The Top 10 Linux Versions to Use
There are several reasons why Linux, also known as GNU/Linux, is the most despised operating system of all those in use. The most frequent problems with Linux continue to be general flexibility, programme support, and user experience, although OS saturation is still a major problem. However, most Linux users view the abundance of options as a positive because it provides them the freedom to experiment with many desktop environments and flavours before settling on the one they prefer. Here are some of the greatest Linux distributions you should use and start with, though, if you haven’t used Linux yet and want to for any reason.
The Best Linux Distribution does not exist. Every Linux distribution has its own set of problems, much like Windows or any other operating system for that matter. What important is selecting the one that meets your demands, and this list is a collection of distributions that are regarded as all-arounders for that purpose.
Linux Mint
Thanks to the simplicity and usability of Cinnamon, Linux Mint’s desktop environment, it has become one of the best distributions for new Linux users. It is an operating system built on the Ubuntu platform and suitable for both everyday use and gaming. One of the primary selling features of the distribution is how similar Mint seems to Windows, making users who are transferring from Windows feel at home.
Users that place a high priority on system stability will also find support from Linux Mint. Every six months, a new version of Mint is launched, and while there may occasionally be issues, it is typically highly stable. Additionally, MATE and Xfce are two additional officially approved Linux Mint flavours for anyone who don’t like Cinnamon.
Cinnamon is well-liked because it consumes significantly fewer system resources than GNOME, making it possible to run Linux Mint and other lightweight Linux distributions like it on outdated hardware. Linux Mint, in contrast to Ubuntu, discontinues support for Snaps and warmly welcomes Flatpaks. Recently, the operating system has been making an effort to set itself apart from Ubuntu. And it’s accomplished the same thing with success. Overall, because everything just works right out of the box, it’s a wonderful Linux distribution for novices.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Light on system resources | New features take time to appear |
| A great starting point for beginners | Could be a little too basic for advanced users |
| Great stability | Not very customizable |
System Requirements:
- 2GB RAM (4GB Recommended)
- 20GB Disk space (100GB Recommended)
- 1024×728 pixels resolution display
- A dual-core CPU
Flavors: Cinnamon, MATE, Xfce
Download Linux Mint
Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS is created by a business called System76, which also offers laptops and PC hardware. The OS has NVIDIA drivers preinstalled and was initially designed with STEM experts in mind. Because downloading NVIDIA drivers on Linux wasn’t the most user-friendly task in the world, the distribution quickly gained popularity among gamers.
Pop!_OS is based on Ubuntu and makes use of the COSMIC desktop environment, a custom desktop environment built on the GNOME framework. Pop!_OS is one of the cleanest Linux systems because, unlike GNOME, it is significantly cleaner and has a few cool tricks up its sleeve, including the keyboard shortcuts. Overall, Pop!_OS is a fantastic choice for aspiring producers and people who want to play games on Linux straight out of the box.
Speaking of COSMIC, System76 has made the decision to break ties with GNOME and completely rewrite the desktop environment in the Rust programming language. Rust-based COSMIC, which was first announced a few years ago, is poised to move from the Alpha to the Beta stages. The updated COSMIC is said to be faster, more fluid, and less cumbersome than the GNOME-based COSMIC.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| An excellent choice for gamers and content creators | Not a cutting-edge distro |
| A great starting point for beginners | Requires a decently specced PC |
| Stable, customizable, and feature-rich |
System Requirements:
- 4GB (8GB Recommended)
- 40GB Disk space (100GB Recommended)
- A dual-core, 64-bit CPU
Flavors: None
Download Pop!_OS
Fedora
The Ubuntu of the modern day is Fedora. It’s a modern Linux distribution that is derived from Red Hat Enterprise Linux. It adheres to Flatpaks and App Images, utilises the same RPM package manager, but more importantly—and this is the distro’s selling point—it includes a nearly stock version of GNOME. In its beta editions, which are released every six months, Fedora is frequently one of the first Linux distributions to support the most recent iterations of GNOME.
Additionally, because Fedora is open-source, it includes a few spins, or community editions. Popular spins include Cinnamon, Plasma, Xfce, LXQT, and MATE. Overall, Fedora might not be the ideal choice for complete newbies, but it’s fantastic for Linux veterans. Additionally, one of the most active distro groups on Reddit is for Fedora. Therefore, the group of aficionados will always be on hand to help if something goes wrong.
Regarding system requirements, the OS falls short in some respects. Comparatively speaking, GNOME is a complex desktop environment. As a result, it requires at least 8GB of RAM and a CPU or GPU with reasonable power to function well.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cutting-edge | Learning curve for a beginner |
| Great for stock GNOME lovers | Requires a decently specced PC |
| Great for gamers and content creators | |
| Excellent community |
System Requirements:
- 2GB (8GB Recommended)
- 15GB Disk space (100GB Recommended)
- A 2GHz dual-core, 64-bit CPU
Flavors: GNOME, KDE Plasma, Xfce, LXQT, MATE, Cinnamon, LXDE, SOAS, and i3 Tiling Window Manager
Download Fedora
Manjaro
Your acquaintance is most likely referring to Manjaro when they remark, “I installed an Arch-based Linux OS in just a few hours.” For new Linux users, Arch has always been a hassle, but Manjaro makes it simple to try Arch. One of the greatest Arch-based Linux distributions, it is offered in the KDE Plasma, Xfce, and GNOME flavours/variants.
Manjaro features numerous community versions, including Budgie, Cinnamon, and MATE, just like Fedora Spins. As a result, you have options in this situation. However, because Manjaro isn’t as advanced as the following system on our list, it isn’t a wholly Arch-based system. All changes from Arch are merged and pushed subsequently to Manjaro’s own repository. Manjaro places a high priority on stability, therefore new packages from Arch are rigorously tested before being incorporated into the operating system.
If you’re unsure which flavour to pick and have a good PC, GNOME, KDE Plasma, and Budgie are all excellent options. However, because Xfce or MATE utilise far fewer system resources, we advise them if you are running outdated hardware.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Makes installing and trying out Arch easy | Slower update releases than Arch or EndeavourOS |
| Comes in a variety of flavors | Known to break sometimes |
| Great hardware support |
System Requirements:
- 2GB RAM (8GB Recommended)
- 30GB Disk space (80GB Recommended)
- A 2GHz Dual-core, 64-bit CPU
Flavors: GNOME, KDE Plasma, Xfce, Budgie, MATE, Cinnamon, Sway, and i3 Tiling Window Manager
Download Manjaro
EndeavourOS
If you disagree with Manjaro’s “Endeavours,” EndeavourOS does a lot of things well for an Arch-based distribution. It gives you the freedom to select any Desktop Environment you prefer, carries the Arch blood, and provides rapid package upgrades.
To begin with, it has a specialised Calamares installer that makes installation simple. EndeavourOS does not feature “flavors,” but rather prompts and requests that you choose your preferred desktop environment in Calamares after installation. In addition, EndeavourOS has a fantastic community and is a fantastic substitute for Manjaro or even Arch. EndeavourOS is an excellent choice if all you need is a great rolling distribution.
Updates to EndeavourOS arrive concurrently with pure Arch Linux, unlike Manjaro, where new packages from Arch take at least three weeks to reach the system. Additionally, EndeavourOS has less total bloatware than Manjaro, making it one of the cleanest Arch-based distributions available.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The closest cutting-edge OS to Arch | Learning curve for a beginner |
| Lots of desktop environment options | Frequent Arch updates might break the system or introduce bugs |
| Great community | |
| Calamares installer makes it easy to install |
System Requirements:
- 4GB RAM (8GB Recommended)
- 10GB Disk space (50GB Recommended)
- A dual-core, 64-bit CPU
Flavors: Xfce, Plasma, GNOME, MATE, Cinnamon, Budgie, LxQt, LxDe, and i3-wm
Download EndeavourOS
Elementary OS
Elementary OS, yet another Ubuntu-based distribution, is renowned for having a very strong similarity to macOS, making it a fantastic place to start for those looking to make the jump to Linux from macOS.
A few fantastic homegrown applications for Elementary OS look amazing and perform well. It’s a credit to the work the Elementary team puts into creating one of the greatest Linux distros that distros like Pop!_OS use Elementary’s store. Overall, Elementary OS is an attractive and user-friendly distribution that does the majority of things correctly.
Beginning with Epiphany, a respectable browser offered by Elementary OS, and continuing with Photos, Music, AppCenter, and other apps that feel like they genuinely belong to the OS due to their consistency. The wallpapers in this distribution are among the greatest you’ll find, and the dock and animations make it a visual delight.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Consistent design language | For absolute beginners; Mediocre to advanced users may not enjoy |
| Great set of preloaded apps | Not cutting-edge |
| Easy to install | The AppStore is mostly empty |
System Requirements:
- 4GB RAM (8GB Recommended)
- 40GB Disk space (100GB Recommended)
- A 2GHz dual-core, 64-bit CPU
Flavors: None
Download Elementary OS
Zorin OS
A sizable portion of those who move to Linux are Windows users. Making them feel at home is therefore one of the main focuses of a few Linux distributions. That is exactly what Zorin OS accomplishes with its superb user interface. While keeping some of the Windows UI to reassure former Windows users, its sleek, polished user interface does give off the impression of a newly redesigned experience.
Although Zorin is based on Ubuntu, it looks and feels very different from Ubuntu in terms of appearance and functionality. The Lite version can function on less powerful hardware as well. Overall, Zorin includes excellent tutorials and postings to help newbies get started, and more significantly, it is totally open-source and free.
Additionally, Zorin OS includes a $40 Pro version that adds additional desktop layout modifications, preinstalled applications like GIMP and Blender, and the capacity to share your mouse and keyboard among multiple PCs. Now, considering that most of the premium features can be added through extensions, we wouldn’t advise going all in on the Pro version. Zorin OS is undoubtedly one of the best and cleanest Linux distributions available, albeit, for what it is.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Made with Windows users in mind | Limited customization options in the free version |
| Clean and consistent user interface | Updates are slow to arrive due to the Ubuntu base |
| Easy to install | |
| Great for browsing and creating content | |
| Has a Lite version for old hardware |
System Requirements:
- 2GB RAM (4GB Recommended)
- 40GB Disk space (100GB Recommended)
- 1024 x 768 resolution display
- A 1GHz dual-core, 64-bit CPU
Flavors: None
Download Zorin OS
Garuda Linux
Comparing Garuda to the other top Linux distributions on this list, there are a few differences. To begin with, it employs a kernel called Linux-zen, which, in contrast to the standard Linux kernel, is said to dramatically enhance system performance and gaming performance.
The UI of Garuda Linux is its main feature. With gradient colouring splattered all over the OS, it gets a lot of contemporary aspects. Based on Arch, Garuda Linux utilises the same rolling release methodology. It comes in a variety of flavours; the most well-known ones are GNOME, Cinnamon, Xfce, and MATE.
The flagship Garuda model is available in two editions—Dragonized and Dragonized Gaming—and features a heavily customised KDE Plasma. The latter is one of the best Linux distributions for gaming because it comes with all the necessary applications to get started playing games on Linux, including Steam, Lutris, Heroic Games Launcher, and others.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cutting-edge, thanks to its Arch base | Could be a bit too overwhelming for new users |
| Highly customizable KDE Plasma interface | Higher system requirements |
| Gradient theming and icons look fantastic out of the box | Performance and stability issues due to Arch updates |
| Dragonized Gaming edition brings all gaming tools for you | |
| More optimized Linux-zen kernel for better performance |
System Requirements:
- 4GB RAM (8GB Recommended)
- 40GB Disk space (100GB Recommended)
- A 2GHz dual-core, 64-bit CPU
Flavors: KDE Plasma, GNOME, Cinnamon, Xfce, MATE, LxQT, Wayfire, Sway, i3 WM, Qtile, and KDE Lite
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Solus
An underappreciated Linux distribution is Solus. By having the tools needed to get started with development, gaming, and content creation, the OS places a strong emphasis on developers, gamers, and content creators. The company’s own Budgie desktop, one of the most hygienic desktop environments you may use, is used by the Solus OS flagship version.
The fact that Solus deviates from other Linux distributions is what distinguishes it. It is an independently created distribution with a very distinctive user interface from the others on this list. However, you can switch to other desktop environments, such as GNOME, Plasma, and MATE, if you don’t wind up like Budgie.
Since Solus is a stand-alone distribution, it employs its own Eopkg package manager. Although it is relatively similar to Apt in Ubuntu, there may be a learning curve because the commands change slightly from those in Apt. However, you could always utilise Flatpaks and Snaps on Solus if you don’t wind up enjoying Eopkg. Given everything, it’s among the top Linux distributions available.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Independent OS; Doesn’t depend on any other OS | Eopkg has a shallow learning curve |
| Highly customizable interface | Slow development pace |
| The Flagship Budgie desktop looks great out of the box | Lack of software in repos |
| Comes preinstalled with a few tools for developers |
System Requirements“
- 8GB RAM (Recommended)
- GeForce 760 and above graphics card with at least 2GB of video memory.
- 40GB Disk space (100GB Recommended)
- A 2GHz dual-core, 64-bit CPU
Flavors: KDE Plasma, GNOME, MATE, Budgie
Download Solus
Ubuntu
Finally, we come to something that, if you had read this list a few years ago, you would have found in the first two entries. The original intent of Ubuntu, which was previously known as Arch Linux, was to make Linux more widely available and simple to install than Debian. And, for the most part, it was successful in attaining that purpose before collapsing ten years later due to a corporate disease.
Don’t get us wrong, Ubuntu is still a fantastic operating system, but a few odd and bad decisions are to blame for it losing some of its lustre from a few years ago. Without going into specifics, Ubuntu uses slightly customised GNOME by default.
Because of Ubuntu’s usage of Snaps for package management, the Linux community has begun to dislike it. As we noted in our list of features for Ubuntu 23.04, they fully removed out-of-the-box support for Flatpaks. Although Ubuntu is an excellent place for a complete newbie to start, we contend there are superior Linux distributions to consider.
When Ubuntu started preinstalling Amazon and sharing data with the same company a few years ago, it also caused some privacy worries. Most users accused Canonical, the main company of Ubuntu, of installing spyware to track user activities, which caused consumers to lose faith in Ubuntu.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | Snaps are too slow; No Flatpak support |
| Customizable | Requires a decent PC to run smoothly |
| Privacy concerns |
System Requirements:
- 4GB RAM (8GB Recommended)
- 25GB Disk space (100GB Recommended)
- A 2GHz dual-core, 64-bit CPU
Flavors: KDE Plasma, GNOME, Cinnamon, Budgie, Kylin, Studio, Unity, Xfce, MATE, LxQT
Download Ubuntu
Which Is the Best Linux Version?
There is no such thing as “the best Linux distribution” as we stated before. Every distribution is designed for a certain task and audience. However, if you’re looking for an all-purpose distribution, any of the aforementioned distributions are a good choice. In spite of this, we fully recommend Pop!_OS, Manjaro, Zorin, Fedora, and Linux Mint as excellent starting points if we had to choose our favourites. Even though 2017 wasn’t the year of Linux desktops, thanks to Linux’s open-source nature, the operating system and Kernel are always becoming better, and the future of Linux PCs only seems promising.
