macOS Alternatives

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.

filter to find the best alternatives

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. EndeavourOS icon
     59 likes

    EndeavourOS is an Arch-based distro that provides an Arch experience without the hassle of installing it manually for both x86_64 and ARM systems. After installation, you’re provided with a lightweight and almost barebones environment ready to be explored with your terminal...

    163 EndeavourOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
  2. NixOS icon
     65 likes

    NixOS is a GNU/Linux distribution that aims to improve the state of the art in system configuration management. In existing distributions, actions such as upgrades are dangerous: upgrading a package can cause other packages to break, upgrading an entire system is much less...

    188 NixOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source (MIT)

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Self-Hosted
     
  3. Windows 10 icon
     413 likes

    Versatile OS with universal app architecture, free first-year offer for Windows 7 and 8.1 users, redesigned mouse-touch UI, virtual desktop, Microsoft Edge, upgraded security, and enhanced graphics for gaming, supporting fingerprint and face recognition login.

    178 Windows 10 alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
    |
    5
    27
    Comments about Windows 10 as an Alternative to macOS
    Top Positive Comment
    Anonymous Boy
    -3

    You can use Boot Camp to use both Windows and macOS at once. If windows gets a virus or a BSOD problem, you can switch back to macOS with ease.

    Top Negative Comment
    Conner Vieira
    7

    Not respective of privacy, not Unix based, and resource intensive

    Guest
    Negative
    6

    Windows is bad as operating system, because it is missing so many important features present in any modern *nix

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    3 of 5 comments
    Windows 10 icon
    Windows 10 icon
    • Some users think Windows 10 is a great macOS alternative, some don't.

    • Windows 10 is Paid and ProprietarymacOS is Free and Proprietary
  4. Qubes OS icon
     118 likes

    Qubes is an open source operating system designed to provide strong security for desktop computing.

    191 Qubes OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Fedora
    • Xen
     
  5. Xubuntu icon
     292 likes

    Xubuntu is an elegant and easy-to-use operating system. Xubuntu comes with Xfce, which is a stable, light and configurable desktop environment. It is based on Ubuntu Debian Linux.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
    |
    8
  6. Gentoo icon
     163 likes

    Gentoo Linux is a versatile, fast, highly configurable and completely free Linux and FreeBSD distribution geared towards developers and network professionals.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • BSD
    • FreeBSD
     
  7. Lubuntu icon
     244 likes

    Lubuntu is a fast and lightweight operating system with a clean and easy-to-use user interface. It is a Linux system, that uses the minimal desktop LXDE/LXQT.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
  8. Windows 11 icon
     43 likes

    Experience the latest Windows OS with a new Start menu, integrated Teams, and gaming technologies like Auto HDR. Improved security with stricter requirements enhances protection, and seamless Microsoft Account integration makes it ideal for modern devices.

    167 Windows 11 alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
  9. Aurora OS icon
     19 likes

    Aurora is a delightful KDE desktop experience for end-users that are looking for reliability and developers for the most-hassle free setup. Zero maintenance included.

    63 Aurora OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • KDE Plasma
    • Fedora
     
  10. Nobara Linux icon
     27 likes

    The Nobara Project, to put it simply, is a modified version of Fedora Linux with user-friendly fixes added to it. Fedora is a very good workstation OS, however, anything involving any kind of 3rd party or proprietary packages is usually...

    102 Nobara Linux alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
  11. Ubuntu MATE icon
     94 likes

    Ubuntu Mate is a stable, easy-to-use operating system with a configurable desktop environment. Ideal for those who want the most out of their desktops, laptops and netbooks and prefer a traditional desktop metaphor.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
  12. Red Hat is the leader in development, deployment, and management of Linux and open source solutions for Internet infrastructure - ranging from embedded devices to secure Web servers. Red Hat was founded in 1994 by visionary entrepreneurs Bob Young and Marc Ewing.

    183 Red Hat Enterprise Linux alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
    |
    1
    Comments about Red Hat Enterprise Linux as an Alternative to macOS
    Guest
    Negative
    1

    Red Hat Enterprise Linux is aimed at Enterprises whereas MacOS is for personal use (mainly).

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Red Hat Enterprise Linux icon
    Red Hat Enterprise Linux icon
    • This alternative is disputed. Red Hat Enterprise Linux is a legitimate macOS alternative, but it might have issues that some users think are important.

    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux is Paid and ProprietarymacOS is Free and Proprietary
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