10 Best Linux Distros of 2023

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An operating system designed around the Linux kernel is known as a Linux distro, or distribution, to use its full term. A Linux operating system, unlike Windows or Mac OS, comprises numerous open-source components created and maintained by various groups.

You could acquire and assemble all of these programs; however, doing so would take a lot of time. Distros can help in this situation. They put in all the effort, selecting the appropriate open-source software and putting it in a format that requires little to no configuration on your part.

Although many different types of Linux distributions are available to suit various demands, the finest ones provide stability and security in a Linux environment. Whether you're a novice or an experienced user, we'll help you locate the best Linux distros.

Top Linux distributions of 2023

A Linux distribution is available for every kind of computer user because the Linux operating system has gained so much popularity. It's not difficult to identify the finest Linux distribution because distributions are frequently created with a particular user or use case in mind.

1. Ubuntu Server

Due to its great flexibility, scalability, plus secure enterprise data centers, Ubuntu is undoubtedly the most well-known Linux distribution. The most recent version of Ubuntu Server is compatible with ARM, Power, x86, s390x, and RISC-V architectures, among other popular ones.

This Linux distribution offers the tools to manage large clusters and supports a scale-out computing strategy. An Ubuntu server can have up to 100 nodes added for free due to its open-source status. It includes pre-installed applications, including 10gen MongoDB, Inktank Ceph, and Apache Hadoop.

Many laptop manufacturers began providing their laptops with Ubuntu pre-installed rather than Microsoft Windows due to Ubuntu's rising popularity and demand. This distribution will be helpful to all users, especially those working as system administrators or software developers on servers.

However, its free version lacks additional security safeguards, certificate compliance, and round-the-clock support. You must look for solutions in the community channels if you have any queries or run into problems.

2. Linux Mint

Because it is easier to use and lighter than Ubuntu, Linux Mint is becoming increasingly popular among new users. Linux Mint is one of the best Linux distros, the perfect alternative to Windows.

Based on the Ubuntu and Debian projects, Linux Mint is constructed using the GNU toolchain on top of the Linux kernel. Its goal is to be a cutting-edge and effective operating system for computer users to carry out daily chores.

It is an excellent choice for brand-new Linux users because of its user-friendly interface and interactive design. Additionally, the open-source Linux Mint distribution supports both x86 and x64 systems.

But for Linux Mint to function properly, a powerful computer is needed. It needs a minimum of 4 GB of RAM, 100 GB of storage space, and a screen resolution of 1024 x 768.

3. Linux Lite

This open-source operating system is based on the Ubuntu LTS release cycle and supports well-known pre-built and add-on apps like Spotify, Skype, and Firefox. As one of the top Linux distros, Linux Lite provides a Windows-like desktop experience to make the switch from other operating systems as seamless as possible.

Aside from that, operating Linux Lite doesn't use many resources because its lightweight desktop environment is Xfce, which has been tweaked. Additionally, it provides zRAM, a memory compression tool that promotes quick performance on older computers.

A built-in tool called Lite Tweaks is available in Linux Lite and is used to maintain and correct problems with the operating system. This Linux distribution requires a minimum of 1 GB of RAM and a 1 GHz CPU with two or several cores. The system is only available for 64-bit platforms and does not support 32-bit architectures.

4. Zorin OS

Zorin OS is one of the other Linux distributions based on Ubuntu on our list of top Linux distros. A user-friendly operating system built on Linux was the project's top priority when it first started in 2008.

It is among the most cutting-edge and aesthetically pleasing operating systems available, which is equipped with applications like PlayOnLinux and Wine that enable users to run Windows programs. With its user-friendly interface, Zorin OS is one of the best Linux distros for new users because they don't need to learn new skills to get started.

The available layout environments are modelled after well-known operating systems like Windows and macOS. Zorin Connect is yet another intriguing feature offered by this Linux distribution. It is an embedded tool that combines an Android device's and your computer's capabilities.

The most distinctive features, such as premium desktop layouts, are unavailable in the free edition. Therefore, it’s better to get the Pro edition.

5. Elementary OS

Elementary OS is a Linux distribution built on the Ubuntu operating system and is renowned for its minimalist yet functional user interface. It aims to be a competent and moral alternative to Windows and macOS.

The most recent version of elementary OS, 6.1 Jolnir Odin, had a significant user interface change, including a new Windows switcher and much better pre-installed programs. Your productivity will undoubtedly increase with picture-in-picture, do not disturb, and multitasking views.

The operating system known as Elementary OS is free, open-source, safe, and privacy-respecting. This Linux distribution is one of the most robust and dependable, making it a perfect OS for system administrators and software developers.

However, this Linux distribution's environment versatility is constrained because you cannot personalize it. For instance, changing the desktop's appearance requires the installation of an external program like Elementary Tweaks or Pantheon Tweaks.

6. Kodachi

Anyone who values their privacy and requires a secure, non-forensic, and anonymous distribution should use Kodachi, one of the top Linux distros available. The most recent version of this distribution is built on Ubuntu and uses a specialized Xfce desktop.

Kodachi comes with a ton of standard apps and security- and privacy-focused apps so you can use the distribution as your everyday driver. Its bespoke desktop is made to offer you access to all the applications while still being user-friendly and not overwhelming new users.

Kodachi isolates apps using AppArmor to improve your security. Several privacy-protection utilities include the Metadata Anonymization Toolkit (MAT) for deleting metadata from files, VeraCrypt, KeePassXC, and zuluCrypt.

Its anti-forensics powers are manifested by several tools, one of which will wipe the RAM. Another feature of Kodachi is the ability to set a password that, when entered, will completely wipe out the contents of your encrypted Kodachi installation.

7. antiX

For computers that support Intel-AMD x86 architecture, antiX is a quick, simple-to-install, and lightweight Debian-based Linux distribution. With its antiX Magic feature, it supports both new and vintage devices. This Linux distribution offers up-to-date software, a potent kernel, Debian-compatible repositories, and updates.

The GTK+ toolkit was the foundation for antiX's interface, which uses IceWM as its window manager. In addition to operating live from a USB stick with or without persistent file storage, antiX can also be included in a fast-booting rescue CD.

AntiX requires at least 5 GB of free disk space to install, and it functions nicely on 256 MB of RAM. Four downloading versions are available: The most recent antiX version, however, does not offer a decorative display. Instead, it has a largely dull and dark user interface.

This can be an excellent choice if you prefer a plain, straightforward display.

8. MX Linux

MX Linux is a Debian-based Linux distribution that was originally made available in 2014. In September 2022, the most recent version, MX-21.2.1 "Wildflower," was published. The antiX and MX Linux communities work together to produce MX Linux.

The midweight Linux distribution MX Linux includes three different desktop environments: XFCE, KDE, and Fluxbox. Recently, MX Linux has gained a lot of attention thanks to its powerful and incredibly stable operating system, so we have included it in our best Linux distros list.

The user interface is really basic. As a result, when they utilize the system for the first time, new users feel at home. Users migrating from Windows or macOS will find it quite simply because it has a range of GUI features.

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9. OpenMediaVault

Debian-based distribution OpenMediaVault (OMV) is a top Linux distro that may turn an outdated, underutilized computer—or even a Raspberry Pi—into a network-attached storage (NAS) device. This distribution is simple to set up, and its user-friendly browser-based management interface makes it simple.

Using OMV, you may connect several drives into different levels of software RAID or just use them as straightforward storage silos that you can access over the network using all the widely used network protocols, including SSH, FTP, SMB/CIFS, Rsync, etc.

The best part is that you may increase the use of your OMV NAS server by adding and activating different plugins. For instance, you can use your NAS to play music across the network or convert it into a torrent client to download files straight to the NAS storage.

10. Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)

RHEL, one of the best Linux distros out there, is a robust, dependable, and secure release created by Red Hat based on Fedora. It can manage big data, visualization, plus data containers and is accessible on cloud and IoT platforms.

The administration, automation, middleware, and visualization tools for Red Hat products are already integrated into this Linux distribution. Additionally, ten years of support services are promised.

Users can upgrade without restarting the system, benefiting VPS users. Updates include feature improvements, bug fixes, security patches, and kernel patches. RHEL supports a number of architectures, including s390x, x86, ARM64, Power, and IBM Z. It works with thousands of bespoke and commercial software and all common hardware platforms.

Conclusion

An operating system constructed from components created by several open-source projects and programmers is a Linux distribution or a Linux distro.

Linux distributions incorporate code from various open-source projects into a single installable and bootable operating system. There are best Linux distributions for desktop computers, servers without a graphical user interface, supercomputers, mobile devices, and specific applications such as embedded systems and home theatre PCs.

There are numerous Linux distributions, and each is unique in certain ways. Because of this, you should select a Linux distribution based on your needs. Even though our list of top Linux distros only includes a small number of Linux distributions, each one is dependable and capable of satisfying the needs of each user.