OpenBSD icon
OpenBSD icon

OpenBSD

The OpenBSD project produces a FREE, multi-platform 4.4BSD-based UNIX-like operating system. Our efforts emphasize portability, standardization, correctness, proactive security and integrated cryptography.

Example OpenBSD 5.2 desktop using Gnome 3.4.2 desktop environment

Cost / License

  • Free
  • Open Source

Application type

Platforms

  • BSD
Example OpenBSD 6.9 desktop using Xfce 4.16 desktop environment
OpenBSD alternatives  
73likes
203alternatives
7articles
Save

Features

Properties

  1.  Customizable
  2.  Security-focused

Features

  1.  Ad-free
  2.  No Tracking
  3.  Unix-like

 Tags

OpenBSD News & Activities

Highlights All activities

Recent News

Recent activities

No comments or reviews, maybe you want to be first?

Featured in Lists

Xenmaster's 2026 Distro Hopper Guide

I have noticed in general that the recommendation list for alternatives on this site is broken when it comes to Linux Distros. Often times when looking for a server distro or gaming distros, I will get generic recommendations for any Linux distribution and I will have to guess if the use-case is right. This list seeks to provide true alternatives based on use-cases for the most popular Linux and BSD distributions out there! Note this is a 2026 update to my original list posted several years ago. https://alternativeto.net/lists/23956/xenmaster-s-linux-distro-master-list/ Rather than re-write history, I'm adding a new post with the below link to my original. A lot has changed in the OS world so adding some details regarding what I use and how. Unlike my old list, this one will include both Linux and BSD related systems, similar in their unix-like behavior, but each with different utilities and mechanisms for performing operations. Note that as of the posting of this list, only OpenBSD supports Full Disk Encryption on installation without manual configuration steps, a major drawback if this is a critical component to your use as a desktop setup.
By Xen Master67 appsUpdated

Xenmaster Approved Linux and BSD

A short and sweet list of the linux and BSD distros I use on a day to day basis, including how I use them and what I like and don't like about them. I've been using non-Windows/Mac operating systems now for about 12 years . I'm not a power user who lives in the terminal using a tiling window manager using arch btw as a daily driver, but I do know my way about the commandline and have tinkered with a homelab for 5 years now. For all distros I am currently using, I make sure to add caveats for things to look out for as a new user. Definitely not meant to discourage folks, just stuff to keep in mind so expectations are clear. I also include a list of items I am looking into using in the future and those I've either tried and passed on or those which I've used before and have replaced. Hopefully someone finds this list useful!
By Xen Master29 appsUpdated

Linux / BSD

A list with 17 apps by b4st1en without a description.
By b4st1en17 appsUpdated

Official Links

AppStores & Other Links

What is OpenBSD?

The OpenBSD project produces a FREE, multi-platform 4.4BSD-based UNIX-like operating system. Our efforts emphasize portability, standardization, correctness, proactive security and integrated cryptography.

  • OpenBSD runs on many different hardware platforms.
  • OpenBSD is thought of by many security professionals as the most secure UNIX-like operating system, as the result of a never-ending comprehensive source code security audit.
  • OpenBSD is a full-featured UNIX-like operating system available in source form at no charge.
  • OpenBSD integrates cutting-edge security technology suitable for building firewalls and private network services in a distributed environment.
  • OpenBSD benefits from strong ongoing development in many areas, offering opportunities to work with emerging technologies with an international community of programmers and end-users.
  • OpenBSD attempts to minimize the need for customization and tweaking. For the vast majority of users, OpenBSD "Just Works" on their hardware for their application. Not only is tweaking and customizing rarely needed, it is actively discouraged.

OpenBSD is excellent for servers, appliances and network equipment. When you start to appreciate the security, stability and simplicity you may be tempted to try this OS as a desktop environment which turns out to be a very pleasant experience as well. Examples of window managers in OpenBSD 7.8 are GNOME 48, KDE Plasma 6.4.5 and Xfce 4.20.

OpenBSD is also a great environment for developers. For instance Go 1.25.1, Node.js 22.20.0, GHC 9.8.3, Python 2.7.18 and 3.12.11 and Ruby 3.2.9, 3.3.9 and 3.4.6 are supported in OpenBSD 7.8.

Several solutions developed by the OpenBSD project (see http://www.openbsd.org/innovations.html) has been adopted by other operating systems including OSX, Linux and Windows. OpenSSH, PF, tmux and LibreSSL are some widely adopted solutions.

See ported software on e.g. https://ports.to/. Get started on http://www.openbsd.org/faq/index.html or maybe https://openbsdjumpstart.org.

OpenBSD information

AlternativeTo Categories

Security & Privacy, OS & Utilities

Popular alternatives

View all

Top OpenBSD apps (extensions / mods etc)

View all
OpenBSD was added to AlternativeTo by peter_ljung on and this page was last updated .