elementary
Debian family, based on Ubuntu · first released 2011
- Popularity rank
- #22
- Index
- 289
- GitHub stars
- 1,201
- Commits / mo
- 15
- Released
- 2011
you're new to Linux, you prefer tested updates on a fixed schedule or you like a macOS-style desktop.
Switching from a Mac? What changes and which apps to use
Pros and cons
Good
- Clean, consistent macOS-like desktop
- Curated app store with pay-what-you-want apps
- Strong focus on design
Trade-offs
- Fewer customisation options
- Releases follow Ubuntu LTS slowly
- Smaller app selection in its own store
How elementary fits what you do
Everyday use: Good fit
Good
- Made for day-to-day desktop use
- Easy to set up if you're new to Linux
- macOS-style desktop that feels familiar
Trade-offs
None we know of.
Gaming: Can work
Good
Nothing that stands out for this.
Trade-offs
- NVIDIA drivers need setting up yourself
- Graphics drivers and kernels update more slowly
- Steam and gaming tweaks are up to you
Older computers: Not the best fit
Good
Nothing that stands out for this.
Trade-offs
- Needs about 4 GB of RAM to feel smooth
- No 32-bit images
Programming: Can work
Good
- A stable base that doesn't change under you
Trade-offs
- Language and tool versions can lag behind
- Fewer developer guides than the big distros
AI & Local LLMs: Not the best fit
Good
Nothing that stands out for this.
Trade-offs
- No official CUDA packages, so NVIDIA AI tools need workarounds
- AMD ROCm isn't officially supported
Servers & home labs: Can work
Good
- Fixed releases with tested updates
Trade-offs
- Mainly a desktop system
Privacy & security: Can work
Good
- Sends no usage data
Trade-offs
- Privacy tools like Tor or sandboxing are up to you
Music, video & graphics: Can work
Good
Nothing that stands out for this.
Trade-offs
- Creative apps and low-latency audio setup are up to you
From our hand-written profile of elementary. Take the quiz to compare it with other distros for your setup.
Rank over time
| Window | Rank | Index | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last month | #46 ▼ 24 | 276 | |
| 12 months | #22 | 289 |
Shorter windows react faster. A better rank there than over 12 months means interest is growing.
Telemetry
Noneelementary says it collects no data from elementary OS.
The OS itself, by default. Every distro contacts its servers to check for updates; that isn't counted here. Apps you install have their own settings. Checked in the project's build files. Source
Rate elementary
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Ranking from our composite index: English Wikipedia article views, DistroWatch page hits, GitHub stars and views on this site, built 2026-11-12. All of these measure interest, not installs. Repository activity from GitHub. Ratings come from signed-in LinuxStatistics users.