Best Linux Mint alternatives
Distributions that share Linux Mint’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.
- 1Linux Mint 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 and older hardware
- Also Ubuntu-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: GNOME-based (Xfce in Lite) desktop, beginner level.
- 2Linux Mint 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 and older hardware
- Also Ubuntu-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: based on Ubuntu.
- 3Linux Mint 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 and older hardware
- Also Ubuntu-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: Xfce desktop, beginner level.
- 4Linux Mint 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 and development
- Also Debian-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: based on Debian.
- 5Linux Mint 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 and development
- Also Ubuntu-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: COSMIC desktop, beginner level.
- 6Linux Mint 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 and development
- Also Ubuntu-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: based on Ubuntu.
- 7Linux Mint 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 everyday use and older hardware
- Same stable release model
- Offers Cinnamon
Key difference: based on Independent.
- 8Linux Mint 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 and older hardware
- Also Ubuntu-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: based on Ubuntu.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Linux Mint?
Zorin OS is the closest match: also suited to everyday use and older hardware; also ubuntu-based. Xubuntu and Linux Lite are also strong options.
Why switch from Linux Mint?
Common reasons are its tradeoffs: packages can be older than on rolling distributions; the newest hardware may need a newer kernel. An alternative can keep what you like while avoiding these.