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, Windows, Self-Hosted, BSD and VirtualBox 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 are mainly Linux Distros but may also be Operating Systems or Mobile OSs.  Filter by these or use the filter bar below if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Qubes OS.
Qubes OS iconQubes OS
  108
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Qubes is an open source operating system designed to provide strong security for desktop computing.

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Qubes OS alternatives page was last updated Mar 10, 2024
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  1. Linux Mint icon
    Linux Mint icon

    Linux Mint

     1103 likes
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    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).

    175 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.  Application Launchers
    10.  No Tracking
    11.  Dark Mode
    12.  Community-based
    Linux Mint iconQubes OS Icon

    Linux Mint VS Qubes OS

    Is Linux Mint a good alternative to Qubes OS?
     
    Comments about Linux Mint as an Alternative to Qubes OS
     
    LinuxDoge

    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.

    Negative comment •Nov 25, 2023
    0
    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
    • Linux Mint is Customizable and LightweightQubes OS is not according to our users
  2. Ubuntu icon
    Ubuntu icon

    Ubuntu

     2347 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.

    155 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.  Lightweight
    4.  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.  Kde support
    8.  Support for .deb files
    9.  Works Offline
    10.  Ad-free
    11.  OTA Updates
    12.  Debian package compatible
    Ubuntu iconQubes OS Icon

    Ubuntu VS Qubes OS

    Is Ubuntu a good alternative to Qubes OS?
     
    Comments about Ubuntu as an Alternative to Qubes OS
     
    LinuxDoge

    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

    Negative comment •Nov 25, 2023
    0
    Qubes OS Icon
    Ubuntu icon
    • Ubuntu is Free and Open SourceQubes OS is also Free and Open Source
    • Ubuntu is Customizable and LightweightQubes OS is not according to our users
  4. Debian icon
    Debian icon

    Debian

     1118 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.

    187 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 iconQubes OS Icon

    Debian VS Qubes OS

    Is Debian a good alternative to Qubes OS?
     

    • 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
    • Debian is Customizable, Lightweight and Privacy focusedQubes OS is not according to our users
  5. Fedora icon
    Fedora icon

    Fedora

     562 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.

    176 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.  Out Of The Box
    2.  Linux-based
    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.  Rolling Release
    Fedora iconQubes OS Icon

    Fedora VS Qubes OS

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

    Arch Linux

     749 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.

    189 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.  Bleeding edge
    7.  No Tracking
    8.  Ad-free
    9.  Command line interface
    10.  No registration required
    11.  Package Control
    12.  Works Offline
    Arch Linux iconQubes OS Icon

    Arch Linux VS Qubes OS

    Is Arch Linux a good alternative to Qubes OS?
     
    Comments about Arch Linux as an Alternative to Qubes OS
     
    Guest

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

    Positive comment •Sep 1, 2018
    -8
    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 Customizable, Lightweight, Minimalistic and Privacy focusedQubes OS is not according to our users
  7. Tails icon
    Tails icon

    Tails

     227 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...

    132 Tails alternatives
    Tails screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Electrum
    • Tor Browser
    • GNOME
    • Tor
    • VeraCrypt
    • Thunderbird
    Tails screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Security-focused
    3.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Booting from USB
    2.  Tor
    3.  Online Anonymity
    4.  No Tracking
    5.  Works Offline
    6.  PGP Encryption
    7. Tor icon  Support for TOR
    8.  Based on Debian
    9.  Dark Mode
    10.  Ad-free
    11.  No registration required
    12.  Cold Boot Protection
    Tails iconQubes OS Icon

    Tails VS Qubes OS

    Is Tails a good alternative to Qubes OS?
     
    Comments about Tails as an Alternative to Qubes OS
     
    Guest

    I like tails becase it can boot from usb stick!

    Positive comment •Apr 29, 2021
    0
    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
    • Tails is Privacy focused, Security-focused and LightweightQubes OS is not according to our users
  9. Manjaro Linux icon
    Manjaro Linux icon

    Manjaro Linux

     326 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...

    175 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 iconQubes OS Icon

    Manjaro Linux VS Qubes OS

    Is Manjaro Linux a good alternative to Qubes OS?
     
  10. elementary OS icon
    elementary OS icon

    elementary OS

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

    191 elementary OS alternatives
    Boot Screen

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Website
    Installation Screen from ISO
    +9
    Onboarding Window

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Configurable
    3.  Distraction-free

    Features

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

    elementary OS VS Qubes OS

    Is elementary OS a good alternative to Qubes OS?
     
    Comments about elementary OS as an Alternative to Qubes OS
     
    Dino C

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

    Positive comment •Feb 16, 2023
    0
    Qubes OS Icon
    elementary OS icon
    • elementary OS is Free and Open SourceQubes OS is also Free and Open Source
    • elementary OS is LightweightQubes OS is not according to our users
  11. openSUSE icon
    openSUSE icon

    openSUSE

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

    183 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.  No registration required
    7.  Dark Mode
    8.  Community-based
    openSUSE iconQubes OS Icon

    openSUSE VS Qubes OS

    Is openSUSE a good alternative to Qubes OS?
     
  12. Kubuntu icon
    Kubuntu icon

    Kubuntu

     273 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.

    194 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 iconQubes OS Icon

    Kubuntu VS Qubes OS

    Is Kubuntu a good alternative to Qubes OS?
     
  13. macOS icon
    macOS icon

    macOS

     559 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.

    169 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 Copilot 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 iconQubes OS Icon

    macOS VS Qubes OS

    Is macOS a good alternative to Qubes OS?
     

    • 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
  14. Xubuntu icon
    Xubuntu icon

    Xubuntu

     290 likes
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    Xubuntu is an elegant and easy-to-use operating system. Xubuntu comes with Xfce, which is a stable, light and configurable desktop environment. It is based on Ubuntu Debian Linux.

    178 Xubuntu alternatives
    Xubuntu 19.10

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Xubuntu Desktop

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Based on Ubuntu
    2.  XFCE support
    3.  Works Offline
    4.  Based on Debian
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  No Tracking
    Xubuntu iconQubes OS Icon

    Xubuntu VS Qubes OS

    Is Xubuntu a good alternative to Qubes OS?
     
12 of 193 Qubes OS alternatives