Lightweight Ubuntu Alternatives

The best alternative to Ubuntu is Linux Mint, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Ubuntu and loads of them are so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting alternatives to Ubuntu are Kubuntu, Debian, Fedora and Xubuntu.

filter to find the best alternatives

Most Ubuntu alternatives are Operating Systems, but you can also narrow the list to Linux Distros or Mobile OSes. Other popular filters are Lightweight and Linux Distros.

More about Ubuntu

Add Alternatives

Ubuntu alternatives page was last updated Sep 25, 2026

Linux Mint
1229 likes
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.
200 Linux Mint alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
Ireland
EU
Platforms
Linux
Ireland
EU
+4
Good alternative?Is Linux Mint a good alternative to Ubuntu?

|
15comments
Linux Mint vs Ubuntu Comments
Top Positive Comment by CeesT · May 30, 2022
More polished and Windows-like than plain Ubuntu. Cinnamon comes with Nemo which shows file creation dates as well as modification dates.
Positive comment by danielol1 · Sep 25, 2026
It's the most minimalistic distro I have used. Everything is simple to understand and works well and the desktop environment is perfect for people used to Windows.
Positive comment by Guest · Jul 22, 2022
I love linux mint! Easy to use, easy to setup and i love the design!
3 of 15 comments
Linux Mint is Free and Open SourceUbuntu is also Free and Open Source
Linux Mint is Privacy focusedUbuntu is not according to our users
Kubuntu
297 likes
Kubuntu is an official "flavor" of Ubuntu that uses the KDE Plasma desktop environment. This gives it a completely different look and feel.
219 Kubuntu alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
United Kingdom
Platforms
Linux
United Kingdom
Good alternative?Is Kubuntu a good alternative to Ubuntu?

|
6comments
Kubuntu vs Ubuntu Comments
Top Positive Comment by astronare · Jul 1, 2023
KDE is faster and better than Gnome
Positive comment by David Figueroa · Dec 2, 2020
KDE is faster than GNOME and more customizable too
Positive comment by RemovedUser · Sep 7, 2020
Kubuntu is basically Ubuntu but with the KDE Plasma desktop, which gives a feel of Windows, highly recommended.
3 of 6 comments
Kubuntu is Free and Open SourceUbuntu is also Free and Open Source
Kubuntu is Privacy focusedUbuntu is not according to our users
Debian
1203 likes
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.
216 Debian alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
International
Platforms
Windows
Linux
BSD
Self-Hosted
Global
+2
Good alternative?Is Debian a good alternative to Ubuntu?

|
12comments
Debian vs Ubuntu Comments
Top Positive Comment by John Fastman · Jan 4, 2017
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 by Guest · Dec 10, 2017
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.
Positive comment by atkitt7 · Sep 15, 2025
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?)
3 of 12 comments
Debian is Free and Open SourceUbuntu is also Free and Open Source
Debian is Privacy focusedUbuntu is not according to our users
Ad
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
Fedora
640 likes
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.
198 Fedora alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
United States
Platforms
Linux
United States
+9
Good alternative?Is Fedora a good alternative to Ubuntu?

|
9comments
Fedora vs Ubuntu Comments
Top Positive Comment by 9y0xwefhpw · May 27, 2018
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 by Guest · Oct 29, 2018
It doesn't have proprietary codecs and drivers pre-installed like Ubuntu. It's hard to install it, not for newbies.
Positive comment by veddev · Aug 31, 2024
Fedora is REALLY nice! Looks modern and simple.
3 of 9 comments
Fedora is Free and Open SourceUbuntu is also Free and Open Source
Fedora is Privacy focusedUbuntu is not according to our users
Xubuntu
295 likes
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.
188 Xubuntu alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
United Kingdom
Platforms
Linux
United Kingdom
Good alternative?Is Xubuntu a good alternative to Ubuntu?

|
3comments
Xubuntu vs Ubuntu Comments
Positive comment by John Fastman · Dec 31, 2016
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.
Positive comment by Guest · Mar 8, 2018
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.
Negative comment by mlemmark · Jan 6, 2021
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.
3 of 3 comments
Xubuntu is Free and Open SourceUbuntu is also Free and Open Source
Xubuntu is Privacy focusedUbuntu is not according to our users
Arch Linux
813 likes
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.
213 Arch Linux alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
Canada
Platforms
Linux
Canada
+1
Good alternative?Is Arch Linux a good alternative to Ubuntu?

|
4comments
Arch Linux vs Ubuntu Comments
Negative comment by John Fastman · Jan 4, 2017
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.
Negative comment by Guest · Oct 29, 2018

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.

Positive comment by veddev · Aug 31, 2024
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!
3 of 4 comments
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
Lubuntu
248 likes
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.
188 Lubuntu alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
United Kingdom
Platforms
Linux
United Kingdom
+5
Good alternative?Is Lubuntu a good alternative to Ubuntu?

|
3comments
Lubuntu vs Ubuntu Comments
Positive comment by John Fastman · Jan 4, 2017
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.
Positive comment by mlemmark · Jan 6, 2021
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.
Positive comment by pili · Dec 8, 2020
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 :)

3 of 3 comments
Lubuntu is Free and Open SourceUbuntu is also Free and Open Source
Lubuntu is Privacy focusedUbuntu is not according to our users
elementary OS
358 likes
elementary OS is a free, fast and aesthetically pleasing operating system based on Ubuntu .
214 elementary OS alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source (GPL-3.0)
Application typeApplication types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
United States
Platforms
Linux
United States
+9
Good alternative?Is elementary OS a good alternative to Ubuntu?

|
6comments
elementary OS vs Ubuntu Comments
Top Positive Comment by Guest · Mar 23, 2017
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.
Top Negative Comment by John Fastman · Jan 5, 2017
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.
Positive comment by veddev · Aug 31, 2024
I just like it, because it has a macOS style theme.
3 of 6 comments
elementary OS is Free and Open SourceUbuntu is also Free and Open Source
CachyOS
83 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...
88 CachyOS alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
Germany
EU
Platforms
Linux
Germany
EU
Good alternative?Is CachyOS a good alternative to Ubuntu?
Zorin OS
163 likes
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.
198 Zorin OS alternatives
Cost / License
Freemium
Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
Ireland
EU
Platforms
Linux
Ireland
EU
+2
Good alternative?Is Zorin OS a good alternative to Ubuntu?

|
4comments
Zorin OS vs Ubuntu Comments
Positive comment by wouf336 · Aug 17, 2026
like linux mint, but with good UX and UI. Who said open source software has bad UI ?
Positive comment by Guest · Jan 1, 2019
i use it to replace windows
Positive comment by ThomasStevenson · Apr 14, 2017
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 :)
3 of 4 comments
Zorin OS is Freemium and Open SourceUbuntu is Free and Open Source
Zorin OS is Privacy focusedUbuntu is not according to our users
Manjaro Linux
341 likes
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...
192 Manjaro Linux alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
Germany
EU
Platforms
Linux
Arch Linux
Germany
EU
+5
Good alternative?Is Manjaro Linux a good alternative to Ubuntu?

|
8comments
Manjaro Linux vs Ubuntu Comments
Top Positive Comment by John Fastman · Dec 8, 2016
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.
Positive comment by mlemmark · Jan 6, 2021
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.
Positive comment by Guest · May 28, 2020

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.

3 of 8 comments
Manjaro Linux is Free and Open SourceUbuntu is also Free and Open Source
Manjaro Linux is Security-focusedUbuntu is not according to our users
EndeavourOS
71 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...
178 EndeavourOS alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source (GPL-3.0)
Application typeApplication types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
Netherlands
EU
Platforms
Linux
Netherlands
EU
Good alternative?Is EndeavourOS a good alternative to Ubuntu?

|
1comment
EndeavourOS vs Ubuntu Comments
Positive comment by veddev · Aug 31, 2024
Absolutely awesome Linux distro, as i daily-drive it. I could say its Flexible and modern-looking. KDE Plasma>GNOME
1 of 1 comments
EndeavourOS is Free and Open SourceUbuntu is also Free and Open Source
EndeavourOS is Privacy focusedUbuntu is not according to our users

12 of 81 Ubuntu alternatives

Lightweight Ubuntu Alternatives

Alternatives list

Linux Mint

Cost / License

Application typeApplication types

Origin

Platforms

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu Comments

Kubuntu

Cost / License

Application typeApplication types

Origin

Platforms

Kubuntu vs Ubuntu Comments

Debian

Cost / License

Application typeApplication types

Origin

Platforms

Debian vs Ubuntu Comments

Fedora

Cost / License

Application typeApplication types

Origin

Platforms

Fedora vs Ubuntu Comments

Xubuntu

Cost / License

Application typeApplication types

Origin

Platforms

Xubuntu vs Ubuntu Comments

Arch Linux

Cost / License

Application typeApplication types

Origin

Platforms

Arch Linux vs Ubuntu Comments

Lubuntu

Cost / License

Application typeApplication types

Origin

Platforms

Lubuntu vs Ubuntu Comments

elementary OS

Cost / License

Application typeApplication types

Origin

Platforms

elementary OS vs Ubuntu Comments

CachyOS

Cost / License

Application typeApplication types

Origin

Platforms

Zorin OS

Cost / License

Application typeApplication types

Origin

Platforms

Zorin OS vs Ubuntu Comments

Manjaro Linux

Cost / License

Application typeApplication types

Origin

Platforms

Manjaro Linux vs Ubuntu Comments

EndeavourOS

Cost / License

Application typeApplication types

Origin

Platforms

EndeavourOS vs Ubuntu Comments