The Most Advanced Linux Distro, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the distro you think is the most advanced!

Updated on May 5, 2024 06:16

In the realm of technology, Linux distros serve as foundational tools for developers, IT professionals, and computer enthusiasts. Determining which distro stands out as the most advanced can greatly influence productivity, security, and ease of use. Having a clear, community-driven ranking helps users make informed decisions about which Linux environment might best meet their specific needs. This real-time ranking system allows users to cast votes for the Linux distros they believe are leading the way in innovation and performance. By engaging with a broader community, users contribute to a dynamic list that reflects current preferences and trends. As a result, this continuously updated ranking gives insights into which distros are excelling and gaining traction within the tech community.

What Is the Most Advanced Linux Distro?

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60
votes
Software: Arch Linux developers Screenshot: VulcanSphere · GPL

Arch Linux

Arch Linux is considered the most advanced Linux distribution because of its minimalist approach to system configuration and its rolling release model that allows users to always have the latest versions of software. It is designed for experienced users who want to customize their system.
Arch Linux is a lightweight and flexible Linux distribution designed for advanced users. It follows a minimalist philosophy, offering users complete control over their system. The main focus of Arch Linux is simplicity, elegance, and cutting-edge software.

Rolling Release: Provides continuous updates and avoids the need for major version upgrades.

Package Management: Utilizes the Pacman package manager, which provides a simple and powerful way to install, update, and manage software.

Customization: Allows users to build their own system by choosing and installing only the necessary components and software packages.

Minimalism: Installs a minimal base system by default, allowing users to have full control over their system configuration.

Documentation: Offers extensive and up-to-date documentation to aid users in understanding and troubleshooting their system.
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57
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Matr4x-404 · CC BY-SA 3.0

Gentoo Linux

Daniel Robbins

Gentoo is another advanced Linux distribution that focuses on customization and performance. It is known for its Portage package management system that allows users to compile software from source code, which can be optimized for their hardware.
Gentoo Linux is a highly customizable and advanced Linux distribution that is known for its compile-time package management system. It emphasizes optimization and flexibility, allowing users to customize their system to fit specific needs.

Package Management: Portage

Source-Based: Compiling packages from source code

Customizability: Highly customizable system configurations

Rolling Release: Continuous software updates

Use Flags: Fine-grained control over package features
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20
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Debian

Debian is a stable and reliable Linux distribution that is known for its strict adherence to free software principles. It is popular among server administrators and developers who require a reliable and secure operating system.
Debian is a widely used, open-source Linux distribution that is known for its stability, security, and large software repository. It is developed collaboratively by a global community of volunteers and supported by the non-profit organization, Software in the Public Interest (SPI).

Package Management: Advanced package management system using APT (Advanced Package Tool)

Stability: Long release cycles and strict testing ensure high stability

Security: Strong focus on security and regular security updates

Community-driven: Developed and maintained by a global community of volunteers

Large Software Repository: Vast collection of pre-compiled software packages
4

15
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Ubuntu

Ubuntu is a popular Linux distribution that is based on Debian. It is designed for ease of use and comes with a user-friendly interface. It is also popular among developers who require a stable and reliable operating system.
Ubuntu is a Linux distribution based on the Debian architecture. It aims to provide an easy-to-use and accessible operating system for both desktop and server use. Ubuntu is known for its focus on usability, stability, and regular release cycles.

Package Manager: apt

Desktop Environment: GNOME

Release Cycle: Every six months

Long-Term Support (LTS): Yes

Default Display Server: Wayland (Xorg as fallback)
5

28
votes
Fedora

Fedora is a community-driven Linux distribution that focuses on innovation and cutting-edge technologies. It is known for its fast release cycle and support for the latest hardware.
Fedora is a popular Linux distribution that serves as a cutting-edge operating system for desktops, laptops, and servers. It aims to provide a robust and reliable open-source platform with the latest software advancements for both casual and professional users.

Release Model: Rolling release

Package Manager: dnf

Desktop Environments: GNOME, KDE, Xfce, LXQt, Cinnamon, MATE, and more

Kernel: Linux

Package Base: Red Hat
6

24
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CentOS

CentOS is a stable and reliable Linux distribution that is based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux. It is popular among server administrators who require a stable and secure operating system.
CentOS is a free and open-source enterprise-class Linux distribution that is derived from the source code of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). It aims to provide a stable, reliable, and secure operating system for servers and other mission-critical systems.

Version: 8

Kernel: Linux

Package Manager: yum/dnf

Security: Built-in firewalls, SELinux

Long-term Support: Up to 10 years
7

9
votes
OpenSUSE

OpenSUSE is a community-driven Linux distribution that is known for its user-friendly interface and support for the latest hardware. It is popular among desktop users who require a stable and reliable operating system.
OpenSUSE is a free and open-source Linux distribution. It is known for its stability, flexibility, and user-friendly interface. OpenSUSE offers both a rolling release model called Tumbleweed and a regular release, Leap. It caters to a wide range of users, including developers, sysadmins, and desktop users.

Release Model: Tumbleweed (rolling release) and Leap (regular release)

Package Manager: zypper

Desktop Environments: KDE Plasma, GNOME, Xfce, LXQt, and more

System Administration Tool: YaST (Yet another Setup Tool)

SUSE Studio: Allows customization and creation of distributions
8

7
votes
Slackware

Slackware is a minimalist Linux distribution that is known for its simplicity and stability. It is popular among experienced users who want a lightweight and customizable operating system.
Slackware is a highly advanced and stable Linux distribution that has been in active development since 1993. It focuses on simplicity, stability, and adherence to UNIX principles. It is designed for experienced Linux users who prefer manual configuration and a traditional system administration approach. The distribution is known for its simplicity and clean design.

Release Model: Rolling Release

Init System: SysVinit

Package Management: pkgtools

Default Desktop Environment: None (Command Line)

Kernel Type: Monolithic
9

6
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Manjaro

Manjaro is a user-friendly Linux distribution that is based on Arch Linux. It is designed for users who want a stable and reliable operating system that is easy to use.
10

2
votes
elementary.io · CC BY-SA 4.0

Elementary OS

Elementary, Inc.

Elementary OS is a Linux distribution that is designed to be simple, elegant, and user-friendly. It is popular among users who want a modern and stylish operating system that is easy to use.
Elementary OS is an open source, Linux-based operating system that aims to provide users with a fast, lightweight and highly polished experience. It is designed to be visually appealing and user-friendly, resembling macOS in terms of aesthetics. The distro focuses on simplicity, minimalism, and intuitive design, making it suitable for both new and experienced Linux users.

Version: Latest version is 6.0

Desktop Environment: Pantheon

Based on: Ubuntu LTS

Package Manager: Debian Package Manager (APT)

Software Center: AppCenter
Elementary OS in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful Linux distro

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Ranking factors for advanced distro

User-friendliness

A crucial factor to consider for both beginners and advanced users is the ease of use and the overall user experience. This includes factors like the choice of desktop environment, availability of pre-installed software, and the distro's ability to make complex tasks simpler for users.
Community support and documentation

A strong community provides a wealth of knowledge, documentation, and support resources. Distros with a large, active community are more likely to have regular updates and bug fixes.
Customizability and flexibility

Consider the level of control and customization options offered by the distro, which allows users to tweak the system according to their preferences.
Hardware compatibility and system requirements

The distro should offer excellent hardware compatibility, supporting a wide range of devices and hardware configurations. Additionally, the system requirements should be reasonable for various users, from those with older systems to those with the latest hardware.
Security features

Linux distros known for their security features, such as built-in firewalls, encryption tools, and regular patches, should rank highly in terms of being advanced.
Performance and resource usage

A well-optimized distro should provide excellent performance while being efficient when it comes to resource usage. This is particularly important for users with older or low-spec hardware.
Unique features or technical innovations

Distros that offer unique solutions or advanced technical features that make them stand out from the competition should be considered more advanced. Examples include advanced file systems, container support, or innovative desktop environments.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most advanced Linux distro. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or distro is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

6699 views
203 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each distro once every 24 hours. The rank of each distro is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most advanced linux distro

Linux is an open-source operating system that has been gaining popularity over the years due to its flexibility, security, and reliability. There are many different versions of Linux, known as distributions or "distros" for short, each with its own unique features and strengths. When it comes to the most advanced Linux distro, opinions may vary depending on the user's needs and preferences. However, some popular choices include Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and Arch Linux. These distros are known for their cutting-edge technology, advanced features, and strong community support. Ubuntu, for instance, is one of the most widely used Linux distros and is known for its user-friendliness and excellent compatibility with different hardware and software. Debian, on the other hand, is a robust and stable distro that is popular among advanced users and system administrators. Fedora is a bleeding-edge distro that is always up-to-date with the latest software packages and technologies, while Arch Linux is a minimalist and customizable distro that allows users to build their own system from scratch. Overall, the most advanced Linux distro depends on what the user is looking for in terms of functionality, stability, and ease of use. With so many options available, it's easy to find a Linux distro that suits your needs and preferences.