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, Self-Hosted, BSD, Mac and Windows 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.

More about macOS
Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard
macOS alternatives page was last updated

Alternatives list

  1. Ubuntu icon

    Ubuntu

     2399 likes

    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.

    178 Ubuntu alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Ubuntu
    Ubuntu 24.04 with Gnome 46
     
    |
    8
    Ubuntu vs macOS Comments
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    6

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

    Joseph Leskey
    Positive
    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
    0

    It's pretty similar to MacOS tbh.

    3 of 8 comments
    • Ubuntu is Free and Open SourcemacOS is Free and Proprietary
    • Ubuntu is a Linux Distro macOS is an Operating System
    • Ubuntu is Customizable and LightweightmacOS is not according to our users
  2. Linux Mint icon

    Linux Mint

     1217 likes

    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.

    194 Linux Mint alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Linux Mint 22.2 "Zara"
     
    |
    3
    Linux Mint vs macOS Comments
    EliottNo
    Positive
    5

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

    Guest
    Positive
    4

    It is very easy to learn to use!

    Guest
    Negative
    0

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

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

    elementary OS

     357 likes

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

    210 elementary OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Boot Screen
     
    |
    10
    elementary OS vs macOS Comments
    Top Positive Comment
    Conner Vieira
    3

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

    RemovedUser
    Positive
    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
    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.

    3 of 10 comments
    • elementary OS is Free and Open SourcemacOS is Free and Proprietary
    • elementary OS is a Linux Distro macOS is an Operating System
    • elementary OS is LightweightmacOS is not according to our users
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    Umbrel icon
    Umbrel

    A beautiful personal server OS for self-hosting for any Linux distro.

    https://umbrel.com
    Learn More
  6. Debian icon

    Debian

     1195 likes

    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.

    212 Debian alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    Debian 9 gnome.
     
  8. Fedora icon

    Fedora

     634 likes

    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.

    193 Fedora alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Fedora 38
     
    |
    1
    Fedora vs macOS Comments
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    User interface is very similar

    • Fedora is Free and Open SourcemacOS is Free and Proprietary
    • Fedora is a Linux Distro macOS is an Operating System
    • Fedora is Customizable, Privacy focused and LightweightmacOS is not according to our users
  9. Manjaro Linux icon

    Manjaro Linux

     338 likes

    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...

    187 Manjaro Linux alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Arch Linux
    Manjaro 19.0 Kyria (Xfce)
     
    |
    3
    Manjaro Linux vs macOS Comments
    John Fastman
    Positive
    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
    0

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

    Guest
    Positive
    -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

    • Manjaro Linux is Free and Open SourcemacOS is Free and Proprietary
    • Manjaro Linux is a Linux Distro macOS is an Operating System
    • Manjaro Linux is Customizable, Lightweight and Security-focusedmacOS is not according to our users
  10. Zorin OS icon

    Zorin OS

     160 likes

    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.

    195 Zorin OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Windows 10 layout
     
  11. CachyOS icon

    CachyOS

     70 likes

    CachyOS is designed to deliver lightning-fast speeds and stability, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable computing experience every time you use it. Whether you're a seasoned Linux user or just starting out, CachyOS is the ideal choice for those looking for a powerful...

    83 CachyOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    CachyOS screenshot 1
     
  14. EndeavourOS icon

    EndeavourOS

     72 likes

    EndeavourOS is an Arch-based distro that provides an Arch experience without the hassle of installing it manually for both x86_64 and ARM systems. After installation, you’re provided with a lightweight and almost barebones environment ready to be explored with your terminal...

    174 EndeavourOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Welcome window
     
  15. Windows 10 icon

    Windows 10

     418 likes

    Versatile OS with universal app architecture, free first-year offer for Windows 7 and 8.1 users, redesigned mouse-touch UI, virtual desktop, Microsoft Edge, upgraded security, and enhanced graphics for gaming, supporting fingerprint and face recognition login.

    185 Windows 10 alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Windows 10 screenshot 1
     
    |
    5
    Discontinued

    After October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive free software updates, technical support, or security fixes. Microsoft suggests to upgrade to Windows 11 icon Windows 11 : https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2024/10/31/how-to-prepare-for-windows-10-end-of-support-by-moving-to-windows-11-today/

    Windows 10 vs macOS Comments
    Top Positive Comment
    Anonymous Boy
    -3

    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 Negative Comment
    Conner Vieira
    7

    Not respective of privacy, not Unix based, and resource intensive

    Guest
    Negative
    6

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

    3 of 5 comments
    • Windows 10 is Paid and ProprietarymacOS is Free and Proprietary
12 of 184 macOS alternatives