11 Best Linux Distros That You Must Try In 2022
Could there be a better way to start the new year without mentioning some of the best Linux distros? Definitely not! The pace at which the Linux market is growing right now is mind-boggling, and we’re always excited to see what the communities bring to the table. In this article, let’s talk about the top 10 best Linux Distros that you shouldn’t miss out on in 2022.
If you’re new to Linux and came here searching for reasons to switch to Linux, here are 10 reasons why you should switch to Linux already.
One of the best things about Linux is customization. No matter your taste, there will be at least one distribution you’ll definitely like.
Best Linux Distros For 2022
1. Ubuntu
No one can deny that Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux Distro. Its simplicity makes it an excellent distro for beginners. The latest Ubuntu has also made gaming on Linux pretty feasible.
The default desktop environment, GNOME, offers a great number of customization options. The community at large is always there for you if you get stuck and need help.
2. Pop!_OS
I use Pop!_OS as my daily driver, and I absolutely love using it. Although it’s based on Ubuntu, Pop_OS feels a lot more polished and bloat-free compared to Ubuntu. We also have a review of Pop!_OS on the blog so, do make sure to check it out.
Confused between Ubuntu and Pop!_OS? We’ve got you covered. Make sure to read our Pop!_OS Vs. Ubuntu comparison. Pop!_OS is one of the best Linux distros for gaming (thanks to a separate ISO with Nvidia Graphics) and daily usage. So, if you’re someone who wants the best of both worlds, it’s probably the distro to pick.
3. Linux Mint
If you’re coming from Windows, Linux Mint is a great distro to try as it resembles Windows in many ways. It is an Ubuntu-based distro whose UI will remind you of Windows XP.
That said, the distro’s pretty easy to get used to. Users can choose from three desktop environments – Cinnamon, Xfce, and MATE, among which I prefer Cinnamon for its clean looks. Linux Mint Xfce is one of the fastest Linux distros that I’ve tried.
4. Solus
I’ve mentioned Solus in my Best Non-Ubuntu-Based Distros That Are Beginner Friendly article, and I still can’t get over its striking looks and feels.
Learning eopkg package manager can be challenging but, it certainly shouldn’t take a lot of time to get used to. Solus comes in four variants – Budgie, MATE, GNOME, and Plasma and is a rolling distro. Solus also supports a wide variety of version control systems, editors, and programming languages, making it one of the best Linux distros for Developers.
5. Manjaro
The thing about Arch that scares beginners the most is the installation process but Manjaro is different. It is an Arch-based distribution meant for beginners with a less overwhelming installation procedure.
Everything from the user interface to built-in applications is perfect for starters. It comes with different desktop environments like KDE Plasma, GNOME, and XFCE variants, making it one of the best Arch-based Linux distros to try out in 2022.
6. Kubuntu
Kubuntu was the first Linux distro that I ever tried, and I was blown away by the customization options that KDE Plasma offers while keeping the overall experience pretty smooth.
Based on Ubuntu, Kubuntu is a great distribution for beginners and is one of the best Linux distros that you can download and try.
7. elementary OS
Well, who doesn’t want their laptop to look and feel like a Macbook? While this is rationally impossible, the open-source community is always there to help your dreams come true.
Elementary OS is an Ubuntu-based distribution whose UI resembles that of macOS and is certainly one of the beautiful distros that I’ve come across and is undoubtedly one of the best Linux distros for laptops.
8. Endeavour OS
Endeavour OS is a terminal-centric Linux distro that doesn’t offer a graphical user interface out of the box. Developers have created an installer that will let you install your favorite desktop environment without breaking a sweat.
It’s just another Linux distro for beginners who’re too afraid of installing Arch as it’s too overwhelming.
9. Feren OS
Feren OS is a pseudo-rolling-release distro for people coming from Windows or macOS.
Like Kubuntu, it is also an Ubuntu-based distro that uses the KDE Plasma desktop environment. The OS’s look and feel make it one of the best visually appealing distros on this list.
10. Parrot OS
If security and privacy are all you care about, Parrot OS is worth giving a shot. It provides hardening and sandboxing options that ensure everything’s under control.
It is a Debian-based distribution that can run even on ancient hardware. Besides, it also has a pretty big community that can help you understand and Learn Linux. Users get to choose from two desktop environments, KDE and MATE.
11. Garuda Linux/Dragonized Edition
Now, at the first sight, you might think that Garuda is just another distribution with a fancy KDE theme and icons, but it’s much more than that. It comes with all the important libraries and tools that you’d need to start gaming out of the box, which reduces the time required to start gaming on it.
It is an arch-based distro, which, not to mention, also looks stunning in its default theme. Overall, it’s definitely one of the most feature-rich and beautiful Linux distributions on this List.
Have you used any distro that you think deserves its place on this list? Let us know in the comments section below.
Linux Distros FAQ
- What Linux Distro should I use?
If you’re a complete beginner, I’d suggest you start with any of the Ubuntu-based distros. For experienced users, Manjaro, Solus are great distros.
- What does the word “Distro” mean in Linux?
The term “Distro” is short for Distribution. Various types of distributions are built on Linux to offer different experiences to people with different tastes.
- What is the best free Linux OS?
It depends on your previous user experience. Pop!_OS, Manjaro Linux, and Linux Mint are some of the best Linux Distros that both newbies and experienced users can use without hassle.
