Compare the Top Operating Systems for Linux as of October 2026

What are Operating Systems for Linux?

Operating systems are foundational software that manage computer hardware, software resources, and provide services for applications and users. They handle critical functions such as process scheduling, memory management, device control, file systems, and security. Operating systems provide a user interface—either graphical (GUI) or command-line—that allows individuals to interact with the machine. They also offer APIs and system calls that enable developers to build and run applications consistently across devices. From personal computers to servers, mobile devices, and embedded systems, operating systems are essential for ensuring stability, efficiency, and usability in modern computing environments. Compare and read user reviews of the best Operating Systems for Linux currently available using the table below. This list is updated regularly.

  • 1
    RouterOS

    RouterOS

    MikroTik

    RouterOS is a standalone operating system based on the Linux kernel that powers MikroTik hardware devices and can also be installed on a PC to turn it into a router with all the necessary features. It is built for routing, firewall, bandwidth management, wireless access point use, backhaul links, hotspot gateways, VPN servers, and more. RouterOS supports secure home-office VPNs, parental control, complex firewall rules, IPsec hardware acceleration, VLANs, client user interface branding and modification, API, and TR-069 support for custom remote management and monitoring, and automatic email or SMS trigger notifications. Users can try RouterOS through demo addresses and connect by SSH, desktop or mobile apps, or a web browser to explore the system before deploying it. RouterOS can also run on an x86 machine by downloading the ISO image, booting from it, and testing all available features during the trial period.
    Starting Price: Free
  • 2
    Mbed OS
    Arm Mbed OS is a free, open-source IoT operating system that includes all the necessary features to develop IoT products. The OS includes everything you need to develop smart, connected products on Arm Cortex-M based hardware, including machine learning capabilities, security, connectivity stacks, an RTOS kernel and drivers for sensors and I/O devices. Arm Mbed OS is designed for the Internet of Things. It is integrated with connectivity, machine learning, networking, and security stacks and is supported with software libraries, development hardware, tutorials and examples. From hardware to the cloud, Mbed OS supports more than 70 silicon, module, cloud, and OEM partners, optimizing your developer choice. By using the Mbed OS API, your application code can remain clean, portable, and simple, while taking advantage of security, communications and machine learning. The integrated solution reduces development cost, time, and risk.
  • 3
    Netvisor ONE

    Netvisor ONE

    Pluribus Networks

    Moving to Open Networking bare metal switches brings significant operational and financial benefits to build next-generation networks. These switches provide the capacity needed to achieve cloud-scale, agility, elasticity, and adaptability. As you move to a disaggregated open networking strategy, selecting the right Network Operating System (OS) is a critical success factor. Why? The Network OS deployed unlocks the performance, functionality, and services from Open Networking switches to realize the most value. Netvisor® ONE is an open, secure, and programable next-generation Network OS that is purpose-built to optimize the power and performance of bare metal Open Networking hardware. Deployment-proven in production mission-critical enterprise and carrier networks, Netvisor ONE operating system meets the most stringent performance requirements and delivers the maximum levels of reliability and flexibility at scale, and without compromise.
  • 4
    KubeSphere

    KubeSphere

    KubeSphere

    KubeSphere is a distributed operating system for cloud-native application management, using Kubernetes as its kernel. It provides a plug-and-play architecture, allowing third-party applications to be seamlessly integrated into its ecosystem. KubeSphere is also a multi-tenant enterprise-grade open-source Kubernetes container platform with full-stack automated IT operations and streamlined DevOps workflows. It provides developer-friendly wizard web UI, helping enterprises to build out a more robust and feature-rich Kubernetes platform, which includes the most common functionalities needed for enterprise Kubernetes strategies. A CNCF-certified Kubernetes platform, 100% open-source, built and improved by the community. Can be deployed on an existing Kubernetes cluster or Linux machines, supports the online and air-gapped installation. Deliver DevOps, service mesh, observability, application management, multi-tenancy, storage, and networking management in a unified platform.
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