Debian-based Linux distros
Debian’s APT packaging and huge archive are the foundation for more distributions than any other project, directly or through Ubuntu. Knowledge transfers easily between them: .deb packages, apt commands, and most troubleshooting guides work across the family.
- 1
Ubuntu26.04.1
Broad support, from your laptop to your server.
DebianGNOMEStableBeginner4 GB+ RAM
Long-term support release options
#1 overallProfile - 2
Linux Mint22.3
A familiar desktop. A comfortable place to start.
Ubuntu LTSCinnamon, MATE, XfceStableBeginner4 GB+ RAM
Familiar desktop layout with useful defaults
#2 overallProfile - 3
Debian13.7
A dependable foundation that takes its time.
IndependentGNOME, KDE Plasma, Xfce, moreStableIntermediate2 GB+ RAM
Conservative and predictable updates
#3 overallProfile - 4
Zorin OS
A gentle switch from the desktop you know.
Ubuntu LTSGNOME-based (Xfce in Lite)StableBeginner4 GB+ RAM
Familiar desktop layouts
#7 overallProfile - 5
Kali Linux
A toolkit for penetration testing and security research.
Debian TestingXfce, KDE Plasma, GNOMERollingAdvanced4 GB+ RAM
Large, maintained collection of security tools
#10 overallProfile - 6
Pop!_OS24.04
A developer-friendly desktop with built-in tiling.
Ubuntu LTSCOSMICStableBeginner4 GB+ RAM
NVIDIA image with the proprietary driver preinstalled
#13 overallProfile - 7
Kubuntu
Ubuntu with the KDE Plasma desktop.
UbuntuKDE PlasmaStableBeginner4 GB+ RAM
KDE Plasma on a widely supported base
#14 overallProfile - 8
MX Linux25.3
Debian Stable with a toolbox of helpful utilities.
Debian StableXfce, KDE Plasma, FluxboxStableBeginner2 GB+ RAM
MX Tools cover common admin tasks graphically
#16 overallProfile - 9
elementary OS
A calm, consistent desktop with a design focus.
Ubuntu LTSPantheonStableBeginner4 GB+ RAM
Cohesive design across desktop and apps
#18 overallProfile - 10
Tails7.14
A portable live system built around privacy.
DebianGNOMEStableIntermediate4 GB+ RAM
Portable live USB workflow
#25 overallProfile - 11
Raspberry Pi OS
The official system for Raspberry Pi boards.
Debian StableRaspberry Pi DesktopStableBeginner1 GB+ RAM
Best hardware support on Raspberry Pi
#27 overallProfile - 12#34 overallProfile
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antiX
Fast, systemd-free, and happy on very old PCs.
Debian StableIceWM, JWM, Fluxbox, herbstluftwmStableIntermediate1 GB+ RAM
Runs in very little memory
#35 overallProfile - 14
Devuan
Debian without systemd, with a choice of init.
DebianXfce, KDE Plasma, moreStableIntermediate2 GB+ RAM
Choice of init system
#37 overallProfile - 15
Parrot OS
Security tools and a privacy-minded home edition.
Debian StableKDE PlasmaStableIntermediate4 GB+ RAM
Separate Security and Home editions
#38 overallProfile - 16
Xubuntu
Ubuntu with the light, steady Xfce desktop.
UbuntuXfceStableBeginner2 GB+ RAM
Lighter than Ubuntu’s default desktop
#40 overallProfile - 17
Q4OS
A classic desktop on Debian, with a Trinity edition for old PCs.
Debian StableKDE Plasma, TrinityStableBeginner1 GB+ RAM
Trinity edition runs on very old hardware
#42 overallProfile - 18
Peppermint OS
A light Debian-based desktop with minimal defaults.
Debian StableXfceStableBeginner2 GB+ RAM
Lean install with Debian underneath
#45 overallProfile - 19
Linux Lite
A lightweight Windows-style desktop for newcomers.
Ubuntu LTSXfceStableBeginner2 GB+ RAM
Beginner-friendly help manual
#47 overallProfile - 20
Bodhi Linux
A minimal Ubuntu base with the elegant Moksha desktop.
Ubuntu LTSMokshaStableIntermediate2 GB+ RAM
Very light Moksha desktop
#48 overallProfile - 21
SparkyLinux
Debian stable or testing, with many desktop choices.
Debian Stable / TestingLXQt, KDE Plasma, Xfce, MATEStableIntermediate2 GB+ RAM
Stable and semi-rolling lines
#50 overallProfile - 22
Endless OS
An offline-friendly atomic desktop for learning.
DebianGNOME-basedAtomicBeginner4 GB+ RAM
Works well offline
#51 overallProfile - 23
Nitrux
An immutable, systemd-free desktop built around AppImages.
DebianHyprland (Nitrux shell)AtomicAdvanced8 GB+ RAM
Immutable root with whole-system updates and rollback
UnrankedProfile - 24
Linux Mint Debian Editionlmde7
Linux Mint’s desktop on a pure Debian base.
Debian StableCinnamonStableBeginner4 GB+ RAM
Mint tools and Cinnamon on Debian
UnrankedProfile - 25
Vanilla OS
An immutable GNOME desktop with containers for any package.
Debian SidGNOMEAtomicIntermediate4 GB+ RAM
Atomic A/B updates
UnrankedProfile
