Linux is a free and open-source operating system that offers a wide range of customization options and can be tailored to meet your specific needs. If you’re considering selecting a Linux distribution or operating system for your laptop, you’ll discover an extensive range of options available. The abundance of available distros can be overwhelming, particularly for individuals who are new to the Linux environment.
To make sure you select the right option, here we are with a comprehensive overview of the top 10 best Linux distros for laptops. Let’s dive in!
1: Linux Mint
Linux Mint is a community-driven, free and open-source Linux distribution that is driven by the community. It is based on both Ubuntu and Debian and is recognized for its user-friendly layout and engaging UI.
The latest version, ‘Vera’, released in December 2022, comes with default software such as LibreOffice, Firefox, and Thunderbird, while users can easily download other software from the package manager.
2: Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a highly popular Linux distribution due to its user-friendly interface and elegant design, making it a favorite for beginners. Ubuntu is a versatile operating system that can be installed on a range of devices, including smartphones. Regular, predictable releases with security and bug fixes make Ubuntu a reliable choice.
3: Pop_OS!
System 76 introduced Pop_OS! in October 2017 as a Linux distribution. Featuring a custom GNOME desktop, it offers a friendly UI with quite a few customization possibilities.
The distros provide default applications like Geary, LibreOffice, and Firefox, and other software can be easily installed via the APT package manager. It also supports Flatpak for easy software installation and updating.
Pop_OS! is optimized for laptops with a focus on hardware compatibility and power management, making it a great choice for users looking for a streamlined and modern desktop experience.
4: Zorin OS
Zorin OS is an Ubuntu-based Linux distribution with a very easy-to-use GUI designed specifically for Windows users transitioning to Linux. It comes with pre-installed software programs similar to those in Windows and has the ability to run compatible Windows software, making the transition smoother. Turns out, it is a great choice for newbies to Linux who want a familiar interface and a variety of useful software options.
5: MX Linux
MX Linux is a Linux distribution based on Debian and is recognized for its easy-to-use interface, making it suitable for both novice and intermediate users. The distribution was developed in partnership with MEPIS and antiX communities and offered essential tools such as a graphical installer, a GUI-based method to modify the Linux kernel, and MX-snapshot.
With the Xfce desktop environment, MX Linux is lightweight, customizable and offers excellent hardware support, making it a stable and reliable choice for laptops and desktops.
6: Manjaro
Manjaro is a stable, secure, and robust Linux distribution that is considered one of the most beginner-friendly options alongside Ubuntu. Based on Arch Linux, Manjaro provides access to bleeding-edge technology and allows for the installation and use of multiple kernels, making it suitable for both novice and advanced users.
With direct access to the AUR and the Pacman package manager, Manjaro offers limitless customizability, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a highly customizable and user-friendly Linux distro for their laptop.
7: Elementary OS
Elementary OS is a top Linux distro for laptops, offering a visually appealing and lightweight experience with privacy and security features. The latest version, elementary OS 7.0 “Horus”, released on 31 January 2023, focuses on improving the AppCenter, introducing new features and settings, and enhancing the developer platform.
8: Fedora
The most user-friendly Linux distros, it features the GNOME desktop environment with the GNOME Shell as the default user interface, while other desktop environments can also be installed.
Fedora offers pre-installed software and additional packages that can be installed using the DNF package manager, making it an excellent choice for users who want a reliable and easy-to-use operating system.
9: Garuda Linux
Garuda Linux is a visually appealing and user-friendly Linux distro designed for desktop and laptop users. It uses the Zen kernel, making it optimized for performance on these devices, and employs BTRFS as its default file system, allowing for automatic snapshots via Timeshift.
Unlike other distros based on Arch Linux, Garuda Linux offers significant GUI support, allowing users to install apps, manage drivers, and tweak settings with ease.
It also prioritizes gaming, offering the Garuda Gamer GUI for easy installation of games and emulators.
10: Solus
Solus is a Linux distribution based on the Linux Kernel, previously known as Evolve OS, introduced for personal computers and personal use without specific software support for enterprise and server environments.
Launched in December 2015 with version 1.0, Solus is stable and user-friendly, with an extensive range of the latest software offered in its own repositories. It offers multiple desktop environments, including Budgie, GNOME, KDE Plasma, and MATE, making it a versatile choice for users. However, Solus is only available for 64-bit computers.
Conclusion
Whether you are looking for a lightweight distro, a gaming distro, or a distro that focuses on privacy and security, in the above list of top 10 best Linux distros for laptops, you will find a Linux distro that meets your requirements. These Linux distros are not only powerful and efficient but also free and open-source, allowing you to customize them to suit your preferences. Try them out and see how it goes.
