17.6
Kali Linux is a Debian-based distribution for advanced penetration testing and security auditing.
Free planOpen sourceAndroidLinuxmacOS
Best Linux Distributions in 2026
Linux distributions and related tools let you work with Linux environments through local installations, self-hosting, web services or APIs. The list includes options such as operating systems, media writers, registries and virtualization tools. Android appears in the platform facts for at least one listed item, so check an item's platform details before expecting a phone or tablet app. Compare supported platforms,…
27.2
AlmaLinux OS is a free, open-source, community-owned enterprise Linux distribution that is binary compatible with RHEL.
Free planOpen sourceAPILinuxSelf-hosted
37.0
Manjaro Linux is a free Linux distribution based on Arch Linux, designed to make Arch’s power and flexibility more accessible.
Free planOpen sourceLinuxSelf-hosted
- 4
Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS is a free Linux operating system from System76 for productive, customizable computer use.
Free planOpen sourceLinux7.0Free plan - 5
Deepin Boot Maker
Deepin Boot Maker is a free, open-source utility for creating a Deepin boot disk from an ISO image.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.4Free plan - 6
Solus
Solus is a free, independent Linux operating system for personal computers, including desktops and laptops with 64-bit x86-64 processors.
Free planLinux6.4Free plan - 7
Raspberry Pi Imager
Raspberry Pi Imager is a free utility for writing Raspberry Pi OS and other operating systems to storage media for use with a Raspberry Pi.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.3Free plan - 8
Ubuntu Startup Disk Creator
Ubuntu Startup Disk Creator writes an Ubuntu image to a USB stick to make bootable installation media.
Free planLinux6.3Free plan - 9
Fedora Media Writer
Fedora Media Writer writes Fedora images to USB flash drives and can download the required image before writing.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.2Free plan - 10
Rocky Linux
Rocky Linux is a free, open-source enterprise operating system designed for bug-for-bug compatibility with Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
Free planLinuxSelf-hostedWindows6.2Free plan - 11
Amazon Linux
Amazon Linux is a free Linux distribution for EC2 instances and Docker container workloads.
Free planLinuxSelf-hosted6.1Free plan - 12
Debian
Debian is a free operating system created by the Debian Project, an association of individuals.
Free planLinuxSelf-hosted6.0Free plan - 13
Void Linux
Free planLinuxSelf-hosted6.0Free plan - 14
Linux Mint
Linux Mint is a free operating system for desktop and laptop computers, based on Debian and Ubuntu.
Free planLinux5.9Free plan - 15
Zorin OS
Free planLinux5.9Free plan - 16
openSUSE Registry
WebLinux5.5 - 17
Tails
Free planLinux5.3Free plan - 18
5.2 - 19
elementary OS
Linux5.1 - 204.4
Choosing well
Check the platforms
Linux, self-hosted, Windows, macOS, web and API are the platform options listed here. Match the tool to where you plan to install it or access it.
Android appears for at least one listed item. Check the individual listing before planning to use a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO phone or tablet.
Review the licence
Open-source code is offered by items on this list. If you need to read or change the code, check the tool's licence and the permissions it grants.
Compare free-plan terms
A free plan is offered by items on this list. Check whether the listing describes a free plan or an open-source model, and read the pricing note before choosing.
Choose local or hosted access
Linux and macOS or Windows support suits local computer use, while self-hosted options keep the service under your control. Web and API access can suit remote or connected workflows.
Check the platform details for the tool you want, since support differs across listings.
Questions people ask
Is Android support listed for these Linux tools?
Android appears in the platform facts for at least one listed item. Check an individual item's platform details before expecting an Android app.
Are Linux distributions on this list free?
The list includes both free-plan and paid pricing models. Review the pricing model and note for the specific distribution or tool.
Does the list include open-source software?
Open-source code is offered by items on this list. Check the individual licence for terms on use and changes.
Can I use these tools through a web browser?
Web appears among the listed platforms. Check the individual item's platform details to confirm browser access.
Are self-hosted options available?
Self-hosted is one of the listed platforms. Review the listing to confirm whether the tool supports that setup.