NixOS AlternativesOperating Systems & Linux Distros like NixOS

NixOS is described as 'GNU/Linux distribution that aims to improve the state of the art in system configuration management. In existing distributions, actions such as upgrades are dangerous: upgrading a package can cause other packages to break, upgrading an entire system is much less' and is a operating system in the os & utilities category. There are more than 100 alternatives to NixOS for a variety of platforms, including Linux, Windows, BSD, Self-Hosted and Raspberry Pi apps. The best NixOS alternative is Linux Mint, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like NixOS are Ubuntu, Debian, Arch Linux and Fedora.

filter to find the best alternatives

NixOS alternatives are mainly Operating Systems but may also be Linux Distros or Package Managers.  Filter by these or use the filter bar below if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of NixOS.
NixOS iconNixOS
  48
  • ...

NixOS is a GNU/Linux distribution that aims to improve the state of the art in system configuration management. In existing distributions, actions such as upgrades are dangerous: upgrading a package can cause other packages...

More about NixOS
More about NixOS
NixOS alternatives page was last updated Mar 15, 2024
  Suggest Alternatives
  1. Linux Mint icon
    Linux Mint icon

    Linux Mint

     1099 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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).

    185 Linux Mint alternatives
    Linux Mint screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Linux Mint screenshot 1
    Linux Mint screenshot 2
    +8
    Linux Mint screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  User friendly
    3.  Lightweight

    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 iconNixOS Icon

    Linux Mint VS NixOS

    Is Linux Mint a good alternative to NixOS?
     

    • Linux Mint is the most popular Linux alternative to NixOS.

    • Linux Mint is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to NixOS.

    • Linux Mint is Free and Open SourceNixOS is also Free and Open Source
    • Linux Mint is Customizable and LightweightNixOS is not according to our users
  2. Ubuntu icon
    Ubuntu icon

    Ubuntu

     2341 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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.

    162 Ubuntu alternatives
    Ubuntu 24.04 with Gnome 46

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Ubuntu
    Ubuntu screenshot 1
    Ubuntu screenshot 2
    +1
    Ubuntu screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  User friendly
    3.  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.  Works Offline
    8.  Ad-free
    9.  OTA Updates
    10.  Kde support
    11.  Support for .deb files
    12.  Support for scripting
    Ubuntu iconNixOS Icon

    Ubuntu VS NixOS

    Is Ubuntu a good alternative to NixOS?
     
  4. Debian icon
    Debian icon

    Debian

     1113 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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.

    198 Debian alternatives
    Debian 9 gnome.

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    Debian screenshot 1
    Debian screenshot 2
    +2
    Debian screenshot 3

    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 iconNixOS Icon

    Debian VS NixOS

    Is Debian a good alternative to NixOS?
     

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

    • Debian is Free and Open SourceNixOS is also Free and Open Source
    • Debian is Customizable, Lightweight and Privacy focusedNixOS is not according to our users
  5. Arch Linux icon
    Arch Linux icon

    Arch Linux

     741 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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.

    198 Arch Linux alternatives
    arch with KDE 4.4 desktop

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    another arch with KDE 4.3 desktop
    arch for console addict
    +1
    arch with openbox window manager

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  Minimalistic
    4.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Rolling Release
    2.  Arch User Repository
    3.  Wiki documentation
    4.  Community-based
    5.  Linux-based
    6.  No Tracking
    7.  Bleeding edge
    8.  Ad-free
    9.  Command line interface
    10.  No registration required
    11.  Package Control
    12.  Works Offline
    Arch Linux iconNixOS Icon

    Arch Linux VS NixOS

    Is Arch Linux a good alternative to NixOS?
     
  6. Fedora icon
    Fedora icon

    Fedora

     554 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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.

    188 Fedora alternatives
    Fedora 38

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Fedora screenshot 1
    Fedora screenshot 2
    +9
    XFCE spin

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Linux-based
    2.  Out Of The Box
    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.  No registration required
    Fedora iconNixOS Icon

    Fedora VS NixOS

    Is Fedora a good alternative to NixOS?
     
  7. Manjaro Linux icon
    Manjaro Linux icon

    Manjaro Linux

     324 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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...

    185 Manjaro Linux alternatives
    Manjaro 19.0 Kyria (Xfce)

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Arch Linux
    Manjaro 17.0 Gellivara (KDE)
    Manjaro 17.0 Gellivara (I3)
    +5
    Manjaro 17.0 Gellivara (I3)

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  User friendly
    4.  Clean design

    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 iconNixOS Icon

    Manjaro Linux VS NixOS

    Is Manjaro Linux a good alternative to NixOS?
     
  9. Windows 10 icon
    Windows 10 icon

    Windows 10

     413 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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.

    181 Windows 10 alternatives
    Windows 10 screenshot 1

    License model

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Windows 10 screenshot 1
    Windows 10 screenshot 2
    +1
    Windows 10 screenshot 3

    Windows 10 Features

    1.  Auto Update
    2.  Usability
    3.  PowerShell Scripting
    4. Microsoft OneDrive icon  Onedrive integration
    5.  Works Offline
    6.  Tablet support
    7.  Dark Mode
    8.  No registration required
    9.  Xbox Streaming
    10.  Binary packages
    Windows 10 iconNixOS Icon

    Windows 10 VS NixOS

    Is Windows 10 a good alternative to NixOS?
     
    Comments about Windows 10 as an Alternative to NixOS
     
    Guest

    NixOS is a stateless, native-declaratively configured OS based on Linux with a fully functional ecosystem of applications and packages. Windows is, well, none of those things.

    Negative comment •Oct 3, 2022
    0
    NixOS Icon
    Windows 10 icon

    • Some users think Windows 10 is a great NixOS alternative, some don't.

    • Windows 10 is the most popular commercial alternative to NixOS.

    • Windows 10 is Paid and ProprietaryNixOS is Free and Open Source
  10. openSUSE icon
    openSUSE icon

    openSUSE

     334 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    openSUSE is a free and Linux-based operating system for your PC, Laptop or Server.

    193 openSUSE alternatives
    GNOME desktop in openSUSE Leap 15.2.

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    KDE Plasma desktop in openSUSE Leap 15.2.
    XFCE 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.  Dark Mode
    7.  Community-based
    openSUSE iconNixOS Icon

    openSUSE VS NixOS

    Is openSUSE a good alternative to NixOS?
     
  11. elementary OS icon
    elementary OS icon

    elementary OS

     339 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

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

    200 elementary OS alternatives
    The boot screen

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    The logon screen
    The desktop and the menu
    +2
    Some programs included with elementary OS

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Configurable
    3.  Distraction-free

    Features

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

    elementary OS VS NixOS

    Is elementary OS a good alternative to NixOS?
     
  12. macOS icon
    macOS icon

    macOS

     559 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    A Unix-based OS for Mac with seamlessly integration with Apple’s ecosystem, offering an intuitive UI, productivity tools like Finder, Spotlight, and Automator, built-in apps like Safari and Photos, Continuity for cross-device functionality, and security features including FileVault and Gatekeeper.

    176 macOS alternatives
    macOS screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    macOS screenshot 1
    macOS screenshot 2
    +4
    macOS screenshot 3

    Top macOS Features

    1.  Consistent UI
    2.  Unix-like
    3.  Usability
    4.  Spotlight
    5. Microsoft 365 (Office) icon  Compatible with Microsoft Office
    6.  Unlock with fingerprint
    7.  Dark Mode
    8.  Ad-free
    9.  Chromecast Support
    10.  Voice Commands
    11.  QuickLook File Preview
    macOS iconNixOS Icon

    macOS VS NixOS

    Is macOS a good alternative to NixOS?
     

    • macOS is the most popular Mac alternative to NixOS.

    • macOS is Free and ProprietaryNixOS is Free and Open Source
  13. Kubuntu icon
    Kubuntu icon

    Kubuntu

     271 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    Kubuntu is an official "flavor" of Ubuntu that uses the KDE Plasma desktop environment. This gives it a completely different look and feel.

    201 Kubuntu alternatives
    Kubuntu 19.10 "Eoan Ermine"

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Kubuntu 20.10 "Hirsute Hippo"

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Based on Ubuntu
    2.  KDE
    3.  Based on Debian
    4.  No Tracking
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  Rolling Release
    7.  Desktop Application
    Kubuntu iconNixOS Icon

    Kubuntu VS NixOS

    Is Kubuntu a good alternative to NixOS?
     
  14. Pop!_OS icon
    Pop!_OS icon

    Pop!_OS

     81 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    Pop!_OS is an operating system for STEM and creative professionals who use their computer as a tool to discover and create. Unleash your potential on secure, reliable open source software. Based on your exceptional curiosity, we sense you have a lot of it.

    173 Pop!_OS alternatives
    Pop!_OS screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Pop!_OS screenshot 1
    Pop!_OS screenshot 2
    +1
    Pop!_OS screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  User friendly
    3.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Based on Ubuntu
    2.  Linux-based
    3.  Automatic window tiling
    4.  Ad-free
    5.  No Tracking
    6.  Content creators
    7.  Dark Mode
    Pop!_OS iconNixOS Icon

    Pop!_OS VS NixOS

    Is Pop!_OS a good alternative to NixOS?
     
12 of 200 NixOS alternatives