Top 25 Most Popular Linux Distros (2025) – Download Guide

As 2025 reshapes the tech landscape, with advancements in AI, cloud computing, and security, choosing the right Linux distribution is key to unlocking performance, flexibility, and innovation.

Whether you’re updating your current system, deploying a server, or diving into development, this guide ranks the 25 most popular Linux distros of 2025, backed by download stats, community trends, and hands-on testing.

Find your perfect match:

• Beginners & Desktop Users: Sleek, user-friendly options like Linux Mint and Zorin OS.
• Developers & Power Users: Cutting-edge tools in Fedora, Arch Linux, and Manjaro.
• Servers & Enterprise: Rock-solid stability with CentOS Stream and Rocky Linux.
• Privacy & Security: Fortified systems like Qubes OS and Tails for peace of mind.

Every distro includes official download links, key strengths and setup tips to save you time.

Top 25 Linux Distros to Download

1. Ubuntu

Description: Ubuntu is a wildly popular distro known for its polished interface and ease of use, built on Debian. It’s packed with a vast software ecosystem and regular updates.

Based On: Debian

Best For: Beginners, general desktop users, developers

What Makes It Popular: Its Long-Term Support (LTS) releases, like 24.04, offer five years of free updates.

Quick Tip: 💡 Install “Ubuntu Restricted Extras” post-setup for full multimedia support.

Download: Download Ubuntu

Support Forums: Ubuntu Forums | r/Ubuntu

Screenshots: See Screenshots

2. Debian

 

Description: Debian is a rock-solid distro prized for its stability and massive software repository. It’s a foundation for many other distros.

Based On: Independent

Best For: Power users, servers, stability seekers

What Makes It Popular: Over 59,000 packages offer unmatched software variety.

Quick Tip: 💡 Choose the “netinst” ISO for a lightweight install tailored to your needs.

Download: Download Debian

Support Forums: Debian Forums | r/debian

Screenshots: See Screenshots

3. Fedora

 

Description: Fedora delivers cutting-edge features with Red Hat backing. It’s a leader in open-source innovation.

Based On: Independent

Best For: Developers, tech enthusiasts

What Makes It Popular: Early adoption of Wayland and PipeWire sets it apart.

Quick Tip: 💡 Use the Fedora Media Writer for a flawless USB install.

Download: Download Fedora

Support Forums: Ask Fedora | r/Fedora

Screenshots: See Screenshots

4. Linux Mint

 

Description: Linux Mint offers a Windows-like experience with a polished UI, built on Ubuntu. It’s user-friendly and packed with essentials.

Based On: Ubuntu

Best For: Newcomers, ex-Windows users

What Makes It Popular: Pre-installed codecs mean multimedia works instantly.

Quick Tip: 💡 Try the Cinnamon edition for a modern, smooth desktop.

Download: Download Linux Mint

Support Forums: Mint Forums | r/linuxmint

Screenshots: See Screenshots

5. CentOS Stream

 

Description: CentOS Stream is a free, rolling-release OS tied to Red Hat Enterprise Linux. It’s built for enterprise stability with ongoing updates.

Based On: RHEL

Best For: Server admins, enterprise users

What Makes It Popular: It bridges RHEL’s stability with fresh features.

Quick Tip: 💡 Use it as a testbed before RHEL deployments.

Download: Download CentOS Stream

Support Forums: CentOS Forums | r/CentOS

Screenshots: See Screenshots

6. Arch Linux

 

Description: Arch Linux is a minimalist, rolling-release distro for DIY enthusiasts. It’s lightweight and endlessly customizable.

Based On: Independent

Best For: Advanced users, tinkerers

What Makes It Popular: The Arch Wiki is a goldmine of Linux knowledge.

Quick Tip: 💡 Install an AUR helper like `yay` for easy package access.

Download: Download Arch Linux

Support Forums: Arch Forums | r/archlinux

Screenshots: See Screenshots

7. Manjaro

 

Description: Manjaro is a user-friendly take on Arch Linux with curated updates. It’s accessible yet powerful.

Based On: Arch Linux

Best For: Intermediate users, desktop enthusiasts

What Makes It Popular: Pre-installed drivers simplify hardware setup.

Quick Tip: 💡 Use the Manjaro Hardware Detection tool for quick driver fixes.

Download: Download Manjaro

Support Forums: Manjaro Forums | r/ManjaroLinux

Screenshots: See Screenshots

8. Pop!_OS

 

Description: Pop!_OS, from System76, is a sleek distro built on Ubuntu. It’s optimized for workflows and gaming.

Based On: Ubuntu

Best For: Developers, gamers

What Makes It Popular: Built-in NVIDIA GPU support is a gamer’s dream.

Quick Tip: 💡 Enable the Pop!_Shop for seamless app installs.

Download: Download Pop!_OS

Support Forums: System76 Support | r/pop_os

Screenshots: See Screenshots

9. openSUSE

Description: openSUSE offers a stable or rolling-release option with YaST for system management. It’s versatile and enterprise-ready.

Based On: Independent

Best For: Sysadmins, power users

What Makes It Popular: YaST makes system tweaks a breeze.

Quick Tip: 💡 Try the Tumbleweed edition for rolling updates.

Download: Download openSUSE

Support Forums: openSUSE Forums | r/openSUSE

Screenshots: See Screenshots

10. Zorin OS

 

Description: Zorin OS is a polished Ubuntu-based distro designed for Windows switchers. It’s sleek and beginner-friendly.

Based On: Ubuntu

Best For: Newcomers, ex-Windows users

What Makes It Popular: Zorin Appearance lets you mimic other OS layouts.

Quick Tip: 💡 Use the free Lite edition for older hardware.

Download: Download Zorin OS

Support Forums: Zorin Forums | r/zorinos

Screenshots: See Screenshots

11. elementary OS

 

Description: elementary OS is a stunning Ubuntu-based distro with a macOS-like aesthetic. It’s sleek and app-focused.

Based On: Ubuntu

Best For: Designers, macOS fans

What Makes It Popular: The Pantheon desktop feels like a premium OS.

Quick Tip: 💡 Explore the AppCenter for curated apps.

Download: Download elementary OS

Support Forums: elementary OS Discussions | r/elementaryos

Screenshots: See Screenshots

12. MX Linux

 

Description: MX Linux blends Debian stability with lightweight performance. It’s fast and user-friendly.

Based On: Debian

Best For: Older hardware, general users

What Makes It Popular: MX Tools simplify system maintenance.

Quick Tip: 💡 Use the MX Package Installer for easy software adds.

Download: Download MX Linux

Support Forums: MX Forums | r/MXLinux

Screenshots: See Screenshots

13. Kali Linux

 

Description: Kali Linux is a security-focused distro based on Debian. It’s packed with tools for penetration testing.

Based On: Debian

Best For: Security researchers, ethical hackers

What Makes It Popular: Over 600 pre-installed security tools save setup time.

Quick Tip: 💡 Run it in a VM for safe testing environments.

Download: Download Kali Linux

Support Forums: Kali Forums | r/Kalilinux

Screenshots: See Screenshots

14. Rocky Linux

 

Description: Rocky Linux is a stable, community-driven RHEL alternative. It’s built for enterprise reliability.

Based On: RHEL

Best For: Server admins, enterprise users

What Makes It Popular: It’s a free drop-in replacement for CentOS.

Quick Tip: 💡 Use it for RHEL-compatible production servers.

Download: Download Rocky Linux

Support Forums: Rocky Forums | r/RockyLinux

Screenshots: See Screenshots

15. Gentoo

Description: Gentoo is a source-based distro for ultimate customization. Compile everything to your liking.

Based On: Independent

Best For: Linux experts, performance tweakers

What Makes It Popular: Total control over every package.

Quick Tip: 💡 Use Portage’s USE flags to tailor builds.

Download: Download Gentoo

Support Forums: Gentoo Forums | r/Gentoo

Screenshots: See Screenshots

16. EndeavourOS

 

Description: EndeavourOS is an Arch-based distro with a friendly installer. It’s a gateway to Arch’s power.

Based On: Arch Linux

Best For: Intermediate users, Arch learners

What Makes It Popular: The Calamares installer simplifies Arch setup.

Quick Tip: 💡 Pick XFCE for a lightweight, fast start.

Download: Download EndeavourOS

Support Forums: EndeavourOS Forums | r/EndeavourOS

Screenshots: See Screenshots

17. Solus

 

Description: Solus is an indie distro with Budgie desktop, optimized for home users. It’s sleek and modern.

Based On: Independent

Best For: Desktop users, minimalists

What Makes It Popular: Budgie’s elegant design feels unique.

Quick Tip: 💡 Use eopkg for fast software installs.

Download: Download Solus

Support Forums: Solus Forums | r/SolusProject

Screenshots: See Screenshots

18. Garuda Linux

 

Description: Garuda Linux is an Arch-based distro tuned for performance and gaming. It’s flashy and fast.

Based On: Arch Linux

Best For: Gamers, performance enthusiasts

What Makes It Popular: Btrfs with snapshots saves your setup.

Quick Tip: 💡 Use Garuda Assistant to tweak performance.

Download: Download Garuda Linux

Support Forums: Garuda Forums | r/GarudaLinux

Screenshots: See Screenshots

19. Puppy Linux

 

Description: Puppy Linux is a tiny, fast distro that runs in RAM. It’s perfect for reviving old PCs.

Based On: Independent

Best For: Old hardware, minimalists

What Makes It Popular: Boots in seconds, under 300 MB!

Quick Tip: 💡 Run it from a USB for portable use.

Download: Download Puppy Linux

Support Forums: Puppy Forums | r/puppylinux

Screenshots: See Screenshots

20. Slackware

 

Description: Slackware is one of the oldest distros, focusing on simplicity and stability. It’s a classic for purists.

Based On: Independent

Best For: Linux veterans, minimalists

What Makes It Popular: No systemd keeps it true to UNIX roots.

Quick Tip: 💡 Use slackpkg for easier package management.

Download: Download Slackware

Support Forums: Slackware FAQ | r/slackware

Screenshots: See Screenshots

21. Linux Lite

 

Description: Linux Lite is a lightweight Ubuntu-based distro for low-spec PCs. It’s simple and familiar.

Based On: Ubuntu

Best For: Older hardware, beginners

What Makes It Popular: Runs smoothly on just 1GB of RAM.

Quick Tip: 💡 Use Lite Tweaks to optimize performance.

Download: Download Linux Lite

Support Forums: Linux Lite Forums | r/LinuxLite

Screenshots: See Screenshots

22. Deepin

 

Description: Deepin is a visually stunning Debian-based distro from China. It’s sleek with a custom desktop.

Based On: Debian

Best For: Designers, aesthetics fans

What Makes It Popular: The Deepin Desktop Environment is gorgeous.

Quick Tip: 💡 Explore Deepin Store for plenty of apps.

Download: Download Deepin

Support Forums: Deepin Forums | r/deepin

Screenshots: See Screenshots

23. antiX

 

Description: antiX is a super-light Debian-based distro for old hardware. It’s fast and lean.

Based On: Debian

Best For: Old PCs, minimalists

What Makes It Popular: Boots with just 256 MB of RAM.

Quick Tip: 💡 Use IceWM for the lightest experience.

Download: Download antiX

Support Forums: antiX Forums | r/antixlinux

Screenshots: See Screenshots

24. Qubes OS

 

Description: Qubes OS is a security-focused distro using Xen virtualization. It isolates tasks for privacy.

Based On: Xen (Fedora base)

Best For: Privacy buffs, security pros

What Makes It Popular: Compartmentalization keeps threats isolated.

Quick Tip: 💡 Use disposable VMs for risky tasks.

Download: Download Qubes OS

Support Forums: Qubes Forums | r/Qubes

Screenshots: See Screenshots

25. Tails

 

Description: Tails is a live, privacy-first distro based on Debian. It routes all traffic through Tor.

Based On: Debian

Best For: Privacy advocates, journalists

What Makes It Popular: Amnesic design leaves no trace on boot drives.

Quick Tip: 💡 Run it from a USB for on-the-go anonymity.

Download: Download Tails

Support Forums: Tails Support | r/tails

Screenshots: See Screenshots

Explore More

Not sure which distro to pick? Test many of these online first with our guide, Try Linux Distros Online, no downloads needed.

Which distro’s your favorite? Found a gem we missed? Share your thoughts in the comments below.