distro.watch

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Linux distro map

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Ubuntu43%Linux Mint10.0%Zorin OSPop!_OS0.9%Kubuntu0.9%elementary OSDebian12%Kali7.5%MXArch7.1%CachyOS5.2%SteamOS2.8%OmarchyManjaro1.3%EndeavourOSGarudaBazzite2.5%Nobara ProjectNixOSTumbleweed
Rank change since our Oct 31, 2026 update% = share of Google searches on this map · ▲▼ = places moved · line = search trendTile size = % share of searches · 7 days

Independent · Updated · 59 distros tracked

Linux distro rankings

The most popular Linux distros right now. Data: Google Trends · Wikipedia

Best of 2026Full rankings

All tracked distributions · last 30 days · change since our Oct 31, 2026 update

Most searched on Google · top 20How it’s scored

The % is each distro’s share of all Google searches for these 20, worldwide, in the period. They are ordered by it.

  1. 1UbuntuBroad support, from your laptop to your server.BeginnerStableGNOME
    43%of searches
    Why #1?
    • Google Trends search interest: 100/100 of the top distro (30 days average)
    • Editor’s assessment: 100/100
    • 34.6K Wikipedia reads in 30 days
  2. 2DebianA dependable foundation that takes its time.IntermediateStableGNOME
    12%of searches
    Why #2?
    • Google Trends search interest: 27/100 of the top distro (30 days average)
    • 25.7K Wikipedia reads in 30 days
    • Debian 13.7 released Sep 12, 2026
  3. 3Linux MintA familiar desktop. A comfortable place to start.BeginnerStableCinnamon
    10%of searches
    Why #3?
    • Google Trends search interest: 24/100 of the top distro (30 days average)
    • Editor’s assessment: 99/100
    • 21.9K Wikipedia reads in 30 days
  1. 4Arch LinuxBuild the system you want. Keep learning.Advanced · Rolling · Your choiceAdvancedRollingYour choice7.3%of searches
  2. 5Kali LinuxA toolkit for penetration testing and security research.Advanced · Rolling · XfceAdvancedRollingXfce7.2%of searches
  3. 6CachyOSAn Arch-based system tuned for speed.Intermediate · Rolling · KDE PlasmaIntermediateRollingKDE Plasma4.9%of searches
  4. 7SteamOSValve’s console-style Linux for handheld gaming.Beginner · Atomic · KDE PlasmaBeginnerAtomicKDE Plasma3.0%of searches
  5. 8BazziteA gaming-focused desktop built on Fedora Atomic.Beginner · Atomic · KDE PlasmaBeginnerAtomicKDE Plasma2.5%of searches1
  6. 9OmarchyAn opinionated, keyboard-driven Arch setup for developers.Intermediate · Rolling · HyprlandIntermediateRollingHyprland2.3%of searches1
  7. 10Zorin OSA gentle switch from the desktop you know.Beginner · Stable · GNOMEBeginnerStableGNOME1.7%of searches
See all 51 ranked distros
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Best Linux distros for…

All 59 distros
BeginnersUbuntu, Linux Mint, SteamOSGamingArch Linux, CachyOS, SteamOSOld laptopsDebian, Linux Mint, Arch LinuxDevelopersUbuntu, Debian, Linux MintServersUbuntu, Debian, NixOSPrivacyKali Linux, Tails, Qubes OSImmutableSteamOS, Bazzite, NixOSLike WindowsLinux Mint, Zorin OS, Kubuntu
By familyDebian-basedUbuntu-basedArch-basedFedora-basedRHEL-basedIndependent-based
By desktopGNOMEKDE PlasmaXfceCinnamonMATELXQtCOSMICHyprlandniri
NOT SURE WHERE TO START?

Popular isn’t the same as right for you.

Five questions about your hardware, experience, and habits. Three recommendations with reasons and honest tradeoffs.

YOUR NEXT DISTRO STARTS HERE01 / 05

What will you use it for?

A few questions. A better fit.Find my distro
GUIDES

Choose with confidence

All guides
GETTING STARTED

How to choose your first Linux distro (without regrets)

Pick your first Linux distro in five steps: check your apps, choose stable or rolling, test your hardware from a live USB, then try a shortlist.

9 min read EXPLAINED

Atomic vs traditional Linux: what changes, what doesn’t

Atomic (immutable) Linux updates the whole OS as one image you can roll back. How updates, apps, and rollbacks differ from a traditional distro.

9 min read HARDWARE

Will Linux work on your laptop? Check these 7 things

A 7-point checklist to test Linux on your laptop before installing: Wi-Fi, graphics, audio, webcam, sleep, battery, and fingerprint or other extras.

9 min read

Frequently asked questions

What is the best Linux distro?

There is no single best distribution. Linux Mint and Ubuntu are the most common recommendations for newcomers, Fedora for developers who want current software, Bazzite and CachyOS for gaming, and Debian for stability. Use the rankings to see what is popular and the finder to see what fits you.

How many Linux distributions are there?

Hundreds, but most are derived from a handful of families: Debian and Ubuntu, Arch, Fedora and Red Hat, openSUSE, and independent projects such as Gentoo, Void, Alpine, and NixOS. distro.watch tracks the actively maintained distributions people most often consider.

Which Linux distro is most like Windows?

Linux Mint (Cinnamon), Zorin OS, and Kubuntu have a taskbar, start menu, and system tray similar to Windows, which makes the switch easier.

Is Linux free?

Almost every distribution is free to download and use. A few offer paid editions or support subscriptions, such as Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Zorin OS Pro.

Rankings use Google Trends, Wikipedia pageviews and an editor’s assessment; versions and support dates come from endoflife.date. Methodology