Which linux distro is the best

Best Linux Distributions That are Most Suitable for Beginners

Last updated March 25, 2021 By Aquil Roshan 326 Comments

Brief: It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the list of Linux distributions available. In this article, we will mention the best Linux distros for beginners.

Let’s face it, Linux can pose an overwhelming complexity to new users. But then, it’s not Linux itself that brings this complexity. Rather, it’s the “newness” factor that causes this. Not getting nostalgic, but remembering my first time with Linux, I didn’t even know what to expect. I liked it. But it was an upstream swim for me initially.

Not knowing where to start can be a downer. Especially for someone who does not have the concept of something else running on their PC in place of Windows.

The first thing that confuses a newcomer is that Linux is not a single operating system. There are hundreds of Linux distributions. We have covered why there are so many Linux in detail, so I am not going to discuss it again.

Here are a few lists of Linux distributions based on different criteria:

In addition to that, there are distributions that cater to the needs of newcomers especially. So, here, we shall focus on those options.

Best Linux Distros for Beginners

Please remember that this list is no particular order. The main criteria for compiling this list is the ease of installation, out of the box hardware support, ease of use, and availability of software packages.

1. Ubuntu

• Easy to use
• Unique user experience
• Huge collection of software applications available through the software center
• Essential tools pre-installed

You must have heard about Ubuntu — no matter what. It is the most popular Linux distribution overall. Not just limited to servers, but also the most popular choice for Linux desktops.

It is easy to use, offers a good user experience, and comes pre-installed with essential tools to get a head start. Of course, Ubuntu managed to “simplify” the Linux experience years back and that is the reason why it is still so popular even with several impressive Linux distributions available right now.

Ubuntu offers a very convenient installation procedure and ensures best hardware compatibility when compared to some other non-Ubuntu based Linux distributions.

The original Ubuntu relies on GNOME desktop. Even though it is easy to use, it may not prove to be a familiar user interface if you’re coming from the Windows platform. In that case, you can try out some official flavors of Ubuntu like Kubuntu, Lubuntu to get a Windows-like user interface.

Ubuntu has a great documentation and community support. Ubuntu forums and Ask Ubuntu provide an appreciable quality support in almost all aspects regarding Ubuntu. You should easily find answers to common issues and even if you notice something new, the community will help you out troubleshooting.

2. Linux Mint

• Familiar user interface with Windows
• Performs great with older hardware
• Some improvements over Ubuntu

Linux Mint is arguably the best Ubuntu-based Linux distribution suitable for beginners. Yes, it is based on Ubuntu, so you should expect the same advantages of using Ubuntu. However, instead of GNOME desktop, it offers different desktop environments like Cinnamon, Xfce, and MATE. In fact, Linux Mint does a few things better than Ubuntu.

Not just limited to the familiar user interface, which will be a bonus for Windows users. It provides an impressive performance with minimal hardware requirements, especially with Xfce or MATE desktop environment.

It also uses the same software repository as Ubuntu. You don’t have to worry about the availability of software to install.

Linux Mint is a fantastic Windows-like distribution. So, if you do not want a unique user interface (like Ubuntu), Linux Mint should be the perfect choice.

The most popular suggestion would be to go with Linux Mint Cinnamon edition. But, you can explore whatever you want. Also, you might want to look at our tutorial to install Linux Mint 20 from USB.

3. Zorin OS

• Windows-like user interface
• Intuitive user experience
• Easy to use
• Ultimate edition available with a lot of pre-installed goodies and Lite edition for older computers

Zorin OS is yet another impressive Linux distribution that offers a similar user interface to Windows. It may not be the most popular choice but being an Ubuntu-based distribution, it is perfectly suitable for beginners while offering many cool features as well.

Zorin OS is an Ubuntu-based distribution but feels highly polished. In my opinion, it is perfectly tailored for former Windows users who want a similar look and feel but something beautiful.

No wonder why Zorin OS is one of the most beautiful Linux distros out there.

The ultimate edition of Zorin OS is worth spending if you need all the pre-installed goodies (fun games, office suite, and some additional features). But, the free edition works like a charm as well.

You will also find a “Lite” edition which is suitable for old hardware that needs to be revived.

4. Elementary OS

Now that I mentioned a beautiful Linux distribution above, elementary OS is actually the most popular good-looking Linux distribution that takes inspiration from macOS.

Even though it is not a “macOS clone” in any aspect, it tries to focus on the user experience similar to how macOS does (or should). If you are coming from the Apple ecosystem, you would love to try elementary OS for sure.

Again, it is based on Ubuntu, so you get all the benefits of it along with a rich user experience.

Elementary OS features the Pantheon desktop environment. You can immediately notice the resemblance to macOS desktop.

The operating system is zero intrusive so you can really focus on your work. It comes with a very small number of pre-installed software. So, any new user will not be repulsed by huge bloat. But it’s got everything you need out of the box. The App Center is also unique when compared to other Linux distributions.

You will find some elementary OS tailored applications and can choose to pay the developer through the software store as well.

Experience wise, Elementary OS is really a great piece of software.

5. Linux Lite

Linux Lite is yet another Ubuntu-based distribution that is easy to use. It is specifically tailored as a lightweight distribution with some pre-installed applications that are not resource-heavy.

Linux Lite is perfectly suitable for Windows users with a similar user interface featuring the Xfce desktop environment. Compared to its previous iterations, Linux Lite has improved the user experience. Even though it isn’t meant to provide you the most modern experience, it still looks great as a desktop OS.

6. Manjaro Linux

• Not an Ubuntu-based distribution
• Arch-based Linux distribution
• Presents a learning curve

If you want to take up a challenge with a learning curve and want to try something else other than a distribution based on Ubuntu, Manjaro Linux is the best bet.

It is based on Arch Linux but tailored as a beginner-friendly distribution. Of course, considering that it follows a rolling release update cycle, you might end up with a broken system (even though that does not happen all the time). But, you have to compromise on the reliability when compared to any Ubuntu based Linux distribution mentioned in this list.

You also get a wide range of choice to install a variety of software tools. There’s also AUR, which is a community-maintained repository for software that may not be available for Manjaro officially.

If you want to know more about it, you may want to check out our detailed review of Manjaro Linux.

Manjaro Linux offers different desktop environments like XFCE, KDE, Gnome, Cinnamon and a host of more desktop environments. So, you get a lot of choices.

7. Pop!_OS

• Improved user experience when compared to Ubuntu
• Extra out-of-the-box features like Auto window tiling to help with fast multi-tasking

Pop OS is probably the best Ubuntu-based Linux distribution if you’re not looking for a lightweight Linux distribution.

It provides a polished and snappy experience when compared to Ubuntu GNOME edition. You also get some interesting features like automatic window tiling, window stacking, and a few more with Pop OS.

You also get a vanilla GNOME experience on Pop OS when compared to Ubuntu. However, unlike some other options, it does not officially support other desktop environments out of the box. So, if you do not like GNOME, you may have to manually try other desktop environments as an experiment. You might find the review of Pop OS 20.04 useful to explore more about it.

8. Peppermint OS

Peppermint Linux is an interesting choice for beginners who prefer to use web applications as local applications using the out-of-the-box integration with Ice.

It is based on Ubuntu, so along with all the goodies of Ubuntu it features a few extra options to give you a head start. It isn’t pitched as a lightweight distro, but it works quite well with older hardware as well.

9. Deepin

If performance or hardware requirement does not bother you, Deepin OS will be an interesting pick. It is known for its eye-candy user interface that is one of the most gorgeous Linux distributions out there.

Of course, it suffers from performance issues if you do not have a decent modern hardware configuration. But, if it works well on your system, it is easy to use and offers plenty of software tools to get started.

Some might mention that just because it is a project with based out of Mainland China, you need to avoid it. So, if you have an issue with that, you might take a look at UbuntuDDE (which is basically Ubuntu + eye-candy visuals of Deepin)

Your choice for the best Linux distro for beginners?

Linux might come with a tiny learning curve, but that’s not something anybody ever regretted. Go ahead, you will love it like I do!

To give you a head start, I would recommend you to follow Ubuntu 20.04 installation guide and refer how to install a distro from USB.

If you are already a Linux user, do share this article and help someone fall in love with Linux. What do you think about the distributions tailored for beginners mentioned above? Do you have a suggestion? Let me know in the comments below!

Like what you read? Please share it with others.

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The best Linux distros for 2021

Linux is a powerful and fully customizable operating system with an endless number of distributions that differ significantly from one another, offering complete personalization for all applications. Trust us — it gives MacOS and Windows a run for their money.

When choosing a Linux system, it’s common to pick a distribution, or “distro,” that compiles all the open-source features you want into one installation package. The number of distros that Linux has would take way too much time for you to sift through. To help you narrow down your search, we’ve compiled a list of the best distros that Linux has to offer.

Linux Mint 20.2

According to the OS’ website, Linux Mint is now the leading Linux distribution, surpassing Ubuntu and all other distros to become the main competition against Windows and MacOS. When you look at Linux Mint’s features, like the LibreOffice productivity suite and the Timeshift snapshot restore function, that claim becomes easy to believe. This free, open-source distro installs quickly and easily from a USB or blank DVD and offers full multimedia support from the get-go.

Linux Mint makes an effort to straddle the line between stability and power. It’s not too resource-intensive, and it is conservative about updates, meaning there is little chance of installing a broken or unstable update that will require tedious system regressions. Mint users can also instantly play media from CDs, MP3s, and videos due to Linux’s better support for proprietary media files.

Linux Mint further mitigates headaches for users by using an update manager. By supporting many accessible desktop environments like Cinnamon (by far the most popular version of Linux Mint), Mate, and Xfce, as well as native support for a long list of applications, it lets users customize their update schedules to suit their needs.

Ubuntu

Ubuntu remains one of the most popular Linux distros in existence, even though it originally premiered more than a decade ago. It’s also the most widely used distro to date and even comes pre-installed on desktops and laptops manufactured by HP, Dell, and Acer as a Windows alternative. You can also grab the vanilla version of Ubuntu through Microsoft’s built-in store for Windows 10.

Every other year, Ubuntu provides annual developer canonical releases with long-term support (LTS), which means that users can enjoy five years of maintenance, security, and general updates without having to update their devices every few months. Typically, standard releases only get support for one year, with new versions released every six months. It’s worth noting though that Windows and MacOS users may have difficulty with the Ubuntu LTS GNOME 3 desktop, which is organized differently than either OS.

That said, Ubuntu has several flavors available — seven to be exact — each with distinct programs, desktop environments, and features. For example, Ubuntu MATE (as in Yerba Mate tea) offers several critical applications, including Firefox, Thunderbird, LibreOffice, Rhythmbox, Shotwell, VLC, and Steam.

Based on the MATE desktop environment, this version provides its own set of tools on top of an intuitive and attractive presentation. Couple this with Ubuntu’s famous ease of use and installation, and you have an excellent OS for newcomers and Linux enthusiasts alike.

openSUSE’s LEAP

Also known as SUSE Linux and SUSE Linus Professional, openSUSE is another popular distro because of its interface flexibility and simple file installation. Sys-admins and developers will find this program particularly useful due to its rigorous security protocols, but the OS breaks down into the versions openSUSE Tumbleweed, openSUSE Leap, and openSUSE.

Tumbleweed is based on openSUSE’s main development codebase Factory and follows a rolling release model, meaning that users can download new packages as soon as they are reviewed in Factory. This release schedule means that Tumbleweed is a very convenient distro for daily PC users who need apps that update and function reliably.

For business owners who need a reliable Linux distro based on the SUSE Linux Enterprise source code, Leap is an excellent option. While updated versions of Leap are released on a roughly annual basis, each version comes with three years of support. For fans of customization, openSUSE Studio Express lets users create tailored versions of openSUSE, including your desktop, system settings, and software suite.

OpenSUSE uses a program called YaST, which is essentially a portal through which you can manage your computer and tweak settings to your liking. YaST makes it easy to install a large number of popular desktop interfaces — everything from KDE and LXDE to Gnome, Mate, and several others. These interfaces can even run simultaneously via YaST and switch to and from each other on the fly.

YaST also makes adding third-party applications a cinch with quick, one-click installations. Finally, openSUSE includes a feature called Tumbleweed, which updates your system and apps automatically, so your PC is always up to date. OpenSUSE is free to download, but there is a paid physical addition that includes 90-day installation support.

Fedora

Don’t let the silly name of this Linux distribution fool you; it’s a flexible OS with three separate options depending on your needs. A workstation, server, and cloud-centric version are all available. Furthermore, the workstation version has excellent tools for specific needs, such as gaming, design, and even robotics, among others. Fedora primarily uses the GNOME 3 interface, but versions using different desktop environments are available.

The two main versions are Fedora Workstation and Fedora Server, though emerging editions of Fedora include IoT, Silverblue, and CoreOS. Fedora Workstation is built for anyone from students and novices to corporate professionals. It has impressive repositories and project hosting that allows users to share builds and code throughout the community with ease.

Fedora Server allows users to run software on cloud-based or physical Linux-based servers. Webmasters and sys-admins with knowledge of any OS can use the latest and greatest proprietary and open-source software. Those interested in a one-stop shop for their Linux networks can take advantage of DNS services, certificate integration, Windows domain integration, and identity management.

Fedora is known for having frequent version updates, sometimes weeks or months apart, integrating the latest programs and features available for Linux systems. Such a rapid update schedule makes the distro less reliable for those testing new products, due to the short cycle between versions and increased risk of unstable builds. However, it’s excellent for those who want to be on the leading edge of Linux development.

Debian

Debian is one of the longest-standing Linux distros, which was first released in 1996. Since then, it has served as the framework for many other distros — namely Ubuntu and Mint — which have subsequently gone on to inspire and inform numerous other distros. In terms of today’s distro development, Debian could be considered a beloved grandparent. The modern version of Debian offers over 59,000 packages with different desktop environments integrated into it, though Gnome is the primarily supported interface.

Debian is an excellent choice for both workstations and server systems. The workstation version comes with pre-installed programs like a Photoshop alternative, GIMP, Iceweasel internet browser, LibreOffice word processor, and VLC media player. Debian has three branches available—stable, testing, and unstable—depending on how much maintenance and testing you wish to put into your OS. Users can try Debin live before installing it; use a cloud image or download an installation image; purchase a DVD, CD, or USB with Debian installed; or buy a PC with Debian pre-installed.

Manjaro

Manjaro is based on another Linux distro called Arch. Both aim to provide bleeding-edge software without bogging down your PC, but Manjaro is more beginner-friendly. The parent program Arch is fine-tuned for advanced, tech-savvy users who can navigate the back end of Linux better than Mickey Mouse at Disney World. Instead, the Manjaro software focuses on ease of use and friendliness for newcomers and advanced users alike, without stripping all the good stuff that makes Arch great.

Moreover, Manjaro features the ability to automatically detect your system’s hardware and install the appropriate software, just like a Windows-based machine. Manjaro is backed by thousands of apps explicitly developed for this distro, including many popular alternatives to MS Office, and a community that will gladly help both newcomers and advanced users. Manjaro even offers four official flavors: The XFCE Edition, which is fast and lightweight; the more substantial KDE Edition, which is more media-focused and visually appealing; the Gnome Edition with a highly customizable user interface; and the Architect Edition for those who want to customize every detail of setup and configuration.

Arch Linux

For those who don’t mind a user interface that puts results over friendliness, Arch Linux is a well-regarded distro. Those who have older PCs or just want to keep their OS from bulking up their devices will benefit from the terminal, which lets users download and install customized builds and software packages around their Linux kernel. On the other hand, this freedom means that users will have to download any software and decide on all customizations themselves.

This distro prioritizes clean coding above everything else, which can make the advanced version intimidating for newer Linux users. However, Manjaro is based on the framework of Arch Linux and is much more forgiving for newbies than its inspiration. This particular distro will well serve users who want a bloat-free system with minimal clutter, but novices may wish to consider other options.

Solus

Solus is a Linux distro that launched at the end of 2015 and marketed as a versatile operating system for everyone. It was built from scratch with the general device user in mind and has gone on to become one of the more highly used distros in the last couple of years. It’s touted as easy to set up and functional on most devices. Not only can you choose between popular desktop interfaces (Budgie, Gnome, MATE, and Plasma), you can also take advantage of Firefox, Thunderbird, and other software you already use on your Windows-based machine. Solus allows you to manage data, from documents to music, in the Files section, and all apps can be accessed through the Software Center.

Creative Linux users can get so much out of using Solus, whether they’re animators, graphic designers, editors, or in a different field of content making, as Solus has a variety of uses. Developers can write backend web services or drivers and use a plethora of compilers, editors, version control systems, and programming languages, as well as connecting to virtualization and containerization tech.

Gamers will also enjoy Solus’ capabilities. With built-in support for a variety of gamepads and controllers, gamers will be able to enjoy their favorite devices in a plug-and-play environment. When it comes time to keep it professional, Solus provides LibreOffice, which includes productivity applications for home and professional users.

Zorin

Zorin is an excellent option if you’re looking to replace your Windows or macOS software with a new Linux operating system. Zorin relies on cues from the two major players to create an easy-to-use interface. A GUI can make it feel more familiar to many Windows and macOS users, making it even easier to learn.

Zorin’s built-in editing software will help you knock projects out. And an MS Office-compatible productivity suite facilitates collaboration. With Zorin, you can still use Wine to run other Windows applications. Or you can dual-boot your system if you want to run these apps in their native Windows 10 or macOS environments.

The adjustment period when switching to Zorin is practically nonexistent for seasoned Windows and Mac users. Its features mock those of Linux, such as its fast-paced performance and abundance of security. You can also find additional software options at Zorin’s software store or Steam.

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