Best MX Linux alternatives
Distributions that share MX Linux’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.
- 1MX Linux 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: Xfce desktop, beginner level.
- 2MX Linux 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: KDE Plasma, Trinity desktop, beginner level.
- 3MX Linux 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
- Independent base like MX Linux
- Same stable release model
Key difference: based on Independent.
- 4MX Linux vs Devuan
Devuan#37 in rankings
Debian without systemd, with a choice of init. Devuan is a fork of Debian that removes the dependency on systemd and lets you choose sysVinit, OpenRC, or runit.
- Also suited to everyday use and older hardware
- Also Debian-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: based on Debian.
- 5MX Linux 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.
- 6MX Linux 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: Cinnamon desktop, beginner level.
- 7MX Linux 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
- Same stable release model
- Same beginner experience level
Key difference: based on Ubuntu.
- 8MX Linux 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
- Same stable release model
- Same beginner experience level
Key difference: based on Ubuntu LTS.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to MX Linux?
Peppermint OS is the closest match: also suited to everyday use and older hardware; also debian-based. Q4OS and Debian are also strong options.
Why switch from MX Linux?
Common reasons are its tradeoffs: debian stable base means older package versions; non-default init can confuse guides written for systemd. An alternative can keep what you like while avoiding these.