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Top 100 Linux Distros

Active Linux distributions ranked by project activity, adoption evidence, coverage and search interest.

Compare Linux distributions worth exploring. Check each project’s hardware requirements, release support and documentation before switching.

Current technology news, software, games and Linux releases

Popularity ranking

Today’s Top 10 Linux Distros

10 shown first · 100 ranked entries
  1. 01 —
    Debian

    A free operating-system distribution maintained by a community of volunteers. Debian brings together the system software and application packages needed to run a computer, with development and maintenance carried out by contributors across the project.

    Description source ↗
    Linux Distros · eligibility verified
    Verified Multi-source evidence
    100 Strong support
    Why this position?

    Evidence summary

    Top100Hub found item-level support in 3 independent datasets; the current FluxScore has strong support. Open the source evidence below for the traceable basis and limitations.

    ✓ Policy-checked HTTPS ● Source current

    FluxScore factors

    Popularity position
    Current chart position #1; separate from FluxScore
    Evidence support
    3 supporting of 11 checked datasets
    Source agreement
    Strong agreement across comparable source positions
    Evidence freshness
    Last source check 2026-10-11
    Community sentiment
    Separate context; rank and FluxScore are unchanged

    FluxScore shows how trustworthy the evidence is. It does not measure popularity or decide rankings, and community opinions cannot change it.

    Item-level source evidence

    3 supporting · 8 missing

    Strong agreement across comparable source positions

    DistroWatch release activity Supporting evidence

    Source position #1 · current release/coverage placement #1

    Source date 2026-10-09T20:33:20+00:00 · retrieved
    DistroWatch daily coverage Supporting evidence

    Source position #6 · current release/coverage placement #6

    Source date 2026-10-09T13:29:51+00:00 · retrieved
    DistroWatch page-hit ranking No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Repology repository coverage No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    GitHub project activity No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Phoronix distribution coverage No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Linux Foundation research No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Stack Overflow developer survey No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved

    Immutable rank history

    Method-versioned snapshots

    Open this explanation to load verified historical movement.

    Strengths

    • Supported by 3 independent item-level datasets.
    • Duplicate entries are removed before publication.

    Weaknesses

    • The underlying ranking is estimated because exact audited totals are unavailable.

    Community check

    Helpful context only—it cannot change the ranking or FluxScore.

  2. 02 —
    Arch Linux

    A lightweight, flexible Linux distribution with official packages for x86-64 computers. Its official repositories are complemented by the community-maintained Arch User Repository, and the project provides extensive documentation through ArchWiki. Community packages should be reviewed separately from official packages.

    Description source ↗
    Linux Distros · eligibility verified
    Verified Multi-source evidence
    85 Good support
    Why this position?

    Evidence summary

    Top100Hub found item-level support in 2 independent datasets; the current FluxScore has good support. Open the source evidence below for the traceable basis and limitations.

    ✓ Policy-checked HTTPS ● Source current

    FluxScore factors

    Popularity position
    Current chart position #2; separate from FluxScore
    Evidence support
    2 supporting of 11 checked datasets
    Source agreement
    Strong agreement across comparable source positions
    Evidence freshness
    Last source check 2026-10-11
    Community sentiment
    Separate context; rank and FluxScore are unchanged

    FluxScore shows how trustworthy the evidence is. It does not measure popularity or decide rankings, and community opinions cannot change it.

    Item-level source evidence

    2 supporting · 9 missing

    Strong agreement across comparable source positions

    DistroWatch daily coverage Supporting evidence

    Source position #2 · current release/coverage placement #2

    Source date 2026-10-11T07:52:47+00:00 · retrieved
    DistroWatch release activity No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    DistroWatch page-hit ranking No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Repology repository coverage No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    GitHub project activity No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Phoronix distribution coverage No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Linux Foundation research No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Stack Overflow developer survey No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved

    Immutable rank history

    Method-versioned snapshots

    Open this explanation to load verified historical movement.

    Strengths

    • Supported by two independent item-level datasets.
    • Duplicate entries are removed before publication.

    Weaknesses

    • The underlying ranking is estimated because exact audited totals are unavailable.

    Community check

    Helpful context only—it cannot change the ranking or FluxScore.

  3. 03 —
    Ubuntu

    A Linux desktop operating system for personal computers, with an application ecosystem, installation guides and community support. It can replace Windows or be installed alongside it. Official Ubuntu flavours offer alternative desktop environments and default applications, while Canonical provides optional professional support.

    Description source ↗
    Linux Distros · eligibility verified
    Verified Multi-source evidence
    81 Good support
    Why this position?

    Evidence summary

    Top100Hub found item-level support in 2 independent datasets; the current FluxScore has good support. Open the source evidence below for the traceable basis and limitations.

    ✓ Policy-checked HTTPS ● Source current

    FluxScore factors

    Popularity position
    Current chart position #3; separate from FluxScore
    Evidence support
    2 supporting of 10 checked datasets
    Source agreement
    Mixed agreement across comparable source positions
    Evidence freshness
    Last source check 2026-10-11
    Community sentiment
    Separate context; rank and FluxScore are unchanged

    FluxScore shows how trustworthy the evidence is. It does not measure popularity or decide rankings, and community opinions cannot change it.

    Item-level source evidence

    2 supporting · 8 missing

    Mixed agreement across comparable source positions

    DistroWatch release activity Supporting evidence

    Source position #17 · current release/coverage placement #17

    Source date 2026-10-01T22:37:28+00:00 · retrieved
    DistroWatch page-hit ranking No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Repology repository coverage No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    GitHub project activity No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Phoronix distribution coverage No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Linux Foundation research No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Stack Overflow developer survey No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved

    Immutable rank history

    Method-versioned snapshots

    Open this explanation to load verified historical movement.

    Strengths

    • Supported by two independent item-level datasets.
    • Duplicate entries are removed before publication.

    Weaknesses

    • The underlying ranking is estimated because exact audited totals are unavailable.

    Community check

    Helpful context only—it cannot change the ranking or FluxScore.

  4. 04 —
    Linux Mint

    A desktop Linux operating system whose project emphasizes comfort and ease of use. It is designed as a practical everyday computing environment, with project-maintained releases, installation documentation and a community of users and contributors.

    Description source ↗
    Linux Distros · eligibility verified
    Verified Multi-source evidence
    63 Developing support
    Why this position?

    Evidence summary

    Top100Hub found item-level support in 1 independent dataset; the current FluxScore has developing support. Open the source evidence below for the traceable basis and limitations.

    ✓ Policy-checked HTTPS ● Source current

    FluxScore factors

    Popularity position
    Current chart position #4; separate from FluxScore
    Evidence support
    1 supporting of 10 checked datasets
    Source agreement
    Single comparable source
    Evidence freshness
    Last source check 2026-10-11
    Community sentiment
    Separate context; rank and FluxScore are unchanged

    FluxScore shows how trustworthy the evidence is. It does not measure popularity or decide rankings, and community opinions cannot change it.

    Item-level source evidence

    1 supporting · 9 missing

    Single comparable source

    DistroWatch release activity No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    DistroWatch page-hit ranking No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Repology repository coverage No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    GitHub project activity No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Phoronix distribution coverage No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Linux Foundation research No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Stack Overflow developer survey No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved

    Immutable rank history

    Method-versioned snapshots

    Open this explanation to load verified historical movement.

    Strengths

    • Only one item-level supporting dataset is currently available.
    • Duplicate entries are removed before publication.

    Weaknesses

    • The underlying ranking is estimated because exact audited totals are unavailable.
    • Only one listed dataset supported this entry in the latest check.

    Community check

    Helpful context only—it cannot change the ranking or FluxScore.

  5. 05 —
    CachyOS

    An Arch-based Linux distribution that emphasizes system performance. Its project describes CPU-specific package builds, changes to kernel scheduling and an installation process intended to simplify setup. Those design choices are not a measured performance comparison by Top100Hub.

    Description source ↗
    Linux Distros · eligibility verified
    Verified Multi-source evidence
    63 Developing support
    Why this position?

    Evidence summary

    Top100Hub found item-level support in 1 independent dataset; the current FluxScore has developing support. Open the source evidence below for the traceable basis and limitations.

    ✓ Policy-checked HTTPS ● Source current

    FluxScore factors

    Popularity position
    Current chart position #5; separate from FluxScore
    Evidence support
    1 supporting of 10 checked datasets
    Source agreement
    Single comparable source
    Evidence freshness
    Last source check 2026-10-11
    Community sentiment
    Separate context; rank and FluxScore are unchanged

    FluxScore shows how trustworthy the evidence is. It does not measure popularity or decide rankings, and community opinions cannot change it.

    Item-level source evidence

    1 supporting · 9 missing

    Single comparable source

    DistroWatch release activity No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    DistroWatch page-hit ranking No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Repology repository coverage No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    GitHub project activity No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Phoronix distribution coverage No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Linux Foundation research No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Stack Overflow developer survey No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved

    Immutable rank history

    Method-versioned snapshots

    Open this explanation to load verified historical movement.

    Strengths

    • Only one item-level supporting dataset is currently available.
    • Duplicate entries are removed before publication.

    Weaknesses

    • The underlying ranking is estimated because exact audited totals are unavailable.
    • Only one listed dataset supported this entry in the latest check.

    Community check

    Helpful context only—it cannot change the ranking or FluxScore.

  6. 06 —
    SteamOS

    Valve's Linux-based operating system, designed around a gaming-focused interface while retaining access to a general-purpose PC environment. It is the system shipped on Steam Deck. The official source provides current information about supported hardware and games.

    Description source ↗
    Linux Distros · eligibility verified
    Verified Multi-source evidence
    63 Developing support
    Why this position?

    Evidence summary

    Top100Hub found item-level support in 1 independent dataset; the current FluxScore has developing support. Open the source evidence below for the traceable basis and limitations.

    ✓ Policy-checked HTTPS ● Source current

    FluxScore factors

    Popularity position
    Current chart position #6; separate from FluxScore
    Evidence support
    1 supporting of 10 checked datasets
    Source agreement
    Single comparable source
    Evidence freshness
    Last source check 2026-10-11
    Community sentiment
    Separate context; rank and FluxScore are unchanged

    FluxScore shows how trustworthy the evidence is. It does not measure popularity or decide rankings, and community opinions cannot change it.

    Item-level source evidence

    1 supporting · 9 missing

    Single comparable source

    DistroWatch release activity No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    DistroWatch page-hit ranking No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Repology repository coverage No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    GitHub project activity No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Phoronix distribution coverage No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Linux Foundation research No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Stack Overflow developer survey No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved

    Immutable rank history

    Method-versioned snapshots

    Open this explanation to load verified historical movement.

    Strengths

    • Only one item-level supporting dataset is currently available.
    • Duplicate entries are removed before publication.

    Weaknesses

    • The underlying ranking is estimated because exact audited totals are unavailable.
    • Only one listed dataset supported this entry in the latest check.

    Community check

    Helpful context only—it cannot change the ranking or FluxScore.

  7. 07 —
    Fedora Linux

    A free, open-source Linux platform with editions for desktop computers, servers, cloud environments, containers and connected devices. Workstation uses GNOME, while other editions and spins provide alternatives such as KDE Plasma. The project offers both conventional and atomic desktop variants.

    Description source ↗
    Linux Distros · eligibility verified
    Verified Multi-source evidence
    63 Developing support
    Why this position?

    Evidence summary

    Top100Hub found item-level support in 1 independent dataset; the current FluxScore has developing support. Open the source evidence below for the traceable basis and limitations.

    ✓ Policy-checked HTTPS ● Source current

    FluxScore factors

    Popularity position
    Current chart position #7; separate from FluxScore
    Evidence support
    1 supporting of 10 checked datasets
    Source agreement
    Single comparable source
    Evidence freshness
    Last source check 2026-10-11
    Community sentiment
    Separate context; rank and FluxScore are unchanged

    FluxScore shows how trustworthy the evidence is. It does not measure popularity or decide rankings, and community opinions cannot change it.

    Item-level source evidence

    1 supporting · 9 missing

    Single comparable source

    DistroWatch release activity No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    DistroWatch page-hit ranking No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Repology repository coverage No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    GitHub project activity No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Phoronix distribution coverage No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Linux Foundation research No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Stack Overflow developer survey No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved

    Immutable rank history

    Method-versioned snapshots

    Open this explanation to load verified historical movement.

    Strengths

    • Only one item-level supporting dataset is currently available.
    • Duplicate entries are removed before publication.

    Weaknesses

    • The underlying ranking is estimated because exact audited totals are unavailable.
    • Only one listed dataset supported this entry in the latest check.

    Community check

    Helpful context only—it cannot change the ranking or FluxScore.

  8. 08 —
    Bazzite

    A gaming-focused Linux system for desktop computers, handhelds and living-room PCs. It includes Steam and Lutris, offers KDE or GNOME desktop variants and uses image-based updates that retain the previous system for rollback. Hardware and individual-game compatibility should be checked before installation.

    Description source ↗
    Linux Distros · eligibility verified
    Verified Multi-source evidence
    63 Developing support
    Why this position?

    Evidence summary

    Top100Hub found item-level support in 1 independent dataset; the current FluxScore has developing support. Open the source evidence below for the traceable basis and limitations.

    ✓ Policy-checked HTTPS ● Source current

    FluxScore factors

    Popularity position
    Current chart position #8; separate from FluxScore
    Evidence support
    1 supporting of 10 checked datasets
    Source agreement
    Single comparable source
    Evidence freshness
    Last source check 2026-10-11
    Community sentiment
    Separate context; rank and FluxScore are unchanged

    FluxScore shows how trustworthy the evidence is. It does not measure popularity or decide rankings, and community opinions cannot change it.

    Item-level source evidence

    1 supporting · 9 missing

    Single comparable source

    DistroWatch release activity No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    DistroWatch page-hit ranking No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Repology repository coverage No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    GitHub project activity No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Phoronix distribution coverage No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Linux Foundation research No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Stack Overflow developer survey No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved

    Immutable rank history

    Method-versioned snapshots

    Open this explanation to load verified historical movement.

    Strengths

    • Only one item-level supporting dataset is currently available.
    • Duplicate entries are removed before publication.

    Weaknesses

    • The underlying ranking is estimated because exact audited totals are unavailable.
    • Only one listed dataset supported this entry in the latest check.

    Community check

    Helpful context only—it cannot change the ranking or FluxScore.

  9. 09 —
    EndeavourOS

    An Arch-based Linux distribution with a terminal-centred approach. Its project places community involvement alongside the operating system itself, making it a choice for users interested in an Arch-based environment and command-line workflows.

    Description source ↗
    Linux Distros · eligibility verified
    Verified Multi-source evidence
    63 Developing support
    Why this position?

    Evidence summary

    Top100Hub found item-level support in 1 independent dataset; the current FluxScore has developing support. Open the source evidence below for the traceable basis and limitations.

    ✓ Policy-checked HTTPS ● Source current

    FluxScore factors

    Popularity position
    Current chart position #9; separate from FluxScore
    Evidence support
    1 supporting of 10 checked datasets
    Source agreement
    Single comparable source
    Evidence freshness
    Last source check 2026-10-11
    Community sentiment
    Separate context; rank and FluxScore are unchanged

    FluxScore shows how trustworthy the evidence is. It does not measure popularity or decide rankings, and community opinions cannot change it.

    Item-level source evidence

    1 supporting · 9 missing

    Single comparable source

    DistroWatch release activity No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    DistroWatch page-hit ranking No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Repology repository coverage No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    GitHub project activity No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Phoronix distribution coverage No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Linux Foundation research No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Stack Overflow developer survey No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved

    Immutable rank history

    Method-versioned snapshots

    Open this explanation to load verified historical movement.

    Strengths

    • Only one item-level supporting dataset is currently available.
    • Duplicate entries are removed before publication.

    Weaknesses

    • The underlying ranking is estimated because exact audited totals are unavailable.
    • Only one listed dataset supported this entry in the latest check.

    Community check

    Helpful context only—it cannot change the ranking or FluxScore.

  10. 10 —
    Nobara Linux

    A Fedora-based Linux distribution configured for gaming, streaming and content creation. The project focuses on preparing that kind of desktop environment in advance, so its purpose differs from a general server-oriented Linux distribution.

    Description source ↗
    Linux Distros · eligibility verified
    Verified Multi-source evidence
    63 Developing support
    Why this position?

    Evidence summary

    Top100Hub found item-level support in 1 independent dataset; the current FluxScore has developing support. Open the source evidence below for the traceable basis and limitations.

    ✓ Policy-checked HTTPS ● Source current

    FluxScore factors

    Popularity position
    Current chart position #10; separate from FluxScore
    Evidence support
    1 supporting of 10 checked datasets
    Source agreement
    Single comparable source
    Evidence freshness
    Last source check 2026-10-11
    Community sentiment
    Separate context; rank and FluxScore are unchanged

    FluxScore shows how trustworthy the evidence is. It does not measure popularity or decide rankings, and community opinions cannot change it.

    Item-level source evidence

    1 supporting · 9 missing

    Single comparable source

    DistroWatch release activity No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    DistroWatch page-hit ranking No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Repology repository coverage No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    GitHub project activity No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Phoronix distribution coverage No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Linux Foundation research No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved
    Stack Overflow developer survey No item-level support found

    input checked; no exact item-level match, so this input scored zero

    retrieved

    Immutable rank history

    Method-versioned snapshots

    Open this explanation to load verified historical movement.

    Strengths

    • Only one item-level supporting dataset is currently available.
    • Duplicate entries are removed before publication.

    Weaknesses

    • The underlying ranking is estimated because exact audited totals are unavailable.
    • Only one listed dataset supported this entry in the latest check.

    Community check

    Helpful context only—it cannot change the ranking or FluxScore.

Start with today’s leaders, then open the complete evidence-backed list when you want more.

Independent rankings

About the Top 100 Linux Distros chart

Top100Hub's Top 100 Linux Distros chart for 2026 is designed to make a changing public ranking easy to inspect and verify. A chart of 100 genuine, active Linux distributions ranked with release activity, Linux usage indicators, reputable coverage, and search interest. Each published chart shows its latest update, movement, eligibility status, source datasets, and high-level FluxScore factors.

How is the Top 100 Linux Distros chart ranked?

FluxScore is a whole-number rating showing how trustworthy the evidence behind an entry is. It considers how many reliable sources support it, whether they agree, how current they are, and where the information came from. For sports statistics, an official league or trusted statistics source may be enough. Each refresh tries every dataset listed for that chart, but only sources that actually support an entry can increase its FluxScore. FluxScore does not measure popularity or decide rankings, and community opinions cannot change it.

How often is this ranking updated?

FluxCrawler checks approved sources every hour. The page distinguishes the latest source check, successful data refresh and material ranking change; each source keeps its own publication schedule.