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	Windows	Paid	No	Windows	4 of 4	40.0

1. WindowsTop pick
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)

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.