Raspberry Pi OS AlternativesLinux Distros & Operating Systems like Raspberry Pi OS

Raspberry Pi OS is described as '(previously called Raspbian) is the Foundation’s official supported operating system. You can install it with NOOBS or download the image below and follow our installation guide' and is a very popular Linux Distro in the os & utilities category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Raspberry Pi OS for a variety of platforms, including Linux, Self-Hosted, Windows, BSD and Mac apps. The best Raspberry Pi OS alternative is Ubuntu, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Raspberry Pi OS are Arch Linux, Manjaro Linux, openSUSE and elementary OS.

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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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    2
    Comments about Ubuntu as an Alternative to Raspberry Pi OS
    UserohneNamen
    Positive
    1

    Ubuntu CAN be indeed an alternative. See: https://ubuntu.com/download/raspberry-pi .

    ZAlex
    Negative
    -2

    Its not an OS for Raspberry Pi

    Raspberry Pi OS Icon
    Ubuntu icon

    • Ubuntu is the most popular Linux alternative to Raspberry Pi OS.

    • Ubuntu is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Raspberry Pi OS.

    • Ubuntu is Free and Open SourceRaspberry Pi OS is also Free and Open Source
    • Ubuntu is Customizable and LightweightRaspberry Pi OS is not according to our users
  2. 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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    1
    Comments about Arch Linux as an Alternative to Raspberry Pi OS
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    Arch Linux has a port available that will run on the Raspberry Pi.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Raspberry Pi OS Icon
    Arch Linux icon
    • Arch Linux is Free and Open SourceRaspberry Pi OS is also Free and Open Source
    • Arch Linux is Customizable, Lightweight, Minimalistic and Privacy focusedRaspberry Pi OS is not according to our users
  4. 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)
     
  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
  8. 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
     
  10. 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"
     
  11. 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. 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
     
  13. Windows 10 icon

    Windows 10

     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

    • Pay once
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Windows 10 screenshot 1
     
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    1
    Comments about Windows 10 as an Alternative to Raspberry Pi OS
    Guest
    Negative
    4

    It's not open source, not free and because it's not a Linux distribution, it works in a different way.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Raspberry Pi OS Icon
    Windows 10 icon

    • This alternative is disputed. Windows 10 is a legitimate Raspberry Pi OS alternative, but it might have issues that some users think are important.

    • Windows 10 is the most popular Windows alternative to Raspberry Pi OS.

    • Windows 10 is the most popular commercial alternative to Raspberry Pi OS.

    • Windows 10 is Paid and ProprietaryRaspberry Pi OS is Free and Open Source
  14. EndeavourOS icon

    EndeavourOS

     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...

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Welcome window
     
  15. 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
    Comments about FreeBSD as an Alternative to Raspberry Pi OS
    Guest
    Positive
    3

    FreeBSD has a port available that will run on the Raspberry Pi.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Raspberry Pi OS Icon
    FreeBSD icon

    • FreeBSD is the most popular Self-Hosted alternative to Raspberry Pi OS.

    • FreeBSD is Free and Open SourceRaspberry Pi OS is also Free and Open Source
    • FreeBSD is Privacy focused and LightweightRaspberry Pi OS is not according to our users
12 of 193 Raspberry Pi OS alternatives