Name↕ | Based On↕ | Default Desktop↕ | Year First Released↕ | Primary Use Case↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ubuntu | Debian | GNOME | 2004 | Desktop, Server, Cloud |
Fedora | Independent (RPM) | GNOME | 2003 | Desktop, Workstation |
Debian | Independent | GNOME | 1993 | Server, Desktop |
Linux Mint | Ubuntu | Cinnamon | 2006 | Desktop (beginners) |
Arch Linux | Independent | None (user choice) | 2002 | Desktop (advanced users) |
Manjaro | Arch Linux | XFCE / KDE / GNOME | 2011 | Desktop |
CentOS Stream | RHEL upstream | GNOME | 2004 | Server, Enterprise |
openSUSE Tumbleweed | Independent (RPM) | KDE Plasma | 2014 | Desktop (rolling release) |
openSUSE Leap | SUSE Linux Enterprise | KDE Plasma | 2015 | Desktop, Server |
Pop!_OS | Ubuntu | COSMIC / GNOME | 2017 | Desktop (developers, gamers) |
Kali Linux | Debian | XFCE | 2013 | Penetration Testing, Security |
Red Hat Enterprise Linux | Fedora | GNOME | 2000 | Enterprise Server |
Alpine Linux | Independent | None | 2006 | Containers, Embedded |
Gentoo | Independent | None (user choice) | 2002 | Desktop (source-based, advanced) |
Zorin OS | Ubuntu | GNOME (modified) | 2009 | Desktop (Windows switchers) |
elementary OS | Ubuntu | Pantheon | 2011 | Desktop (macOS-like) |
Slackware | Independent | KDE Plasma | 1993 | Desktop (purists) |
NixOS | Independent | GNOME / KDE (choice) | 2003 | Reproducible Builds, DevOps |
Tails | Debian | GNOME | 2009 | Privacy, Anonymity |
Rocky Linux | RHEL (compatible) | GNOME | 2021 | Enterprise Server (CentOS replacement) |
Void Linux | Independent | XFCE | 2008 | Desktop (advanced, runit init) |
EndeavourOS | Arch Linux | XFCE / KDE / GNOME | 2019 | Desktop (Arch made easy) |
MX Linux | Debian | XFCE | 2014 | Desktop (lightweight) |
Garuda Linux | Arch Linux | KDE Plasma (Dr460nized) | 2020 | Desktop, Gaming |
Puppy Linux | Independent (various) | JWM | 2003 | Old Hardware, Portable |
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Frequently asked questions
How is the Popular Linux Distributions list ranked?
The Popular Linux Distributions list is ranked by community votes. Every visitor can pick one option over another in head-to-head matchups, and the running totals determine the order you see. No editors or algorithms — just real people voting.
How many entries are in this Popular Linux Distributions dataset?
This dataset contains 25 entries, each with multiple sortable, filterable columns. The full table is visible on this page and can be downloaded as a CSV, JSON, or Excel file.
Can I download the Popular Linux Distributions data?
Yes. The download buttons at the top of the page give you the full 25-row dataset as CSV, JSON, or Excel. Use of the data is permitted under a Creative Commons Attribution license — credit dtbse.com when you republish.
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