ChromeOS vs MX Linux
| ChromeOS | MX Linux | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Paid from | — | Free |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | Web | Linux |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Device types | Chromebooks, Chromeboxes, Chromebases, Chromebits; ChromeOS Flex on certified PCs and Macs | Desktop and laptop computers; removable USB media for live operation |
| Support lifecycle | ChromeOS devices receive 10 years of updates from platform release; specific device end dates vary. | Major versions follow Debian Stable releases; support duration varies by release (official chart linked in FAQ, but not verified here). |
| Built-in management | Google Admin console policies, app and extension installation, update management, device policies | MX Tools; MX Updater with package update checks, upgrade modes and scheduled unattended upgrades; MX Package Installer |
| App compatibility | Install apps and extensions; managed Google Play apps are available only on ChromeOS devices, not ChromeOS Flex. | Debian packages and repositories, Debian Backports, Flatpak, Snap on supported setups, AppImage |
| Deployment models | Physical ChromeOS devices; ChromeOS Flex installation on certified existing PCs and Macs by USB or network deployment | Install on physical computers; live system from USB; customized live/remastered images |
| CPU architectures | — | 64-bit only for MX-25 official releases |
Both are listed in Best Operating Systems. On Inferse, MX Linux scores higher on our published basis.