Ubuntu Alternatives

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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Ubuntu alternatives are mainly Operating Systems, but if you're looking for Linux Distros or Mobile OSs you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Lightweight and Linux Distros. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to Ubuntu.
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Alternatives list

  1. CachyOS icon
     70 likes

    CachyOS is designed to deliver lightning-fast speeds and stability, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable computing experience every time you use it. Whether you're a seasoned Linux user or just starting out, CachyOS is the ideal choice for those looking for a powerful...

    83 CachyOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
  2. KDE Linux icon
     36 likes

    Free Linux-based OS from KDE community, emphasizing safety, functionality, and advanced desktop technologies, integrating Plasma and KDE apps for home, enterprise, public, or pre-installed computer use, prioritizing updates, usability, and customization.

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • KDE Plasma
     
  3. FreeBSD icon
     274 likes

    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...

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
     
  4. EndeavourOS icon
     72 likes

    EndeavourOS is an Arch-based distro that provides an Arch experience without the hassle of installing it manually for both x86_64 and ARM systems. After installation, you’re provided with a lightweight and almost barebones environment ready to be explored with your terminal...

    174 EndeavourOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
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    1
    EndeavourOS vs Ubuntu Comments
    veddev
    Positive
    0

    Absolutely awesome Linux distro, as i daily-drive it. I could say its Flexible and modern-looking. KDE Plasma>GNOME

    • EndeavourOS is Free and Open SourceUbuntu is also Free and Open Source
    • EndeavourOS is Privacy focusedUbuntu is not according to our users
  5. Windows 10 icon
     418 likes

    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.

    185 Windows 10 alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
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    4
    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 vs Ubuntu Comments
    LinuxDoge
    Negative
    4

    not free, not private, not Linux

    Rasheed AZ
    1

    After 14 October 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates for Windows 10. We recommend moving to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS which will be supported until 2029.

    veddev
    Positive
    0

    This isnt an Alternative to Ubuntu, but win10 is awesome.

    3 of 4 comments
    • Windows 10 is Paid and ProprietaryUbuntu is Free and Open Source
    • Windows 10 is an Operating System Ubuntu is a Linux Distro
  6. NixOS icon
     77 likes

    NixOS is a GNU/Linux distribution that aims to improve the state of the art in system configuration management. In existing distributions, actions such as upgrades are dangerous: upgrading a package can cause other packages to break, upgrading an entire system is much less...

    198 NixOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source (MIT)

    Platforms

    • Self-Hosted
     
  7. Qubes OS icon
     129 likes

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

    201 Qubes OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Fedora
    • Xen
     
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    1
    Qubes OS vs Ubuntu Comments
    John Fastman
    Negative
    2

    Qubes OS is an excellent project. However it is not a good alternative to Ubuntu for those who need a simple or use-friendly Linux. Qubes is a much more secure operating system than is Ubuntu, but it does this through a system of virtual machines, which is not perhaps easy for beginners. Ubuntu is better for those who are just starting with Linux. Consider also Manjaro or one of the Ubuntu derivatives, like Kubuntu or Xubuntu.

    • Qubes OS is Free and Open SourceUbuntu is also Free and Open Source
    • Qubes OS is Security-focused and Privacy focusedUbuntu is not according to our users
  8. Gentoo icon
     174 likes

    Gentoo Linux is a versatile, fast, highly configurable and completely free Linux and FreeBSD distribution geared towards developers and network professionals.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • BSD
    • FreeBSD
     
    |
    2
    Gentoo vs Ubuntu Comments
    Guest
    Negative
    14

    It takes 3 days only to install it... Are you ready for losing your social life?

    operfeito11
    0

    It's better for professionals

    • Gentoo is Free and Open SourceUbuntu is also Free and Open Source
    • Gentoo is Privacy focusedUbuntu is not according to our users
  9. Ubuntu MATE icon
     97 likes

    Ubuntu Mate is a stable, easy-to-use operating system with a configurable desktop environment. Ideal for those who want the most out of their desktops, laptops and netbooks and prefer a traditional desktop metaphor.

    211 Ubuntu MATE alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
  10. ReactOS icon
     299 likes

    ReactOS™ is a 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).

    204 ReactOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • ReactOS
     
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    4
    ReactOS vs Ubuntu Comments
    Guest
    Negative
    16

    Not stable nor complete enough to be an alternative. The OS has been beta for decades.

    RemovedUser
    Negative
    5

    ReactOS is in alpha since 1996, I don't think it should be an alternative, it dosen't have hardware support, it is slow and etc.

    Guest
    Negative
    4

    Not stable enough to consider. And it's still in alpha.

    3 of 4 comments
    • ReactOS is Free and Open SourceUbuntu is also Free and Open Source
    • ReactOS is an Operating System Ubuntu is a Linux Distro
  11. macOS icon
     571 likes

    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.

    185 macOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
     
    |
    7
    macOS vs Ubuntu Comments
    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    14

    Proprietary, with limited hardware support. Poor support for developers.

    operfeito11
    Negative
    1

    only works well on mac, and even then its bad. and its proprietary. a family member uses it, and i tried it to see if i liked it. i did not.

    Guest
    Positive
    -5

    This is what rich people use in their daily driver.

    3 of 7 comments
    • macOS is Free and ProprietaryUbuntu is Free and Open Source
    • macOS is an Operating System Ubuntu is a Linux Distro
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