13 Most Beautiful Linux Distros That You’ll Love [2022 Edition]

Linux users have the liberty to enjoy unparalleled freedom while choosing the Linux distributions as per their needs. Using different open source technologies, the developers keep creating something new and surprising for enthusiasts. In this article, we’ll be listing some of the most beautiful Linux distros that will not fail to impress you.

If you’re looking for a perfect and good-looking Windows replacement or distro-hopping, at the end of this article, we’re pretty sure you’ll decide to install at least one of the distros. Let’s get started:

Most Beautiful Linux Operating Systems For 2022

1. elementary OS

After Linux Mint and Zorin OS, elementary OS is probably the most popular Ubuntu-derivative. It promotes itself as a “fast and open” replacement for macOS and Windows. There are tons of Linux distros around that are widely used, but elementary OS focuses mainly on non-technical users who are fed up with Windows, and young developers who are new to the open-source world. Its development started as a set of themes and apps designed for Ubuntu, so the visual appeal shouldn’t turn out to be surprising.

This beautiful Linux distro borrows some tricks from macOS for its slick interface that prefers to deliver a clutter-free experience to the users. The OS ships without many default Ubuntu applications, replacing them with many lightweight alternatives. It comes with a homegrown Pantheon desktop environment that looks polished and delivers a lightweight experience. In case you’re having a tough time adapting to Ubuntu’s recent shift from Unity, you can give elementary OS a try.

Why use elementary OS?

• macOS-like look
• Lightweight and efficient DE
• Selected set of applications

2. Kubuntu

Kubuntu was the first Linux distros that I tried and I was left surprised by how amazing KDE really is for people who value customizations over everything else. As you might have guessed by the name, it is also an Ubuntu-based distro.

Everything from the UI to the animations is extremely polished and definitely feels a notch above and different from the other distros. As soon as you log in, you’ll be greeted with a splash screen and then a beautiful wallpaper that will definitely leave a smile on your face. It is also very stable thanks to Ubuntu. Overall, it is one of the best-looking distros on this list.

Why choose Kubuntu?

• Highly customizable KDE desktop environment
• Rock-solid stability
• Ease of use

3. Feren OS

Feren OS is based on Linux Mint. What makes it one of the most visually attractive Linux distros is its tweaked Cinnamon desktop environment. It promises to deliver an experience that’ll match the aesthetics of macOS and Windows operating systems. Feren OS is a rolling release Linux distribution.

The look and feel of Feren OS are familiar; there are a Windows-like start button and taskbar that have all the useful icons. The start menu is intuitively designed as clicking on an option opens a submenu. The Theme Changer tool lets you play with icons, setup, background, etc., so, do check it out. Overall, Feren OS, apart from being a beautiful Linux distribution and eye candy, it’s familiar and innovative.

Why use feren OS?

• Familiar desktop, start menu
• Clean, flat design
• Modern looks, beginner friendly

4. Linux Mint

Aimed at providing the best experience possible for users switching from Windows, Linux Mint doesn’t shy away from looking good. The Cinnamon desktop environment in Linux Mint has grown exponentially and is now better than ever.

Coming to its looks, you can evidently say that it has a Windows XP’ish feel to it. Thanks to the Ubuntu base, it is also extremely rock solid. Overall, it’s a pretty good-looking distro for beginners who’re just starting out with Linux.

If you want to install Linux Mint alongside Windows, do make sure to check out our how to Dual-boot Linux Mint with Windows 10 article

Why choose Mint?

• Great distro for Windows users
• Easy to use
• Cinnamon Desktop looks and feels great

5. Deepin

Deepin Linux is an open-source, Chinese Linux distribution that aims to offer a clean and visually appealing interface to Linux users. The new versions of the operating system take a lot of inspiration from Apple’s macOS and the implementation is very well done. It features a homegrown desktop named “Deepin Desktop Environment,” or DDE.

Deepin Linux, one the prettiest Linux distros around, also comes with Hot Corners and Gestures that make your Linux desktop experience refreshing. Another striking feature of Deepin is its pleasing installer, which makes sure that your experience isn’t sub-par at any stage. It comes with the Deepin Store that provides lots of applications that aren’t available in the Ubuntu Store.

Why choose Deepin?

• Innovative features
• Visual appeal
• Deepin Store
• Simple and easy-to-use installer

6. Solus OS

While this list features many derivatives of popular Linux distros, Solus tries to set itself apart from that crowd. In a very short period of time, Solus has established itself as one of the fastest-growing and coolest Linux distros around. It follows the minimalist approach and sports a flat and modern look. It earns the tag of one of the most breathtaking Linux distros around with the help of its Budgie desktop environment.

Budgie desktop is built on top of GNOME but it doesn’t feature Shell. There’s the main menu to access the available applications. On the right side of the screen, you get Raven, which hosts applets, notifications, etc. Solus isn’t exclusively being marketed as the best distro for developers but, it does come with a lot of developer tools built-in. It is also one of the best distributions that’s not Ubuntu-based.

Why choose Solus?

• One of the fastest-growing new distros
• Budgie desktop
• Support for Snaps
• Things just work out of the box

7. Chrome OS

Users who aren’t well acquainted with Linux or Chrome OS will be surprised to see this entry on the list of best-looking Linux distros. For those who don’t know, Chrome OS is actually a Gentoo Linux-based distribution created by Google. Consider Google Chrome as its desktop environment and it mainly supports web applications.

So, if you’re looking for a neat, clean-looking option for regular web browsing and video streaming purposes, Chrome OS is the perfect option. Google also made it easier to run Linux apps on Chrome OS and made Chromebooks even more appealing.

Why Chrome OS?

• Lots of low-cost Chromebook options to choose from
• Perfect for web-centric workloads
• Always-synced Google account on all devices — it’s only a positive if you prefer that kind of thing

8. Nitrux

Nitrux is the newest Linux distro on this list of most beautiful operating systems for 2022. You’ll take a single look at the distro and find that it has been created with design in mind. It’s worth noting that Nitrux is based on the Ubuntu unstable dev branch and ships with the Nomad Desktop environment.

The developers of Nitrux OS have worked hard to distinguish themselves from the usual crop of Linux distros shipping with KDE desktop. It’s also important to mention that the same team behind the current Nitrux distribution had previously created another distro with the same name. This cool distro ships with custom-made software. It’s based on a rolling release model and is only available for 64-bit systems.

Why choose Nitrux OS?

• Own custom-made apps
• Beautiful desktop UI
• Minimalist approach

9. KDE Neon

If you are a KDE loyalist who is looking for a beautiful and lightweight Linux experience, look no further. KDE Neon calls itself the provider of the latest and greatest KDE software packaged on a rock-solid Ubuntu LTS base. As for the looks, KDE Neon developers know how to master flat-looking themes. There are a number of useful widgets that you can add to the desktop with ease. Distro’s menu is straightforward and user-friendly.

The strength of KDE Neon also lies in its promise of delivering a rock-solid desktop with its cutting-edge features. With this good-looking Linux distro, you get the stability of LTS, get all the stuff done, and enjoy a slick experience. The software choice is pretty balanced. Go ahead and try this Linux eye candy as your daily driver.

Now, if you’re confused about what’s the difference between Kubuntu and KDE Neon; when new features are added to KDE to get them you’ll have to wait for Canonical to update Ubuntu whereas KDE Neon is a rolling release and you get to try the new features as soon as a new update is released.

Why use KDE Neon?

• Latest KDE software
• Solid Ubuntu LTS base
• Bug-free, beautiful, flat theme

10. Pop!_OS

System76’s Pop!_OS has outnumbered a lot of Linux distros on this list in terms of popularity and is one of the most beautiful Linux distributions. It came into existence when Canonical decided to ditch Unity and move to GNOME.

While its desktop is based on GNOME, it bears a distinct appeal and minimalistic approach. If you’re bored with your current desktop and an Ubuntu-based and cool-looking Linux distro appeals to you, look no further. if you’re still not sure if you should pick it, read our review to get a better idea. It is also one of the best Linux distributions for gaming.

Why choose Pop!_OS?

• Fresh look, minimalist approach
• Soothing color themes
• Designed for creatives in the computer science field

11. Zorin OS

Zorin OS is one of the most popular Linux distros on this list for 2022. Developed in 2008, over the years, this visually appealing Linux desktop has established itself as a perfect Windows replacement. Zorin OS is based on Ubuntu, hence you won’t need to learn new stuff. The installation process is also very similar to Ubuntu.

This Linux distro also comes with a useful set of applications that make your daily life easier. Zorin also comes with a built-in Wine compatibility layer to let you install your favorite Windows applications inside Linux. Shipped with the GNOME desktop, Zorin really shines and aims to become your daily driver.

Why choose Zorin OS?

• Resembles Windows
• Great support and very stable
• Polished and rock solid Linux desktop experience

12. Manjaro Linux

I’ve included Manjaro in most of my “best distributions” articles, and that’s due to its versatility, speed, great looks, low-resource usage, and performance. Based on Arch Linux, this beautiful open-source operating system focuses a lot on making the Linux usage experience a lot smoother. The primary Xfce desktop with Manjaro tweaks looks very pleasing with its green theme.

Why choose Manjaro?

• A very helpful and fast-growing community
• The versatile distro that’s easy to use
• Fast and lightweight

13. Ubuntu

Well, would you look at what we have here! A contender that you probably never expected to see on this list, Ubuntu. I’ve already mentioned Ubuntu over a thousand times before and here I am again. Ubuntu is the sole reason for the existence of most of the distros on this list.

If you want to know the new features in Hirsute Hippo or GNOME 40, make sure to check out our Ubuntu 21.04 Hirsute Hippo features and GNOME 40 features.

Why choose Ubuntu?

• Great for beginners
• Rock-solid stability
• Great customization options

Apart from these do check out our list of best Linux desktop environments that you can use in 2022.

Which One Do You Think Is The Prettiest?

That’s pretty much it in this most beautiful Linux distros article. If you’ve made it this far, you probably know which one to pick.

The distros on this list are just the thin end of the wedge. Do you know distros that deserve to be on this list? Let us know in the comments section below.