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
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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.