The Best Linux Mint AlternativesTop Linux Distros & Operating Systems like Linux Mint

Linux Mint is described as 'Desktop-focused Linux system offering custom menus, multimedia codecs, browser plugins, native DVD playback, and integrated software manager with user-friendly tools' and is a leading Linux Distro in the os & utilities category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Linux Mint for a variety of platforms, including Linux, Self-Hosted, Windows, BSD and Mac apps. The best Linux Mint alternative is Debian, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Linux Mint are Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch Linux and Manjaro Linux.

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Alternatives list

  1. Debian icon

    Debian

     1155 likes
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    The Debian Project is an association of individuals who have made common cause to create a free operating system. This operating system that we have created is called Debian.

    199 Debian alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    Debian 9 gnome.
     
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    5
    35
    Comments about Debian as an Alternative to Linux Mint
    Top Positive Comment
    John Fastman
    8

    Mint and other Ubuntu-based Linuxes are actually all based themselves on Debian "under-the-hood". So Debian is compatible with these and so might be a good alternative for that reason (e.g. uses .deb files to install software). However, Debian is less user-friendly and, in my experience, can be a headache to install. On the plus side, it's rock solid stable and therefore a good choice for servers as long as you keep it up to date for security purposes.

    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    9

    Debian doesn't have a GUI for managing properietary drivers and doesn't allow users to install them easily due to its philosophy. That's a thing that lot of users forget or even don't tell you about Debian.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Open Sourced
    Positive
    0

    Debian's stability, independence and software compratibility are well established. Ubuntu (and its derivatives) and LinuxMint, to name but the best-known, are based on Debian, precisely because of its stability and trustworthiness. It's important to remember that Debian is offered with several different installation media, including the Calamares installer.

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    3 of 5 comments
    Linux Mint Icon
    Debian icon

    • Most users think Debian is a great Linux Mint alternative.

    • Debian is the most popular Windows, Linux & Self-Hosted alternative to Linux Mint.

    • Debian is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Linux Mint.

    • Debian is Free and Open SourceLinux Mint is also Free and Open Source
  2. Ubuntu icon

    Ubuntu

     2364 likes
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    Ubuntu is a community developed, Linux-based operating system that is perfect for laptops, desktops and servers. It contains all the applications you need - a web browser, presentation, document and spreadsheet software, instant messaging and much more.

    165 Ubuntu alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Ubuntu
    Ubuntu 24.04 with Gnome 46
     
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    44
    Comments about Ubuntu as an Alternative to Linux Mint
    John Fastman
    Negative
    17

    As of 2018, Ubuntu's installer will collect data about user devices. This has caused outrage amongst Linux users. Firstly, it's opt-out, rather than opt-in. Secondly, it shouldn't even be there. Thirdly, Canonical (Ubuntu's creators) have a very poor record on privacy, including harvesting local searches to drive Amazon sales and hostility to critics or their privacy practices. Try Linux Mint or Manjaro instead.

    AegisCZ
    Negative
    21

    Ubuntu is less inituitive and takes up more resources

    Felippe HD
    Positive
    -12

    Ubuntu is more stable and more up-to-date than Mint. Without Ubuntu, there's no Mint. But I like both.

    Linux Mint Icon
    Ubuntu icon

    • Most users think Ubuntu is a great Linux Mint alternative.

    • Ubuntu is Free and Open SourceLinux Mint is also Free and Open Source
  4. Fedora icon

    Fedora

     590 likes
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    Fedora creates an innovative, free, and open source platform for hardware, clouds, and containers that enables software developers and community members to build tailored solutions for their users.

    184 Fedora alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Fedora 38
     
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    1
    12
    Comments about Fedora as an Alternative to Linux Mint
    Guest
    Positive
    1

    It supports the latest technologies, and has great driver support built in for recent hardware. It works right after install, and it's easy to use and maintain. Without a doubt, my favourite!

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Linux Mint Icon
    Fedora icon

    • Most users think Fedora is a great Linux Mint alternative.

    • Fedora is Free and Open SourceLinux Mint is also Free and Open Source
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    Zorin OS icon
    Zorin OS

    Linux-based OS designed for familiar user experience, mimicking Windows or macOS, supports dual-boot, runs Windows apps via WINE, pre-installed essential software, customizable desktop layouts, broad hardware compatibility, and p...

    https://zorin.com
    Learn More
  6. Arch Linux icon

    Arch Linux

     779 likes
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    Arch Linux is an independently developed, x86_64 optimized GNU/Linux distribution targeted at competent Linux users. It uses pacman, its home-grown package manager, to provide updates to the latest software applications with full dependency tracking.

    199 Arch Linux alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    arch with KDE 4.4 desktop
     
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    2
    16
    Comments about Arch Linux as an Alternative to Linux Mint
    John Fastman
    Negative
    5

    Arch linux is a difficult to get into distro for beginners or even average users because it requires a detailed knowledge of how you want the system setup and to be able to do this from the command line prompt. However, for those wanting an Arch-based distro that is even more user friendly than Mint, try Manjaro: comes in many different flavours, works "out-of-the-box" all times I've tried it, has faster responses to security vulnerabilities and has great community support.

    AegisCZ
    Negative
    1

    Natively doesn't support some wireless drivers

    Linux Mint Icon
    Arch Linux icon

    • Most users think Arch Linux is a great Linux Mint alternative.

    • Arch Linux is Free and Open SourceLinux Mint is also Free and Open Source
    • Arch Linux is MinimalisticLinux Mint is not according to our users
  7. Manjaro Linux icon

    Manjaro Linux

     330 likes
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    Manjaro is a user-friendly Linux distribution based on the independently developed Arch operating system. Within the Linux community, Arch itself is renowned for being an exceptionally fast, powerful, and lightweight distribution that provides access to the very latest cutting...

    179 Manjaro Linux alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Arch Linux
    Manjaro 19.0 Kyria (Xfce)
     
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    3
    21
    Comments about Manjaro Linux as an Alternative to Linux Mint
    NikWillOrStuff
    Positive
    2

    Manjaro (especially the KDE edition) has a fairly similar overall interface and feature set, plus it's based on Arch! It's also the first linux distro I've tried and didn't run into issues or missing features :)

    Guest
    Positive
    4

    Its a different repo base but the UI looks like the one from Linux Mint

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    Cant really say. Linux mint is getting slower and slower. Manjaro is an option, if Manjaro has a 32 bit version that is.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Linux Mint Icon
    Manjaro Linux icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Manjaro Linux is a great Linux Mint alternative.

    • Manjaro Linux is Free and Open SourceLinux Mint is also Free and Open Source
    • Manjaro Linux is Security-focusedLinux Mint is not according to our users
  8. elementary OS icon

    elementary OS

     351 likes
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    elementary OS is a free, fast and aesthetically pleasing operating system based on Ubuntu .

    199 elementary OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Boot Screen
     
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    2
    15
    Comments about elementary OS as an Alternative to Linux Mint
    John Fastman
    Positive
    4

    For a long time Linux Mint has been considered ideal for beginners because 1) it's 100% Ubuntu-compatible (and therefore enjoys large community support and compatibility with many apps) and because it's "user-friendly"-focused. Elementary achieves all the same goals using an even more user friendly user interface. Mint servers were also hacked in early 2016, so take from that what you will.

    Guest
    Positive
    1

    If you're used to Mac OS style, you'll be pleased when using Elementay OS since it ressembles Apple system. Its desktop environment is known as Pantheon and it's based on Ubuntu.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Linux Mint Icon
    elementary OS icon

    • Almost everyone thinks elementary OS is a great Linux Mint alternative.

    • elementary OS is Free and Open SourceLinux Mint is also Free and Open Source
  10. openSUSE icon

    openSUSE

     339 likes
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    openSUSE is a free and Linux-based operating system for your PC, Laptop or Server.

    192 openSUSE alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    GNOME desktop in openSUSE Leap 15.2.
     
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    2
    15
    Comments about openSUSE as an Alternative to Linux Mint
    valerie
    Negative
    1

    opensuse was designed for enterprise use, and it's not much good outside of enterprise use. iirc most drivers are hit-or-miss, and the UI is clunky and unintuitive.

    its okay (i suppose) for enterprise use, but against mint -- which you're probably using for daily use -- its a terrible option

    Guest
    Negative
    0

    It has many bugs and software problems

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Linux Mint Icon
    openSUSE icon

    • Most users think openSUSE is a great Linux Mint alternative.

    • openSUSE is Free and Open SourceLinux Mint is also Free and Open Source
  11. Zorin OS icon

    Zorin OS

     132 likes
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    Linux-based OS designed for familiar user experience, mimicking Windows or macOS, supports dual-boot, runs Windows apps via WINE, pre-installed essential software, customizable desktop layouts, broad hardware compatibility, and privacy-focused updates.

    186 Zorin OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Pay once)
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Windows 10 layout
     
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    1
    12
    Comments about Zorin OS as an Alternative to Linux Mint
    Victor Bennie
    Positive
    2

    Zorin OS has better looks, it's more polished and intuitive. Also Zorin OS has vibrant development team behind it.

    Linux Mint Icon
    Zorin OS icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Zorin OS is a great Linux Mint alternative.

    • Zorin OS is Freemium and Open SourceLinux Mint is Free and Open Source
  12. Kubuntu icon

    Kubuntu

     280 likes
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    Kubuntu is an official "flavor" of Ubuntu that uses the KDE Plasma desktop environment. This gives it a completely different look and feel.

    203 Kubuntu alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Kubuntu 19.10 "Eoan Ermine"
     
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    1
    7
    Comments about Kubuntu as an Alternative to Linux Mint
    John Fastman
    Positive
    2

    Kubuntu = Ubuntu - the Gnome desktop + the KDE Plasma desktop. It's Ubuntu with a different face. Which desktop you like is a matter of preference. There is also KDE Neon, which is like Kubuntu but you get the very latest KDE Plasma updates as soon as they're out.

    Linux Mint Icon
    Kubuntu icon

    • Most users think Kubuntu is a great Linux Mint alternative.

    • Kubuntu is Free and Open SourceLinux Mint is also Free and Open Source
  13. Pop!_OS icon

    Pop!_OS

     94 likes
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    Pop!_OS is an operating system for STEM and creative professionals who use their computer as a tool to discover and create. Unleash your potential on secure, reliable open source software. Based on your exceptional curiosity, we sense you have a lot of it.

    175 Pop!_OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Pop!_OS screenshot 1
     
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    6
  14. CachyOS icon

    CachyOS

     33 likes
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    CachyOS is designed to deliver lightning-fast speeds and stability, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable computing experience every time you use it. Whether you're a seasoned Linux user or just starting out, CachyOS is the ideal choice for those looking for a powerful...

    70 CachyOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    CachyOS screenshot 1
     
  15. FreeBSD icon

    FreeBSD

     266 likes
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    FreeBSD is an operating system used to power modern servers, desktops, and embedded platforms. A large community has continually developed it for more than thirty years. Its advanced networking, security, and storage features have made FreeBSD the platform of choice for many of...

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    FreeBSD screenshot 1
     
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    1
    Comments about FreeBSD as an Alternative to Linux Mint
    John Fastman
    Negative
    3

    FreeBSD is unlikely to be a good replacement for Linux Mint because, 1) it's not a type of Linux but of BSD, which is a very distant relative; 2) it is not as user-friendly or beginner-friendly; 3) is likely to have a much narrower range of software and drivers available for the average user to keep happy. However, FreeBSD is likely to be more secure than Mint and other Ubuntu-derived Linux OSes.

    Linux Mint Icon
    FreeBSD icon

    • Some users think FreeBSD is a great Linux Mint alternative, some don't.

    • FreeBSD is Free and Open SourceLinux Mint is also Free and Open Source
12 of 184 Linux Mint alternatives