Best elementary OS alternatives
Distributions that share elementary OS’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.
- 1elementary OS 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 everyday use
- Also Debian-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: based on Debian.
- 2elementary OS vs Linux Mint
Linux Mint#2 in rankings
A familiar desktop. A comfortable place to start. Linux Mint puts a traditional desktop, graphical update tools, and a straightforward software manager at the center of the experience.
- Also suited to everyday use
- Also Ubuntu-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: Cinnamon, MATE, Xfce desktop, beginner level.
- 3elementary OS vs Zorin OS
Zorin OS#7 in rankings
A gentle switch from the desktop you know. Zorin OS adapts an Ubuntu-based desktop for people switching from other operating systems.
- Also suited to everyday use
- Also Ubuntu-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: GNOME-based (Xfce in Lite) desktop, beginner level.
- 4elementary OS vs Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS#13 in rankings
A developer-friendly desktop with built-in tiling. Pop!_OS is System76’s Ubuntu-based distribution.
- Also suited to everyday use
- Also Ubuntu-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: COSMIC desktop, beginner level.
- 5elementary OS vs Kubuntu
Kubuntu#14 in rankings
Ubuntu with the KDE Plasma desktop. Kubuntu is an official Ubuntu flavour that replaces GNOME with KDE Plasma.
- Also suited to everyday use
- Also Ubuntu-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: based on Ubuntu.
- 6elementary OS vs Lubuntu
Lubuntu#34 in rankings
A lightweight Ubuntu flavour with LXQt. Lubuntu is the official Ubuntu flavour using the LXQt desktop.
- Also suited to everyday use
- Also Ubuntu-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: based on Ubuntu.
- 7elementary OS vs Xubuntu
Xubuntu#40 in rankings
Ubuntu with the light, steady Xfce desktop. Xubuntu is the official Ubuntu flavour with the Xfce desktop.
- Also suited to everyday use
- Also Ubuntu-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: based on Ubuntu.
- 8elementary OS vs Linux Lite
Linux Lite#47 in rankings
A lightweight Windows-style desktop for newcomers. Linux Lite pairs an Ubuntu LTS base with a customized Xfce desktop and its own Lite tools for updates, tweaks, and help.
- Also suited to everyday use
- Also Ubuntu-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: Xfce desktop, beginner level.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to elementary OS?
Ubuntu is the closest match: also suited to everyday use; also debian-based. Linux Mint and Zorin OS are also strong options.
Why switch from elementary OS?
Common reasons are its tradeoffs: fewer customization options than kde or xfce; major releases arrive some time after the ubuntu lts they build on. An alternative can keep what you like while avoiding these.