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. Q4OS icon
     27 likes

    Fast and powerful operating system based on the latest technologies while offering highly productive desktop environment. We focus on security, reliability, long-term stability and conservative integration of verified new features.

    177 Q4OS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Raspberry Pi
     
  2. FydeOS icon
     12 likes

    FydeOS offers a choice for regular PCs to behave like Chromebooks with alternative supporting services, on-premise or in the cloud, with or without Google. Formerly known as "Flint OS".

    120 FydeOS alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free Personal
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Chrome OS
     
  3. GhostBSD icon
     18 likes

    GhostBSD is a user friendly desktop operating system based on FreeBSD , which attempts to conform to the Single Unix Specification. FreeBSD is known for its stability and security in server environments, which, incidentally, provides an...

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • BSD
     
  4. AlmaLinux icon
     11 likes

    Launched with the code-name Project Lenix, AlmaLinux OS is an open-source, community-driven project that intends to fill the gap left by the demise of the CentOS stable release. AlmaLinux OS is a 1:1 binary compatible fork of RHEL® 8 and it is built by the creators of the...

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
  5. Trisquel icon
     54 likes

    Trisquel is a computer operating system, a GNU + Linux distribution, derived from another distribution, Ubuntu, which is derived from Debian.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
  6. Asahi Linux icon
     13 likes

    Asahi Linux is a project and community with the goal of porting Linux to Apple Silicon Macs, starting with the 2020 M1 Mac Mini, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro.

    7 Asahi Linux alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Linux
     
    • Asahi Linux is the most popular Mac alternative to macOS.

    • Asahi Linux is Free and Open SourcemacOS is Free and Proprietary
  7. Slackware icon
     66 likes

    Slackware Linux is an advanced Linux operating system, designed with the twin goals of ease of use and stability as top priorities. Including the latest popular software while retaining a sense of tradition, providing simplicity and ease of use alongside flexibility and power...

    178 Slackware alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
  8. Devuan icon
     15 likes

    Devuan GNU+Linux is a fork of Debian without systemd that allows users to reclaim control over their system by avoiding unnecessary entanglements and ensuring Init Freedom.

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
  9. Void Linux icon
     16 likes

    Void is a general purpose operating system, based on the monolithic Linux kernel. Its package system allows you to quickly install, update and remove software; software is provided in binary packages or can be built directly from sources with the help of the XBPS source packages...

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
  10. The OpenMandriva distribution is a full-featured Linux desktop and server, sponsored by the OpenMandriva Association, and is based on ROSA, a Russian Linux distribution project which forked Mandriva Linux in 2012.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
  11. 100% Fedora-compatible Linux distribution with stable updates, open-source packages, out-of-the-box tweaks, and enhanced setup for developers and everyday users, streamlining software creation, packaging, and immediate usability across all experience levels.

    167 Ultramarine Linux alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
  12. Nitrux OS icon
     7 likes

    Debian-based Linux OS emphasizing beauty and efficiency. Uses KDE Plasma 5, AppImages, and OpenRC instead of systemd. Integrated with Maui Apps and Liquorix kernel for high responsiveness. Includes Firefox, NX Software Center, comprehensive app suite, and hardware probing.

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
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