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Linux is growing. I believe the popularity of open-source operating systems will continue to grow. Although Linux did not reach the 10% mark by the end of the year as I had expected, all signs point to steady growth that could lead to a significant turnaround in 2026.
Due to the popularity of Linux, I thought I’d create a list of my top 11 distributions of all time that I’ve used over the years. Some of these distros are no longer with us, while some are still thriving.
Too: 8 ways I quickly upgraded my Linux skills – and you can too
Are you ready to travel with me? let’s go.
1. Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS has been my favorite Linux distribution for some time now. One reason for this is that I have been using System76 computers for the past decade and have found that Pop!_OS runs very well on them. After all, System76 ships those machines with Pop!_OS as the default operating system. The performance of Pop!_OS and System76 hardware is truly something to behold.
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Of all the Linux distributions I’ve used, Pop!_OS has been the most efficient while also being a beautiful desktop operating system. Of course, System76 is about to launch the COSMIC desktop version of Pop!_OS, which I believe will raise the operating system to a higher level of performance and ease of use.
If you want a Linux distribution for everyone, you can’t go wrong with Pop!_OS. However, one thing to keep in mind is that you’re not going to be reviving old machines with Pop!_OS, so you’ll need a system with lots of resources.
2. Ubuntu Budgie
If I had to move away from Pop!_OS, one distribution that would be first on my list would be Ubuntu Budgie. This distribution borrows some of the underpinnings of GNOME, but there is no mistake that this distribution stands on its own. Ubuntu Budgie is beautiful. And even though the developers have created an amazing layout that should please anyone, Budgie is also highly configurable.
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You can make this desktop exactly how you want it. I often consider moving from Pop!_OS to Ubuntu Budgie. The only reason holding me back is how well Pop!_OS performs on System76 hardware; Otherwise, you can bet I’d be running Ubuntu Budgie.
3. Rhino Linux
If there’s one distribution that can beat Ubuntu Budgie in the looks department, it’s Rhino Linux. Initially, Rhino used the Xfce desktop to achieve this beautiful look, but the developers recently announced that they will be adding new spins, potentially making them all look as good as the default.
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Rhino Linux is also a rolling release distribution, meaning it will always have the latest greatest software. It’s not just a pretty face. With this Linux distribution, you get multiple package managers, so you can not only enjoy the plethora of available software, but you can also install it with your favorite tools.
4. Bodhi Linux
Bodhi Linux holds a special place in my heart because its Moksha desktop is based on one of my favorite desktop environments, Enlightenment. Bohdi Linux is also fast and lightweight, making it a great choice for reviving old hardware.
My two favorite elements of the Bodhi Linux desktop are the desktop menu (which can be accessed from anywhere on the desktop) and the ability to shade windows. And then there are the subjects… lots of subjects. You can play around with the look and feel of Bodhi until it’s exactly how you want it. Bodhi Linux is based on Ubuntu, so you know it’s reliable.
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One thing I will say about Bodhi Linux that may give some users pause is that it is not the best distribution for people who are new to Linux as the desktop takes some time to get used to.
5. ElementaryOS
ElementaryOS is another distribution that holds a special place in my overwhelmed heart. ElementaryOS was my default for almost five years, and it was an amazing distribution. This Linux distribution looks beautiful from every angle. No matter what you do or open, you Know You are using ElementaryOS. ElementaryOS also takes your privacy seriously with the help of a feature called Secure Sessions.
Also: I tested the new ElementaryOS 8.1 beta, and it brings absolute magic
If you’ve ever wanted a Linux distribution that looks and feels like MacOS, Elementary is the OS you want. The developers have put in great efforts to ensure that every aspect of the OS maintains a consistent look and feel. I would go so far as to say that ElementaryOS is one of the best distributions for new Linux users.
6.Ubuntu
It’s a rare occasion that you’ll see a best of Linux list that doesn’t include Ubuntu. Anyone looking to get off the Windows 10 train would be wise to consider Ubuntu, especially given its extended support. Ubuntu is such a good Linux distribution that almost every distro I’ve used over the years has been based on it. It’s a persuasive selling point.
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Using Ubuntu isn’t easy; It also has excellent hardware support. if you Are Thinking about migrating from Windows 10 to Ubuntu, I suggest you try dual-booting with Ubuntu first. If you like what you see, you can finally uninstall Windows 10. Ubuntu is fast, reliable, and has been offering a consistent desktop UI for a long time.
7. Fedora
Fedora is the Linux distribution I loved to hate or hated to love. Before the distribution finally found its footing (around version 40), Fedora was extremely slow. When v40 hit, Fedora proved it could perform with the best distributions. Suddenly, Fedora was fast, faster than any Linux distribution I’ve used (that was no lightweight offering).
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Fedora is GNOME by default, but there are spins for several different desktop environments that you can try. One of my favorite spins is Fedora KDE, which is beautiful while still performing like a champ.
8. Ubuntu Server
If I’m deploying a server, you can bet the first distribution I’ll use is Ubuntu Server. Even though Ubuntu Server doesn’t have a GUI, it is still one of the easiest server operating systems you can install. Ubuntu Server is also very easy to manage, solid and secure.
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Of all the server distributions available in the market, Ubuntu Server significantly simplifies the software installation process with both APT and SNAP. If the software you need is not found in the standard appropriate repositories, you can easily add more repositories to expand the selection of available apps.
9. ZorinOS
ZorinOS is exactly what a desktop operating system should be. This is one of those distributions that I would always recommend to new users (and those migrating from Windows) because you get to choose the desktop layout as soon as you log in. Choose from Windows-esque layouts, GNOME-like desktops, and more. You can also purchase the Pro version, which includes a total of 10 layouts (one of which resembles MacOS).
Too: Best Linux Distributions for Beginners in 2025: Expert Test and Review
In 2023, I announced that ZorinOS was the best distribution of the year. If you want an operating system that is easy to use, beautiful, and allows you to easily switch between layouts, then ZorinOS is for you.
10. Mandrake Linux
It is one of two distributions on the list that no longer exists. Mandrake Linux was a special distribution because it was one of the first distributions that focused on being user-friendly. Although Mandrake went the way of the dinosaurs, it lives on in distributions like Open Mandriva.
Also: My 5 Favorite Distros of Linux in the Past – and Why I’m Still Thinking About Them
I will admit that Mandrake Linux is on the list because I remember partying with the development team at my first Linux conference. That team not only knew how to have fun, but they also knew that the future of Linux lay in listening to users and taking their needs and concerns very seriously.
Mandrake Linux was one of the many reasons why I continued using Linux and have been using it for almost 30 years. So, to anyone working on that amazing distribution, I tip my symbolic hat.
11. Caldera OpenLinux
Like Mandrake Linux, Caldera OpenLinux is no longer with us. The reason I included this distribution in the list is because it was the first Linux distribution I used (version 1.0 to be precise). If it weren’t for a finicky modem, I might have stuck with Caldera, but that wasn’t the case. Still, I couldn’t have this list without including my first one. It’s like the first kiss, the first home run, the first completed marathon, the first book you finish writing, or the first time you complete a Zelda game – it’s absolutely special.
Caldera OpenLinux will always hold a special place in my heart. It doesn’t matter how good or bad the delivery was; It only mattered that it existed and that it helped me make the permanent jump from Windows.
