Jack Wallen / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

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Linux is on the rise. I believe the popularity of the open-source operating system will continue to increase. Although Linux didn't reach the 10% mark as I had expected by the end of the year, all signs point to steady growth that could lead to a significant change in 2026.

Because of the popularity of Linux, I thought I would create a list of my all-time top 11 distributions that I've used over the years. Some of these distros are no longer with us, while some of them are still thriving.

Also: 8 ways I quickly leveled up my Linux skills - and you can too

Are you ready to take a journey with me? Let's go.

1. Pop!_OS

Pop!_OS has been my go-to Linux distribution for some time now. Part of the reason for that is that I've been using System76 computers for the past decade and have found Pop!_OS to run extremely well on them. After all, System76 does ship those machines with Pop!_OS as the default operating system. The performance of Pop!_OS and the System76 hardware is truly something to behold. 

Also: Want to save your old computer? Try one of these 8 Linux distros for free

Of all the Linux distributions I've used, Pop!_OS has been the most efficient, while also being a beautiful desktop operating system. Of course, System76 is about to unleash the COSMIC desktop version of Pop!_OS, which I believe will elevate the operating system to even higher levels of performance and ease of use. 

If you want a do-all Linux distribution, you cannot go wrong with Pop!_OS. One factor to keep in mind, however, is that you aren't going to revive old machines with Pop!_OS, so you'll want a system with plenty of resources.

2. Ubuntu Budgie

If I had to migrate away from Pop!_OS, the one distribution that would be first on my list would be Ubuntu Budgie. This distribution does borrow some of GNOME's underpinnings, but there is no mistaking that this distribution stands on its own. Ubuntu Budgie is gorgeous. And even though the developers have created a wonderful layout that should please anyone, Budgie also happens to be highly configurable.

Also: 6 reasons why I've stuck with Ubuntu-based Linux distros for the last 20 years

You can pretty much make this desktop look and feel exactly how you want. I often consider migrating from Pop!_OS to Ubuntu Budgie. The only reason holding me back is how well Pop!_OS performs on the System76 hardware; otherwise, you can bet I'd be running Ubuntu Budgie. 

3. Rhino Linux

If there is one distribution that could beat Ubuntu Budgie in the looks department, it's Rhino Linux. Early on, Rhino used the Xfce desktop to achieve this beautiful look, but the developers recently announced they would be adding new spins, which will most likely see all of them looking as good as the default. 

Also: These 6 Linux file managers are way better than your default

Rhino Linux also happens to be a rolling release distribution, which means it will always have the latest greatest software. It isn't just a pretty face. With this Linux distribution, you get multiple package managers, so you can not only enjoy tons of available software, but you can also install it with your favorite tools.

4. Bodhi Linux

Bodhi Linux holds a special place in my heart because its Moksha desktop is based on one of my favorite desktop environments, Enlightenment. Bohdi Linux is also fast and lightweight, making it a great option for reviving old hardware. 

Two of my favorite elements of the Bodhi Linux desktop are the desktop menu (which can be accessed from anywhere on the desktop) and the ability to shade windows. And then there are the themes… so many themes. You can play around with the look and feel of Bodhi until it is exactly the way you want it. Bodhi Linux is based on Ubuntu, so you know it's reliable. 

Also: This lightweight Linux distro makes switching from Windows 10 easy

One thing I will say about Bodhi Linux that might give some users pause is that it's not the best distribution for those who are new to Linux because the desktop does take some getting used to. 

5. elementaryOS

elementaryOS is another distribution that holds a special place in my overstuffed heart. elementaryOS was my default for about five years, and it was a wonderful distribution, through and through. This Linux distribution looks beautiful from every angle. No matter what you do or open, you know you're using elementaryOS. elementaryOS also takes your privacy seriously, with the help of a feature called Secure Session. 

Also: I tested the new elementaryOS 8.1 beta, and it absolutely brings the magic

If you ever wanted a Linux distribution that looks and feels like MacOS, elementaryOS is what you want. The developers have gone to great lengths to ensure that every aspect of the OS maintains a consistent look and feel. I would also go so far as to say that elementaryOS is one of the best distributions for new Linux users.

6. Ubuntu

It's a rare occasion that you'll see a best of Linux list that doesn't include Ubuntu. Anyone looking to hop off the Windows 10 train would be smart to consider Ubuntu, especially given its extended support. Ubuntu is such a good Linux distribution that pretty much every distro I've used over the years has been based on it. That's a persuasive selling point. 

Also: 6 most Windows-like Linux distros because old habits die hard

Ubuntu isn't just easy to use; it also has great hardware support. If you are thinking about migrating from Windows 10 to Ubuntu, I would suggest you try dual-booting with Ubuntu first. If you like what you see, then eventually you can scrap Windows 10. Ubuntu is fast, reliable, and has offered a consistent desktop UI for a long time. 

7. Fedora

Fedora is that Linux distribution that I loved to hate or hated to love. Prior to the distribution finally finding its footing (around version 40), Fedora was doggedly slow. When v40 hit, Fedora proved that it could perform alongside the best distributions. All of a sudden, Fedora was fast, faster than any Linux distribution I'd used (that wasn't a lightweight offering). 

Also: The 6 Linux distros I recommend most for gaming in 2025 - including my favorite

Fedora defaults to GNOME, but there are spins for several different desktop environments you can try. One of my favorite spins is Fedora KDE, which is beautiful while still performing like a champ.

8. Ubuntu Server

If I'm deploying a server, you can bet that the first distribution I'll use is Ubuntu Server. Even though Ubuntu Server doesn't have a GUI, it's still one of the easiest server operating systems you can install. Ubuntu Server is also very easy to manage, rock solid, and secure. 

Also: 8 ways every Linux distro could make things a lot easier for newbies

Out of all the server distributions on the market, Ubuntu Server vastly simplifies the software installation process with both apt and snap. If the software you want isn't found in the standard apt repository, you can easily add more repositories to expand the selection of available apps.

9. ZorinOS

ZorinOS is exactly what a desktop operating system should be. It's also one of those distributions that I will always recommend for new users (and those migrating from Windows) because you get to choose the desktop layout as soon as you log in. Choose from a Windows-esque layout, a GNOME-like desktop, and others. You can even purchase the Pro edition, which includes 10 total layouts (one of which resembles MacOS). 

Also: The best Linux distributions for beginners in 2025: Expert tested and reviewed

Back in 2023, I proclaimed that ZorinOS was the best distribution of the year. If you want an operating system that is effortless to use, beautiful, and allows you to easily switch between layouts, ZorinOS is the one for you.

10. Mandrake Linux

This is one of the two distributions on the list that no longer exists. Mandrake Linux was a special distribution because it was one of the first that focused on being user-friendly. Although Mandrake went the way of the dinosaurs, it lives on in distributions like Open Mandriva. 

Also: My 5 favorite distros of Linux past - and why I'm still thinking about them

I'll confess that Mandrake Linux is on the list because I remember partying with the development team at my first-ever Linux conference. That team not only knew how to have fun, but they also knew that the future of Linux was listening to the users and taking their needs and concerns very seriously. 

Mandrake Linux was one of the many reasons why I continued using Linux and have been using it for nearly 30 years. So, to anyone who worked on that wonderful distribution, I tip my metaphorical hat to you.

11. Caldera OpenLinux

Like Mandrake Linux, Caldera OpenLinux is no longer with us. The reason I included this distribution on the list is that it was the very first Linux distribution I ever used (version 1.0, to be exact). Had it not been for a finicky modem, I probably would have stuck with Caldera, but that was not the case. Even so, I cannot have this list without including my first. It's like a first kiss, a first home run, a first completed marathon, the first book you finish writing, or the first time you complete a Zelda game - it's just special.

Caldera OpenLinux will always hold a special place in my heart. It doesn't matter how good or bad the distribution was; it only mattered that it existed and helped me make the permanent jump from Windows.