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

#	App	Pricing	Open source	Platforms	Verified facts	Score
1	macOS	Free	No	macOS	4 of 4	40.0

1. macOSTop pick
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)

The best Ubuntu alternative for…

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

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.

Best Ubuntu alternative for a free option

Fedora Linux

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

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.

Best Ubuntu alternative for open source

Debian

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

Best Ubuntu alternative for Mac

macOS

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

Best Ubuntu alternative for Windows

Windows

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

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.