Best Endless OS alternatives
Distributions that share Endless 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.
- 1Endless OS vs Vanilla OS
Vanilla OS
An immutable GNOME desktop with containers for any package. Vanilla OS is an image-based distribution with an unmodified GNOME desktop.
- Also suited to everyday use and immutable systems
- Also Debian-based
- Same atomic release model
Key difference: based on Debian Sid.
- 2Endless OS vs Bazzite
Bazzite#6 in rankings
A gaming-focused desktop built on Fedora Atomic. Bazzite provides Fedora Atomic-based images with a focus on gaming PCs and handhelds.
- Also suited to everyday use and immutable systems
- Same atomic release model
- Same beginner experience level
Key difference: based on Fedora Atomic.
- 3Endless 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 beginner experience level
Key difference: GNOME desktop, beginner level.
- 4Endless OS vs Fedora Silverblue
Fedora Silverblue
An atomic GNOME desktop with a way back. Fedora Silverblue delivers its base operating system through atomic updates.
- Also suited to everyday use and immutable systems
- Same atomic release model
- Offers GNOME
Key difference: based on Fedora.
- 5Endless OS vs RakuOS
RakuOS
Atomic Fedora that still lets you install native packages. RakuOS is a Fedora-based atomic distribution.
- Also suited to everyday use and immutable systems
- Same atomic release model
- Offers GNOME
Key difference: based on Fedora.
- 6Endless OS 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
- Also Debian-based
- Same beginner experience level
Key difference: based on Debian Stable, stable release model.
- 7Endless OS 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
- Also Debian-based
- Same beginner experience level
Key difference: based on Debian Stable, stable release model.
- 8Endless OS 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
- Also Debian-based
- Same beginner experience level
Key difference: based on Debian Stable, stable release model.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Endless OS?
Vanilla OS is the closest match: also suited to everyday use and immutable systems; also debian-based. Bazzite and Ubuntu are also strong options.
Why switch from Endless OS?
Common reasons are its tradeoffs: limited traditional package installation; aimed at learners more than power users. An alternative can keep what you like while avoiding these.