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. FreeBSD icon
     266 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...

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
     
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    12
  2. EndeavourOS icon
     59 likes
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    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...

    163 EndeavourOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
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    1
    Comments about EndeavourOS as an Alternative to Ubuntu
    veddev
    Positive
    0

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

    Ubuntu Icon
    EndeavourOS icon
    • EndeavourOS is Free and Open SourceUbuntu is also Free and Open Source
    • EndeavourOS is Privacy focusedUbuntu is not according to our users
  3. KDE Linux icon
     24 likes
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    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.

    54 KDE Linux alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • KDE Plasma
     
  4. CachyOS icon
     33 likes
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    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...

    70 CachyOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
  5. NixOS icon
     63 likes
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    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...

    188 NixOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Self-Hosted
     
  6. Windows 10 icon
     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.

    179 Windows 10 alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Pay once
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
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    4
    8
    Comments about Windows 10 as an Alternative to Ubuntu
    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.

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    3 of 4 comments
    Ubuntu Icon
    Windows 10 icon
    • This alternative is disputed. Windows 10 is a legitimate Ubuntu alternative, but it might have issues that some users think are important.

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

    • Windows 10 is Paid and ProprietaryUbuntu is Free and Open Source
  7. Ubuntu MATE icon
     94 likes
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    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.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
    |
    18
  8. Qubes OS icon
     118 likes
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    Qubes is an open source operating system designed to provide strong security for desktop computing.

    191 Qubes OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Fedora
    • Xen
     
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    1
    Comments about Qubes OS as an Alternative to Ubuntu
    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.

    Ubuntu Icon
    Qubes OS icon
    • 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
  9. Gentoo icon
     163 likes
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    Gentoo Linux is a versatile, fast, highly configurable and completely free Linux and FreeBSD distribution geared towards developers and network professionals.

    189 Gentoo alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • BSD
    • FreeBSD
     
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    2
    6
    Comments about Gentoo as an Alternative to Ubuntu
    Guest
    Negative
    14

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

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    operfeito11
    0

    It's better for professionals

    Ubuntu Icon
    Gentoo icon
    • Some users think Gentoo is a great Ubuntu alternative, some don't.

    • Gentoo is Free and Open SourceUbuntu is also Free and Open Source
    • Gentoo is Privacy focusedUbuntu is not according to our users
  10. ReactOS icon
     290 likes
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    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).

    197 ReactOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • ReactOS
     
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    3
    11
    Comments about ReactOS as an Alternative to Ubuntu
    Guest
    Negative
    16

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

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    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.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Negative
    4

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

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Ubuntu Icon
    ReactOS icon
    • Some users think ReactOS is a great Ubuntu alternative, some don't.

    • ReactOS is Free and Open SourceUbuntu is also Free and Open Source
  11. Windows 11 icon
     43 likes
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    Experience the latest Windows OS with a new Start menu, integrated Teams, and gaming technologies like Auto HDR. Improved security with stricter requirements enhances protection, and seamless Microsoft Account integration makes it ideal for modern devices.

    168 Windows 11 alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Pay once
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
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    3
    Comments about Windows 11 as an Alternative to Ubuntu
    veddev
    Negative
    0

    Linux is Free and open source, Windows is not.

    Rasheed AZ
    Negative
    0

    Would you like your PC to show you ads even when not browsing the internet? Would you like us to take screenshots of your private activities and unleash our closed source AI on your data? Would you love to be denied the freedom to choose your default web browser? Then buy Microsoft Windows 11 because we have all these amazing spyware features and more!

    Actually, we saved you the hassle of buying it and it's price is already included in the computer you paid for!

    operfeito11
    0

    most people using linux use it to not use windows or mac

    Ubuntu Icon
    Windows 11 icon
    • Most users think Windows 11 is a great Ubuntu alternative.

    • Windows 11 is Paid and ProprietaryUbuntu is Free and Open Source
  12. macOS icon
     565 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.

    175 macOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
     
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    7
    18
    Comments about macOS as an Alternative to Ubuntu
    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    14

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

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    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.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
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    3 of 7 comments
    Ubuntu Icon
    macOS icon
    • This alternative is disputed. macOS is a legitimate Ubuntu alternative, but it might have issues that some users think are important.

    • macOS is the most popular Mac alternative to Ubuntu.

    • macOS is Free and ProprietaryUbuntu is Free and Open Source
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