Are you confused by the hundreds of Linux distributions out there? Do you want to know how they compare to and differ from one another so you can make a better decision? Well, I just tested 10 of the most popular Linux distros, and here’s my personal ranking of all of them!
I checkedDistroWatchto find the 10 most popular Linux distros right now—a list compiled based on how many page views each distro’s official website gets. While this isn’t the best metric to determine which distro is the most loved, it can certainly shed light on which distros have captured the most curiosity and attention.
For context, I prefer distros boasting modern aesthetics, powerful features, and quick access to new and cutting-edge tools. So with that in mind, here’s my candid ranking of all 10 distros and why I prefer some over others!
10Debian
As one of the first Linux distros—and the base for many modern distros, including Ubuntu—Debianholds a legendary status in the community. It’s known for its rock-solid stability and is often thepreferred choice for server environments. However, as a desktop user, Debian is just a bit too serious for my tastes.
For instance, the packages in the official repository undergo thorough testing to ensure nothing ever breaks, but that also means they’re generally lagging when it comes to delivering new packages or tools with the latest features. While this is excellent for people who prefer stability, I personally prefer access to cutting-edge features and experimenting with new tools.
Furthermore, the distro offers a minimal base, giving us a high level of customizing freedom. While I do see the charm, I personally don’t like being given a blank slate, especially when other distros are giving me ready-made systems with my preferred defaults. For these reasons, Debian ranks low on my list.
9Fedora
Fedorastrikes an impressive balance between stability and cutting-edge updates, releasing new system upgrades every six months packed with thoroughly tested versions of the latest tools and packages. On paper, it feels like the perfect distro, and I have tried it multiple times over the years, but it never really clicked for me.
I can break down my qualms into three parts: the bare-bones vanillaGNOME desktop environment, the slowerDNF package manager, and the main dealbreaker: a lack of proprietary drivers or codecs. Granted, you’re able to install those drivers and codecs usingRPM Fusion, but again, why go through the extra chore when options likeNobara(unfortunately not in this list) already exist—a Fedora-based distro with KDE Plasma as the main DE, bundling preinstalled proprietary NVIDIA drivers and media codecs.
8Zorin OS
Zorin OSis one of my top recommendations for anyoneswitching to Linux from Windows. It’s incredibly user-friendly, with a highly customizable interface and plenty of graphical tools to help you configure your system. Out of the box, it offers seamless integration withWine and Bottles, making it easy to run Windows applications.
But personally, after moving away from Windows, I was looking for a fresh experience. Zorin OS sticks so closely to the traditional Windows 7 or XP layout that it feels a bit too familiar—almost as if I’m trapped in the old paradigm I want to escape. Furthermore, the overall graphical interface, while approachable, feels a bit dated in terms of design and aesthetics, which, again, I’m not a big fan of. For these reasons, I personally don’t use Zorin OS, but I still maintain that it’s an excellent starting point for newcomers.
7Linux Mint
Linux Mintset out to create a distribution that’s welcoming to newcomers, easy to use, and especially familiar to anyone migrating from Windows. It delivers across the board with flying colors, all the while offering a stable, reliable, and functional base. No wonder it’s consistently among the most popular Linux distributions—even outpacing Ubuntu in recent years!
However, personally, I just don’t resonate with Mint. Much like with Zorin OS, I’m actively looking to move away from Windows-like systems, yet Mint sticks closely to that aesthetic, which just looks and feels a bit old and dated to me. Furthermore, itsUbuntu LTS (Long Term Support)base also means software updates arrive later, which is another downside for me.
6Ubuntu
My relationship withUbuntuhas always been a bit of a love-hate story. It’s my first distro, one that held my hand as I ventured into the world of Linux. I used itback when the Unity desktop was still a thing, and I loved the fresh feel, the unique workflow, and that signature glassy look. Using Ubuntu genuinely felt like stepping into something new and modern.
But over the years, my enthusiasm faded. Ubuntu dropped Unity for GNOME, introducedsnap packages(which I’m not a fan of), and made telemetry opt-out by default—something that doesn’t sit right with me in a Linux environment. On top of that, I’ve run into hardware bugs and glitches more often than I’d like, no matter how many times I return to give Ubuntu another shot.
That said, I wouldn’t call Ubuntu a bad distro—I still check out new releases from time to time. However, between the design changes, snap focus, and recurring bugs, I just think there are better options out there now.
5MX Linux
MX Linuxwasn’t on my radar until I decided to try it specifically for this article. I had heard the name before, but never felt compelled to install it—turns out, I was missing out! MX Linux is based on Debian but comes loaded with useful tools,Conky widgets, packages, and system defaults to minimize the work on your end. From hardware detection to essential drivers (including NVIDIA GPUs), everything just works, making it super convenient for newcomers.
KDE Plasma is one of the official DE choices, which is great because it’s my favorite DE. That said, for my testing I tried out its flagship Xfce edition, which is good if you like Xfce—I’m just not a huge fan! For me, the main downside is its Debian base, which translates to a slower update cycle. But other than that, MX Linux is a solid distro!
4Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS, to me, is what Ubuntu should have evolved into! It’s based on Ubuntu, but it manages to feel more intuitive, powerful, and cohesive thanks to its heavily customized take on GNOME, adding custom tools and extensions. It’s also one of the first distros to offer NVIDIA drivers out of the box, making it a hassle-free option for NVIDIA GPU owners—such as myself.
Also, it’s one of the few Ubuntu-based distros with a corresponding version for both Ubuntu’s LTS and non-LTS releases. As such, if you want stability, you can pick the LTS release, whereas if you want new feature updates quicker, you can get the non-LTS release. Honestly, I have nothing but nice things to say about Pop!_OS. The only reason it isn’t higher on my list is that the current version is still based on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, which, at the time of writing, is over three years old.
The reason behind this delay is that the Pop!_OS developers are focusing on developing theCosmic desktop environmentto eventually replace GNOME, and that project is still in alpha. Once it’s released, I fully expect Pop!_OS to rock the Linux world and potentially become my next daily driver—it’s just that good!
3Manjaro
I’ve spent a lot of time criticizing other distros on this list for slow updates and outdated software—but that’s mostly because rolling-release distros likeArchhave spoiled me!Manjarowas actually the first Arch-based distribution I ever used, and it really made Arch accessible—and not just for me, but everyone! It’s one of the firstArch-made-simple distros, offering a simplified installation process paired with a host of graphical tools for system maintenance.
Routine system maintenance, updates, and software management are all handled through user-friendly graphical tools, making Manjaro approachable even for those new to the Arch world. I genuinely have very few (if any) complaints about Manjaro. The only reason it sits at number three on my list is simply because the top two distros are just that much better in my experience.
2EndeavourOS
If Manjaro is about making Arch easy to use,EndeavourOSis all about making Arch accessible—especially for folks who genuinely want to learn and understand Arch but are intimidated by all the technical jargon. EndeavourOS is designed to hold your hand as you learn Arch Linux and potentially become a more technically informed and skilled user.
Like Manjaro, it offers helpful graphical tools to get you started, but it also encourages you to explore and configure things for yourself. What stands out most for me is the stellar community backing EndeavourOS. There’s awelcoming EndeavourOS forumwith helpful members ready to address your technical questions and guide you in the right direction. It’s refreshingly free of elitism; no matter your skill level, you’ll find support as long as you’re willing to learn. That sense of empowerment and genuine community spirit is what keeps EndeavourOS so high in my ranking.
1CachyOS
Finally, something both the community and I can agree on—CachyOSis the best distro, at least among the 10 options on this list. It’s a relatively new distro released in 2021 and designed specifically for new and modern hardware. It ships with system-level tweaks and custom kernels (like theCachyOS kernel) to extract maximum performance from recent Intel and AMD CPUs. There are even optimized packages in its official repository, fine-tuned for newer systems, making CachyOS one of the most performant and compatible choices for folks with new and powerful hardware.
Furthermore, much like Manjaro and EndeavourOS, CachyOS is another Arch-made-simple distro. This means you get all the rolling-release and bleeding-edge benefits of Arch, topped off with easy-to-use graphical tools for system maintenance.
I should also mention that it’s a fantastic distro for Linux gaming, with features and optimizations aimed at gamers. There’s even a dedicated version for handheld gaming PCs like the ROG Ally, Legion Go, and Steam Deck. If you want a powerful, modern Linux distro that’s both fast and user-friendly, CachyOS is hard to beat.
There you have it—my personal ranking of the current (at the time of writing) 10 most popular Linux distros. Of course, your priorities might be completely different from mine, which is why I’ve highlighted each distro’s unique strengths, so you can focus on those to make your decisions. For example, if you value stability over flashiness, you might flip my rankings entirely with Debian taking the crown!
