When we look for operating systems stability, the name of a stable Linux distro comes first in our minds. All distros of Linux are developed for different purposes and focused on different targets. The stability level of the Linux distros concentrates on specific sectors in various distros. We have specially designed Linux distros for ordinary users, professionals, programmers, developers, and multinational corporations. In this article, we are discussing the most stable Linux distros available in the market.
You may need clarification about which Linux distro is stable to choose from. This article lists the most stable Linux Distros with good support, ease of use, regular updating, repositories, and durability.
18 Most Stable Linux Distros
Debian Linux
Debian is one of the most stable Linux distro among many other distros available in the market. The major strength of this distro is its user-friendliness, lightweight, and compatibility with different environments. The Debian team has a longer working period, which allows them to fix most bugs before releasing a new version.
Why is Debian Stable Linux Distro?
Debian is a stable distro because it’s concerned with software freedom, and its non-free stuff is separated from its own category inside Debian repositories. Well, it’s one of the few distributions that use GNU/Linux consistently.
Learn more and Get Debian from here
elementary OS
elementary OS is one of the nicest Linux distro, from my point of view. The stability point is its user interface resembles macOS, and things have evolved with new updates. If you’re already using a Mac-powered system, it’s easy to get comfortable with it. This distribution focuses on providing a user-friendly Linux environment that looks as good as possible with smooth performance in mind.
How did Elementary OS become so Stable?
elementary OS brings you a large software repository through its AppCenter making it a stable Linux distro. elementary’s software support will help you drive productivity straight off. AppCenter distributes a resourceful repository, including free and pay-what-you-want software, which is certified stable for this distro.
Ubuntu
Everybody knows that Ubuntu is one of the most popular and stable Linux distro, and you can even find it pre-installed on many laptops. The user interface is comfortable, and you can easily customize its appearance to suit your needs as you play around. You can choose to install a theme as well.
Ubuntu has its own repositories and functionality that are often synced with Debian’s repositories. It is an excessively much secure platform, and you can use it very easily. Ubuntu supports almost all desktop environments. For example- Unity, XFCE, and MATE. Super users can highly customize this distro.
Why is Ubuntu Stable Linux Distro?
Have you ever heard of Ubuntu LTS? Well, the abbreviation stands for Long Term Support, meaning that a release labeled LTS mainly maintains over regular releases for an extended period. Ubuntu is one of the very few Linux operating systems that offer LTS releases, among others. LTS releases are maintained and supported with security updates and also bug fixes for five years after the initial release. The next topic is CentOS which is also a stable distro; to decide better, you can check CentOS vs Ubuntu Facts Before Choosing the One.
CentOS and CentOS Stream
It is a Linux distribution based on Red Hat Linux Enterprise. CentOS is a short form for Community Enterprise Operating System, and it is a community-driven project with RHEL code at the backend. The developers removed Red Hat’s trademark and made the Linux server operating system available for free use and distribution.
It comes in two variants, namely CentOS Linux and CentOS Stream. CentOS is excellent for setting up servers because it supports RPM and Yum packages and extensive community support.
Additionally, the CentOS stream came into being when RHEL supported CentOS was unexpectedly shut down. CentOS Stream acts as a DevOps-friendly, continuous integration, and continuous delivery (CI/CD) Linux, making it more stable.
Why CentOS and CentOS Stream stable?
The stability of CentOS is mainly held because it comes with the Security-Enhanced Linux kernel extension. This Linux distribution supports both x86_64 and x86 systems. The most recent CentOS version includes virtualization technology and hypervisors such as oVirt, Xen, and Docker. All the above facilities make them the most stable Linus Distro.
openSUSE Leap
Mainly OpenSUSE comes with two releases, Tumbleweed, a rolling release in nature and second is Leap, which is a Linux distribution with long-term support. OpenSUSE Leap has many useful tools and applications for novice and professional Linux users. It is very simple to install on any computer and has a nice-looking user interface.
With onboard tools like YaST, you can customize the settings to match your needs. You can easily install many popular desktop environments such as KDE, Gnome, and Mate using YaST.
Why is openSUSE Leap Stable Linux Distro?
openSUSE Leap uses binaries and sources from SUSE Linux Enterprise (SLE), which gives Leap stability unmatched by other Linux distributions. It combines that with community developments to give developers, users, and sysadmins the best stable Linux experience.
Lubuntu
Like many of the Linux distros mentioned in this article, Lubuntu is designed to run smoothly and easily operated computers and laptops. It uses the LXDE/LXQT desktop environment and has a collection of lightweight applications, making it a stable Linux distro for everyday work.
It is an excellent lightweight OS based on Ubuntu. You can use it for daily use at home and for professional work in organizations. This Linux distro is a complete package with useful tools like an internet browser and a lightweight office suite to meet your needs.
Why is Lubuntu Stable?
The minimum requirements for Lubuntu are a 700 MHz single processor, 512 MB of RAM, and 5 GB of memory. Its main stability depends on the graphical user interface and the low hardware requirements. Lubuntu uses the user interface LXQt, which is resource-saving and ensures that all applications run quickly without delay, even on old computers.
Kali Linux
Kali Linux is a Debian-based Linux distribution specially developed for advanced penetration reverse engineering, testing, security research, and digital forensics. It is a platform with many tools that help in various ethical hacking tasks and digital forensics. It is an all-rounder of an operating system that can install on Android smartphones, Raspberry Pi and Chromebooks, in addition to desktops.
Why is Kali Linux Stable Linux Distro?
It has a highly stable performance as a product of Debian-based Linux. It syncs with the Debian repository up to 4 times daily, updating the latest Debian packages and fixing security bugs. Kali Linux is also equipped with over 300 hacking and penetration testing tools, and its immunity to virus attacks makes the security system high.
MX Linux
MX Linux is a widespread Debian-based Linux distribution renowned for its simplicity, out-of-the-box experience, and functionality. It features Xfce as a desktop environment and is packed with numerous MX Tools, which gives it impeccable stability.
Furthermore, its stable and user-friendly package manager is perfectly designed to facilitate one-click installation. You can even search for Flatpack packages and install them in no time. Flathub is available as a source in the package manager by default.
How does MX Linux become Stable?
MX Linux is famous for its high stability and solid performance. With its graphical tools, you can do a wide variety of tasks, such as snapshot tools and live USB inherited from antiX, add impressive portability and remastering capabilities.
MX Tools cover a range of actions, from boot options to repository management. In addition, fast package installers covering MX Test Repo, popular applications, Debian Backports, and Flatpaks consider it as a stable Linus distro.
Puppy Linux
Puppy Linux shows its stability as a lightweight Linux distribution aimed at low-end computer users. Barry Cowler originally developed it in 2003, and developers mainly focus on providing an easy-to-use Linux-based operating system that leaves a minimal memory footprint. It has many features, including all daily use tools/applications pre-installed. Moreover, it is very easy to use, requires less storage, is fast and reliable, and is highly customizable.
Why is Puppy Linux Stable Linux Distro?
It’s extraordinarily small (+/- 300 MB) and specially optimized for both older and newer computers. Moreover, its hundreds of derivatives called “puplets” extend its reach to more users and hardware configurations, making its stability even more stable. It loads entirely into RAM, so unlike other distros, you don’t have to keep ripping your stuff off CD/DVD/USB or other media.
Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS is developed and managed by computer hardware vendor System76 and is available for free download and installation on other computers and laptops. It is based on Ubuntu LTS but offers its unique user interface. Pop!_OS is ideal for gamers as it ships with essential gaming tools.
Pop!_OS is available with a minimal apps package, saving space to install your favorite apps easily. Like Ubuntu’s Software Center, you have the Pop!_Shop from which you can download and install apps.
Why is Pop!_OS Stable Linux Distro?
Pop!_OS is available to download as a live image in two versions. One is for Intel/AMD systems with free drivers, and another one with a proprietary graphics driver for Nvidia graphics cards. In both cases, the OS offers out-of-the-box GPU support with a firm focus on gaming, making its stability extremely strong.
It offers a flexible selection of graphics cards, which can access via Gnome Shell and power icon. Linux Vendor Firmware Service performed automatically in POP OS via the Gnome settings. This means users can rely on optimizations, up-to-date bug fixes, and closed security gaps.
Zorin OS
It is another Ubuntu-based Linux distro on this list and is one of the great modern and good-looking operating systems. When the project started in 2008, the developers’ first priority was creating a user-friendly operating system for Linux users.
Zorin OS is a stable Linux distro that is available for download and installation in three different versions: Pro, Core, and Lite. The Pro version comes with premium desktop layouts for popular operating system platforms such as Windows and macOS. You have to buy the pro version; the other two are completely free to download and use.
Why is Zorin OS Stable Distro?
Zorin OS pro and Core has a customized version of the GNOME desktop environment, making it a powerful operating system and stability way better.
Nitrux
The Nitrux Linux distribution depends on KDE, Qt, and Debian. It ships with an NX firewall and NX desktop on top of the KDE Plasma 5 desktop environment. Windows or macOS Users porting from and will find this very easy to use as it is specially for new users.
It comes with full support for AppImages, making the task of installing new apps easier for everyone. It has a capable community on social media where you can interact with anyone on any related topic or query.
How did Nitrux become Stable Linux?
Nitrux mainly comes with the XanMod general-purpose Linux kernel, which includes a few custom settings and unique features to provide a responsive and stable desktop experience. The main features of this kernel include the following:
- Complete multicore block layer run queue.
- Caching.
- ORC Unwinder for stack traces.
- BBRv2 TCP congestion control.
In addition, it has a high-responsiveness multitasking Task Type scheduler and third-party patch sets. This kernel makes Nitrux a high-performing, reliable, and stable Linux distro.
Kodachi
Kodachi is the most secure platform and anonymous operating system. It was developed based on Ubuntu and is easily used by armature Linux users. Kodachi is a live operating system that you can boot into any other computer from a USB drive or DVD.
It is the most secure OS and helps you access the Internet and its services anonymously. The VPN filters every connection to the Internet and then through the Tor network with DNS encryption.
Why is Kodachi Stable Linux Distro?
Based on the most reliable Linux system Debian, Kodachi incorporates Xfce-specific features for increased security, stability, and singularity. Moreover, Kodachi provides a system for supporting the DNScrypt protocol and utility, which encrypts a request to the OpenDNS server by elliptical cryptography.
Solus
Solus is an excellent and elegant-looking operating system; It is an independently developed operating system based on the Linux kernel. In addition, it offers the choice of the desktop environment, KDE Plasma, GNOME, and MATE desktop environment.
It is a powerful operating system but runs effortlessly on older computers and laptops. Moreover, this is an ideal Linux distro for programmers and developers. Additionally, it can be an excellent operating system for new Linux users as it is very easy to use.
Why is Solus Distro Stable?
Solus comes pre-installed with many development tools, making it a stable Linux distro for developers, and its stability evolves more effectively. It comes with an EOPKG package manager, which can be a hindrance when learning to use Solus but only for a short time.
Raspberry Pi OS
The Raspberry Pi is famous for making a small and affordable computing system accessible to more people. As its tagline says, learn, learn, and create; it is an ideal operating system platform for every type of user. Whether students or professionals, it works in every global association.
It is a house operating system of the Raspberry Foundation and is often builtin on Raspberry machines. You can start the syestm as soon as you install Raspberry Pi OS. It sports a lightweight Pixel desktop environment, making it an ideal and stable Linux distro for older computers.
Why is Raspberry Pi OS Stable?
The new operating system version, Raspberry Pi OS (Legacy), is based on the Debian Buster release. Hardware-accelerated Chromium has been replaced with the upstream software-accelerated browser, making its stability outstanding.
Rescatux
Rescatux is a live Linux distribution that uses a graphical wizard called Rescapp to recover broken Linux and Windows installations and boot loaders. It comes with many useful tools for troubleshooting corrupted Linux and Windows installations. It has an easy user interface and is very comfortable to use, even for inexperienced users.
Why is Rescatux Stable Linux Distro?
Rescatux is a lightweight and stable Linux distro that uses the LXDE desktop environment, making it an ideal operating system for low-end and older computers. Using the Rescapp tool, you can reset forgotten passwords, repair the file system, and fix the storage partition and bootloader.
Parrot OS
Parrot OS is another Linux distribution based on Debian. It is a flagship product from Parrot Security, focusing on forensics and penetration testing. Developers claim it to be a better Linux-based distro than its peers, such as Kali Linux. The Parrot OS user interface is clean and easy to use. As it comes with various tools, they are perfectly categorized in the menu according to their usage.
How is Parrot OS Stable?
Cybersecurity professionals need a highly stable OS. Therefore, Parrot OS is durable for those trying to test a website’s security because it aspires to be useful for computer users, like hacktivists and journalists, who need a secure and privacy-focused stable Linux distro.
Gentoo Linux
It is a Linux-based operating system; it is built using the Portage Package Management System. It is an operating system that can optimize automatically, and users can customize it for any application as per need. Gentoo supports by a leading user and developer community and offers extreme configuration and performance.
Why is Gentoo Stable Linux Distro?
It uses Portage technology, making it the ideal operating system for professional-grade work such as secure servers, development workstations, gaming systems, and more. Portage is basically the heart of Gentoo; it is the software distribution system that handles all the core functions of Gentoo.
Which is the most stable Linux distro?
If you have recently switched over from Windows and are looking for some beginner-friendly distros, then Ubuntu might be for you. Staying at the top is always tough competition, and Ubuntu is always top in the competition. The most widely used distribution, Ubuntu, depends on Debian, one of the most well-known free, community-focused open-source Linux distributions.
It is easy to use and fully supports interactive multimedia with essential software like “LibreOffice, Thunderbird, HexChat, and Pidgin. It offers you to download numerous software like Transmission and VLC Media Player using a package manager, and it is easy to install. For that reason, in my view, Ubuntu is the most stable Linux distro.
Is Debian the most stable Linux distro?
Debian is a popular, stable, and secure Linux based operating system. The Debian team has a longer working time, which allows them to fix most bugs before releasing a new version. Additionally, it’s the mother of many other stable Linux Distros. Moreover, another important thing is that it is lightweight, user-friendly, and compatible with other environments. In sum, we can state that Debian is the excellent and most stable Linux Distro.
Which is the most stable Linux distro for regular Desktop/Laptop use?
The term stable is very relative to the operating system, and it depends on whether the type of hardware you are running on your system is high or low; and which software you are going to use. An operating system that is considered stable for one user may not be stable for another user.
Overall, Ubuntu is the most stable Linux distro for general daily desktop or laptop use. It’s easy to use, offers a good user experience, and comes pre-installed with the tools you need to get a head start. In addition, Ubuntu managed to “simplify” the Linux experience a few years ago, and that’s why it’s still so popular despite the many alternatives available. We already discussed Debian is the mother of many distros, and Ubuntu is best for daily use. You can check the Debian vs Ubuntu Comparisons To Understand Their Suitable Fields to clarify the confusion.
Ending Words
Finally, you can try these above-described Linux distributions to choose your cup of tea, or you can try our recommended one. We couldn’t consider many other Linux distros in this list; it doesn’t mean they are not stable. Every Linux distribution listed here or not listed here is reliable and matches every user’s needs.
If you think we’re missing from the list of picks that deserve to be one of the best Linux distributions, let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and we’ll keep the article updated accordingly.