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Independent Linux distribution rankings, comparisons, release and end-of-life tracking. Every number links to its source.

Not affiliated with DistroWatch.com or any listed project.

Top distros

Ubuntu Linux Mint Debian CachyOS SteamOS Bazzite Zorin OS Arch Linux NixOS Kali Linux Full rankings →

Best Linux for…

Beginners Gaming Old laptops Developers Servers Privacy Immutable Like Windows Like macOS Rolling Best distros of 2026 →

Comparisons

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu Fedora Workstation vs Ubuntu Arch Linux vs CachyOS Bazzite vs SteamOS Linux Mint vs Zorin OS Pop!_OS vs Ubuntu Debian vs Ubuntu EndeavourOS vs Manjaro AlmaLinux vs Rocky Linux Fedora Silverblue vs NixOS

Resources

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List of Linux distributions

All 58 distributions we track, sorted by current popularity. Filter by use case, search by base or desktop, and select up to three to compare.

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RankDistributionBased onDesktopModelCompare

#1

UbuntuBroad support, from your laptop to your server.DebianGNOMEStable

#2

Linux MintA familiar desktop. A comfortable place to start.Ubuntu LTSCinnamon +Stable

#3

DebianA dependable foundation that takes its time.IndependentGNOME +Stable

#4CaCachyOSAn Arch-based system tuned for speed.Arch LinuxKDE Plasma +Rolling

#5

SteamOSValve’s console-style Linux for handheld gaming.Arch LinuxGaming Mode + KDE PlasmaAtomic

#6

BazziteA gaming-focused desktop built on Fedora Atomic.Fedora AtomicKDE Plasma, GNOMEAtomic

#7

Zorin OSA gentle switch from the desktop you know.Ubuntu LTSGNOME-based (Xfce in Lite)Stable

#8

Arch LinuxBuild the system you want. Keep learning.IndependentYour choiceRolling

#9

NixOSYour whole system, described in configuration.IndependentGNOME, KDE Plasma, moreStable

#10

Kali LinuxA toolkit for penetration testing and security research.Debian TestingXfce +Rolling

#11OmOmarchyAn opinionated, keyboard-driven Arch setup for developers.Arch LinuxHyprlandRolling

#12

ManjaroArch packages with a slower, tested rollout.Arch LinuxKDE Plasma +Rolling

#13PoPop!_OSA developer-friendly desktop with built-in tiling.Ubuntu LTSCOSMICStable

#14

KubuntuUbuntu with the KDE Plasma desktop.UbuntuKDE PlasmaStable

#15

openSUSE TumbleweedRolling releases with tested snapshots.openSUSEKDE Plasma +Rolling

#16

MX LinuxDebian Stable with a toolbox of helpful utilities.Debian StableXfce +Stable

#17

EndeavourOSAn approachable installer for an Arch-based system.Arch LinuxKDE Plasma +Rolling

#18

elementary OSA calm, consistent desktop with a design focus.Ubuntu LTSPantheonStable

#19

Garuda LinuxA striking Arch-based desktop with snapshots.Arch LinuxKDE Plasma (Dr460nized +Rolling

#20NoNobara ProjectFedora, pre-tuned for gaming and streaming.FedoraKDE Plasma, GNOMEStable

#21

Fedora WorkstationA fresh GNOME desktop for curious minds.Independent (Red Hat sponsored)GNOMEStable

#22

Gentoo LinuxCompile and tune every part of the system.IndependentYour choiceRolling

#23

Red Hat Enterprise LinuxCommercially supported enterprise Linux.Independent (Fedora-derived)GNOME (optional)Stable

#24

SlackwareThe oldest maintained distribution, simple by design.IndependentKDE Plasma, XfceStable

#25

TailsA portable live system built around privacy.DebianGNOMEStable

#26

Alpine LinuxSmall, simple, security-minded, and container-friendly.IndependentNone by default (Xfce +Stable

#27

Raspberry Pi OSThe official system for Raspberry Pi boards.Debian StableRaspberry Pi DesktopStable

#28

Fedora Asahi RemixLinux on Apple Silicon Macs.FedoraKDE Plasma, GNOMEStable

#29

Artix LinuxArch Linux without systemd.Arch LinuxKDE Plasma +Rolling

#30

Void LinuxAn independent rolling system with runit.IndependentXfce (live image) or your choiceRolling

#31

Qubes OSSecurity through isolation in separate virtual machines.Xen with Fedora and Debian templatesXfceStable

#32

Rocky LinuxAn enterprise Linux built to match RHEL.RHEL-compatibleGNOME (optional)Stable

#33

AlmaLinuxA community enterprise Linux for servers.RHEL-compatibleGNOME (optional)Stable

#34

LubuntuA lightweight Ubuntu flavour with LXQt.UbuntuLXQtStable

#35anantiXFast, systemd-free, and happy on very old PCs.Debian StableIceWM, JWM, Fluxbox, herbstluftwmStable

#36PuPuppy LinuxTiny, runs from RAM, and boots almost anywhere.Varies (Ubuntu, Debian or Slackware packages)JWM and other window managersStable

#37DeDevuanDebian without systemd, with a choice of init.DebianXfce +Stable

#38

Parrot OSSecurity tools and a privacy-minded home edition.Debian StableKDE PlasmaStable

#39

CentOS StreamThe continuously delivered upstream of RHEL.RHEL upstreamGNOME (optional)Stable

#40

XubuntuUbuntu with the light, steady Xfce desktop.UbuntuXfceStable

#41

deepinA polished desktop environment with its own apps.Independent (formerly Debian-based)Deepin Desktop (DDE)Stable

#42Q4Q4OSA classic desktop on Debian, with a Trinity edition for old PCs.Debian StableKDE Plasma, TrinityStable

#43

SolusAn independent desktop with a curated rolling model.IndependentBudgie +Rolling

#44PCPCLinuxOSA long-running independent rolling desktop.Independent (Mandriva heritage)KDE Plasma +Rolling

#45PePeppermint OSA light Debian-based desktop with minimal defaults.Debian StableXfceStable

#46MaMageiaA community fork of Mandriva with its own control center.Independent (Mandriva fork)KDE Plasma +Stable

#47LiLinux LiteA lightweight Windows-style desktop for newcomers.Ubuntu LTSXfceStable

#48BoBodhi LinuxA minimal Ubuntu base with the elegant Moksha desktop.Ubuntu LTSMokshaStable

#49KaKaOSA lean, independent rolling distro focused on Qt.Independentniri with NoctaliaRolling

#50SpSparkyLinuxDebian stable or testing, with many desktop choices.Debian Stable / TestingLXQt +Stable

#51EnEndless OSAn offline-friendly atomic desktop for learning.DebianGNOME-basedAtomic

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Fedora SilverblueAn atomic GNOME desktop with a way back.FedoraGNOMEAtomic

—RaRakuOSAtomic Fedora that still lets you install native packages.FedoraKDE Plasma +Atomic

—NiNitruxAn immutable, systemd-free desktop built around AppImages.DebianHyprland (Nitrux shell)Atomic

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AnataseOne immutable Fedora image for desktop, handheld, and gaming.FedoraKDE Plasma, Plasma Mobile, GamemodeAtomic

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openSUSE LeapA stable openSUSE for workstations and servers.SUSE Linux EnterpriseKDE Plasma +Stable

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Linux Mint Debian EditionLinux Mint’s desktop on a pure Debian base.Debian StableCinnamonStable

—VaVanilla OSAn immutable GNOME desktop with containers for any package.Debian SidGNOMEAtomic

58 of 58 distributions · RAM figures are practical guidance, not official minimums

Best forBeginners Gaming Old laptops Developers Servers Privacy Immutable Like Windows Like macOS Rolling No systemd 32-bit 2 GB RAM 4 GB RAM

By familyDebian-based Ubuntu-based Arch-based Fedora-based RHEL-based Independent-based

By desktopGNOME KDE Plasma Xfce Cinnamon MATE LXQt COSMIC Hyprland niri