The Best Debian AlternativesTop Linux Distros & Operating Systems like Debian

Debian is described as 'The Debian Project is an association of individuals who have made common cause to create a free operating system. This operating system that we have created is called Debian' and is a leading Linux Distro in the os & utilities category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Debian for a variety of platforms, including Linux, Self-Hosted, Windows, Mac and BSD apps. The best Debian alternative is Linux Mint, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Debian are Ubuntu, Arch Linux, Fedora and Manjaro Linux.

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Alternatives list

  1. Linux Mint icon

    Linux Mint

     1164 likes

    Linux distribution focused on desktop use, with unique menus, media codecs, browser plugins, and DVD support pre-installed; offers easy package management, compatibility with Ubuntu repositories, and a Debian-based alternative for consistency and reliability.

    183 Linux Mint alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Linux Mint 22.2 "Zara"
     
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    2
    24
    Comments about Linux Mint as an Alternative to Debian
    alexandredarochacelestino
    Positive
    5

    User friendly interface, pack of apps. Pre configured with java and flash.

    Guest
    Positive
    -1

    Not much an alternative, but alongside with Manjaro it's fairly, useful, sleek and intuitive to use from everyone coming from macOS or Windows. I think Debian it's more powerful, but it has it's learning curve.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Debian Icon
    Linux Mint icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Linux Mint is a great Debian alternative.

    • Linux Mint is the most popular Linux alternative to Debian.

    • Linux Mint is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Debian.

    • Linux Mint is Free and Open SourceDebian is also Free and Open Source
  2. Ubuntu icon

    Ubuntu

     2364 likes

    Ubuntu is a community developed, Linux-based operating system that is perfect for laptops, desktops and servers. It contains all the applications you need - a web browser, presentation, document and spreadsheet software, instant messaging and much more.

    165 Ubuntu alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Ubuntu
    Ubuntu 24.04 with Gnome 46
     
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    1
    26
    Comments about Ubuntu as an Alternative to Debian
    LindsayBinsThompson
    Positive
    -23

    Ubuntu is best alternative by their quality OS

    Debian Icon
    Ubuntu icon

    • Most users think Ubuntu is a great Debian alternative.

    • Ubuntu is Free and Open SourceDebian is also Free and Open Source
  4. Arch Linux icon

    Arch Linux

     782 likes

    Arch Linux is an independently developed, x86_64 optimized GNU/Linux distribution targeted at competent Linux users. It uses pacman, its home-grown package manager, to provide updates to the latest software applications with full dependency tracking.

    199 Arch Linux alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    arch with KDE 4.4 desktop
     
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    3
    30
    Comments about Arch Linux as an Alternative to Debian
    Kelson V
    Positive
    0

    Usually more current than Debian, but also more of a pain to set up a new system, and doesn't run on as many architectures.

    OAKSIF0
    Positive
    -3

    If you want something stable and more customizable with support and a better package managing system Arch Linux is for you. You can even use debtap to convert Debian packages to an Arch Package, there are other 3rd party programs that can do that too.

    Guest
    Positive
    -7

    Also light and configurable, ArchLinux is a much more up to date, and stays that way all the time. Its package manager is also much faster and easier to use.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Debian Icon
    Arch Linux icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Arch Linux is a great Debian alternative.

    • Arch Linux is Free and Open SourceDebian is also Free and Open Source
    • Arch Linux is MinimalisticDebian is not according to our users
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    Zorin OS icon
    Zorin OS

    Linux-based OS designed for familiar user experience, mimicking Windows or macOS, supports dual-boot, runs Windows apps via WINE, pre-installed essential software, customizable desktop layouts, broad hardware compatibility, and p...

    https://zorin.com
    Learn More
  6. Fedora icon

    Fedora

     594 likes

    Fedora creates an innovative, free, and open source platform for hardware, clouds, and containers that enables software developers and community members to build tailored solutions for their users.

    182 Fedora alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Fedora 38
     
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    17
  7. Manjaro Linux icon

    Manjaro Linux

     330 likes

    Manjaro is a user-friendly Linux distribution based on the independently developed Arch operating system. Within the Linux community, Arch itself is renowned for being an exceptionally fast, powerful, and lightweight distribution that provides access to the very latest cutting...

    179 Manjaro Linux alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Arch Linux
    Manjaro 19.0 Kyria (Xfce)
     
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    1
    13
    Comments about Manjaro Linux as an Alternative to Debian
    Guest
    Positive
    1

    Arch based and drivers supports

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Debian Icon
    Manjaro Linux icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Manjaro Linux is a great Debian alternative.

    • Manjaro Linux is Free and Open SourceDebian is also Free and Open Source
    • Manjaro Linux is Security-focusedDebian is not according to our users
  11. Kubuntu icon

    Kubuntu

     281 likes

    Kubuntu is an official "flavor" of Ubuntu that uses the KDE Plasma desktop environment. This gives it a completely different look and feel.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Kubuntu 19.10 "Eoan Ermine"
     
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    10
  12. Zorin OS icon

    Zorin OS

     135 likes

    Linux-based OS designed for familiar user experience, mimicking Windows or macOS, supports dual-boot, runs Windows apps via WINE, pre-installed essential software, customizable desktop layouts, broad hardware compatibility, and privacy-focused updates.

    184 Zorin OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Pay once)
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Windows 10 layout
     
  13. FreeBSD icon

    FreeBSD

     266 likes

    FreeBSD is an operating system used to power modern servers, desktops, and embedded platforms. A large community has continually developed it for more than thirty years. Its advanced networking, security, and storage features have made FreeBSD the platform of choice for many of...

    193 FreeBSD alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    FreeBSD screenshot 1
     
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    1
    12
    Comments about FreeBSD as an Alternative to Debian
    OAKSIF0
    Positive
    2

    Very stable and secure like Debian, but not Linux its BSD based. FreeBSD has been used as a base system for secure computing environments.

    Debian Icon
    FreeBSD icon

    • Almost everyone thinks FreeBSD is a great Debian alternative.

    • FreeBSD is the most popular Self-Hosted alternative to Debian.

    • FreeBSD is Free and Open SourceDebian is also Free and Open Source
  14. Pop!_OS icon

    Pop!_OS

     96 likes

    Pop!_OS is an operating system for STEM and creative professionals who use their computer as a tool to discover and create. Unleash your potential on secure, reliable open source software. Based on your exceptional curiosity, we sense you have a lot of it.

    175 Pop!_OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Pop!_OS screenshot 1
     
  15. KDE Linux icon

    KDE Linux

     26 likes

    Free Linux-based OS from KDE community, emphasizing safety, functionality, and advanced desktop technologies, integrating Plasma and KDE apps for home, enterprise, public, or pre-installed computer use, prioritizing updates, usability, and customization.

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • KDE Plasma
    KDE Linux screenshot 1
     
12 of 198 Debian alternatives