5 Linux distros that offer something special to everyone

I’ve used just about every Linux distribution and found some are targeted toward specific users. Some are created for businesses, some for gamers, some for hardcore geeks, and some for users who’ve never touched any OS besides Windows. Linux runs the gamut. 

However, some distributions can easily serve users of all skill levels and needs. These distributions are easy for beginners to use, but offer everything needed for advanced users — and everyone in between.

Also: Thinking about switching to Linux? 10 things you need to know

Here’s my summary of these distributions. 

1. Ubuntu

Check any list of ‘best Linux distributions’ and you can be confident that Ubuntu will be on it. There’s a good reason for that fact. Ubuntu is not only user-friendly, it’s also powerful, offers support for a massive range of hardware and peripherals, has a well-designed UI, and is rock solid because it’s based on Debian. 

Ubuntu is one of those distributions that can grow with the user. When you take your first steps with Linux, Ubuntu is perfectly capable of easing any challenges you might have, but without dumbing everything down to the point of insulting. Thanks to Snap packages, you’ll find most of the software you need in the app store. 

Also: How to install Ubuntu Server in less than 30 minutes

One other great selling point for Ubuntu is that if you don’t like the default desktop, you can opt for one of the many flavors, such as Kubuntu (Plasma desktop), Xubuntu (Xfce desktop), Ubuntu Budgie (Budgie desktop), Lubuntu (LXQt desktop), Ubuntu Cinnamon (Cinnamon desktop), Ubuntu Mate (Mate desktop), Ubuntu Unity (Unity desktop), and more. 

Ubuntu is free to install and use and can be downloaded from the official site.

2. Linux Mint

Ask my colleague, Steven Vaughan-Nichols, and he’ll happily tell you why Linux Mint is the best operating system on the planet. Linux Mint is a brilliant OS, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to any user. 

Although the desktop interface might be less modern than other distributions on this list, it’s no slouch. On top of that, Linux Mint offers all the shiny goodness of Ubuntu, while also presenting the desktop with a UI familiar to the masses. Linux Mint also performs like a beast. It’s as fast as many lightweight distributions without paring down features. In other words, Linux Mint is full-featured and full-powered. 

Also: I’ve tried a zillion desktop distros – it doesn’t get any better than Linux Mint 22

While Linux Mint is an outstanding choice for new users, it’s also beloved by those with decades of experience. Currently, Linux Mint stands at number two on the most downloaded list curated by Distrowatch. If you prefer the traditional desktop interface, and like the thought of incredible stability and performance, Linux Mint should be your OS of choice. 

For advanced users, you’ll find plenty of software to help elevate the operating system to your level. Several development and admin tools can be found within the app store to help you be productive. Linux Mint is free to install and use and can be downloaded from the official download page.

3. Zorin OS

Zorin OS is a beauty. If you’ve never experienced this outstanding distribution, you’re in for a treat. Right out of the gate, you’ll understand how unique this operating system is as it allows you to easily switch the desktop layout from Plasma, GNOME, Ubuntu, and more. 

If you drop $47 for the Pro version, you get six more desktop layouts, a professional-grade suite of creative apps, advanced productivity tools, and more. Zorin OS is on this list because any user can start with this OS using one of the familiar layouts. As that user grows more skilled with Linux, they might want to try a more challenging layout. 

Also: 5 things to consider before leaping from one Linux distribution to another

Zorin is just as stable and reliable as the other distributions on the list. Like Linux Mint, Zorin OS is fast. That combination of performance and customization makes this an excellent option for any user. New users might want to start with the free Zorin Core edition and then drop the money for the Pro version to get their hands on those advanced layouts and tools. 

You can download Zorin OS for free from the official download page.

4. Elementary OS

If you’re familiar with the MacOS desktop, Elementary OS will make you feel at home. For years, Elementary OS was my go-to Linux distribution. It never failed to impress me with its clean design, performance, and stability. 

The highlight of Elementary OS is its desktop, Pantheon. Of all the Linux desktops, this one is my favorite. One of the main reasons is its design; every desktop element follows the same scheme. I’ve always considered Elementary OS like the MacOS of the open-source world. 

Also: The first 5 Linux commands every new user should learn

Although some advanced users might find the interface a bit too much like Apple, they’ll enjoy the stability, speed of deployment, support for universal package managers (Flatpak is installed by default), strong drive encryption, and plenty of security and privacy additions. In short, advanced users have everything they need to get the most out of this open-source OS. 

You can download and install Elementary OS for free from the official site. 

5. Pop!_OS

Pop!_OS is an operating system developed by System76 and is installed on their desktops and laptops by default. Because System76 creates hardware and software, you can bet the OS is perfectly tuned for the machines. I’ve purchased three System76 machines over the years and they’re absolute powerhouses, thanks to the synergy of hardware and software. 

For new users, Pop!_OS includes the GNOME desktop tweaked ever so slightly to make it feel more familiar. For advanced users, Pop!_OS is geared toward creators, so plenty of development tools are available. 

Also: 8 things you can do with Linux that you can’t do with MacOS or Windows

However, one thing to remember is that System76 will soon unleash its brand-new COSMIC desktop. I’ve tested the alpha release and am excited about COSMIC replacing the default desktop. The developers have done an outstanding job of creating something special that will serve users of all types. 

You can download and install Pop!_OS for free from the official download page.

Also: 5 reasons why Linux will overtake Windows and MacOS on the desktop – eventually

And there you go — any of these distributions is good enough to help you take your first steps into Linux and eventually level up to advanced user status.