10 Best Linux Desktop Distributions To Use in 2023

OS, short for Operating system, is software that basically tells a computer what to do. It manages the resources of a computer, including CPU, memory, and storage. Computers have their own language, and for a user to communicate with one, you would use the OS that provides an interface and manages tasks like memory allocation, and input and output operations.

Linux is an open-source operating system that was created in 1991 by Linus Torvalds, then a student at the University of Helsinki. Linux is secure, stable, and flexible and allows you to receive support from a large community of users. One of the reasons for its popularity growth is the number of distributions based on Linux. Linux distributions or commonly known as “Linux distros,” are operating systems compiled from components developed by various open-source projects and programmers. The components include a Bootloader, Linux kernel, GNU shell, Daemons, X-server, Desktop environment, Applications, and a package management system.

Linux differs from other popular operating systems like Windows and macOS as it is an open-source OS released under the GNU General Public License (GPL). This means that its source code is free and available for modification and distribution without limits. Due to its stability and security, it is mainly used in servers, supercomputers, mobile devices, embedded systems, and also in personal computers. Linux has evolved over time to be one of the most reliable platforms to use with zero cost, and it is pretty easy to install.

There are a variety of Linux distributions that differ in terms of complexity, stability, security, and reliability. Some distributions are good for Linux beginners that do not have any prior experience. They probably have the same interface as Windows, and you just have to learn more about the commands and work around the terminal to create and access files and folders other than using the interface. Some Linux distributions are for more advanced users who have had quite an experience in the Linux world and are okay with new techniques, as Linux is an evolving OS.

Other distributions used as servers or supercomputers are also available, and they include not have graphical desktop environments and can only be accessed through the terminal. Using a server will not be a big issue if you are okay with the terminal command. So using a type of Linux distro depends on a user’s preferences, which is why there are different available with different usage. Some contain a user-friendly interface that is not difficult to capture and use.

In this guide, we will look at the 10 best Linux Desktop Distributions to use in 2023 in terms of popularity and ranking.

1. Ubuntu 22.04 LTS

Ubuntu is pretty popular among Linux newbies. I mean, most people not really aware of Linux actually refer to Linux as Ubuntu. The name is an ancient African word that means ‘humanity to others’, which allows users to customize and alter their software in whatever way they see fit. It is an open-source distribution that provides better security, more package, and newer tools from cloud to edge. Most developers prefer Ubuntu because it supports the fastest, biggest, and most successful digital operations. Ubuntu releases are based on rolling-release updates. The releases are on a Long-term Support that comes with five years of standard support to provide bug fixes and security patches to more than 2,300 packages.

Ubuntu Features include;

• Operate smoothly across the public and private cloud.
• Full support for Robot Operating Systems (ROS and ROS2).
• Simple, intuitive interface that is fast, secure, and with thousands of apps to choose from.
• Ubuntu comes with Thunderbird, Mozilla’s popular email application.
• Ubuntu comes with applications to edit, illustrate and organize your photos.
• Has Firefox as its default browser for speed and security.
• Comes with LibreOffice which is an open-source office suite that’s compatible with Microsoft Office.

System Requirements

• A laptop or PC with at least 25GB of storage space.
• 2 GHz dual-core processor.
• 4 GiB RAM (system memory).
• VGA capable of 1024×768 screen resolution.
• A flash drive (8GB as a minimum, 12GB or above recommended) for the installer media.

2. MX Linux 21.x

MX Linux is a mid-weight operating system designed to combine elegant and efficient desktops with high stability and solid performance aiming to be a fast, low-resource, and user-friendly OS. It is based on Debian’s stable branch with an interface that allows you to perform a wide variety of tasks. It comes with Xfce as the default desktop environment with KDE Plasma and Fluxbox editions available. It supports large hardware that ranges from older laptops to modern desktops. MX Linux comes with key default applications once installed that are continually upgraded as time goes on. They include Browser, Video Player, Music Manager/Player, Email client, and Office suite. MX Linux has a friendly forum where you can ask for help and support and also report bugs, issues, and non-package Requests

MX Linux features:

• It supports 32-bit and 64-bit architectures with Physical Address Extension (PAE) enabled.
• It enables most Broadcom drivers automatically.
• Support for Realtek wifi devices.
• Comes with a UEFI installer for both 64bit & 32bit.
• Easy and flexible installation with excellent hardware recognition.
• Available partition options include LUKS encrypted root, home, and swap.

MX Linux 21.3 include the following improved features

• New mx-rofi-manager tool for Fluxbox.
• A full “ahs” KDE release.
• All releases now ship with the menulibre menu editor.
• updated antiX live/remaster system
• Apps have received translation updates.

Recommended System requirements

• A modern i686 Intel or AMD processor
• 2 GB of RAM memory or more
• At least 20 GB of free hard drive space
• A 3D-capable video card for 3D desktop support
• A SoundBlaster, AC97, or HDA-compatible sound card
• For use as a LiveUSB, 8 GB free for persistence usage

3. EndeavourOS Cassini

EndeavourOS rolling released distribution that is based on Arch Linux. It is a terminal-centric Linux distro with a vibrant and friendly community at its core to guide you through your journey. It is very easy to install with a combined online and offline installer available. It comes with at least eight popular desktop environments including Xfce, KDE Plasma, GNOME, Mate, Cinnamon, Budgie, LxQt, and LxDe. It also supports community desktop environment editions put together by their own community including, Sway, Qtile, BSPWM, Openbox, and Worm (Endeavour Exclusive). It comes with some modest yet powerful selections of terminal-operated applications that allow you to deep dive into the system. They include Pacman, Firefox, FirewallD, Yay, Nvidia Installer, and more.

EndeavourOS Features:

• Supports Pinebook Pro and ships with default packages including linux-eos-arm.
• Improved headless server script.
• Calameres, a default installer in the live environment to give you a smooth experience.
• Supported on x86-64 and ARM-based systems.
• Dracut, a highly modular tool for generating initramfs images.
• Supports various choices of bootloaders as well as the ability to not install a bootloader.

You can install Endeavour offline or online. The offline method installs EndeavourOS with Xfce as the default desktop environment while online allows you to choose a different desktop environment to install with vanilla theming.

Recommended System Requirements:

• 2GB RAM
• 20 GB Hard disk space

4. Linux Mint 21

Linux Mint OS is a free and open-source Linux distribution based on Ubuntu LTS and Debian OS. It is appropriate for both desktops and laptops as it is designed to work ‘out of the box’ and comes equipped with the basic applications most people need. Where you are dealing with graphic design, probably want a media player, an office suite, Gaming, you just name it, Linux mint has it. It is very easy to use, fast, and a comfortable OS with user experience, workflow, and comfort as key. It contains default configurations that can be tweaked to finely fit your preferences. It can be installed on almost any computer and can also be run on a live USB stick to make sure everything works fine without having to install anything.

Linux mint features:

• Based on Debian and Ubuntu.
• Full multimedia support.
• Community-driven with users sharing ideas and sending feedback.
• Robus Linux architecture.
• Requires little to no maintenance.
• Free and open-source.

Linux Mint is available in 3 different flavors:

• Cinnamon – modern and classy look with vibrant colors. It includes many features to customize your system to fit your preferences.
• Mate – it is a continuation of GNOME 2 that is faster, uses fewer resources, and is more stable.
• Xfce – lightweight desktop environment that is extremely stable and rung light on resources.

Recommended System Requirements

• 4 GB of RAM
• 20 GB of hard drive space
• 1440 x 900 resolution or higher

Choose the one that fits your cup and click below to download.

5. Manjaro Linux 22

Manjaro is a user-friendly, desktop-focused distribution based on Arch Linux that is designed to prioritize reliability, usability, and accessibility. In addition to being welcoming to Linux beginners, it includes a variety of features that advanced Linux users can customize to fit their unique preferences. Manjaro aspires to be user-friendly and appealing while still offering all the advantages of Arch Linux, such as the rolling release system model, quick and dependable distribution, accessibility to the Arch User Repository (AUR), and efficiency. It includes a CLI installer that is offered side by side with a graphic installer to customize your system as you like by selecting your preferred desktop environment, greeters, applications, hardware, and more. If you are looking for an OS that has privacy in mind while being fast in what it does, then look no further than Manjaro.

Manjaro Features:

• Plug & Play Hardware
• Rolling Release system model.
• Wide Range Of Software available.
• Secured By Default.
• Lightning Fast
• Easily to install.

Minimum System Requirements

• 2GB USB flash depending on the image you will download.
• 2GB RAM Intel Atom with 30GB disk.

6. Pop!_OS 22.04 LTS

Pop!_OS is a Linux distribution that is based on Ubuntu LTS featuring a custom GNOME desktop developed by Linux computer retailer System76. It is designed for STEM and creative professionals who use their computers as a tool to discover and create. It is a fast, secure, and reliable OS that aims at having minimal clutter of work on the desktop to help the user to work. It includes fast navigation, easy workspace organization, and a fluid convenient workflow. On large displays, you can use the auto-tiling feature that organizes your work automatically and is less time-consuming. The unique thing with Pop_OS is that it encrypts your installation by default to enable pre-installed full-disk encryption out of the box. Once done with installation it generates a unique private encryption key during setup.

Pop!_OS Features:

• Provides workspaces to keep related content altogether.
• Keyboard navigation to move and resize windows.
• Allows stacking application windows.
• Offers a vast array of libraries and tools to develop software.
• Uses APT and Flatpak package management to install, manage, and uninstall packages.
• Optimal performance and user experience.
• Rolling release update features.
• Private – does not store any user data during installation
• Do Not Disturb to get rid of notifications that you do not want.

Recommended System Requirements

• 4 GB RAM
• 16 GB storage
• 64-bit processor
• USB 3 Storage (RAS Pi 4)

7. Fedora Linux 37 Workstation

Fedora is a Free and open-source Linux distribution developed by the community-supported Fedora Project and owned by Red Hat. It provides a platform that is creative and innovative and integrates new features for the hardware, clouds, and containers that allow developers to create tailored solutions for their users on leading-edge technology. The desktop version of Fedora that is supported on laptops and desktop computers is called the Fedora Workstation. It is a reliable, powerful, and user-friendly desktop OS that supports developers, students, professionals, and hobbyists. it contains a complete set of open-source tools that you would need to build software with. Forget the drag of finding different tools required for development from somewhere else. Fedora Workstation contains components that are installed and are non-removable including gnome-shell, gnome-control-center, grub, and NetworkManager.

Fedora Workstation Features:

• Sleek User interface with GNOME as the default desktop environment.
• Support Virtualization by using GNOME Boxes to create virtual machines.
• Provide containerization features using the built-in Open Container Initiative (OCI) image support.
• Complete open-source toolbox including project hosting and repositories like COPR.
• Workstation images are available for x86_64 and aarch64 architectures.
• Comes with a default set of preinstalled applications to get easily started.

Recommended System Requirements:

• Hardware with 40GB SSD disk.
• 4GB RAM (memory).
• Intel, AMD, or ARM processors.
• x86_64 or aarch64 architecture.

8. Debian 11 (Bullseye)

Debian is an independent Linux distribution that was developed by a team with a common cause to create a free operating system. It aims at being a stable, secure, and flexible operating system with upgrade processes for both packages and the entire distribution. It can be used by a simple user, a developer, and even in enterprise environments. It runs on numerous architectures and devices making it a solid choice to be used by software and hardware developers. It is free and open-source software that is a base of many other distributions like Ubuntu, Knoppix, PureOS, or Tails by providing tools to extend the software packages from the Debian archive. It Is easy to install as it includes the Calamares installer which makes it easy to install Debian and can also be run on a Live CD to test it out before a full installation.

Debian features:

• Extensive hardware support
• Provides smooth upgrades of packages and distribution as a whole.
• It is a Base for many other Distributions.
• Public Bug Tracker to report bugs.
• Secure and Long-Term Support.
• Runs on IoT and Embedded Devices.
• Debian is translated into at least 80 languages.
• Debian Policy and Developer Tools to define technical requirements of packages

Recommended System Requirements

• AMD64 or Intel 64 processor.
• 2GB of memory
• 20GB hard disk.

9. Zorin OS 16.2

Zorin is an Ubuntu-based Linux distribution that is designed to be used by Linux Newbies. It is an alternative to Windows and macOS but faster, more powerful, secure, and respects your privacy. It provides a simple and familiar interface that does not require you to learn how to use it and is easy to get started on. This means that you can change the desktop to look like Windows or macOS while still using Linux capabilities. It supports both modern and old PCs that would date back 15 years prior which reduces e-waste to help the environment. Zorin is free and open-source and does not collect personal data that the government uses to spy on you. It also comes with essential applications that enable you to get started on the way. It will also include a tool name Zorin Grid that essentially allows you to manage and secure a fleet of computers in your organization that have Zorin OS installed on them and have complete control over them.

Zorin Features:

• Includes Pro Lite edition for old PCs
• Contains an enormous library of your favorite games.
• Zorin Connect creates an encrypted communication channel over a local network between your computer and Android device.
• Comes pre-installed with the LibreOffice suite that integrates with Microsoft Office/365.
• Very fast and does not slow down over time.
• Includes essential apps you need out of the box to get started immediately.

Recommended System Requirements

• CPU: 1 GHz Dual Core – Intel/AMD 64-bit processor
• RAM:
  • 2 GB for modern computers
  • 1GB for old computers.
• Storage:
  • 10 GB (Core), 24 GB (Education), or 40 GB (Pro) for modern computers
  • 10 GB (Lite), 24 GB (Education Lite), or 40 GB (Pro Lite) for old computers
• Display:
  • 1024 × 768 resolution for modern computers
  • 800 x 600 resolution for low and old computers.

Zorin is available in different versions

• Zorin Pro for modern computers but with premium features
• Zorin Pro Lite for low-spec computers but with premium features
• Zorin Core offers basic usage for modern computers
• Zorin Lite for low-spec and old computers

10. openSUSE Leap 15.4

openSUSE is an independent Linux distribution sponsored by SUSE Linux and other companies. It is the best choice for sysadmins, developers, and desktop users as it is a stable, easy-to-use, and complete multi-purpose distribution. It offers a wide variety of tools, such as OBS, OpenQA, Kiwi, YaST, and OSEM, that work together in an open, transparent, and friendly manner. It is available as openSUSE Tumbleweed that comes as a rolling release version containing the latest stable versions of all software that pass testing, openSUSE Leap is based on regular releases featuring new and massively improved versions of more than 1000 open-source useful server and desktop applications, and openSUSE MicroOS that is a small and scalable OS designed but not limited to container hosts and edge devices. openSUSE aims to be as simple as possible for users and to be the most widely used Linux distribution and platform of choice.

openSUSE Features:

• Comes as a full desktop operating system with everything you need to get started.
• Include a full office suite which is LibreOffice.
• Include essential applications that are installed from their official repositories making them secure from viruses.
• Simple to use and easily get acquainted when you migrate from another OS.
• Helpful openSUSE community.
• Open Build Service (OBS) to build and distribute binary packages from sources automatically.
• openQA offers a fully automated OS testing service.
• Open Source Event Manager (OSEM) for event management.
• Jangouts is a videoconferencing based on WebRTC and the excellent Janus Gateway.
• Yet another Setup Tool (YAST) is a configuration and installation tool.
• Kiwi makes a wide variety of image sets for deployment o real hardware.

Recommended System Requirements:

• Any AMD64/Intel* EM64T processor
• 4 GB physical RAM
• 40 GB available disk space
• 1024 x 768 display resolution

Conclusion

We have gotten to look at the top best Linux Desktop distributions to use. From all that, it all comes down to the users’ preferences. Are you a new user of Linux, an average, advanced, or expert user? All those considerations come into place even though most OS support a range of users from normal users to system admins or developers. Also, are you using the OS for personal use or in an enterprise environment? This would differ as some may not be absolutely stable and secure for large environments but work well on a personal level. Some distributions have different system requirements and can vary with the hardware you have and that is something to have a look at. Either way, the variety of Linux distributions offers a vast space for you to choose one that fits your preferences perfectly. You will not get over the choices available!!.