Top Linux Distros
Linux is not for everyone, but for those that want to get away from the evil corporate overloads like Microsoft and Apple, Linux is a great choice. There are many different Linux distributions (distros) to choose from, each with its own unique features and benefits. In this article, we will take a look at some of the top Linux distros available in 2026.
The Linux distros don’t particulary matter if you know what your are doing in Linux as you can install and change ANY distro to your needs, but for a noob the starting spot is important. The distros listed below are all great choices for different types of users, whether you are a gamer, a power user, or just looking for a stable and user-friendly operating system.
Bazzite (The Noob Gamer’s Choice or HTPC)
If you have ask, What distro should I use? Bazzite is a great answer if you are a gamer. It is consider an “Atomic” desktop where you can’t change the system packages, but you can configure them. This is a perfect jumping off point for new Linux users who want to get into gaming on Linux. Bazzite has a large library of games available through its own store, and it also supports Steam and other popular gaming platforms.
Unique commands and features of Bazzite:
ujust- Main cli command for installing and managing software packages. It is a user-friendly package manager that simplifies the process of installing and updating software on Bazzite.ujust --choosewill show all commands
bazaar- GUI tool for installing and managing flatpak software in Bazzite. Based on https://github.com/bazaar-org/bazaarbrew- Homebrew modified for bazzite - https://docs.bazzite.gg/Installing_and_Managing_Software/Homebrew/- Containers from
distroboxandquadlet- Install anything inside of a container using any package manager - https://docs.bazzite.gg/Installing_and_Managing_Software/Containers/
CachyOS (The Power User’s Choice)
CachyOS is a great choice for power users who want a stable and customizable operating system. It is based on Arch Linux and comes with a lot of pre-installed software and tools for power users. CachyOS is designed to be fast and efficient, and it has a large community of users who contribute to its development. This distro is perfect for users who want to have complete control over their system and are willing to put in the effort to learn how to use it. If you want to tinker and be on the bleeding edge, CachyOS is a great choice.
Unique features of CachyOS:
- Massive customization and variety of installation options (All Desktop environments and Tiling Manager configurations)
- Optimized kernel and packages for modern PCs. (Bazzites kernels is heavily based off CachyOS) Note: I personally use cachy repos on Arch because of this!
Linux Mint (The Old Man I just want it to work Choice)
Linux Mint is a great choice for users who just want a stable and user-friendly operating system. It is based on Ubuntu and comes with a lot of pre-installed software and tools for everyday use. Linux Mint has a large community of users who contribute to its development, and it is known for its ease of use and stability. This distro is perfect for users who want a simple and reliable operating system that just works without needing to tinker with it.
Unique features of Linux Mint:
- Easy to use and user-friendly interface - Drop in replacement for most Windows users to get started and not overwhelmed
- Stability and reliability - Linux Mint is known for its stability and reliability, making it a great choice for users who want a system that just works without needing to tinker with it.
Arch Linux (For when you ascend and no longer need distros)
Arch Linux is when you truly elevate into the elites of the world. You have made it and you are making your own thing that no one else has or can achieve. You transend the mortal realm and become a god.
This has been my home for over 2 years and I can’t see myself using any other distro at this point. Sooo many projects are based on it and it is perfect for those that want the bleeding edge and really want to learn how Linux works. Arch is a great choice for users who want complete control over their system and are willing to put in the effort to learn how to use it. It has a large community of users who contribute to its development, and it is known for its simplicity and elegance.
Conclusion
Picking a distro is simply a starting spot, and you can change it to your needs. All the above distros are based on only 3 mainline distributions (Arch, Fedora, and Debian/Ubuntu) and you can change any of them to your needs. The distros listed above are all great choices for different types of users, whether you are a gamer, a power user, or just looking for a stable and user-friendly operating system. Ultimately, the best Linux distro for you will be the one you customize to your preferences and needs. You must figure out what you like about Linux and if it will suit your needs. If you just want to use Microsoft Office, Adobe PDF, and play games, use Windows.