Better than Ubuntu? 11 Best Linux Distros for Ubuntu Lovers

If you are looking for the perfect distro for your system, then the chances of choosing an Ubuntu-based distro are very high.

You may ask why.

Well, it’s no surprise that Ubuntu is one of the best Linux distributions for beginners. It is also very popular, which is why you will find that it has a huge user community. Not only that, it is also widely used on Cloud Server.

So, using Ubuntu as the basis of a Linux distribution should bring some useful advantages, right?

That’s why I’ve put together a list of the best Ubuntu-based distros, in the hope that you’ll find one that’s good enough to make you stop switching distros so often.

1. Ubuntu official derivative version

budgie desktop screenshot 2022

If you don’t like Ubuntu official version GNOME desktop environment, you can try the official derivatives, which provide different desktop environments based on Ubuntu.

Simply put, you will get the same Ubuntu experience, but with a different user interface.

To make your user experience more enjoyable, these desktop environments have been pre-tuned and themed, making them perfect for those who want to use them right out of the box.

The following are the available options:

• Kubuntu (KDE Plasma)
• Lubuntu (most resource-efficient option, uses LXDE/LXQT)
• Ubuntu Studio (distribution for creators)
• Ubuntu Budgie (Budgie desktop environment)
• Ubuntu Kylin (customized for Chinese users)
• Ubuntu MATE (use MATE Desktop and Tools)
• Xubuntu (Xfce Desktop)

Also, you can find a new official derivative with the classic Unity desktop environment in Ubuntu 22.10, because Ubuntu Unity Remix is ​​now an official Ubuntu derivative.

Analysis: Which Ubuntu version should I use?

Ubuntu derivatives

2, Linux Mint

linux mint 21 home

Main features of Linux Mint:

• Snap is not used by default.
• Use the Cinnamon desktop environment to provide an intuitive and easy-to-use experience.
• Exquisite user interface.
• For Windows users, it has a familiar operating experience.
• Managing codecs and hardware drivers is very convenient.

If I had to describe Linux Mint in one sentence, it would be "a simple and elegant user experience that is enough to meet the needs of advanced users."

With Linux Mint’s Cinnamon desktop environment, you can expect a carefully polished and customized experience. Now tools like Timeshift, developed by the Linux Mint team, can make your experience seamless.

Linux Mint includes basic essential application software, including office suites and applications that meet multimedia consumption needs, making it very suitable for beginners.

Linux Mint

3、Pop!_OS

pop os screenshot 2022

Key features of Pop!_OS:

• Out-of-the-box NVIDIA graphics card support.
• COSMIC Desktop (customized GNOME experience).
• Provides the basic functions of the window manager.
• A recovery partition used to recover a system from a disaster.

Developed by popular open source hardware manufacturer System76, Pop!_OS 22.04 LTS is my current primary operating system, and for good reason.

Pop!_OS regularly updates Linux kernel packages and at the time of this writing is running Linux kernel 5.19. Yes, I know you can easily upgrade to the latest kernel, but official support is even easier, and that's the advantage of Pop!_OS being an Ubuntu-based distribution.

In addition to the latest kernel, you will also get a beautiful COSMIC desktop, as well as some pre-installed applications such as Eddy for easy installation of deb packages, disk encryption is also applied by default, and many other features , let you have a pleasant experience!

Pop!_OS

4、KDE Neon

kde neon screenshot 2022

The main features of KDE Neon:

• Based on the Ubuntu platform, providing the most native KDE experience.
• Provides the latest version of KDE Plasma.

Unless you're looking for the latest KDE experience, KDE Neon may not be for you. In other words, it's not intended to be an operating system for everyday use, but rather to provide a cutting-edge KDE experience.

KDE Neon remains one of the best Ubuntu-based distributions if you want to experience the latest features of KDE.

There are many other distributions based on KDE Plasma; if you are not pursuing the latest experience, then Kubuntu is your best choice.

Additionally, KDE Neon only comes pre-installed with the most basic tools to give users enough room to decide for themselves what tools to use for specific tasks.

KDE Neon

5、elementaryOS

elementaryos screenshot 2022

Key features of elementaryOS:

• Use Pantheon, one of the most elegant desktop environments.
• Support picture-in-picture mode.
• Specially customized application center.

So, if you are a fan of macOS and want to experience Linux, elementaryOS will definitely not let you down.

Developers developed the Pantheon desktop environment specifically for elementaryOS, and you'll notice the incredible attention to detail in every aspect, whether it's dark mode or accent colors. You'll get a great user experience in elementary OS.

The release cycle of elementaryOS may be less frequent than other Ubuntu distributions. But they are committed to providing a stable user experience in every version.

elementaryOS

6、Zorin OS

zorin os home screenshot

Main features of Zorin OS:

• Provides different layouts similar to Windows and macOS.
• Ability to install Windows software without any adjustments.
• A stripped-down version of Zorin OS can bring computers from over a decade ago back to life.

Zorin OS is another Ubuntu-based distribution that offers users a well-polished experience. Its wallpapers, user interface tweaks, and other improvements make Linux look stunning.

You can use its tool Zorin Connect to seamlessly integrate your mobile device and computer so you can transfer files, control audio playback, and even use your mobile device as a trackpad!

Zorin OS

#7、Linux Lite

linux lite

Main features of Linux Lite:

• Extremely lightweight.
• Use Xfce and LTS versions of Ubuntu to provide a stable experience.
• Easy to use.

So, if you are looking for a lightweight distribution that works out of the box, then Linux Lite is designed for users like you. It is one of the best (and simplest) Windows-like Linux distributions.

Stability is another core feature of Linux Lite, which explains why it uses Xfce as its desktop environment.

Linux Lite

8、Voyager

voyager linux

Key features of Voyager:

• Users can switch between GNOME and Xfce sessions in its 2-in-1 version.
• GUI elements and plug-ins are pre-configured to provide a pleasant usage experience.

Voyager is a Xubuntu-based Linux distribution that offers GNOME and Xfce in its latest 22.04 LTS explorer release.

This distribution offers user choice from the beginning. If you prefer ergonomics, start a GNOME session; or choose Xfce for a simpler and faster experience.

Voyager provides a customized look and feel, giving users an ancient and stylish Linux experience.

I would recommend it to anyone who likes to switch between different environments and is looking for a customized experience and stability.

Voyager

9、Feren OS

feren os screenshot 2022

Main features of Feren OS:

• Provides a minimally configured and fine-tuned KDE experience out of the box.
• Customized, but consumes less system resources.
• Comes with pre-tuned web browser manager for a better experience.

I've already mentioned how Zorin OS offers pre-configured layouts to adapt to your own, but it's based on GNOME. So what if you are a fan of KDE? Then Feren OS is designed for you!

In addition to providing a pre-configured KDE experience, Feren OS has a convincing memory footprint and I highly recommend Feren OS to anyone looking to get started with an Ubuntu distribution based on the KDE Plasma desktop.

Feren OS

10、LXLE

lxle screenshot 2022

Main features of LXLE:

• Extremely lightweight.
• Almost the entire system maintains thematic consistency.

LXLE is based on Lubuntu, so as you can imagine its memory footprint will be light. It is one of the best lightweight Linux distributions. So, if I had to sum up the entire distribution in one word, it would be "efficient". But that's not all. You also get tons of customization options and pre-installed wallpaper sets to suit the look.

When I used it in a virtual machine, I was surprised at how light the system was (

Using 360Mb of memory when idle

). It might not be a comfortable experience for new Linux users, but if you don't mind a classic user interface and all the new stuff, it's worth a try.

LXLE

11、UbuntuDDE Remix

ubuntudde remix

The main features of UbuntuDDE Remix:

• Deep desktop environment
• Beautiful user interface

Do you like deep Linux distributions based on Debian? But, aren't you interested in trying it?

Well, in this case, you can try UbuntuDDE Remix. It's not an official version, but it works very well with Ubuntu-based systems.

Unlike Deepin Linux, it is not mainly customized for Chinese users. Therefore, you will find the language settings and software source settings better than Deep Linux.

UbuntuDDE Remix

Your ideal Ubuntu-based distribution

Ubuntu is still the The first choice for both novice and advanced users providing an easy-to-use experience.

Sometimes we just want to get things done without customizing or controlling any aspect of the distribution. In this case, Ubuntu-based distros can save your time and provide a lot of options according to your preference.

If you had to use one of the above mentioned distributions, which one would you choose?

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