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The best Linux distros offer stability and security in a Linux environment, but there are many different types and flavours according to different needs. Here we’ll help you find the one for you, regardless of whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user.
Many of the most popular Linux distros are designed to appeal to a wide user base and can be tailored as per individual requirements, but there are a whole lot of specialized distros that are built for a particular purpose.
Linux comes in different “flavours” named “distros”, each with different features and characteristics. For example, there are specialized Linux distros like distros for gaming, distros for programming and lightweight distros for old PCs. Some of the other types of distros are:
- Audio/Video production distros like Ubuntu Studio.
- Hacking distros like Kali.
- Privacy-oriented distros like Tails.
We will keep it simple and cover the best beginner-friendly Linux distros. We will begin with distros for those coming from Windows or macOS, distros that are lightweight, optimized and run well even on an older machine, and perfect as daily drivers
| Distro | Price | Core Code | Open Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linux Mint | Free | GNOME 2. x | Yes |
| Chrome OS | Free | Gentoo Linux | Yes |
| Ubuntu | Free for individuals/Variable commercial pricing | GNOME 3. x | Yes |
| Zorin OS | Free for individuals/$39 for commercial license | Ubuntu | Yes |
| MX Linux | Free | Debian | Yes |
Table of Contents
1. Linux Mint
Linux Mint 21 has just been released. Its code name is ‘Vanessa”. This is a long-term support (LTS) release with support to 2027. There are two versions available. There is the Cinnamon edition with the Cinnamon desktop the one most people use. We also have a MATE edition with the mate desktop and an Xfce edition with the Xfce desktop. This is a popular Linux distro in the Linux world.
System Requirements:
- 64 Bit CPU
- 2GB RAM (min) or 4GB RAM (recommended)
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Free
- Windows-like interface
- Open source code
- No data collection
Cons:
- Might not be compatible with all programs or games
- No proprietary drivers (Nvidia, ATI, etc.) included
2. Chrome OS
ChromeOS, sometimes stylized as chromeOS and formerly styled as Chrome OS, is a Linux-based operating system designed by Google. It is derived from the open-source ChromiumOS and uses the Google Chrome web browser as its principal user interface. the operating system behind Chromebooks is based on Gentoo Linux. Gentoo is an expert-only Linux, but you don’t need to know a darn thing about it.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Free
- Offered separately from Chromebooks
- Easy to use
- Compatible with PCs and Macs from 2007 onward
Cons:
- No support for overclocking CPUs or GPUs
3. Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a Linux distribution (Linux distro) based on Debian and composed chiefly of free and open-source software. Ubuntu is officially released in three editions: Desktop, Server, and Core for Internet of things devices and robots. All the editions can run on the computer alone, or on a virtual machine. As the manager of Ubuntu, Canonical is responsible for releasing a new Ubuntu version every six months. Canonical also provides hosting servers for Ubuntu Community, allowing people worldwide to contribute to testing software bugs, answer questions, and give technical support for free.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Pay-as-you-go
- Great for personal computers as well as companies
- Encryption for cloud storage
- Built-in device recovery and remote disk repair
Cons:
- It isn’t free like other options
4. Zorin OS
Zorin OS is the alternative to Windows and macOS designed to make your computer faster, more powerful, secure, and privacy-respecting. It is based on Ubuntu and comes with a GNOME 3 or XFCE 4 desktop environment, In addition, this helps Zorin OS become more compatible with various hardware and software configurations. Zorin OS is designed to be easy, so you don’t need to learn anything to get started. The Zorin Appearance app lets you change the desktop layout to feel like the environment you’re familiar with, whether it’s Windows, macOS, or Linux.
System Requirements:
- CPU: 1 GHz Single Core – Intel/AMD 64-bit processor
- RAM: 1GB
- Storage: 10 GB (Lite), 24 GB (Education Lite), or 40 GB (Pro Lite)
- Display: 800 × 600 resolution
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Free and paid options.
- No coding experience is necessary.
- Works on both PCs and Macs.
- Windows look and feel.
Cons:
- Won’t work with computers older than 15 years.
- Might not receive updates and patches past April 2025
- Might not support all Windows or macOS programs and apps
5. MX Linux
MX Linux is a cooperative venture between the antiX and MX Linux communities. It is a family of operating systems that are designed to combine elegant and efficient desktops with high stability and solid performance. MX’s graphical tools provide an easy way to do a wide variety of tasks, while the Live USB and snapshot tools inherited from antiX add impressive portability and remastering capabilities. Extensive support is available through videos, documentation and a very friendly Forum.
System Requirement:
- CPU: AMD or intel 148
- RAM: 512MB
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Works with much older computers.
- Great for absolute beginners.
- Contact info for documentation and dev teams to report issues.
Cons:
- No dual-boot option for Windows 8 and newer PCs
- Doesn’t play well with Ubuntu PPAs
