Skip to content
whatismyalternative

elementary OS

elementary OS: Thoughtful, capable, and ethical computing.

Visit elementary OS

elementary OS is a Linux-based desktop operating system that provides a curated, privacy-focused computing environment. It addresses the problem of bloatware and data collection common in other operating systems by offering a clean, secure platform where user data remains under the user's control.

The operating system includes a set of built-in apps for everyday tasks, such as a web browser, email client, music and video players, photo organizer, calendar, file manager, terminal, code editor, and camera app. It features multitasking tools like Workspaces, Picture-in-Picture, and Do Not Disturb. Parental controls include Screen Time and Internet Use management. The AppCenter is an open, pay-what-you-can app store with curated, privacy-respecting applications. The system also provides privacy indicators for microphone and energy usage, permission prompts for apps, and automatic housekeeping for temporary files.

elementary OS is designed for users who value privacy, simplicity, and ethical software. It is available as a pay-what-you-can download, with no fixed price or subscription required. The operating system is entirely open source and built on a foundation of free and open source software.

12 alternatives to elementary OS

Ranked by how well each tool replaces elementary OS: shared features, audience, price and popularity.

  1. The Personal OS for Personal Computers

    Covers 1 of 10 key features.

    Free planOpen source
    61 out of 100 matchFree
  2. A flexible, source-based Linux distribution

    Covers 1 of 10 key features.

    Free planOpen source
    61 out of 100 matchContact sales
  3. openSUSE.

    Covers 1 of 10 key features.

    Free planOpen source
    61 out of 100 matchFree
  4. Build cross-platform desktop apps with JavaScript, HTML, and CSS

    Covers 1 of 10 key features.

    Free planOpen source
    60 out of 100 matchFree
  5. Open-source electronic prototyping platform enabling users to create interactive objects.

    Covers 1 of 10 key features.

    Open source
    60 out of 100 match—
  6. A Linux desktop operating system focused on ease of use and a polished interface.

    Covers 4 of 10 key features.

    Open source
    59 out of 100 match—
  7. Small. Simple. Secure.

    Covers 1 of 10 key features.

    Free planOpen source
    59 out of 100 matchFree
  8. A free operating system built by a volunteer association of individuals, distributed as a

    Covers 2 of 10 key features.

    Free planOpen source
    58 out of 100 matchContact sales
  9. A reasonably secure operating system

    Covers 2 of 10 key features.

    Free planOpen source
    58 out of 100 matchFree
  10. A simple, lightweight distribution

    Covers 1 of 10 key features.

    Open source
    58 out of 100 match—
  11. Windows and macOS alternative designed to make your computer faster and more powerful.

    Covers 1 of 10 key features.

    Free planOpen source
    58 out of 100 matchContact sales
  12. FydeOS is a simple, swift, and secure OS for everyone.

    Covers 0 of 10 key features.

    Free plan
    58 out of 100 matchContact sales