Raspberry Pi OS AlternativesOperating Systems & Linux Distros like Raspberry Pi OS

Raspberry Pi OS is described as '(previously called Raspbian) is the Foundation’s official supported operating system. You can install it with NOOBS or download the image below and follow our installation guide' and is a very popular operating system in the os & utilities category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Raspberry Pi OS for a variety of platforms, including Linux, BSD, Raspberry Pi, Windows and Self-Hosted apps. The best Raspberry Pi OS alternative is Ubuntu, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Raspberry Pi OS are Fedora, Arch Linux, Manjaro Linux and Windows 10.

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Raspberry Pi OS alternatives are mainly Operating Systems but may also be Linux Distros 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 Raspberry Pi OS.
Raspberry Pi OS iconRaspberry Pi OS
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Raspberry Pi OS (previously called Raspbian) is the Foundation’s official supported operating system. You can install it with NOOBS or download the image below and follow our installation guide.

More about Raspberry Pi OS
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Raspberry Pi OS alternatives page was last updated Aug 14, 2024
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  1. Ubuntu icon
    Ubuntu icon

    Ubuntu

     2341 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.

    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 iconRaspberry Pi OS Icon

    Ubuntu VS Raspberry Pi OS

    Is Ubuntu a good alternative to Raspberry Pi OS?
     
    Comments about Ubuntu as an Alternative to Raspberry Pi OS
     
    UserohneNamen

    Ubuntu CAN be indeed an alternative. See: https://ubuntu.com/download/raspberry-pi .

    Positive comment •Aug 14, 2024
    0
    ZAlex

    Its not an OS for Raspberry Pi

    Negative comment •Aug 22, 2015
    -1
    Raspberry Pi OS Icon
    Ubuntu icon

    • Ubuntu is the most popular Linux alternative to Raspberry Pi OS.

    • Ubuntu is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Raspberry Pi OS.

    • Ubuntu is Free and Open SourceRaspberry Pi OS is also Free and Open Source
    • Ubuntu is CustomizableRaspberry Pi OS is not according to our users
  2. Fedora icon
    Fedora icon

    Fedora

     554 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.

    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 iconRaspberry Pi OS Icon

    Fedora VS Raspberry Pi OS

    Is Fedora a good alternative to Raspberry Pi OS?
     
  4. Arch Linux icon
    Arch Linux icon

    Arch Linux

     741 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.

    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 iconRaspberry Pi OS Icon

    Arch Linux VS Raspberry Pi OS

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

    Arch Linux has a port available that will run on the Raspberry Pi.

    Positive comment •Sep 5, 2016
    0
    Raspberry Pi OS Icon
    Arch Linux icon
    • Arch Linux is Free and Open SourceRaspberry Pi OS is also Free and Open Source
    • Arch Linux is Customizable, Lightweight, Minimalistic and Privacy focusedRaspberry Pi OS is not according to our users
  5. Manjaro Linux icon
    Manjaro Linux icon

    Manjaro Linux

     324 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...

    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 iconRaspberry Pi OS Icon

    Manjaro Linux VS Raspberry Pi OS

    Is Manjaro Linux a good alternative to Raspberry Pi OS?
     
  6. Windows 10 icon
    Windows 10 icon

    Windows 10

     413 likes
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    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 iconRaspberry Pi OS Icon

    Windows 10 VS Raspberry Pi OS

    Is Windows 10 a good alternative to Raspberry Pi OS?
     
    Comments about Windows 10 as an Alternative to Raspberry Pi OS
     
    Guest

    It's not open source, not free and because it's not a Linux distribution, it works in a different way.

    Negative comment •Apr 3, 2020
    3
    Raspberry Pi OS Icon
    Windows 10 icon

    • This alternative is disputed. Windows 10 is a legitimate Raspberry Pi OS alternative, but it might have issues that some users think are important.

    • Windows 10 is the most popular Windows alternative to Raspberry Pi OS.

    • Windows 10 is the most popular commercial alternative to Raspberry Pi OS.

    • Windows 10 is Paid and ProprietaryRaspberry Pi OS is Free and Open Source
  7. 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.

    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 iconRaspberry Pi OS Icon

    openSUSE VS Raspberry Pi OS

    Is openSUSE a good alternative to Raspberry Pi OS?
     
  9. elementary OS icon
    elementary OS icon

    elementary OS

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

    200 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.  App center
    6.  Out Of The Box
    7.  No registration required
    8.  Ad-free
    9.  No Tracking
    10.  Consistent UI
    11.  Works Offline
    12.  Dark Mode
    elementary OS iconRaspberry Pi OS Icon

    elementary OS VS Raspberry Pi OS

    Is elementary OS a good alternative to Raspberry Pi OS?
     
  10. Kubuntu icon
    Kubuntu icon

    Kubuntu

     271 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.

    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 iconRaspberry Pi OS Icon

    Kubuntu VS Raspberry Pi OS

    Is Kubuntu a good alternative to Raspberry Pi OS?
     
  11. Zorin OS icon
    Zorin OS icon

    Zorin OS

     115 likes
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    Zorin OS is an easy to use, Linux-based operating system designed to make your computer faster, more powerful and secure.

    188 Zorin OS alternatives
    Windows 10 layout

    License model

    • Freemium • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Windows 11 layout
    MacOS layout
    +7
    Deepin layout

    Properties

    1.  User friendly
    2.  Customizable
    3.  Intuitive Interface
    4.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Windows like desktop
    2.  Linux-based
    3.  Windows-like
    4.  Out Of The Box
    5.  Run Windows software
    6.  Printer compatibility
    7.  Based on Ubuntu
    8.  Ad-free
    9.  Dark Mode
    10.  Debian package compatible
    11.  No Tracking
    12.  User Levels
    Zorin OS iconRaspberry Pi OS Icon

    Zorin OS VS Raspberry Pi OS

    Is Zorin OS a good alternative to Raspberry Pi OS?
     
  12. Xubuntu icon
    Xubuntu icon

    Xubuntu

     288 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.

    189 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 iconRaspberry Pi OS Icon

    Xubuntu VS Raspberry Pi OS

    Is Xubuntu a good alternative to Raspberry Pi OS?
     
  13. Qubes OS icon
    Qubes OS icon

    Qubes OS

     106 likes
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    Qubes is an open source operating system designed to provide strong security for desktop computing.

    201 Qubes OS alternatives
    Qubes OS screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Fedora
    • Xen
    Qubes OS screenshot 1
    Qubes OS screenshot 2
    +9
    Qubes OS screenshot 3

    Properties

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

    Features

    1.  Virtualization
    2.  Software Compartmentalization
    3.  Container Virtualization
    4.  Domain isolation
    5.  Tor
    6.  Portable
    7.  No registration required
    8.  No Tracking
    9.  Two-factor Authentication
    10.  Ad-free
    11.  Command line interface
    12.  Linux-based
    Qubes OS iconRaspberry Pi OS Icon

    Qubes OS VS Raspberry Pi OS

    Is Qubes OS a good alternative to Raspberry Pi OS?
     
  14. FreeBSD icon
    FreeBSD icon

    FreeBSD

     255 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...

    196 FreeBSD alternatives
    FreeBSD screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    FreeBSD screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Unix-like
    2.  Geeky
    3.  ARM support
    4.  Package Control
    5.  No Tracking
    6.  Ad-free
    FreeBSD iconRaspberry Pi OS Icon

    FreeBSD VS Raspberry Pi OS

    Is FreeBSD a good alternative to Raspberry Pi OS?
     
    Comments about FreeBSD as an Alternative to Raspberry Pi OS
     
    Guest

    FreeBSD has a port available that will run on the Raspberry Pi.

    Positive comment •Sep 5, 2016
    3
    Raspberry Pi OS Icon
    FreeBSD icon

    • FreeBSD is the most popular Self-Hosted alternative to Raspberry Pi OS.

    • FreeBSD is Free and Open SourceRaspberry Pi OS is also Free and Open Source
    • FreeBSD is Privacy focused and LightweightRaspberry Pi OS is not according to our users
12 of 196 Raspberry Pi OS alternatives