Best Ubuntu alternatives
Distributions that share Ubuntu’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.
- 1Ubuntu 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 development
- Independent base like Ubuntu
- Same stable release model
Key difference: based on Independent.
- 2Ubuntu 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 and development
- Also Ubuntu-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: based on Ubuntu LTS.
- 3Ubuntu 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: based on Ubuntu LTS.
- 4Ubuntu 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.
- 5Ubuntu vs Raspberry Pi OS
Raspberry Pi OS#27 in rankings
The official system for Raspberry Pi boards. Raspberry Pi OS, formerly Raspbian, is the Debian-based system maintained by Raspberry Pi Ltd.
- Also suited to development and servers
- Also Debian-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: based on Debian Stable.
- 6Ubuntu vs openSUSE Leap
openSUSE Leap
A stable openSUSE for workstations and servers. openSUSE Leap is the fixed-release sibling of Tumbleweed, sharing its code base with SUSE Linux Enterprise.
- Also suited to everyday use and development
- Same stable release model
- Offers GNOME
Key difference: based on SUSE Linux Enterprise.
- 7Ubuntu 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
- Also Ubuntu-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: based on Ubuntu LTS.
- 8Ubuntu 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 servers
- Also Debian-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: Xfce, KDE Plasma, more desktop, intermediate level.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Ubuntu?
Debian is the closest match: also suited to everyday use and development; independent base like ubuntu. Linux Mint and Pop!_OS are also strong options.
Why switch from Ubuntu?
Common reasons are its tradeoffs: snap is integrated into the default experience; newer application versions may require alternative sources. An alternative can keep what you like while avoiding these.