Best PCLinuxOS alternatives
Distributions that share PCLinuxOS’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.
- 1PCLinuxOS 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 PCLinuxOS
- Same rolling release model
Key difference: based on Independent.
- 2PCLinuxOS vs Mageia
Mageia#46 in rankings
A community fork of Mandriva with its own control center. Mageia is a community-run continuation of Mandriva Linux.
- Also suited to everyday use
- Independent base like PCLinuxOS
- Same beginner experience level
Key difference: based on Independent (Mandriva fork), stable release model.
- 3PCLinuxOS 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 PCLinuxOS
- Same beginner experience level
Key difference: based on Independent (formerly Debian-based), stable release model.
- 4PCLinuxOS vs KaOS
KaOS#49 in rankings
A lean, independent rolling distro focused on Qt. KaOS is an independent, built-from-scratch rolling distribution for x86_64 only.
- Also suited to everyday use
- Independent base like PCLinuxOS
- Same rolling release model
Key difference: based on Independent.
- 5PCLinuxOS 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 PCLinuxOS
- Offers KDE Plasma
Key difference: based on Independent, stable release model.
- 6PCLinuxOS 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
- Same beginner experience level
- Offers MATE
Key difference: based on Ubuntu LTS, stable release model.
- 7PCLinuxOS vs CachyOS
CachyOS#4 in rankings
An Arch-based system tuned for speed. CachyOS is an Arch-based rolling distribution that focuses on performance.
- Also suited to everyday use
- Same rolling release model
- Offers KDE Plasma
Key difference: based on Arch Linux.
- 8PCLinuxOS vs Manjaro
Manjaro#12 in rankings
Arch packages with a slower, tested rollout. Manjaro builds on Arch Linux packages but holds them in its own branches before they reach the stable channel.
- Also suited to everyday use
- Same rolling release model
- Offers KDE Plasma
Key difference: based on Arch Linux.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to PCLinuxOS?
Solus is the closest match: also suited to everyday use; independent base like pclinuxos. Mageia and deepin are also strong options.
Why switch from PCLinuxOS?
Common reasons are its tradeoffs: 64-bit only; small package team; fewer up-to-date guides. An alternative can keep what you like while avoiding these.