Linux Mint stays a strong pick for most readers, and Ubuntu is the closest direct alternative because Mint is built on Ubuntu and keeps the same software base and update rhythm. Every system in this list starts at $0, and the only extra cost in the list is Zorin OS Pro at $49 for one release, which adds layouts, apps, and install support to the free Core edition. Fedora Workstation 45, released on 3 November 2026, gives the newest software of the group, while Debian 13 and Ubuntu LTS give the longest calm support windows for a main computer.
Linux Mint works well because it pairs a familiar desktop with a large Ubuntu software base and a calm update cycle. The alternatives below keep that idea in different ways. Check the desktop, the support end date, and the minimum hardware before you pick one.
On this page
Linux mint alternatives: comparison table
Swipe the table sideways on a phone to see every column.
| # | Name | Best for | Starting price | Free plan / trial | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Linux Mint | Windows style desktop on a familiar base | $0 | Yes | Visit |
| 2 | Ubuntu | Mainstream desktop with long support | $0 | Yes | Visit |
| 3 | Fedora Workstation | Newest GNOME software and tools | $0 | Yes | Visit |
| 4 | Debian | Stable base for servers and desktops | $0 | Yes | Visit |
| 5 | Pop OS | Gaming and creative work on System76 hardware | $0 | Yes | Visit |
| 6 | Zorin OS | Windows switchers who want a familiar look | $0 | Yes | Visit |
| 7 | elementary OS | Clean macOS style desktop | $0 | Yes | Visit |
| 8 | Manjaro | Arch based system without manual setup | $0 | Yes | Visit |
The 8 best linux mint alternatives, in detail
Linux Mint
Best for: Windows style desktop on a familiar base
Linux Mint 22.3, called Zena, is the current release, and it is a long term support version based on Ubuntu 24.04. The Cinnamon edition is the most popular version, and the project also ships MATE and Xfce editions for lighter hardware or a different desktop style. Each edition is a 64 bit ISO of about 2.9 GB, and the download page lists mirrors by country and the release notes.
- Mint suits readers who want a desktop that feels close to Windows, with a start menu, a panel, and a software manager that lists apps in plain categor
- The system runs on optional donations, and there is no licence key or activation step.
- Choose Mint for a calm desktop that stays the same for years.
- Choose a different system for the newest GNOME release on day one, or for a rolling system.
Pros
- Cinnamon desktop feels familiar to Windows users
- three editions cover Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce
- long term support release with updates until April 2029
Cons
- Based on Ubuntu, so it follows Ubuntu release timing
- Cinnamon edition ISO is about 2.9 GB to download
- no rolling release option for users who want constant new versions
Ubuntu
Best for: Mainstream desktop with long support
Ubuntu is the base under Linux Mint, so it is the most direct alternative when you want the same software and a larger support team behind the release. Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS is the current long term support release, and it gives five years of free security and maintenance updates, with extended cover up to 15 years through Ubuntu Pro. The desktop page lists 25 GB of free hard drive space and a USB port or DVD drive for the installer.
- Ubuntu Desktop uses GNOME, so the layout differs from Cinnamon in Mint, with activities and workspaces in place of a classic start menu.
- That change is the main adjustment for Mint users.
- Pick Ubuntu for the widest hardware and software support in this list and a five year support window.
Pros
- LTS release gives five years of free security and maintenance updates
- large software base shared with Mint
- Ubuntu Pro is free for personal use on up to five machines
Cons
- GNOME desktop feels different from Cinnamon at first
- desktop ISO is about 6.0 GB
- interim releases get only nine months of updates
Fedora Workstation
Best for: Newest GNOME software and tools
Fedora Workstation 45 was released on 3 November 2026, and it is the newest dated release in this list. The Workstation Live ISO for Intel and AMD x86_64 systems is 2.7 GiB, and an ARM aarch64 ISO is 2.8 GiB. Fedora Media Writer writes the ISO to USB and checks it in one step, and a 4 GB USB drive is enough to get started.
- Fedora suits readers who want current software and a clean GNOME desktop, including developers who want new language tools and libraries without waiti
- The trade-off is pace: a Fedora release stays current for a shorter time than Ubuntu LTS or Mint LTS, so you will upgrade more often.
- Choose Fedora when new versions matter more than a five year support window.
Pros
- Fedora 45 brings current GNOME and kernel versions
- Live ISO lets you try the system from USB before install
- Fedora Media Writer needs only a 4 GB USB drive
Cons
- New releases arrive about every six months, so upgrades come more often
- release support is shorter than an LTS release
- some third party software needs extra setup steps
Debian
Best for: Stable base for servers and desktops
Debian 13, called trixie, is the current stable release, and the download page offers a netinst ISO for 64 bit PC systems, listed as debian-13.7.0-amd64-netinst.iso. The installer ISOs are hybrid images, so the same file can be written to a disc or to a USB stick. The project also lists live systems and offline installers on its Getting Debian page.
- Debian is the base for Ubuntu, and Ubuntu is the base for Mint, so this is the root of the family tree in this list.
- It suits readers who want a plain, stable system and who are happy to pick a desktop during install.
- The stable release changes slowly, which keeps a main computer calm, but app versions stay older than those in Fedora or Manjaro.
Pros
- Debian 13 is the current stable release with a large package set
- installer ISOs work from CD, DVD, or USB
- same base used by Ubuntu, Mint, and many other systems
Cons
- Stable release ships older app versions than Fedora
- desktop setup needs more choices during install
- non-free drivers need a different step on some hardware
Pop OS
Best for: Gaming and creative work on System76 hardware
Pop OS 24.04 LTS is the current long term support release from System76, and it uses the new COSMIC desktop environment in its first Epoch 1 release. The download page lists 4 GB of RAM, 16 GB of storage, and a 64 bit processor as the listed minimum, and it offers different images for standard graphics and for NVIDIA graphics. Pop OS suits readers who play games or do creative work and want NVIDIA drivers handled by the installer image, plus window tiling and workspaces built into the desktop.
- The system is based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, so the software base will feel familiar to Mint users.
- Choose Pop OS for a modern desktop with strong graphics support.
Pros
- Different ISO images for Intel and AMD graphics and for NVIDIA graphics
- Pop OS 24.04 LTS uses the new COSMIC desktop
- full disk encryption is offered during install
Cons
- LTS support follows one LTS at a time until the next release
- older Pop OS 22.04 users get the upgrade notice from January 2026
- ARM images are more limited than x86_64 images
Zorin OS
Best for: Windows switchers who want a familiar look
Zorin OS 18.1 is the latest version, and its technical details page lists Ubuntu 24.04 LTS as the base system and 1 June 2029 as the support end date. The Core edition is free, and the download page also lists Education and Pro editions. Pro is listed at $49 on the official purchase page, and it adds extra desktop layouts, bundled creative and productivity apps, and personal install support.
- Zorin OS suits Windows users who want a desktop that looks familiar on the first boot, with layouts that mirror Windows 11, macOS, and other classic s
- The Core edition covers the main desktop and apps, so most readers do not need Pro.
- Choose Zorin OS when the look and the switch matter most.
Pros
- Core edition is free and includes the main desktop
- Zorin OS 18.1 is supported with updates until 1 June 2029
- Lite edition uses Xfce for older computers
Cons
- Pro edition costs $49 for one release and must be bought again for the next major release
- Pro layouts and apps are the main extra in Pro
- Lite edition arrived later than Core for version 18
elementary OS
Best for: Clean macOS style desktop
elementary OS 8.1 is the current release, and it is based on Ubuntu LTS. The download is pay what you can, which means you can enter $0 on the download page and still get the full ISO. The Pantheon desktop uses a dock and a clean app menu, and the project ships its own apps for mail, calendar, photos, and music.
- elementary OS suits readers who like the look of macOS and want a tidy desktop with few settings to change.
- The trade-off is scope: the chosen app set is smaller than the Ubuntu software base, and major version moves need a fresh install while you keep your
- Choose elementary OS when design and calm matter more than a large app store.
Pros
- Pay what you can download lets you enter $0
- Pantheon desktop is clean and consistent
- based on Ubuntu LTS, so the base stays stable
Cons
- AppCenter has a smaller app set than Ubuntu Software
- major versions need a fresh install rather than a direct upgrade
- only AMD64 systems are listed as supported
Manjaro
Best for: Arch based system without manual setup
Manjaro is a free and open source Linux distribution based on Arch Linux, with a focus on ease of use and extra testing before updates reach users. The download page lists three official editions for x86_64 systems: GNOME, KDE Plasma, and Xfce. Community editions add Cinnamon, i3, and Sway.
- The rolling release model means you install once and keep updating the same system.
- Manjaro suits readers who want newer software than a fixed LTS release gives, but who do not want to set up Arch by hand.
- The graphical installer and the choice of desktops make the start simple, and the update model keeps apps current.
- The trade-off is upkeep: rolling updates arrive often, so update on a regular schedule and read update notes.
Pros
- Rolling release updates in place with no version reinstall
- three official editions cover GNOME, KDE Plasma, and Xfce
- community editions add Cinnamon, i3, and Sway
Cons
- Rolling updates arrive often, so updates need regular attention
- Arch base means some guides for Ubuntu do not apply
- ISO files are about 5 to 6 GB
How we chose
We kept only real Linux distributions with a live official download page opened on 2026-11-12, a free ISO, and a desktop edition for a normal home computer. We checked the base system, the desktop, the support end date, and the listed hardware needs on each official page. Every system in this list starts at $0, and Zorin OS Pro is the only extra cost, at $49 for one release. We did not test any tool hands-on. We did not install any system, and we did not use customer counts, awards, or review scores to order the list.
Which system fits your hardware and habits
| Reader | Pick first | Why it fits | Number to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows switcher | Zorin OS Core | Familiar layouts, free Core edition | 2 GB of RAM listed as minimum |
| Mint user who wants the same base | Ubuntu | Same software base, five years of LTS updates | 25 GB of disk space listed |
| Newest software fan | Fedora Workstation 45 | Released 3 November 2026, current GNOME | 2.7 GiB Live ISO for x86_64 |
| Stable server or second computer | Debian 13 | Stable release, hybrid ISO for disc or USB | debian-13.7.0-amd64-netinst.iso |
| Gamer or creative user | Pop OS 24.04 LTS | Different NVIDIA image, COSMIC desktop | 4 GB of RAM and 16 GB of storage listed |
| Clean design fan | elementary OS 8.1 | Pantheon desktop, $0 entry on download page | $0 download amount |
| Rolling release fan | Manjaro | Updates in place, no version reinstall | Three official editions: GNOME, KDE Plasma, Xfce |
| Stay with Mint | Linux Mint 22.3 | Cinnamon desktop, LTS until April 2029 | About 2.9 GB Cinnamon ISO |
Frequently asked questions
Is Linux Mint still free?
Yes. Linux Mint is free to download and use, and the project runs on optional donations. There is no licence key or activation step, and the three editions, Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce, are all free. Download only from linuxmint.com and the mirrors its edition pages list, and check the checksum files before you install.
Which Linux Mint alternative is best for Windows users?
Zorin OS Core is the best pick for most Windows switchers, because its layouts mirror familiar desktop styles and its Core edition is free. Linux Mint itself is also a strong pick, with a Cinnamon desktop that feels close to Windows. Try both from a live USB, then pick the menu and layout that feels most natural to you.
Which alternative gets the newest software?
Fedora Workstation 45 gets the newest dated software in this list, with a release date of 3 November 2026 and a current GNOME desktop. Manjaro also stays current, because its rolling release updates apps in place without a version reinstall. Pick Fedora for a dated release cycle, or Manjaro for rolling updates.
Do any of these systems cost money?
No system in this list needs a payment to download and use its main edition, and every starting price here is $0. Zorin OS Pro is the only extra cost, at $49 for one release, and it adds layouts, bundled apps, and install support. elementary OS lets you enter $0 on its download page, and Ubuntu Pro is free for personal use on up to five machines.
Can I try a system without installing it?
Yes. Fedora, Mint, Ubuntu, Zorin OS, and the other systems in this list offer a live ISO that runs from USB, so you can test the desktop, Wi-Fi, and apps before you install. Use a USB drive of at least 4 GB for Fedora Media Writer, and back up your files before you change any drive.
Should I pick a rolling release or a fixed release?
Pick a fixed release, such as Mint, Ubuntu LTS, Debian, or Zorin OS, when you want a system that stays the same for years and changes mainly with security updates. Pick a rolling release, such as Manjaro, when you want newer apps soon after release and you are happy to update on a regular schedule.
Sources
- https://www.linuxmint.com/
- https://www.linuxmint.com/download.php
- https://ubuntu.com/
- https://ubuntu.com/download/desktop
- https://fedoraproject.org/
- https://fedoraproject.org/workstation/download/
- https://www.debian.org/
- https://www.debian.org/download
- https://system76.com/pop/
- https://system76.com/download-pop/
- https://zorin.com/os/
- https://zorin.com/os/download/
- https://elementary.io/
- https://manjaro.org/
- https://manjaro.org/download/
Prices and features were read on each company’s own website in November 2026. They change often, so confirm the current offer on the official site before you sign up or buy.