The Best Ubuntu AlternativesTop Linux Distros & Operating Systems like Ubuntu

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

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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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    147
    Comments about Linux Mint as an Alternative to Ubuntu
    Comment summary: Linux Mint is praised for its ease of use and smooth installation process, particularly appealing to Windows users due to its Windows-like interface and Cinnamon desktop environment. Many users find it more polished and responsive than Ubuntu, citing fewer installation issues and a more stable experience. However, it is also noted that it is essentially a derivative of Ubuntu with no significant differences other than aesthetic aspects.
    Top Positive Comment
    CeesT
    3

    More polished and Windows-like than plain Ubuntu. Cinnamon comes with Nemo which shows file creation dates as well as modification dates.

    Guest
    Positive
    1

    I love linux mint! Easy to use, easy to setup and i love the design!

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Robert Wang
    Positive
    0

    It has no enough technical support. Do settings as in slackware?

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    3 of 14 comments
    Ubuntu Icon
    Linux Mint icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Linux Mint is a great Ubuntu alternative.

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

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

    • Linux Mint is Free and Open SourceUbuntu is also Free and Open Source
    • Linux Mint is Privacy focusedUbuntu is not according to our users
  2. 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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    12
    100
    Comments about Debian as an Alternative to Ubuntu
    Comment summary: Debian offers strong community-driven support and remains a reliable and fast operating system compared to Ubuntu, though it lacks certain ease-of-use features like GUI-based driver installation. While Debian can be powerful for those familiar with Linux, Ubuntu has advantages such as easier setup and proprietary software access, making it more approachable for new users. Debian's commitment to free and open-source software is a crucial distinction for enthusiasts.
    Top Positive Comment
    John Fastman
    16

    Ubuntu and it's derivatives (Mint, Kubuntu, KDE Neon, ElementaryOS, Xubuntu, Lubuntu) are all based on Debian. All are compatible with .deb software packages. All are easier than Ubuntu to setup. But Debian has a greater loyalty to the ideals of free and open source software.

    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    7

    It doesn't let you install proprietary drivers and doesn't have a GUI to manage these drivers like Ubuntu or Mint has, due to its philosophy. That's a thing people forget to mention when saying Debian is the option for Ubuntu or even Mint, so it isn't.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    atkitt7
    Positive
    0

    It actually cares about privacy and user freedoms and software being free/libre/open source. Driven by the community, not a for-profit company. No shady schemes. (Also, did you know Ubuntu is a fork of Debian?)

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    3 of 12 comments
    Ubuntu Icon
    Debian icon

    • Most users think Debian is a great Ubuntu alternative.

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

    • Debian is Free and Open SourceUbuntu is also Free and Open Source
    • Debian is Privacy focusedUbuntu is not according to our users
  4. 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)
     
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    8
    68
    Comments about Manjaro Linux as an Alternative to Ubuntu
    Top Positive Comment
    John Fastman
    18

    Manjaro Linux has got the point where it's more user friendly than Ubuntu, in my opinion. Particularly in the XFCE (official) and MATE (community) builds, the pamac/pacman package manager is utterly great to use and draws software not just from Manjaro repositories but from Arch's AUR, which has something like 60k+ software apps. Despite being based on Arch, Manjaro is very user-friendly and the community support is fantastic.

    mlemmark
    Positive
    5

    A good distribution, but often breaks during an update, to use it, you need to be aware of new changes in their forum. It says it's for newbies, but it doesn't differs so much from Arch. Since it's a rolling-release/bleeding-edge distribution, it is not as stable as Linux Mint, Ubuntu and so on.

    Guest
    Positive
    10
    1. Arch-based 2. Easy to install 3. Care about stability even being a rolling release kind of distro 4. It has GUIs for installing kernel, drivers and complex language packs 5. It has Pamac which is the most complete package manager/store in the Linux with supports and have access to the official repo, AUR, snap and flatpak. 6. it has different desktop environments for your taste 7. Good performance on games 8. It has minimal versions for tinkers.
    Review by a new / low-activity user.
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    3 of 8 comments
    Ubuntu Icon
    Manjaro Linux icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Manjaro Linux is a great Ubuntu alternative.

    • Manjaro Linux is Free and Open SourceUbuntu is also Free and Open Source
    • Manjaro Linux is Security-focusedUbuntu is not according to our users
  5. Ad
    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
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  6. Fedora icon

    Fedora

     590 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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    9
    57
    Comments about Fedora as an Alternative to Ubuntu
    Top Positive Comment
    9y0xwefhpw
    7

    Albeit Fedora is supported by bigger company (Red Hat), it does not spy on users like Ubuntu. Fedora comprises only freedom software except for firmware (which can be resolved by freed-ora) unlike Ubuntu. Cleaner upgrade than Ubuntu.

    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    11

    It doesn't have proprietary codecs and drivers pre-installed like Ubuntu. It's hard to install it, not for newbies.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    veddev
    Positive
    0

    Fedora is REALLY nice! Looks modern and simple.

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    3 of 9 comments
    Ubuntu Icon
    Fedora icon

    • Most users think Fedora is a great Ubuntu alternative.

    • Fedora is Free and Open SourceUbuntu is also Free and Open Source
    • Fedora is Privacy focusedUbuntu is not according to our users
  7. 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.

    203 Kubuntu alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Kubuntu 19.10 "Eoan Ermine"
     
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    6
    34
    Comments about Kubuntu as an Alternative to Ubuntu
    Top Positive Comment
    astronare
    2

    KDE is faster and better than Gnome

    David Figueroa
    Positive
    1

    KDE is faster than GNOME and more customizable too

    RemovedUser
    Positive
    2

    Kubuntu is basically Ubuntu but with the KDE Plasma desktop, which gives a feel of Windows, highly recommended.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
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    3 of 6 comments
    Ubuntu Icon
    Kubuntu icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Kubuntu is a great Ubuntu alternative.

    • Kubuntu is Free and Open SourceUbuntu is also Free and Open Source
    • Kubuntu is Privacy focusedUbuntu is not according to our users
  8. Arch Linux icon

    Arch Linux

     779 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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    4
    46
    Comments about Arch Linux as an Alternative to Ubuntu
    John Fastman
    Negative
    22

    Arch is not a distro for Linux beginners: you really have to know what you're doing to set it up and keep it ticking over. Ubuntu is beginner friendly. However, check out Manjaro - that's Arch-based but done in a user friendly way that's maybe even friendlier than Ubuntu.

    veddev
    Positive
    0

    Arch is not a beginner friendly Linux distro, but i use a distro thats based on arch called EndeavourOS. Its very nice, For someone that wants to use and learn Arch, go with EndeavourOS!

    Guest
    Negative
    5
    1. It doesn't have a proper graphical install 2. Arch community doesn't like newbies and treat them like crap 3. Everything is command line based 4. There are not helpers for newbies, the distro uses the KISS philosophy, is minimalistic and not user-friendly like Ubuntu 5. It uses the rolling release and bleeding edge model, so it's kind easy to break thing due the huge quantity of updates weekly.
    Review by a new / low-activity user.
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    3 of 4 comments
    Ubuntu Icon
    Arch Linux icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Arch Linux is a great Ubuntu alternative.

    • Arch Linux is Free and Open SourceUbuntu is also Free and Open Source
    • Arch Linux is Minimalistic and Privacy focusedUbuntu is not according to our users
  10. Xubuntu icon

    Xubuntu

     292 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.

    181 Xubuntu alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Xubuntu 19.10
     
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    3
    36
    Comments about Xubuntu as an Alternative to Ubuntu
    John Fastman
    Positive
    7

    Xubuntu is Ubuntu in almost every way. The difference is that instead of Ubuntu's Unity desktop, you get the XFCE desktop, which - in my opinion - is much better. But it's certainly faster on older/slower computers.

    Guest
    Positive
    8

    Xubuntu is nothing more than Ubuntu with the XFCE desktop environment and fewer included packages. I think it's far superior because it's faster than easier to use than Ubuntu.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    mlemmark
    Negative
    3

    Linux Mint Xfce makes a better alternative which a set of apps that makes sense, a great system updater, GUI to manage kernels, GUI to help fixing bugs, especially related to the repository. Mint also respect the user privacy, doesn't force snap, let the user have the choice. Mint Xfce has custom theme and user-friendly look-and-feel.

    Ubuntu Icon
    Xubuntu icon

    • Most users think Xubuntu is a great Ubuntu alternative.

    • Xubuntu is Free and Open SourceUbuntu is also Free and Open Source
    • Xubuntu is Privacy focusedUbuntu is not according to our users
  11. Lubuntu icon

    Lubuntu

     244 likes
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    Lubuntu is a fast and lightweight operating system with a clean and easy-to-use user interface. It is a Linux system, that uses the minimal desktop LXDE/LXQT.

    183 Lubuntu alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    The new LXQt desktop.
     
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    3
    29
    Comments about Lubuntu as an Alternative to Ubuntu
    John Fastman
    Positive
    8

    Lubuntu is Ubuntu, but instead of Canonical's Unity desktop environment it comes with LXDE, which is simpler and ligher on resources and therefore more suitable for older/slower computers. That's it.

    mlemmark
    Positive
    4

    It's lightweight and fast, but far from being very lightweight and fast. It has changed plans: https://lubuntu.me/taking-a-new-direction/ since and no longer is meant for "old computers" as it used to be like.

    pili
    Positive
    2

    It is much more light weight, and it is the best compromise between usability and ressources. Since it is based on Ubuntu, it comes with all the packages, but with its lightweight software and LXDE, it is very lightweight :

    • Around 550MB of RAM on startup (according to gnome system monitor), 420 according to free and htop
    • 50 sec to boot on a lenovo old PC with the cheapest hardware possible Just love it :)
    Ubuntu Icon
    Lubuntu icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Lubuntu is a great Ubuntu alternative.

    • Lubuntu is Free and Open SourceUbuntu is also Free and Open Source
    • Lubuntu is Privacy focusedUbuntu is not according to our users
  12. openSUSE icon

    openSUSE

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

    192 openSUSE alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    GNOME desktop in openSUSE Leap 15.2.
     
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    3
    31
    Comments about openSUSE as an Alternative to Ubuntu
    Guest
    Negative
    12

    It doesn't have proprietary codecs and drivers installed by default like Ubuntu. To use it, you need some knowledge and it's very limited in packages compared to Debian and Arch-based distros.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Negative
    7

    openSUSE is so hard for newbies that people have created Gecko Linux (as an user-friendly and out-of-the-box derivate of openSUSE).

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    mlemmark
    Negative
    2

    Patterns are the main reason for me to not recommend openSUSE for people that want to have full control on what is installed and doesn't like a bloated system

    Ubuntu Icon
    openSUSE icon

    • Almost everyone thinks openSUSE is a great Ubuntu alternative.

    • openSUSE is Free and Open SourceUbuntu is also Free and Open Source
    • openSUSE is Privacy focusedUbuntu is not according to our users
  13. 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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    6
    44
    Comments about elementary OS as an Alternative to Ubuntu
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    12

    Delivers a beautiful graphical interface. Offers basic apps to play your music, videos and view pictures, designed around 'Less is more'. However, it is still based on Ubuntu, and so it can do the same things. Need advanced functionality? whip out the terminal and install any package supported by Ubuntu.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Top Negative Comment
    John Fastman
    3

    Elementary and Ubuntu are Debian-based Linux distros. Elementary OS is based on Ubuntu. Different UIs (Elementary uses Pantheon, Ubuntu uses Unity). If it work on Ubuntu, it will work on Elementary. But Elementary are a team of designers and lag behind in terms of security. It's also oversimplistic for anyone but complete beginners in Linux.

    veddev
    Positive
    0

    I just like it, because it has a macOS style theme.

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    3 of 6 comments
    Ubuntu Icon
    elementary OS icon

    • Most users think elementary OS is a great Ubuntu alternative.

    • elementary OS is Free and Open SourceUbuntu is also Free and Open Source
  14. Pop!_OS icon

    Pop!_OS

     94 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.

    175 Pop!_OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Pop!_OS screenshot 1
     
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    4
    21
    Comments about Pop!_OS as an Alternative to Ubuntu
    Guest
    Positive
    4

    System76 just took Ubuntu and made it better

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Negative
    7

    It doesn't let you remove basic utilities that comes pre-installed like text editor, email client, calculator without breaking the entire distribution due to a metapackaged used.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    2

    Good theme, fast (even for GNOME), clean set of applications, a App Store that doesn't freeze and it's fast. Well, it's Ubuntu made right. Pop!_OS is also recommended for gaming purposes, similar to Manjaro, since it brings gaming packages easy to install and up-to-date, same as kernels and drivers.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
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    3 of 4 comments
    Ubuntu Icon
    Pop!_OS icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Pop!_OS is a great Ubuntu alternative.

    • Pop!_OS is Free and Open SourceUbuntu is also Free and Open Source
    • Pop!_OS is Privacy focusedUbuntu is not according to our users
  15. Zorin OS icon

    Zorin OS

     132 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.

    186 Zorin OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Pay once)
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Windows 10 layout
     
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    3
    19
    Comments about Zorin OS as an Alternative to Ubuntu
    Guest
    Positive
    2

    i use it to replace windows

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    ThomasStevenson
    Positive
    4

    It's easy to use and looks like Windows, so beginners (like me) don't need to learn a new interface just to use Linux. It's based on Ubuntu so it's got all the features Ubuntu has, but it's better :)

    Guest
    Negative
    2

    It takes a long time to release a new version and when it's finally released it's already old and dated.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Ubuntu Icon
    Zorin OS icon

    • Most users think Zorin OS is a great Ubuntu alternative.

    • Zorin OS is Freemium and Open SourceUbuntu is Free and Open Source
    • Zorin OS is Privacy focusedUbuntu is not according to our users
12 of 165 Ubuntu alternatives