. Extended support with security updates ended on January 14, 2020.
Windows 7 vs macOS opinions
It is very stable and a good, fast system
-3Looks different. And is no longer supported ( it means no official updates ).
3Tails
Do you think this is a good alternative?YesNo- Free • Open Source
- Operating System
- Linux Distro
116 alternatives to Tails- Linux
- Electrum
- Tor Browser Bundle
- GNOME
- Tor
- VeraCrypt
- Thunderbird
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...
Tails Features
openSUSE
Do you think this is a good alternative?YesNo- Free • Open Source
- Operating System
- Linux Distro
218 alternatives to openSUSE- Linux
openSUSE is a free and Linux-based operating system for your PC, Laptop or Server.
openSUSE Features