Zorin OS icon
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 privacy-focused updates.

Windows 10 layout

Cost / License

  • Freemium (Pay once)
  • Open Source

Platforms

  • Linux
3.7
Good16 reviews
135likes
21comments

Features

Suggest and vote on features

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.  Based on Ubuntu
  8.  Ad-free
  9.  Dark Mode
  10.  Debian package compatible
  11.  No Tracking
  12.  Works Offline
  13.  User Levels
  14.  macOS-like
  15.  X86/x64 Compatibility
  16.  No registration required
  17.  Support for .deb files
  18.  Wayland Support
  19.  Support for Nvidia drivers
  20.  Google integration

 Tags

Zorin OS News & Activities

Highlights All activities

Recent News

Recent activities

  • EmilE1337 reviewed Zorin OS  

    Absolute garbage.. Most of the Windows applications I tried to install does not work properly and a lot of the flatpak's was not even able to install. I tried to use this professionally but there are so many bugs.. Most of the people that seems to like it primarily use a browser and any distro can do that.. To the folks reading this that have never used Linux before, you are better of using Linux Mint or Kubuntu. (Which is still rough compared to Windows) If you are a gamer, use a device with...

  • subhangadirli reviewed Zorin OS  

    user-friendly and modern

  • subhangadirli thinks User friendly is a important feature of Zorin OS
  • subhangadirli, fabien98, manduhcalderon and berryboiii liked Zorin OS
  • EmilE1337 reviewed Zorin OS  

    Absolute garbage.. Most of the Windows applications I tried to install does not work properly and a lot of the flatpak's was not even able to install. I tried to use this professionally but there are so many bugs.. Most of the people that seems to like it primarily use a browser and any distro can do that.. To the folks reading this that have never used Linux before, you are better of using Linux Mint or Kubuntu. (Which is still rough compared to Windows) If you are a gamer, use a device with...

  • DeeJayLSP liked Zorin OS
  • Astral OS icon
    Alaik added Zorin OS as alternative to Astral OS

Comments and Reviews

   
Comment summary: Zorin OS, praised for its Windows-like interface, is seen as an excellent choice for those transitioning from Windows to Linux. Many users appreciate its ease of use, aesthetic design, and compatibility with Windows apps. However, it has received criticism for bugs, poor support, and less frequent updates. Despite its simplicity for newcomers, some experienced users feel limitations due to its slower release schedule. While its proprietary elements and mixed reviews of its support community are noted, Zorin remains a favorable introductory Linux distro.
Top Positive Comment
robgr11
6

If you use Windows but want to make the switch to Linux, Zorin is definitely the distro to choose.

After trying all the other distros (Ubuntu, elementary, Mint etc.) Zorin has the best desktop interface and, since it looks like Windows, I didn't need to learn anything new to start using it. All I notice is that my computer runs faster than it ever did before, doesn't crash like Windows does, and has loads of cool apps which you can get for free for it. I can even work with all of my Office documents without having to pay M$ for it.

If you're using Windows right now (or even if you aren't), do yourself a favor and get Zorin!

Top Negative Comment
Emil E
1

Absolute garbage.. Most of the Windows applications I tried to install does not work properly and a lot of the flatpak's was not even able to install. I tried to use this professionally but there are so many bugs.. Most of the people that seems to like it primarily use a browser and any distro can do that.. To the folks reading this that have never used Linux before, you are better of using Linux Mint or Kubuntu. (Which is still rough compared to Windows) If you are a gamer, use a device with the official SteamOS and if you are professional use MacOS until KDE Linux is stable enough. (Not to be confused with the KDE Plasma desktop environment)

subhangadirli
0

user-friendly and modern

Overspend7763
-1

Very pretty and easy to use

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

Free, easy to use, has Windows App compatibility

Review by a new / low-activity user.
Bill de Haan
0

Although clearly aimed at new Linux users, it's also usable by experienced Linux users, as well.

Pros:

  • Very well laid out, with intelligent defaults that parallel the Windows approach
  • The default application mix provides pretty much everything the average Windows user would need, out of the box.
  • Simple integration with cloud services like Google and Outlook mail and calendar

Cons:

  • Based on older (but not obsolete) kernel

For new users, Zorin is the simplest out of box experience I've found. Quite a number of Windows 10 users who cannot (or will not) update their PCs to Windows 11 have switched to Zorin 16 (and now 17) first as dual boot, and then full time within a month, and been able to do everything they did in Windows 10 without problem.

For experienced Linux users, Zorin's slow release schedule means that it's usually a baseline behind Debian, Ubuntu, Mint, and others, so you don't get the latest features in those distros. That can be a serious limitation for people that like to tinker with their OS, but for "set it and forget it" types, it's not an issue.

I find that it's a great distro to introduce Windows users to Linux. Some will outgrow it, and move to Mint, or Debian, or even Arch, but for those who just use their PC for email, YouTube videos, Netflix, office documents and the like, Zorin is a faster and more secure OS that will run on the PCs where Windows 11 will not.

Victor Bennie
3

Zorin OS is better than linux mint. Zorin OS has better looks, it's more polished and intuitive. Also unlike Linux Mint which seems stagnant Zorin OS has vibrant development. You can see an improvement after an improvement with each update released. I see no reason to use linux mint really if we have Zorin. Can't see one advantage of linux mint over zorin.

7 of 21 comments

Featured in Lists

## THIS LIST HAS BEEN DELETED DUE TO A BUG, SO IT MISSES SOME HONORABLE MENTIONS ! I've been using Linux for a …

List by Darlene Sonalder with 88 apps, updated

This guide is designed for anyone looking to take greater control of their digital life by choosing open-source …

List by EUFOSS9132 with 61 apps, updated

Also check out: - Email Clients: …

List by Korbs with 40 apps, updated

What is Zorin OS?

Zorin OS is a multi-functional operating system designed specifically for Windows users who want to have easy and smooth access to Linux. It is based on Ubuntu which is the most popular Linux operating system in the world.

Zorin OS features the unique Zorin Appearance app, which allows you to change the desktop to resemble the environment you're familiar with, whether it's Windows, macOS or Linux. Other unique programs include Zorin Web Browser Manager and Zorin Background Plus.

Zorin OS gives users more flexibility. It allows you to use Zorin OS alongside your current operating system and run Microsoft Windows programs in Zorin OS with the help of WINE and PlayOnLinux.

Out-of-the-box software: Zorin OS is packed with all the software you'll ever need out of the box. From office software to video editors, it's got it all.

Zorin OS Videos

Official Links

Page may contain affiliate links. Affiliate links never affect ranking.

Zorin OS information

  • Developed by

    IE flagZorin Group
  • Licensing

    Open Source and Freemium product.
  • Pricing

    One time purchase (perpetual license) that costs $48 + free version with limited functionality.
  • Rating

    Average rating of 3.7 (16 ratings)
  • Alternatives

    184 alternatives listed
  • News

    10 news article related to Zorin OS
  • Supported Languages

    • English

AlternativeTo Categories

OS & UtilitiesSystem & HardwareGaming Software

Popular alternatives

View all

Our users have written 21 comments and reviews about Zorin OS, and it has gotten 135 likes

Zorin OS was added to AlternativeTo by atjnjk on and this page was last updated . Zorin OS is sometimes referred to as Zorin, ZorinOS