Linux is a versatile and powerful operating system that can run on a variety of devices, from laptops and desktops to servers and smartphones. However, Linux is not a single entity, but a collection of hundreds of different distributions, each with its own features, design, and philosophy. Choosing the right Linux distro for your needs can be a daunting task, especially if you are new to the world of Linux.
That's why we have compiled this list of the top 10 Linux distros for beginners in 2024, based on their ease of use, popularity, support, and functionality. Whether you want to switch from Windows or Mac, or just explore the possibilities of Linux, these distros will help you get started with Linux in no time.
1. Ubuntu
Ubuntu is arguably the most well-known and widely used Linux distro in the world. It is based on Debian, one of the oldest and most stable Linux distributions, and offers a user-friendly and polished desktop environment called GNOME. Ubuntu also has a dedicated app store, called the Ubuntu Software Center, where you can find and install thousands of applications, games, and utilities.
Ubuntu is a great choice for beginners because it is easy to install, has a large and active community, and receives regular updates and security patches. Ubuntu also supports a wide range of hardware and software, and has many official and unofficial variants, such as Kubuntu (with KDE Plasma), Xubuntu (with Xfce), and Ubuntu MATE (with MATE).
2. Linux Mint
Linux Mint is another popular and beginner-friendly Linux distro, based on Ubuntu. Linux Mint aims to provide a familiar and comfortable user experience, with a classic and elegant desktop environment called Cinnamon. Linux Mint also comes with many pre-installed applications, such as Firefox, LibreOffice, VLC, and GIMP, and has its own software manager, where you can browse and install more apps.
Linux Mint is a good option for beginners who want a Linux distro that looks and feels like Windows, but with more customization and control. Linux Mint is also known for its stability, reliability, and performance, and has a long-term support cycle of five years.
3. Zorin OS
Zorin OS is a Linux distro designed specifically for newcomers to Linux, who want to switch from Windows or Mac. Zorin OS has a unique feature called Zorin Appearance, which allows you to change the look and feel of your desktop to match your preferred operating system, such as Windows 10, macOS, or Ubuntu. Zorin OS also has a Zorin Connect app, which lets you sync your Android phone with your computer, and access your notifications, files, and media.
Zorin OS is a smart choice for beginners who want a Linux distro that is simple, fast, and secure, and that can run on both modern and old hardware. Zorin OS also has a premium edition, called Zorin OS Pro, which offers more features, such as additional desktop layouts, themes, and apps.
4. Linux Lite
Linux Lite is a lightweight and minimal Linux distro, based on Ubuntu. Linux Lite uses a low-resource and easy-to-use desktop environment called Xfce, which makes it ideal for older or low-end computers. Linux Lite also has a welcome screen, which guides you through the installation and setup process, and offers some useful tips and tricks.
Linux Lite is a suitable choice for beginners who want a Linux distro that is fast, simple, and efficient, and that can revive their old machines. Linux Lite also has a friendly and helpful community, and a comprehensive help manual, which covers everything from installation to troubleshooting.
5. Elementary OS
Elementary OS is a Linux distro that focuses on beauty, elegance, and simplicity. Elementary OS is based on Ubuntu, but has its own custom desktop environment called Pantheon, which is inspired by macOS. Elementary OS also has its own app store, called the AppCenter, where you can find and install curated and open-source apps, such as Eddy, Code, and Spice-Up.
Elementary OS is a perfect choice for beginners who want a Linux distro that is sleek, stylish, and smooth, and that offers a consistent and intuitive user interface. Elementary OS is also known for its privacy and security features, and its pay-what-you-want model, which supports the development of the distro and its apps.
6. Manjaro Linux
Manjaro Linux is a Linux distro that is based on Arch Linux, one of the most advanced and powerful Linux distributions. However, Manjaro Linux is much more user-friendly and accessible than Arch Linux, and offers a graphical installer, a hardware detection tool, and a software manager. Manjaro Linux also supports multiple desktop environments, such as GNOME, KDE Plasma, and Xfce, and has three official editions, each with its own flavor.
Manjaro Linux is a great choice for beginners who want a Linux distro that is cutting-edge, fast, and flexible, and that offers the latest software and updates. Manjaro Linux is also compatible with the Arch User Repository (AUR), which is a huge collection of user-submitted packages, scripts, and applications.
7. MX Linux
MX Linux is a Linux distro that is based on Debian, and uses the Xfce desktop environment. MX Linux is a collaborative project between the antiX and MEPIS communities, and aims to provide a stable, reliable, and high-performance Linux system. MX Linux also has a set of tools, called MX Tools, which help you configure and customize your system, such as MX Tweaks, MX Snapshot, and MX Installer.
MX Linux is a good option for beginners who want a Linux distro that is robust, dependable, and efficient, and that can run on both new and old hardware. MX Linux also has a friendly and supportive community, and a comprehensive wiki, which covers everything from installation to configuration.
8. Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS is a Linux distro that is based on Ubuntu, and is developed by System76, a company that sells Linux laptops and desktops. Pop!_OS has a modern and sleek desktop environment, called Pop Shell, which is based on GNOME, but with some enhancements and extensions. Pop!_OS also has a Pop!_Shop, where you can find and install apps, games, and firmware updates.
Pop!_OS is a smart choice for beginners who want a Linux distro that is optimized, responsive, and powerful, and that can handle heavy workloads and gaming. Pop!_OS also has a special edition, called Pop!_OS NVIDIA, which comes with the NVIDIA drivers pre-installed, and offers better performance and compatibility with NVIDIA graphics cards.
9. Elementary OS
Elementary OS is a Linux distro that focuses on beauty, elegance, and simplicity. Elementary OS is based on Ubuntu, but has its own custom desktop environment called Pantheon, which is inspired by macOS. Elementary OS also has its own app store, called the AppCenter, where you can find and install curated and open-source apps, such as Eddy, Code, and Spice-Up.
Elementary OS is a perfect choice for beginners who want a Linux distro that is sleek, stylish, and smooth, and that offers a consistent and intuitive user interface. Elementary OS is also known for its privacy and security features, and its pay-what-you-want model, which supports the development of the distro and its apps.
10. Deepin
Deepin is a Linux distro that is based on Debian, and has a beautiful and elegant desktop environment called Deepin Desktop Environment (DDE). Deepin also has a Deepin Store, where you can find and install apps, games, and themes. Deepin also has some unique features, such as Deepin Screen Recorder, Deepin Voice Recorder, and Deepin Movie.
Deepin is a suitable choice for beginners who want a Linux distro that is stunning, user-friendly, and feature-rich, and that offers a smooth and seamless user experience. Deepin is also known for its compatibility with various devices, such as laptops, tablets, and all-in-one computers.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article, and found it helpful and informative.