Zorin OS alternatives: 4 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Zorin OS: several layouts and bundled apps are reserved for the paid Pro edition, and major releases lag behind the Ubuntu LTS they are based on. We ranked 4 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Zorin OS, 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	57.2

1. WindowsTop pick
Best for: PC gamers and anyone needing the widest choice of hardware and desktop software
PaidWindows
57.2
score / 100
Why switch from Zorin OS
The system most Zorin users came from, still the safest choice for Windows-only apps and anti-cheat games.
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 ×0.369
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 Zorin OS 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 Zorin OS alternative for…

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

Best Zorin OS alternative for most people

Linux Mint

Also Ubuntu-based and aimed at newcomers, with every feature free and a traditional Cinnamon desktop instead of paid layouts.

Best Zorin OS alternative for a free option

Ubuntu

The base Zorin is built on, with newer releases first and the largest community for help and guides.

Best Zorin OS alternative for open source

Fedora Linux

Ships newer GNOME and kernel versions quickly, for users who want a more current Linux desktop than Zorin's Ubuntu base.

Best Zorin OS alternative for Windows

Windows

The system most Zorin users came from, still the safest choice for Windows-only apps and anti-cheat games.

Best Zorin OS alternative for Linux

Linux Mint

Also Ubuntu-based and aimed at newcomers, with every feature free and a traditional Cinnamon desktop instead of paid layouts.

Zorin OS alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Zorin OS?

Linux Mint ranks first right now. Also Ubuntu-based and aimed at newcomers, with every feature free and a traditional Cinnamon desktop instead of paid layouts. Ubuntu and Fedora Linux follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to Zorin OS?

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

Is there an open-source alternative to Zorin OS?

Yes: Linux Mint, Ubuntu and Fedora Linux.

Which Zorin OS alternatives work on Linux?

Linux Mint, Ubuntu and Fedora Linux run on Linux.

Why do people switch from Zorin OS?

The complaints we hear most: 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.

How is this list ranked?

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