Best Ubuntu-based Linux Distributions

Recommendations: 10 | Last Updated: Sept. 19, 2022 (2Β years)

Elementary OS Elementary OS

Elementary OS is a neat and coherent, free and open source operating system based on the Linux distribution Ubuntu. The simplicity of Elementary OS makes it a perfect choice for people switching from other popular operating systems such as macOS or Windows. Elementary OS is a feature complete operating system that comes with its own desktop environment called Pantheon and custom built, pre-installed utility applications such as Photos, Music, Videos, Calendar, Terminal, Files, and more.

πŸ‘ Most people think this is a good recommendation.

Zorin OS Zorin OS

A Linux distribution that is designed from the ground-up to be a replacement for Windows or macOS. With Zorin OS you can get to know Linux quickly with a desktop environment similar to your previous experience with the commercial operating systems. Zorin OS let's you choose a desktop layout that mimic your previous OS, be it Windows or macOS. The operating system is built on-top of Ubuntu and runs on the same open-source software that powers the U.S. Department of Defense, NASA, and more.

ZorinOS provides 3 desktop environments that resembles the workflow of macOS, Linux and Windows. Allowing new users coming from any of these systems to feel right at home from the start.
Zorin OS is based on the latest stable release of the Linux distribution Ubuntu. Allowing the operating system to make use of vital security releases provided by Canonical for Ubuntu and Ubuntu Server.
Zorin OS acknowledges that privacy is a fundamental human right. With Zorin OS you can enjoy an operating system that does not collect your personal data, or advertise to you in any shape or form.

πŸ‘ Most people think this is a good recommendation.

Pop!_OS Pop!_OS

Pop!_OS is a free and open-source Linux operating system for STEM and creative professionals who use their computer as a tool to discover and create. Pop!_OS is openly developed and released by the Linux hardware manufacturer System76. With Pop!_OS  you can unleash your potential on secure, reliable open source software. Pop!_OS is designed for fast navigation, easy workspace organization, and fluid, convenient workflow. Your operating system should encourage discovery, not obstruct it.

Pop!_OS allow you to make system upgrades between major releases without fully re-installing the operating system on your machine, a problem that is present in a other Linux distributions like elementaryOS.
As of Pop!_OS 20.04 the operating system now comes with sophisticated window tiling features out-of-the-box. This allows you to have your windows automatically organized and resized in selected portions of the screen. The window tiling mode can vastly improve the way you work and use your desktop.

πŸ‘ Most people think this is a good recommendation.

Lubuntu Lubuntu

Lubuntu is a free and light-weight Linux desktop distribution developed by the Lubuntu Community. The distribution combines the stability of Ubuntu with the faster LXQt desktop to provide a snappy operating system for low-spec computers. Lubuntu has been in active development since 2011 where it was first introduced with the LXDE desktop environment.

πŸ‘ Most people think this is a good recommendation.

Linux Mint Linux Mint

A free community-driven desktop Linux distribution based on Ubuntu and Debian. Linux Mint is widley popular and is used by millions of people across the globe and comes bundled with a variety of free and open-source software to enhance your desktop experience. The project was created by Clément Lefèbvre and is being actively developed by the Linux Mint Team and community since 2006.

πŸ‘ Most people think this is a good recommendation.

Xubuntu Xubuntu

A light-weight Linux distribution intended for both new and experienced Linux users. Xubuntu comes with the Xfce desktop environment by default which use fewer system resources than the default Ubuntu GNOME desktop. Xubuntu was officially released on 1 June 2006 and has seen active development since. It is openly maintained by the community and released free of charge under the GNU General Public License.

πŸ‘ Most people think this is a good recommendation.

Ubuntu Budgie Ubuntu Budgie

Ubuntu Budgie is an official community flavor of the Linux distribution Ubuntu featuring the Budgie desktop. It combines the stable and thoroughly-tested Ubuntu core with a modern, lightweight and traditional-looking desktop developed by the Solus project. The desktop is adaptable to any device, keeping them fast and usable. 

πŸ‘ Most people think this is a good recommendation.

Kubuntu Kubuntu

Kubuntu is a Linux distribution that provides all you need to have fun and be effective your computer. It's a great free and open-source alternative to Windows or macOS. Kubuntu unites Ubuntu with KDE and the Plasma desktop environment, bringing you a full set of applications. The installation includes productivity, office, email, graphics, photography, and music applications ready to use at startup.

LXLE LXLE

LXLE is a free and open-source Linux distribution based upon the most recent Ubuntu/Lubuntu LTS release, using the LXDE desktop environment. LXLE is a lightweight distro, with a focus on visual aesthetics, that aims to support most of both old and new hardware.