ReactOS AlternativesOperating Systems and other similar apps like ReactOS

ReactOS is described as 'FOSS effort to develop a quality operating system based on the architecture of Microsoft® Windows NT family of operating systems, that is compatible with applications and drivers written for it (NT4, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 7)' and is a very popular operating system in the os & utilities category. There are more than 100 alternatives to ReactOS for a variety of platforms, including Linux, Windows, BSD, Self-Hosted and Raspberry Pi apps. The best ReactOS alternative is Linux Mint, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like ReactOS are Fedora, Arch Linux, Manjaro Linux and openSUSE.

ReactOS iconReactOS
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ReactOS™ is a FOSS effort to develop a quality operating system based on the architecture of Microsoft® Windows™ NT...

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ReactOS alternatives page was last updated Jun 10, 2025
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  1. Linux Mint icon

    Linux Mint

     1120 likes
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    Elegant Linux desktop OS based on Ubuntu and Debian, featuring unique menus, web-based package installation, full multimedia codecs, browser plugins, custom configuration tools, community feedback, robust updates, and approximately 30,000 available packages.

    176 Linux Mint alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • IE flagIreland
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Linux Mint screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  User friendly
    3.  Lightweight
    4.  Privacy focused

    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.  No Tracking
    10.  Dark Mode
    11.  Community-based
    12.  Built-in File Manager

    Linux Mint VS ReactOS

     
    Comments about Linux Mint as an Alternative to ReactOS
    zero00072
    Negative Apr 20, 2023
    0

    ReactOS is not a GNU/Linux. Almost all reason to use ReactOS is not similar to use Linux Mint.

    ReactOS Icon
    Linux Mint icon

    • Most users think Linux Mint is a great ReactOS alternative.

    • Linux Mint is the most popular Linux alternative to ReactOS.

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

    • Linux Mint is Free and Open SourceReactOS is also Free and Open Source
    • Linux Mint is Customizable, Lightweight and Privacy focusedReactOS is not according to our users
  2. Fedora icon

    Fedora

     570 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.

    180 Fedora alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Fedora 38

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  Privacy focused
    3.  Lightweight

    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.  Dark Mode
    9.  Unix-like
    10.  Multiple languages
    11.  Separated workspaces
    12.  Rolling Release

    Fedora VS ReactOS

     
    Comments about Fedora as an Alternative to ReactOS
    zero00072
    Negative Apr 20, 2023
    0

    ReactOS is not a GNU/Linux. Almost all reason to use ReactOS is not similar to use Fedora.

    ReactOS Icon
    Fedora icon
    • Fedora is Free and Open SourceReactOS is also Free and Open Source
    • Fedora is Customizable and Privacy focusedReactOS is not according to our users
  4. Arch Linux icon

    Arch Linux

     764 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.

    191 Arch Linux alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • CA flagCanada

    Platforms

    • Linux
    arch with KDE 4.4 desktop

    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 VS ReactOS

     
    Comments about Arch Linux as an Alternative to ReactOS
    zero00072
    Negative Apr 20, 2023
    0

    ReactOS is not a GNU/Linux. Almost all reason to use ReactOS is not similar to use Arch Linux.

    ReactOS Icon
    Arch Linux icon
    • Arch Linux is Free and Open SourceReactOS is also Free and Open Source
    • Arch Linux is Customizable, Lightweight, Minimalistic and Privacy focusedReactOS is not according to our users
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    Screenshot
    Zorin OS icon
    Zorin OS

    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 p...

    https://zorin.com
    Learn More
  6. 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...

    173 Manjaro Linux alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • DE flagGermany
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Arch Linux
    Manjaro 19.0 Kyria (Xfce)

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  User friendly
    4.  Clean design
    5.  Configurable

    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 VS ReactOS

     
  7. openSUSE icon

    openSUSE

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

    185 openSUSE alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • DE flagGermany
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Linux
    GNOME 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 VS ReactOS

     
  8. Proton icon

    Proton

     104 likes
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    Proton is a tool for use with the Steam client which allows games which are exclusive to Windows to run on Linux kernel operating system. It uses Wine to facilitate this.

    39 Proton alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Steam
    Proton screenshot 1

    Proton Features

    1.  Run Windows software
    2.  Run Windows Games
    3.  Compatibility Layer
    4.  Emulation
    5.  Ad-free

    Proton VS ReactOS

     
  10. elementary OS icon

    elementary OS

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

    193 elementary OS alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Boot Screen

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Configurable
    3.  Distraction-free

    Features

    1.  Based on Ubuntu
    2.  macOS-like
    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 VS ReactOS

     
  11. Windows 10 icon

    Windows 10

     411 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.

    177 Windows 10 alternatives

    License model

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Windows 10 screenshot 1
    Discontinued

    After October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive free software updates, technical support, or security fixes. Microsoft suggests to upgrade to Windows 11 icon Windows 11 : https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2024/10/31/how-to-prepare-for-windows-10-end-of-support-by-moving-to-windows-11-today/

    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 VS ReactOS

     
    Comments about Windows 10 as an Alternative to ReactOS
    Guest
    Negative Jan 31, 2017
    8

    It is a bloated, ugly, has 2-3 different menu and Windows styles, buggy, has major privacy and spying concerns, is forced upon users without consent, and the update cycle is messed up.

    ReactOS Icon
    Windows 10 icon

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

    • Windows 10 is the most popular Windows alternative to ReactOS.

    • Windows 10 is the most popular commercial alternative to ReactOS.

    • Windows 10 is Paid and ProprietaryReactOS is Free and Open Source
  12. Zorin OS icon

    Zorin OS

     124 likes
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    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.

    179 Zorin OS alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • IE flagIreland
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Windows 10 layout

    Properties

    1.  User friendly
    2.  Intuitive Interface
    3.  Customizable
    4.  Lightweight
    5.  Gaming-focused
    6.  Privacy focused

    Features

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

    Zorin OS VS ReactOS

     
  13. Kubuntu icon

    Kubuntu

     276 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.

    195 Kubuntu alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • GB flagUnited Kingdom

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Kubuntu 19.10 "Eoan Ermine"

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  User friendly
    4.  Customizable

    Features

    1.  Based on Ubuntu
    2.  KDE
    3.  Based on Debian
    4.  Ad-free
    5.  No Tracking
    6.  Rolling Release
    7.  Desktop Application

    Kubuntu VS ReactOS

     
  14. 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.

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • GB flagUnited Kingdom

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Xubuntu 19.10

    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 VS ReactOS

     
  15. Pop!_OS icon

    Pop!_OS

     84 likes
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    Pop!_OS is an 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.

    168 Pop!_OS alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Pop!_OS screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  User friendly
    3.  Configurable
    4.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Based on Ubuntu
    2.  Linux-based
    3.  Automatic window tiling
    4.  Ad-free
    5.  Content creators
    6.  No Tracking
    7.  Dark Mode

    Pop!_OS VS ReactOS

     
12 of 193 ReactOS alternatives