Qubes OS AlternativesTop Linux Distros & Operating Systems like Qubes OS

Qubes OS is described as 'Qubes is an open source operating system designed to provide strong security for desktop computing' and is a very popular Linux Distro in the os & utilities category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Qubes OS for a variety of platforms, including Linux, Self-Hosted, Mac, Windows and BSD apps. The best Qubes OS alternative is Linux Mint, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Qubes OS are Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora and Arch Linux.

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Qubes OS alternatives page was last updated

Alternatives list

  1. Linux Mint icon

    Linux Mint

     1157 likes
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    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.

    184 Linux Mint alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Linux Mint 22.2 "Zara"
     
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    Comments about Linux Mint as an Alternative to Qubes OS
    LinuxDoge
    Negative
    0

    not hardened, not secure at all. It uses X11 which is a very insecure Compositor. Every app can read other apps, listen to keystrokes etc. Only use trusted opensource apps there, from official repos. Also Mint is very slow on updates, often being behind Ubuntu quite a bit.

    It is said to be easy to use, but really often is just a pain, as its so outdated and a weird mix of Ubuntu and legacy tools.

    Qubes OS Icon
    Linux Mint icon

    • Some users think Linux Mint is a great Qubes OS alternative, some don't.

    • Linux Mint is the most popular Linux alternative to Qubes OS.

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

    • Linux Mint is Free and Open SourceQubes OS is also Free and Open Source
  2. Ubuntu icon

    Ubuntu

     2362 likes
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    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

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Ubuntu
    Ubuntu 24.04 with Gnome 46
     
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    Comments about Ubuntu as an Alternative to Qubes OS
    LinuxDoge
    Negative
    0

    not hardened, not containerized. snaps dont count I would say, even though it may be similar and for sure way better than system packages.

    Ubuntu is for usability and not security

    Qubes OS Icon
    Ubuntu icon
    • Ubuntu is Free and Open SourceQubes OS is also Free and Open Source
  4. Debian icon

    Debian

     1155 likes
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    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.

    199 Debian alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    Debian 9 gnome.
     
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    6

    • Most users think Debian is a great Qubes OS alternative.

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

    • Debian is Free and Open SourceQubes OS is also Free and Open Source
  5. Fedora icon

    Fedora

     589 likes
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    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.

    184 Fedora alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Fedora 38
     
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    6
  6. Arch Linux icon

    Arch Linux

     777 likes
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    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

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    arch with KDE 4.4 desktop
     
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    1
    Comments about Arch Linux as an Alternative to Qubes OS
    Guest
    Positive
    -8

    arch is my best choice for android, asI have a Samsung galaxy s3 emerge!!!

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Qubes OS Icon
    Arch Linux icon

    • Some users think Arch Linux is a great Qubes OS alternative, some don't.

    • Arch Linux is Free and Open SourceQubes OS is also Free and Open Source
    • Arch Linux is MinimalisticQubes OS is not according to our users
  7. Tails icon

    Tails

     247 likes
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    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...

    130 Tails alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Tor Browser
    • GNOME
    • Tor
    • Thunderbird
    Tails screenshot 1
     
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    26
    Comments about Tails as an Alternative to Qubes OS
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    I like tails becase it can boot from usb stick!

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Qubes OS Icon
    Tails icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Tails is a great Qubes OS alternative.

    • Tails is Free and Open SourceQubes OS is also Free and Open Source
  9. Manjaro Linux icon

    Manjaro Linux

     330 likes
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    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

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Arch Linux
    Manjaro 19.0 Kyria (Xfce)
     
  11. elementary OS icon

    elementary OS

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

    199 elementary OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Boot Screen
     
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    1
    Comments about elementary OS as an Alternative to Qubes OS
    Dino C
    Positive
    0

    Not even close to QubesOS, Elementary is something I install to people who have older laptops and like the looks of Mac computers...

    Qubes OS Icon
    elementary OS icon
    • elementary OS is Free and Open SourceQubes OS is also Free and Open Source
  12. macOS icon

    macOS

     564 likes
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    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.

    175 macOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    macOS screenshot 1
     

    • This alternative is disputed. macOS is a legitimate Qubes OS alternative, but it might have issues that some users think are important.

    • macOS is the most popular Mac alternative to Qubes OS.

    • macOS is Free and ProprietaryQubes OS is Free and Open Source
  13. FreeBSD icon

    FreeBSD

     266 likes
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    FreeBSD is an operating system used to power modern servers, desktops, and embedded platforms. A large community has continually developed it for more than thirty years. Its advanced networking, security, and storage features have made FreeBSD the platform of choice for many of...

    194 FreeBSD alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    FreeBSD screenshot 1
     
  14. Kubuntu icon

    Kubuntu

     280 likes
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    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

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Kubuntu 19.10 "Eoan Ermine"
     
12 of 191 Qubes OS alternatives