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Ubuntu alternatives: 6 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Ubuntu: snap packages are pushed by default and can be slow to start, and GNOME with Canonical's tweaks feels less familiar to Windows users than Mint. We ranked 6 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Ubuntu, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Linux Mint currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Linux Mint logoLinux MintOpen sourceYesLinux4 of 466.5
2Fedora Linux logoFedora LinuxOpen sourceYesLinux5 of 562.6
3Debian logoDebianOpen sourceYesLinux4 of 459.6
4macOS logomacOSFreeNomacOS4 of 440.0
5Windows logoWindowsPaidNoWindows4 of 440.0
6Zorin OS logoZorin OSFree plan + paidYesLinux5 of 540.0
  1. Linux Mint logo

    1. Linux MintTop pick

    Best for: Windows users switching to Linux who want a familiar desktop that works out of the box

    Open sourceLinux

    66.5

    score / 100

    Why switch from Ubuntu

    Built on Ubuntu LTS but with a Windows-like desktop, codecs out of the box and no Snap push.

    Pros

    • Familiar Windows-like desktop with little to relearn
    • Multimedia support and common drivers work out of the box
    • Long support per release and conservative updates
    • Free, with no Snap packages pushed on you

    Cons

    • 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
    Visit Linux Mint Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.3100
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Linux Mint a good Ubuntu alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Price
    Free
    Checked Oct 25, 2026linuxmint.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Based on
    Debian and Ubuntu
    Checked Oct 25, 2026linuxmint.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Editions
    Cinnamon, MATE, Xfce
    Checked Oct 25, 2026linuxmint.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Release base
    Long-term support releases only
    Checked Oct 25, 2026linuxmint.com(opens source in a new tab)
  2. Fedora Linux logo

    2. Fedora Linux

    Best for: Developers and enthusiasts who want current software and an unmodified GNOME or KDE desktop

    Open sourceLinux

    62.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from Ubuntu

    Newer software and stock GNOME or KDE, with Red Hat backing and no Snaps.

    Pros

    • Recent kernels, GNOME and KDE soon after they ship
    • Stock desktops without heavy vendor changes
    • Atomic editions like Silverblue offer a read-only, rollback-friendly system
    • Free and community-run with strong Red Hat backing

    Cons

    • Short support window means upgrading about once a year
    • Proprietary codecs and NVIDIA drivers need extra setup
    • Less third-party software targets Fedora than Ubuntu
    Visit Fedora Linux Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.387
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Fedora Linux a good Ubuntu alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Open source
    Yes
    Checked Oct 25, 2026fedoraproject.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Sponsor
    Red Hat
    Checked Oct 25, 2026fedoraproject.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Workstation desktop
    GNOME
    Checked Oct 25, 2026fedoraproject.org(opens source in a new tab)
    KDE edition
    Yes
    Checked Oct 25, 2026fedoraproject.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Atomic desktop
    Silverblue
    Checked Oct 25, 2026fedoraproject.org(opens source in a new tab)
  3. Debian logo

    3. Debian

    Best for: People who value a stable, community-governed system for servers or long-lived desktops

    Open sourceLinux

    59.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from Ubuntu

    The community distribution Ubuntu is built on, with slower, very stable releases and no corporate agenda.

    Pros

    • Very stable, well-tested releases
    • Huge package archive and no corporate agenda
    • Choice of desktops, or a minimal server install
    • Free and community-governed

    Cons

    • Stable releases ship older apps and kernels
    • Less hand-holding during install than Ubuntu or Mint
    • Major releases come only about every two years
    Visit Debian Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.377
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Debian a good Ubuntu alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Packages
    70,000+
    Checked Oct 25, 2026debian.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Package manager
    APT
    Checked Oct 25, 2026debian.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Free operating system
    Yes
    Checked Oct 25, 2026debian.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Governance
    Volunteer community
    Checked Oct 25, 2026debian.org(opens source in a new tab)
  4. macOS logo

    4. macOS

    Best for: People who own an iPhone and want a polished desktop with little setup or maintenance

    FreemacOS

    40.0

    score / 100

    Why switch from Ubuntu

    Polished desktop with commercial app support, if you are happy to buy Apple hardware.

    Pros

    • Tight integration with iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch
    • Free updates and a capable set of built-in apps
    • Unix base with a real terminal for developers

    Cons

    • Only runs on Apple hardware; current release needs Apple silicon
    • Smaller game library than Windows
    • Limited control over hardware upgrades and repairs
    Visit macOS Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.312
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is macOS a good Ubuntu alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Current version
    macOS 27
    Checked Oct 25, 2026apple.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Hardware
    Macs with Apple silicon
    Checked Oct 25, 2026apple.com(opens source in a new tab)
    AI assistant
    Siri AI with Apple Intelligence
    Checked Oct 25, 2026apple.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Updates
    Via Software Update
    Checked Oct 25, 2026support.apple.com(opens source in a new tab)
  5. Windows logo

    5. Windows

    Best for: PC gamers and anyone needing the widest choice of hardware and desktop software

    PaidWindows

    40.0

    score / 100

    Why switch from Ubuntu

    Widest software and game compatibility, at the cost of a licence and Microsoft account.

    Pros

    • Largest library of desktop apps and PC games
    • Runs on hardware from many manufacturers at every price
    • Pro edition adds BitLocker, Hyper-V and business management

    Cons

    • Strict hardware requirements leave many older PCs out
    • Microsoft account and internet required during Home setup
    • Built-in ads and upsells in the interface
    Visit Windows Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.312
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Windows a good Ubuntu alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Minimum RAM
    4 GB
    Checked Oct 25, 2026microsoft.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Minimum storage
    64 GB
    Checked Oct 25, 2026microsoft.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Microsoft account
    Required during setup (Home)
    Checked Oct 25, 2026microsoft.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Virtualization
    Hyper-V support
    Checked Oct 25, 2026microsoft.com(opens source in a new tab)
  6. Zorin OS logo

    6. Zorin OS

    Best for: Windows or Mac users trying Linux for the first time, or reviving an older PC

    Free plan + paidOpen sourceLinux

    40.0

    score / 100

    Why switch from Ubuntu

    Built on Ubuntu but with Windows- and macOS-style desktop layouts, aimed at people new to Linux.

    Pros

    • Desktop layouts that mimic Windows and macOS lower the learning curve
    • Ubuntu base means wide app and hardware support
    • Zorin Connect phone integration is built in
    • Runs well on older hardware

    Cons

    • Several layouts and bundled apps are reserved for the paid Pro edition
    • Major releases lag behind the Ubuntu LTS they are based on
    • Smaller community than Ubuntu or Linux Mint for troubleshooting
    Visit Zorin OS Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.312
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Zorin OS a good Ubuntu alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Free edition
    Core edition free
    Checked Oct 25, 2026zorin.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Paid edition
    Pro, one-time payment
    Checked Oct 25, 2026zorin.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Based on
    Ubuntu
    Checked Oct 25, 2026zorin.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Support period
    Zorin OS 18 until at least June 2029
    Checked Oct 25, 2026zorin.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Open source
    Yes
    Checked Oct 25, 2026zorin.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best Ubuntu alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Linux Mint logo

Best Ubuntu alternative for most people

Linux Mint

Built on Ubuntu LTS but with a Windows-like desktop, codecs out of the box and no Snap push.

Fedora Linux logo

Best Ubuntu alternative for a free option

Fedora Linux

Newer software and stock GNOME or KDE, with Red Hat backing and no Snaps.

Zorin OS logo

Best Ubuntu alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Zorin OS

Built on Ubuntu but with Windows- and macOS-style desktop layouts, aimed at people new to Linux.

Debian logo

Best Ubuntu alternative for open source

Debian

The community distribution Ubuntu is built on, with slower, very stable releases and no corporate agenda.

macOS logo

Best Ubuntu alternative for Mac

macOS

Polished desktop with commercial app support, if you are happy to buy Apple hardware.

Windows logo

Best Ubuntu alternative for Windows

Windows

Widest software and game compatibility, at the cost of a licence and Microsoft account.

Linux Mint logo

Best Ubuntu alternative for Linux

Linux Mint

Built on Ubuntu LTS but with a Windows-like desktop, codecs out of the box and no Snap push.

Ubuntu alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Ubuntu?

Linux Mint ranks first right now. Built on Ubuntu LTS but with a Windows-like desktop, codecs out of the box and no Snap push. Fedora Linux and Debian follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to Ubuntu?

Yes. Linux Mint (open source), Fedora Linux (open source), Debian (open source) and macOS (free) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Ubuntu?

Yes: Linux Mint, Fedora Linux, Debian and Zorin OS.

Which Ubuntu alternatives work on Linux?

Linux Mint, Fedora Linux, Debian and Zorin OS run on Linux.

Why do people switch from Ubuntu?

The complaints we hear most: snap packages are pushed by default and can be slow to start; GNOME with Canonical's tweaks feels less familiar to Windows users than Mint; interim releases are supported for only nine months.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Ubuntu, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.