The 6 Linux distros I expect to rule in 2026 – and why

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ZDNET Key Takeaways

• Linux is set for a big year in 2026.
• There will be some distributions that will surprise people.
• These six distros will be on everyone’s bucket list by the end of the year.

It felt like I went to bed, and it was going to be 2025. Then, I wake up, and it’s 2026. Where did the time go?

I can tell you one thing: it took time for Linux to grow in popularity. Well, the death of Windows 10 also had something to do with it, but everyone in the business covering Linux knew it would happen one day: The public would finally realize there was an alternative OS that was more reliable, secure, and easier to use.

Also: Linux will be unstoppable in 2026 – but one open-source legend won’t survive

We’re not declaring 2026 the year of Linux just yet, but it’s likely to be a very good year for many Linux distributions. These are my picks for that list.

1. ArenaOS

Once you get past the installer (which will be a bit of a challenge for those new to Linux), you’ll find that ArenaOS is an excellent, rock-solid operating system that’s completely atomic and offers a beautiful KDE Plasma desktop. It’s those two last bits that will elevate AerynOS’s status among Linux distributions.

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You see, atomic and immutable (by the way, they are not the same things) are the future of operating systems because they provide an experience that will always work. Atomic distributions basically ensure that any upgrades will not result in system failure, broken desktops, or unusable applications. This is important because people depend heavily on a reliable operating system.

AerynOS supports atomicity but not immutability. This is important because immutability requires a read-only core file system, and it can confuse users when they try to configure something outside their home directory.

AerynOS does all this beautifully and even has a great take on KDE Plasma, which I think is the right way to go. KDE Plasma is beautiful out of the box, and it’s incredibly user-friendly.

Too: 5 reasons why Linux will eventually overtake Windows and MacOS on the desktop

Additionally, AerynOS automatically manages boot entries, kernel synchronization, and rollback. This eliminates the need to manually write configuration files. Even if the EFI system partition has been erased, it can be recreated automatically.

All this together creates something special.

2. AndroidOS

AndroidOS is a Linux distribution that, on the surface, looks a lot like Windows 10. AndroidOS is based on Ubuntu, making it the leader in user-friendliness. Combine this with a UI that’s instantly familiar to the average user, and you can see why AndroidOS could become a darling for the coming year.

Also: Zorin OS vs AnduinOS: How to Choose the Right Windows-Like Linux Distro for You

As far as the UI is concerned, it is based on GNOME, so it is fast. And with the help of GNOME extensions, you can extend the features of the desktop. Who doesn’t want that? Speaking of which, the developers have included extensions like ArcMenu, Blur My Shell, Dash to Panel, Light/Dark Theme Switcher, OpenWeather Refined, Removable Drive Menu, and more. With the help of a handy extension manager, you can enable/disable and configure those extensions to meet your needs.

AnduinOS does not collect any information from users, which would be a breath of fresh air in a world where user information is worth gold to many organizations and companies.

I think the big reason AndroidOS will be popular in 2026 is that more and more users will eventually move away from Windows and want an operating system that doesn’t challenge them in learning a new interface. AnduinOS does this better than most.

3. BasengnuLinux

What in the world is that name? Every time I say this, I think, “The best GNU Linux.”

BasegnuLinux is the brainchild of a single developer who seems to be on a mission to keep old computers out of landfills, and I think that’s a very noble cause. The developer has taken Debian Stable and created a user-friendly desktop with the help of JWM Window Manager. This makes for a very fast operating system that is also highly stable and works brilliantly on older hardware.

I tested BaseGNUlinux as a virtual machine with only 2GB of RAM and one CPU core. Guess what? The OS ran as if it were running on a powerful, modern desktop computer.

This distribution will appeal to anyone with an older Windows 10 computer who doesn’t care about the most modern, flashy UI and wants an OS they can trust to be reliable and run well.

Too: I Rediscovered My Longtime Favorite Linux – Thanks for the Spin I Didn’t See Coming

BaseGNuLinux uses the Calamares system installer, which is the default on the Brave web browser, and includes over 40 custom-built tools to control the system’s settings as well as the look and feel of the desktop.

4. BigLinux

Simply put, BigLinux makes Linux easy for anyone.

If you have never used Linux, this distribution may be the right place for you. BigLinux is beautiful and offers a lot of useful features.

Here’s the kicker: BigLinux is based on Manjaro Linux and uses KDE Plasma for its desktop.

Also: openSUSE vs. Manjaro: Which Powerhouse Linux Distro Is Best for You?

Well, Manjaro is based on Arch Linux, which I would not recommend to a new user. Manjaro Linux is a different story as it delivers on the promise of making Arch Linux more user-friendly.

BigLinux takes this a step further by including things like web applications for services/platforms like Amazon Music, Deezer Music, Discord, Facebook, Instagram, Jitsi Meet, Messenger, Netflix, Outlook, all Google apps, and others. In fact, BigLinux includes dozens of applications that take up little space on your drive and help make the distribution as user-friendly as possible.

Also, you get a chance to choose which web browser you want during OS install. You can choose from Brave, Firefox, Google Chrome, Chromium, Vivaldi, LibreWolf, Opera, or Falcon. Another very useful addition is Big Driver Manager, which greatly simplifies the installation of drivers.

Also: How much RAM will your Linux PC really need in 2025? An expert weighs in

I believe great things are to come for BigLinux.

5. Pop!_OS

It almost seems unfair to include Pop!_OS on this list since it’s been around for so long. The thing is, System76 took a big chance by creating their own desktop environment, COSMIC.

I’ve been using COSMIC Desktop since the early alpha stages, and even then, it seriously impressed me. I can even say that COSMIC is going to be the most popular Linux DE by the end of 2026. This alone helps make Pop!_OS the Linux darling of the year.

Too: Ubuntu Budgie vs Pop!_OS: I’ve used both Linux distros – here’s how to choose

COSMIC is extremely fast and highly configurable. it doesn’t mean you to pass Don’t bother with desktop configuration, because the out-of-the-box experience is amazing.

Given how stable and fast COSMIC 1.0 is, I can only imagine what version 2.0 will be like. My guess is that, by the time the next iteration comes out, COSMIC will have enhanced POP!_OS more than anything that could have otherwise been built with GNOME.

6. ZorinOS

Zorin OS has already proven itself to be a favorite contender for OS of the Year. This happened after support for Windows 10 ended and Zorin OS was downloaded over a million times in two months (78% of which downloads came from Windows machines).

Also: Linux Mint vs. Zorin OS: I’ve tested both Windows options, and here’s my choice

There’s a good reason for this: Zorin OS is exactly what a desktop operating system should be. Zorin OS serves the user, not the other way around.

Zorin OS is based on Ubuntu and gives the user a choice of desktop layouts. If you want a Windows-like layout, Zorin OS is ready for you. Mac OS? sure no problem. When a user discovers Zorin OS, they ultimately understand that an operating system does not need to be complex or overly powerful.

Zorin OS strikes the perfect balance of user-friendliness, power, flexibility, and reliability. If there was one OS I would recommend to those migrating from Windows 10, it would be Zorin OS.