With So Many Linux Distributions Out There….How Do You Choose?
If you’ve ever thought about switching to Linux, you’ve probably discovered that the hardest part isn’t the installation—it’s choosing which Linux distribution to install. With over 600 options, the choice can feel overwhelming, especially if you are looking for the best Linux for beginners.
In this guide, we’ll break down the three main Linux families to help you make sense of it all.
Arch-based distributions (like Manjaro or SteamOS) deliver cutting-edge updates and customization options but require more technical knowledge. They’re ideal for users who love tinkering and don’t mind occasional troubleshooting.
Fedora-based distributions (such as Nobara and Ultramarine) are backed by Red Hat and balance modern features with reliability. They’re a solid choice for professionals and developers who want up-to-date software.
Debian-based distributions (including Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Zorin OS) emphasize stability, ease of use, and community support. They’re perfect for beginners and those seeking a dependable everyday system.
Once you know which category fits your style, consider your goals. Do you want something that looks and feels like Windows? Linux Mint or Zorin OS might be your best bet. Are you more interested in learning the ins and outs of Linux? Ubuntu or Fedora are great places to start.
Finally, test your shortlist! Run Linux live from a USB drive and check hardware compatibility, speed, and usability.
Remember: there’s no single “best” Linux distribution—only the best one for you.
Check out the video above for a more in-depth look at selecting the best Linux distribution for you!
NOTE: some corrections have been made to the video since it was first published:
2:25 As mentioned by a number of viewers, Fedora is, in fact, strongly oriented toward open-source software as opposed to proprietary software. Sorry for the confusion on that.
12:25 As viewer @privacyvalued4134 has pointed out, when testing Linux on a thumb drive the OS is loaded into memory, so you only need a thumb drive big enough for the ISO. This ALSO means that any applications you install or files you save will not persist after shutdown/restart, so keep your PC running until your testing session is done.
