Pop!_OS AlternativesTop Linux Distros & Operating Systems like Pop!_OS

Pop!_OS is described as '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' and is a popular Linux Distro in the os & utilities category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Pop!_OS for a variety of platforms, including Linux, Self-Hosted, BSD, Windows and Mac apps. The best Pop!_OS alternative is Linux Mint, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Pop!_OS are Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora and Arch Linux.

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Pop!_OS alternatives page was last updated

Alternatives list

  1. Linux Mint icon
     1164 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.

    183 Linux Mint alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
    • Linux Mint is the most popular Linux alternative to Pop!_OS.

    • Linux Mint is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Pop!_OS.

    • Linux Mint is Free and Open SourcePop!_OS is also Free and Open Source
    • Linux Mint is LightweightPop!_OS is not according to our users
  2. Ubuntu icon
     2364 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.

    165 Ubuntu alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Ubuntu
     
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    2
    Comments about Ubuntu as an Alternative to Pop!_OS
    Conner Vieira
    Negative
    11

    Less privacy respective, and arguably less polished interface

    Guest
    Positive
    -1

    It is also a Linux Distro optimized for gaming with support for “non-free” drivers and software for gaming PCs. Sure, there may be some privacy issues, but if you are using it for gaming, that should not matter.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Pop!_OS Icon
    Ubuntu icon
    • Most users think Ubuntu is a great Pop!_OS alternative.

    • Ubuntu is Free and Open SourcePop!_OS is also Free and Open Source
    • Ubuntu is LightweightPop!_OS is not according to our users
  3. Debian icon
     1156 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.

    198 Debian alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
     
    |
    6
    • Almost everyone thinks Debian is a great Pop!_OS alternative.

    • Debian is the most popular Windows & Self-Hosted alternative to Pop!_OS.

    • Debian is Free and Open SourcePop!_OS is also Free and Open Source
    • Debian is LightweightPop!_OS is not according to our users
  4. Fedora icon
     594 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.

    182 Fedora alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
    |
    1
    Comments about Fedora as an Alternative to Pop!_OS
    Guest
    Negative
    1

    Support for “non-free” drivers was dropped with Fedora 34. also, upgrading the system results in losing all of my apps and personal files (unless I back them up) and you HAVE to upgrade Fedora every year.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Pop!_OS Icon
    Fedora icon
    • Fedora is Free and Open SourcePop!_OS is also Free and Open Source
    • Fedora is LightweightPop!_OS is not according to our users
  5. Arch Linux icon
     782 likes

    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.

    199 Arch Linux alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
  6. Manjaro Linux icon
     330 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...

    179 Manjaro Linux alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Arch Linux
     
    |
    1
    8
    Comments about Manjaro Linux as an Alternative to Pop!_OS
    Conner Vieira
    Positive
    3

    Comparable in power, function, and philosophy, but based on Arch instead of Ubuntu for those who prefer one over the other

    Pop!_OS Icon
    Manjaro Linux icon
    • Almost everyone thinks Manjaro Linux is a great Pop!_OS alternative.

    • Manjaro Linux is Free and Open SourcePop!_OS is also Free and Open Source
    • Manjaro Linux is Lightweight and Security-focusedPop!_OS is not according to our users
  7. Zorin OS icon
     136 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.

    184 Zorin OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Pay once)
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
  8. macOS icon
     565 likes

    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

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
     
    • Some users think macOS is a great Pop!_OS alternative, some don't.

    • macOS is the most popular Mac alternative to Pop!_OS.

    • macOS is Free and ProprietaryPop!_OS is Free and Open Source
  9. Kubuntu icon
     281 likes

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

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
  10. KDE Linux icon
     26 likes

    Free Linux-based OS from KDE community, emphasizing safety, functionality, and advanced desktop technologies, integrating Plasma and KDE apps for home, enterprise, public, or pre-installed computer use, prioritizing updates, usability, and customization.

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • KDE Plasma
     
12 of 175 Pop!_OS alternatives