Best Zorin OS alternatives
Distributions that share Zorin OS’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.
- 1Zorin OS 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 older hardware
- Also Ubuntu-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: Cinnamon, MATE, Xfce desktop, beginner level.
- 2Zorin OS 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.
- 3Zorin OS 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.
- 4Zorin OS 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.
- 5Zorin OS 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
- Also Debian-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: based on Debian.
- 6Zorin OS 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 and older hardware
- Same stable release model
- Same beginner experience level
Key difference: based on Debian Stable.
- 7Zorin OS 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
- Same stable release model
- Same beginner experience level
Key difference: based on Debian Stable.
- 8Zorin OS vs Bodhi Linux
Bodhi Linux#48 in rankings
A minimal Ubuntu base with the elegant Moksha desktop. Bodhi Linux ships a minimal selection of applications on an Ubuntu LTS base and uses Moksha, a continuation of the Enlightenment 17 desktop.
- Also suited to everyday use and older hardware
- Also Ubuntu-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: Moksha desktop, intermediate level.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Zorin OS?
Linux Mint 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 Zorin OS?
Common reasons are its tradeoffs: some layouts and bundles require a paid edition; the base software can be older than rolling alternatives. An alternative can keep what you like while avoiding these.