The Best macOS AlternativesTop Operating Systems and other similar apps like macOS

macOS is described as 'Unix-based operating system for Macs, excels with an intuitive UI, robust built-in apps like Safari, and strong security via FileVault, Gatekeeper, and SIP' and is a leading operating system in the os & utilities category. There are more than 100 alternatives to macOS for a variety of platforms, including Linux, Self-Hosted, BSD, Mac and Windows apps. The best macOS alternative is Ubuntu, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like macOS are Linux Mint, elementary OS, Debian and Fedora.

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macOS alternatives are mainly Operating Systems, but if you're looking for Linux Distros or Desktop Environments you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Operating System. You can also filter by region, for example EU-based alternatives if you prefer software developed in the European Union. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to macOS.
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Alternatives list

  1. 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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    8
    54
    Comments about Ubuntu as an Alternative to macOS
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    6

    It has a similar-looking toolbar, and also uses command-line interfaces quite a bit.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Joseph Leskey
    Positive
    0

    Ubuntu makes for a very smooth transition for macOS users. While being considerably more open and flexible, its slightly modified version of GNOME should feel quite familiar.

    Ola Johansson
    Positive
    0

    It's pretty similar to MacOS tbh.

    3 of 8 comments
    macOS Icon
    Ubuntu icon

    • Most users think Ubuntu is a great macOS alternative.

    • Ubuntu is the most popular Linux alternative to macOS.

    • Ubuntu is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to macOS.

    • Ubuntu is Free and Open SourcemacOS is Free and Proprietary
    • Ubuntu is Customizable and LightweightmacOS is not according to our users
  2. 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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    3
    32
    Comments about Linux Mint as an Alternative to macOS
    EliottNo
    Positive
    5

    It's user friendly, stable, ergonomic, good looking.

    Guest
    Positive
    4

    It is very easy to learn to use!

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Negative
    0

    The desktop environment is very different, and much more similar to Windows'.

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

    • Most users think Linux Mint is a great macOS alternative.

    • Linux Mint is Free and Open SourcemacOS is Free and Proprietary
    • Linux Mint is Customizable, Lightweight and Privacy focusedmacOS is not according to our users
  4. elementary OS icon

    elementary OS

     351 likes

    elementary OS is a free, fast and aesthetically pleasing operating system based on Ubuntu .

    199 elementary OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Boot Screen
     
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    10
    63
    Comments about elementary OS as an Alternative to macOS
    Comment summary: Elementary OS is consistently praised for its resemblance to macOS, featuring a similar interface with a dock and top bar that caters to macOS users. It is also appreciated for its simplicity, elegance, and privacy-respecting features, while being Linux-based. Although many commenters find it easy to use and stable, some note that it may require more computer knowledge due to its Linux foundation.
    Top Positive Comment
    Conner Vieira
    3

    Similar interface, with a lot of attention detail. More privacy respecting, and runs Linux

    RemovedUser
    Positive
    0

    I have not seen any GNU/Linux distribution so far which emphasises the quality and consistence of user experience equally much as elementary OS, pursuing the same design principles. Simplicity, elegance and reliability. If it wouldn't be for the apps, maybe I would not write this comment from a Mac. ;)

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    elementary OS has a very similar interface and is easy to learn for long time users of macOS, unlike other Linux distributions such as Ubuntu or Mint, and other operating systems like Windows. It has a dock and a top bar, similar to macOS, and it comes with it's own alternatives to the applications.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    3 of 10 comments
    macOS Icon
    elementary OS icon

    • Almost everyone thinks elementary OS is a great macOS alternative.

    • elementary OS is Free and Open SourcemacOS is Free and Proprietary
    • elementary OS is LightweightmacOS 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. Debian icon

    Debian

     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

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    Debian 9 gnome.
     
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    17

    • Most users think Debian is a great macOS alternative.

    • Debian is the most popular Windows & Self-Hosted alternative to macOS.

    • Debian is Free and Open SourcemacOS is Free and Proprietary
    • Debian is Customizable, Lightweight and Privacy focusedmacOS is not according to our users
  7. 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.

    183 Fedora alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Fedora 38
     
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    1
    18
    Comments about Fedora as an Alternative to macOS
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    User interface is very similar

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    macOS Icon
    Fedora icon

    • Most users think Fedora is a great macOS alternative.

    • Fedora is Free and Open SourcemacOS is Free and Proprietary
    • Fedora is Customizable, Privacy focused and LightweightmacOS is not according to our users
  8. 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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    3
    16
    Comments about Manjaro Linux as an Alternative to macOS
    John Fastman
    Positive
    5

    Of all the Linux distros that could replace MacOS in terms of ease-of-use and versatility, Manjaro comes top of the pile. Free, open-source, updated very quickly, and with access to tens of thousands of apps through Manjaro's own repositories as well as those of Arch on which it is based. As easy as Ubuntu to get started but not made by Canonical. Great community, too.

    Guest
    Positive
    0

    its modern fast and works perfectly, apart from that despite being rolling release its very stable just perfect os

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    -1

    In my opinion, this is the best Linux distro I ever used. It's great for beginners and experts, it's Arch based so it has the AUR and it has a Live USB mode for people that want a test drive before installing it. If you're distrohopping right now then try Manjaro

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

    • Most users think Manjaro Linux is a great macOS alternative.

    • Manjaro Linux is Free and Open SourcemacOS is Free and Proprietary
    • Manjaro Linux is Customizable, Lightweight and Security-focusedmacOS is not according to our users
  10. 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
     
  12. 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"
     
  13. CachyOS icon

    CachyOS

     34 likes

    CachyOS is designed to deliver lightning-fast speeds and stability, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable computing experience every time you use it. Whether you're a seasoned Linux user or just starting out, CachyOS is the ideal choice for those looking for a powerful...

    70 CachyOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    CachyOS screenshot 1
     
  14. 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
     
    |
    1
    9
    Comments about FreeBSD as an Alternative to macOS
    Guest
    Positive
    4

    Mac OS X kernel -- Darwin is based in part on FreeBSD.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    macOS Icon
    FreeBSD icon

    • Most users think FreeBSD is a great macOS alternative.

    • FreeBSD is Free and Open SourcemacOS is Free and Proprietary
    • FreeBSD is Privacy focused and LightweightmacOS is not according to our users
  15. 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
     
    |
    1
    Comments about Pop!_OS as an Alternative to macOS
    Cloneffew
    Positive
    1

    Best Linux alternative there is: Best hardware integration, best usability, best funding. They need Pop!_OS to succeed as a business.

    macOS Icon
    Pop!_OS icon
    • Pop!_OS is Free and Open SourcemacOS is Free and Proprietary
    • Pop!_OS is Customizable and Privacy focusedmacOS is not according to our users
12 of 177 macOS alternatives