IT & Infrastructure·Standings
Compare Linux Distributions
Linux distributions are operating systems built around Linux; choose by where you need to run one and whether its free plan and open-source status fit your needs.
This board uses a signal score out of 10. Its marks show whether a distribution has a public API, open-source code, or a free tier.
- 14 platforms
- 13 with a free tier
- Checked 23 Oct 2026
- 1 KLKali Linuxkali.org
A free Debian-based Linux distribution with tools for security testing and computer forensics.
- 2 AOAlmaLinux OSalmalinux.org
A free, open-source Linux distribution compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
- 3 POPop!_OSsystem76.com
A free Linux operating system with adjustable automatic window tiling.
- 4 MLManjaro Linuxmanjaro.org
A free Arch-based Linux distribution with GNOME, KDE, and Xfce desktop editions.
- 5 SSolusgetsol.us
A Linux-based operating system offered in Budgie, GNOME, Plasma, and Xfce desktop editions.
- 6 RLRocky Linuxrockylinux.org
A free enterprise Linux distribution designed to match Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
- 7 DDebiandebian.org
- 8 LMLinux Mintlinuxmint.com
A free desktop Linux system with LibreOffice, Firefox, and multimedia apps.
- 9 ALAmazon Linuxaws.amazon.com
A free Linux distribution from AWS designed to work with AWS services and Amazon EC2.
- 10 VLVoid Linuxvoidlinux.org
A free rolling-release Linux system with the XBPS package manager.
- 11 ZOZorin OSzorin.com
A free Linux system with changeable desktop layouts and a built-in software store.
- 12 EOelementary OSelementary.io
A free Linux operating system with built-in apps and a store for free and paid apps.
- 13 TTailstails.net
A free Linux operating system.
- 14 RHRed Hatredhat.com
A Linux software company offering a free trial of Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
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How to choose
Where do I need the distribution to run?
Start with the platform you need. Linux is listed for 13 distributions, while self-hosted is listed for 7. Windows, macOS, API, and Android are listed as platforms too.
Check the individual distribution’s platform details before choosing; the platform marks can help narrow the options.
Can I use a Linux distribution for free?
A free plan is listed for 13 distributions. For example, Debian, Linux Mint, and AlmaLinux OS have free plans.
A free plan and a free trial are different: no distributions on this board are marked as having a free trial. Check the plan details for the distribution you are considering.
How can I tell whether the code is open source?
Check the open-source mark and the distribution’s licence if access to or changes to its code matter to you. Four distributions are marked open source.
A free plan does not by itself tell you whether the code is open source.
Do I need a public API?
If another app or service needs to connect programmatically, look for a public API mark. One distribution is listed with an API platform.
Confirm that the API supports the connection you need before choosing.
Questions
Which Linux distributions have a free plan?
A free plan is listed for 13 distributions. Debian, Linux Mint, and AlmaLinux OS are examples; check the individual plan details.
Are there Linux distributions with a free trial?
No distributions on this board are marked as having a free trial. A free plan is listed for 13.
Which Linux distributions are open source?
Four distributions are marked open source. Check a distribution’s own listing and licence for details.
Can I run Linux distributions on Windows or macOS?
Windows is listed as a platform for 3 distributions, and macOS for 1. Check the platform details for the distribution you are considering.
Which Linux distributions can I self-host?
Self-hosted is listed as a platform for 7 distributions. Check each candidate’s platform details to confirm it fits your setup.
Some top positions on this board can be paid placements, standing where they were sold. The facts on each platform are not for sale. How we rank · Disclosure