Some Popular, Common, and Important Linux Distributions 2026
kernel + GNU = GNU/Linux · Linux · GNU · Kernel · GNU userland · Each box is a family: the root distro sits top-left, the others are based on it. Arrow = direct derivative, dashed = partial lineage.…
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- kernel + GNU = GNU/Linux
- Linux
- GNU
- Some Popular, Common, and Important Linux Distributions 2026
- Kernel
- GNU userland
- Each box is a family: the root distro sits top-left, the others are based on it. Arrow = direct derivative, dashed = partial lineage.
- Small text = common use (Desktop, Server, Gaming, Security, Embedded, Mobile, Historic). Android and Alpine come straight from the Linux kernel, without GNU.
- Debian family
- Debian
- Devuan
- Proxmox VE
- Raspberry Pi OS
- Apertis
- SONiC
- Kali Linux
- Parrot OS
- Tails
- Server · Desktop
- Server · no systemd
- Server · virtualization
- Embedded
- Embedded · networking
- Security
- MiniOS
- Q4OS
- Vanilla OS
- Peppermint
- antiX
- MX Linux
- Desktop
- Lightweight desktop
- Mobian
- Droidian
- LindowsOS
- Linspire
- Damn Small Linux
- Knoppix
- Mobile
- Historic
- Live CD
- Based on Ubuntu
- Ubuntu
- Linux Mint
- elementary OS
- Zorin OS
- Pop!_OS
- TUXEDO OS
- Anduin OS
- PikaOS
- KDE neon
- Desktop · Server
- Beginner
- Gaming
- Kubuntu
- Lubuntu
- Xubuntu
- Ubuntu on WSL
- LinuxFX
- Wubuntu
- Winux
- Official flavor
- Runs inside Windows
- Windows-like
- Ubuntu Touch
- UBports
- Ubuntu for Android
- Red Hat family
- Based on Fedora
- Red Hat Linux
- Fedora
- Asahi Linux
- Bazzite
- Nobara
- Amazon Linux
- Apple Silicon
- Gaming console
- Server · cloud
- Based on RHEL (enterprise)
- RHEL
- CentOS
- AlmaLinux
- Rocky Linux
- Server
- Server · historic
- Mandrake branch
- Mandrake
- Mandriva
- Mageia
- ROSA
- OpenMandriva
- PCLinuxOS
- Arch Linux family
- Arch Linux
- SteamOS
- CachyOS
- Garuda Linux
- EndeavourOS
- Manjaro
- BigLinux
- Omarchy
- Artix Linux
- No systemd
- bluestar
- KDE Linux
- Slackware / SUSE family
- Gentoo / ChromiumOS family
- Slackware
- SLAX
- Gentoo
- ChromiumOS
- ChromeOS
- ChromeOS Flex
- Live USB
- Source-based
- Chromebook
- Old PCs
- SUSE
- openSUSE
- Container-Optimized OS
- fydeOS
- Google Cloud
- SUSE Linux Enterprise
- Android (AOSP) family
- Android
- CyanogenMod
- LineageOS
- Android-x86
- OmniROM
- GrapheneOS
- PC
- Security · mobile
- Independent — not based on another distro
- Linux From Scratch
- NixOS
- Void Linux
- Solus
- AerynOS
- Puppy Linux
- Clear Linux
- Azure Linux
- Real-Time Linux
- Build it yourself
- Declarative config
- Historic (Intel)
- CBL-Mariner · cloud
- Alpine Linux
- postmarketOS
- Tiny Core
- OpenWrt
- Azure Sphere
- Embedded · containers
- Embedded · routers
- Embedded · IoT