Ubuntu
Debian family, based on Debian · first released 2004
- Popularity rank
- #9
- Index
- 296
- Released
- 2004
- Latest release
- 26.10
- Supported until
- Jul 2027
you're new to Linux, you write software, you run AI models or LLMs on your own GPU or you prefer tested updates on a fixed schedule.
Pros and cons
Good
- The most documented desktop Linux
- LTS releases supported for years
- Widely supported by commercial software and hardware vendors
Trade-offs
- Snap packages are the default for some apps, which some users dislike
- Stock GNOME is customised in ways that differ from upstream
- LTS software ages between releases
How Ubuntu 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
Trade-offs
None we know of.
Gaming: Can work
Good
Nothing that stands out for this.
Trade-offs
- 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: Good fit
Good
- Popular with developers
- A stable base that doesn't change under you
- Also runs on ARM machines
Trade-offs
None we know of.
AI & Local LLMs: Good fit
Good
- A common choice for running models locally
- CUDA available from NVIDIA's or the distro's own packages
- AMD ROCm supported or packaged
Trade-offs
None we know of.
Servers & home labs: Good fit
Good
- Widely used on servers
- Fixed releases with tested updates
- Runs on ARM boards and Raspberry Pi
Trade-offs
None we know of.
Privacy & security: Can work
Good
- Sends no usage data unless you agree
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 Ubuntu. Take the quiz to compare it with other distros for your setup.
Rank over time
| Window | Rank | Index | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last month | #7 ▲ 2 | 297 | |
| 12 months | #9 | 296 |
Shorter windows react faster. A better rank there than over 12 months means interest is growing.
Telemetry
Off unless you opt inThe installer asks whether to share anonymous system data (Ubuntu Insights); if you decline, only an opt-out flag is sent. When an app crashes, Ubuntu asks before sending an error report.
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 Ubuntu
Try Linux in the cloud
Affiliate links: we may earn a commission.
- Deploy a server on DigitalOcean →from $4/mo
- Deploy a server on Vultr →from $2.50/mo
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. Release dates and support from endoflife.date (CC BY-SA 4.0). Ratings come from signed-in LinuxStatistics users.