Best Devuan alternatives
Distributions that share Devuan’s purpose, family, release model, or desktop, ordered by how closely they match. Each one lists what it has in common and a link to a full side-by-side comparison.
- 1Devuan vs Debian
Debian#3 in rankings
A dependable foundation that takes its time. Debian Stable favors well-tested packages and predictable behavior.
- Also suited to servers and everyday use
- Independent base like Devuan
- Same stable release model
Key difference: based on Independent.
- 2Devuan vs SparkyLinux
SparkyLinux#50 in rankings
Debian stable or testing, with many desktop choices. SparkyLinux offers editions built on Debian Stable and a semi-rolling line based on Debian Testing.
- Also suited to everyday use and older hardware
- Also Debian-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: based on Debian Stable / Testing.
- 3Devuan vs MX Linux
MX Linux#16 in rankings
Debian Stable with a toolbox of helpful utilities. MX Linux is a collaboration between the antiX and former MEPIS communities.
- Also suited to everyday use and older hardware
- Also Debian-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: based on Debian Stable.
- 4Devuan vs Peppermint OS
Peppermint OS#45 in rankings
A light Debian-based desktop with minimal defaults. Peppermint OS is a lightweight distribution built on Debian, with a Devuan variant for those avoiding systemd.
- Also suited to everyday use and older hardware
- Also Debian-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: based on Debian Stable.
- 5Devuan vs Q4OS
Q4OS#42 in rankings
A classic desktop on Debian, with a Trinity edition for old PCs. Q4OS is a Debian Stable-based desktop with two editions: KDE Plasma for current hardware and Trinity, a continuation of the KDE 3 desktop, for older machines.
- Also suited to everyday use and older hardware
- Also Debian-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: based on Debian Stable.
- 6Devuan vs openSUSE Leap
openSUSE Leap
A stable openSUSE for workstations and servers. openSUSE Leap is the fixed-release sibling of Tumbleweed, sharing its code base with SUSE Linux Enterprise.
- Also suited to servers and everyday use
- Same stable release model
- Same intermediate experience level
Key difference: based on SUSE Linux Enterprise.
- 7Devuan vs Linux Mint Debian Edition
Linux Mint Debian Edition
Linux Mint’s desktop on a pure Debian base. LMDE delivers the Linux Mint Cinnamon experience on Debian Stable rather than Ubuntu.
- Also suited to everyday use and older hardware
- Also Debian-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: based on Debian Stable.
- 8Devuan vs Ubuntu
Ubuntu#1 in rankings
Broad support, from your laptop to your server. Ubuntu provides a widely documented desktop and server platform.
- Also suited to servers and everyday use
- Also Debian-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: GNOME desktop, beginner level.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Devuan?
Debian is the closest match: also suited to servers and everyday use; independent base like devuan. SparkyLinux and MX Linux are also strong options.
Why switch from Devuan?
Common reasons are its tradeoffs: some software expects systemd; releases arrive after debian’s. An alternative can keep what you like while avoiding these.