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

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ZDNET key takeaways

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

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It seems I went to bed, and it was just turning 2025. Then, I wake up, and it’s 2026. Where did time go?

I can tell you one thing: time went to helping Linux rise in popularity. Okay, the death of Windows 10 also had something to do with that, but everyone in the business of covering Linux knew this would one day happen: the masses would finally realize that there is an alternative OS that’s more reliable, safer, and easier to use.

Also: Linux will be unstoppable in 2026 – but one open-source legend may not survive

We may not be declaring 2026 the year of Linux just yet, but several Linux distros are likely to have a very good year. These are my picks for that list. 

1. AerynOS

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

Also: 5 of my favorite Linux distros ready to use out of the box – no setup required

You see, atomic and immutable (those are not the same things, by the way) are the future of operating systems because they provide an experience that will always work. Atomic distributions basically ensure that no upgrade will result in system failure, a broken desktop, or unusable applications. That is important because people depend heavily on a dependable operating system.

AerynOS does atomicity but not immutability. That’s important because immutability requires a read-only core file system, and that can confuse users when they attempt to configure something outside of their home directory.

AerynOS does all of this beautifully and even has a very vanilla 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. 

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

As well, AerynOS automatically manages boot entries, kernel synchronization, and rollbacks. This eliminates the need for the manual writing of configuration files. Even if the EFI system partition is wiped, it can be automatically rebuilt.

All of this comes together to make something pretty special.

2. AnduinOS

AnduinOS is a Linux distribution that, on the surface, appears very much like Windows 10. AnduinOS is based on Ubuntu, which gives it a head start on user-friendliness. Couple that with a UI that is immediately familiar to the average user, and you can see why AnduinOS could become a darling for the coming year.

Also: Zorin OS vs. AnduinOS: How to pick the right Windows-like Linux distro for you

As for the UI, it’s based on GNOME, so it’s 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 such extensions as 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 also does not collect any information from users, which will be a breath of fresh air in a world where user information is gold to so many organizations and companies.

I think the big reason why AnduinOS will become a darling in 2026 is that more and more users will finally walk away from Windows and will want an operating system that doesn’t challenge them to learn a new interface. AnduinOS does that better than most.

3. Besgnulinux

What in the world is that name? Every time I say it, I think, “Best GNU Linux.”

Besgnulinux is the brainchild of a single developer who seems to be on a mission to keep old computers out of landfills, and I find that to be a very noble pursuit. The developer has taken Debian stable and created a user-friendly desktop with the help of the JWM window manager. What this does is create a very fast operating system that’s also highly stable and works brilliantly on older hardware. 

I tested Besgnulinux as a virtual machine with only 2GB of RAM and a single CPU core. Guess what? The OS ran like it was on a powerful, modern desktop computer.

This distribution will appeal to anyone with an aging Windows 10 computer who doesn’t care about having the most modern, eye-candy-laden UI and wants an OS they can trust will run reliably and well. 

Also: I rediscovered my longtime Linux favorite – thanks to a spin I didn’t see coming

Besgnulinux uses the Calamares system installer, defaults to 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’ve never used Linux, this distribution might be the perfect landing spot for you. BigLinux is beautiful and offers a ton of helpful features.

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

Also: OpenSUSE vs. Manjaro: Which powerhouse Linux distro is best for you?

Okay, Manjaro is based on Arch Linux, which I wouldn’t recommend to a new user. Manjaro Linux is a different story because it makes good on the promise of transforming Arch Linux into something that is user-friendly. 

BigLinux takes this one 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 of the Google apps, and more. In fact, BigLinux includes dozens of applications that take up very little space on your drive and help make the distribution as user-friendly as possible.

As well, you get to choose which web browser you want during the OS install. You can pick from Brave, Firefox, Google Chrome, Chromium, Vivaldi, LibreWolf, Opera, or Falkon. Another very handy addition is the Big Driver Manager, which vastly simplifies the installation of drivers.

Also: How much RAM does your Linux PC actually need in 2025? An expert weighs in

I believe there are big things to come for BigLinux.

5. Pop!_OS

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

I’ve been using COSMIC desktop since the early alpha stages, and even then, it seriously impressed me. I would go so far as to say that COSMIC is going to become the most popular Linux DE by the end of 2026. That alone helps to make Pop!_OS a shoo-in for Linux darling of the year.

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

COSMIC is blazingly fast and highly configurable. That doesn’t mean you have to bother with desktop configurations, 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. I would guess that, by the time the next iteration arrives, COSMIC will have elevated Pop!_OS beyond anything it could have otherwise become with GNOME.

6. ZorinOS

Zorin OS has already proven itself to be a favorite contender for OS of the year. This came about when support for Windows 10 ended and Zorin OS had been downloaded over a million times in two months (with 78% of those downloads coming from Windows machines).

Also: Linux Mint vs. Zorin OS: I’ve tested both Windows alternatives, 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 has your back. MacOS? Sure, no problem. When a user discovers Zorin OS, they finally understand that an operating system doesn’t have to be complicated or overbearing.

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