Zorin OS
Ubuntu-based Linux desktop built to feel familiar to people coming from Windows or macOS.
- Verified facts
- 5 of 5
- Alternatives ranked
- 4
- Approved reviews
- 0
- Visits sent from here
- 0
About Zorin OS
Zorin OS is a desktop Linux distribution from Zorin Group in Ireland, aimed at people switching from Windows or macOS. It is built on Ubuntu, so it uses the same packages and gets long support windows, and it ships with LibreOffice, a software store with Flatpak and Snap apps, and graphics drivers ready for gaming. Its Appearance app switches the desktop between layouts that resemble Windows, macOS and classic Linux, and Zorin Connect links an Android phone over the local network for notifications, files and remote control. It can run many Windows installers through bundled Wine-based support, and it is tuned to run on older PCs. The Core and Education editions are free downloads; the Pro edition is a one-time purchase that adds more desktop layouts, a bundle of creative and productivity apps, and installation support. It installs on PCs alongside or instead of an existing system, and can be tried live from a USB stick first.
Best for: Windows or Mac users trying Linux for the first time, or reviving an older PC.
Pros and cons
What works
- 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
Why people leave
- 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
Top Zorin OS alternatives
See all 4- 1
Linux Mint66.5Also Ubuntu-based and aimed at newcomers, with every feature free and a traditional Cinnamon desktop instead of paid layouts.
- 2
Ubuntu62.6The base Zorin is built on, with newer releases first and the largest community for help and guides.
- 3
Fedora Linux59.6Ships newer GNOME and kernel versions quickly, for users who want a more current Linux desktop than Zorin's Ubuntu base.
- 4
Windows57.2The system most Zorin users came from, still the safest choice for Windows-only apps and anti-cheat games.
Why people left Zorin OS
In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.
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Reviews
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Zorin OS: common questions
Is Zorin OS free?
Zorin OS has a free plan and paid plans.
Is Zorin OS open source?
Yes.
What platforms does Zorin OS run on?
Zorin OS is available for Linux.
What are the best alternatives to Zorin OS?
The highest-ranked Zorin OS alternatives right now are Linux Mint, Ubuntu and Fedora Linux. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.