Linux Mint alternatives: 6 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave Linux Mint: older kernels and apps can struggle with brand-new hardware, and cinnamon trails GNOME and KDE on Wayland support. We ranked 6 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Linux Mint, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Ubuntu currently ranks first.
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Show all 6 alternativesThe best Linux Mint alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best Linux Mint alternative for most people
UbuntuThe base Mint is built on, with wider vendor support and Canonical's commercial backing.
Best Linux Mint alternative for a free option
Fedora LinuxNewer kernels and desktops for recent hardware, with stock GNOME or KDE.
Best Linux Mint alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
Zorin OSAlso Ubuntu-based and beginner-friendly, but with switchable Windows- and macOS-style layouts and phone sync built in.
Best Linux Mint alternative for open source
DebianThe upstream foundation, with fewer extras but a fully community-run, very stable base.
Best Linux Mint alternative for Mac
macOSThe pick for someone leaving Linux Mint for a polished, commercial desktop on Apple hardware, while keeping a Unix terminal underneath.
Best Linux Mint alternative for Windows
WindowsBack to the broadest app and game support if Linux compatibility gets in the way.
Best Linux Mint alternative for Linux
UbuntuThe base Mint is built on, with wider vendor support and Canonical's commercial backing.
Linux Mint alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to Linux Mint?
Ubuntu ranks first right now. The base Mint is built on, with wider vendor support and Canonical's commercial backing. Fedora Linux and Debian follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to Linux Mint?
Yes. Ubuntu (open source), Fedora Linux (open source), Debian (open source) and Zorin OS (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to Linux Mint?
Yes: Ubuntu, Fedora Linux, Debian and Zorin OS.
Which Linux Mint alternatives work on Linux?
Ubuntu, Fedora Linux, Debian and Zorin OS run on Linux.
Why do people switch from Linux Mint?
The complaints we hear most: older kernels and apps can struggle with brand-new hardware; cinnamon trails GNOME and KDE on Wayland support; small core team compared with Ubuntu or Fedora.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Linux Mint, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.