Gentoo AlternativesTop Linux Distros & Operating Systems like Gentoo

Gentoo is described as 'Linux is a versatile, fast, highly configurable and completely free Linux and FreeBSD distribution geared towards developers and network professionals' and is a very popular Linux Distro in the os & utilities category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Gentoo for a variety of platforms, including Linux, Self-Hosted, Windows, BSD and Mac apps. The best Gentoo alternative is Linux Mint, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Gentoo are Ubuntu, Arch Linux, Debian and Fedora.

Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard
Gentoo alternatives page was last updated

Alternatives list

  1. Linux Mint icon
     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

    Platforms

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

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

    • Linux Mint is Free and Open SourceGentoo is also Free and Open Source
    • Linux Mint is LightweightGentoo is not according to our users
  2. Ubuntu icon
     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

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Ubuntu
     
    |
    3
    Comments about Ubuntu as an Alternative to Gentoo
    crazypens30
    Negative
    5

    As cakedy said, Gentoo is geared toward experienced Linux users. Also, Ubuntu includes a lot of software from the start, whereas with Gentoo, you would install everything manually and customize it to your liking.

    cakedy
    Negative
    5

    Gentoo is mainly for experienced Linux users and is source based while Ubuntu is aimed towards newer users and uses binary packages.

    Vitaly Zdanevich
    Positive
    -1

    A few years on Ubuntu/Lubuntu/Xubuntu: it is good, usually no problems, even my grandfather can use it when I install it.

    Gentoo Icon
    Ubuntu icon
    • This alternative is disputed. Ubuntu is a legitimate Gentoo alternative, but it might have issues that some users think are important.

    • Ubuntu is Free and Open SourceGentoo is also Free and Open Source
    • Ubuntu is LightweightGentoo is not according to our users
  3. Arch Linux icon
     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

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
    |
    2
    13
    Comments about Arch Linux as an Alternative to Gentoo
    Buster_Blue
    Positive
    2

    Also targets advanced users, but its excellent documentation, and slightly less low-level methods make it more approachable to newcomers as well.

    1598
    Positive
    0

    Can be as minimal as gentoo.

    Gentoo Icon
    Arch Linux icon
    • Almost everyone thinks Arch Linux is a great Gentoo alternative.

    • Arch Linux is Free and Open SourceGentoo is also Free and Open Source
    • Arch Linux is Lightweight and MinimalisticGentoo is not according to our users
  4. Debian icon
     1156 likes

    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.

    198 Debian alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
     
    |
    1
    Comments about Debian as an Alternative to Gentoo
    Vitaly Zdanevich
    Positive
    2

    It works. But old software != stable software. On the website of Audacity audio editor in the news I see that they have dark theme - I need dark theme - but in official Debian repository of Debian it will be after a few years.

    Gentoo Icon
    Debian icon
    • Debian is the most popular Windows & Self-Hosted alternative to Gentoo.

    • Debian is Free and Open SourceGentoo is also Free and Open Source
    • Debian is LightweightGentoo is not according to our users
  5. Fedora icon
     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

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
  6. Manjaro Linux icon
     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

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Arch Linux
     
  7. Zorin OS icon
     136 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

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
  8. Kubuntu icon
     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

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
  9. KDE Linux icon
     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

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • KDE Plasma
     
  10. FreeBSD icon
     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
     
12 of 189 Gentoo alternatives