Best Mageia alternatives
Distributions that share Mageia’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.
- 1Mageia vs deepin
deepin#41 in rankings
A polished desktop environment with its own apps. deepin is developed in China around its own Deepin Desktop Environment, a visually polished interface with integrated control center and applications.
- Also suited to everyday use
- Independent base like Mageia
- Same stable release model
Key difference: based on Independent (formerly Debian-based).
- 2Mageia vs Solus
Solus#43 in rankings
An independent desktop with a curated rolling model. Solus is built from scratch for home desktops rather than servers.
- Also suited to everyday use
- Independent base like Mageia
- Same beginner experience level
Key difference: based on Independent, rolling release model.
- 3Mageia vs PCLinuxOS
PCLinuxOS#44 in rankings
A long-running independent rolling desktop. PCLinuxOS is an independent rolling distribution that grew out of Mandrake and Mandriva.
- Also suited to everyday use
- Independent base like Mageia
- Same beginner experience level
Key difference: based on Independent (Mandriva heritage), rolling release model.
- 4Mageia 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
- Independent base like Mageia
- Same stable release model
Key difference: based on Independent.
- 5Mageia 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
- Same stable release model
- Same beginner experience level
Key difference: based on Ubuntu LTS.
- 6Mageia vs Fedora Workstation
Fedora Workstation#21 in rankings
A fresh GNOME desktop for curious minds. Fedora Workstation combines a polished GNOME desktop with recent Linux technologies.
- Also suited to everyday use
- Independent base like Mageia
- Same stable release model
Key difference: based on Independent (Red Hat sponsored).
- 7Mageia 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
- Same stable release model
- Same beginner experience level
Key difference: based on Debian Stable.
- 8Mageia 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
- Same stable release model
- Same beginner experience level
Key difference: based on Debian.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Mageia?
deepin is the closest match: also suited to everyday use; independent base like mageia. Solus and PCLinuxOS are also strong options.
Why switch from Mageia?
Common reasons are its tradeoffs: release gaps can be long; smaller package selection. An alternative can keep what you like while avoiding these.