Ubuntu, the Debian-based Linux OS, has been around since 2004; ever since, it has spawned some excellent distributions that are, in turn, based on Ubuntu’s source code.

These distributions continue to mete out varying degrees of success for serving diverse use cases. The following list of community-maintained Ubuntu distributions is technology’s current creme.

Without further ado, let’s find out what makes each of these Ubuntu-based distros tick.

1. Linux Mint

Linux Mint desktop interface

Linux Mint, released on August 27, 2006, has been ruling the hearts and minds of users ever since its launch. Mint comes in three flavors, including Cinnamon, MATE, and XFCE desktop environments.

It offers a robust software package ecosystem consisting of Firefox, VLC media player, Thunderbird, LibreOffice, and much more. It has a highly functional, navigable, and aesthetic UI/UX that welcomes Linux novices.

However, the frequent OS updates available since the launch of Mint 19 might frustrate a lot of users.

Download: Linux Mint

Related: Tips to Customize the Cinnamon Desktop in Linux

2. elementary OS

Linux Elementary OS desktop interface

elementary OS attracts Linux and non-Linux users alike with its macOS-inspired Pantheon desktop environment. The rich user experience is relatively easy to grasp and memorize.

It offers a compact set of software packages to reduce post-installation bloating. However, you can quickly populate the desktop with software and apps from the dedicated software store, AppCenter.

elementary provides an easy-to-configure, Ubuntu LTS-based distribution with many customization options. Its active Stack Exchange support community proves to be a big help for Linux newbies.

Download: elementary OS

3. Zorin OS

Zorin OS desktop interface

Windows users looking to make a shift to open-source can easily find their way around Zorin OS's desktop environment. Zorin OS is extremely lightweight as compared to other Ubuntu-based Linux distributions.

The availability of bundled software packages for office productivity and multimedia editing makes Zorin OS a versatile option amongst contemporaries.

Additionally, Zorin Lite can easily mimic your traditional macOS-based desktop UI experience, especially when you are dealing with low hardware configurations. Rest assured, Zorin OS permits seamless workstation transitions across desktops using the Barrier app.

Download: Zorin OS

4. Pop!_OS

Pop!OS desktop interface

Pop!_OS, developed and supported by System76, is another Ubuntu-based Linux distribution that finds favor among multimedia professionals seeking lightweight, open-source operating system solutions. This Debian-Ubuntu distribution has a GNOME-based desktop environment with a clean, flat, intuitive user interface.

The distribution is highly accessible and customizable, thereby enabling a stable execution on a diverse list of hardware configurations. It is one of the very few Linux distros in the market that are highly compatible with NVIDIA/AMD graphics hardware, thereby making driver updates a breeze.

These factors prove Pop!_OS is an excellent economical solution for eSports.

Download: Pop!_OS

5. LXLE

Linux LXLE OS desktop interface

LXLE is a speedy and feature-packed Ubuntu distribution that claims to be heavy on functionality but relatively light on resources. Its UI is easy on the eyes and runs quite smoothly on desktops with outdated graphic hardware.

Surprisingly, the distribution comes with many applications without overloading the base machine. LXLE has a swift booting time, and with its stable performance, the distro is marketed as another suitable open-source alternative for Windows.

Download: LXLE

6. Kubuntu

Kubuntu desktop interface
Image Credit: Wikipedia/Wikipedia

Kubuntu is a resource-friendly Ubuntu distribution apt for Linux users looking for Windows and macOS alternatives. It bundles a KDE Plasma desktop instead of the boilerplate GNOME environment.

Users can expect a powerful file explorer and visually lush GUI. Kubuntu’s extensive list of software packages places a nifty list of freeware essentials at your disposal.

Kubuntu’s documentation and support make it a consummate OS for programming, business productivity, and home use.

Download: Kubuntu

7. Lubuntu

Lubuntu desktop interface

Lubuntu features an app-packed distro, which comes with extensive documentation for users to suss its full scope of features in no time. Lubuntu’s minimalist, default dark UI is a throwback to modern desktop themes.

The distro's modest gaming support reflects its graphical prowess. Lubuntu comes packed with MPlayer, LightLocker, Firefox, and even word processors and calculators to boot, with more application packages available for easy download and installation.

Lubuntu uses LXQT, which gains support from a series of modernistic, light applications to ensure speedy processing and low hardware requirements.

Download: Lubuntu

8. Xubuntu

Xubuntu desktop interface

Xubuntu, like some of its counterparts, is another performance-centric Ubuntu-based Linux distribution. It features an XFCE desktop environment that is highly customizable and the primary inspiration behind the distro's name.

This distro features an excellent selection of software packages available to users out-of-the-box. Xubuntu continues to be the epitome of community-driven, open-source operating systems, with a stable execution purposed for a wide variety of uses, ranging from document to image processing.

The latest version Impish Indri was released in October 2021 and continues to be a stable version, with backend support till June 2022.

Download: Xubuntu

9. Ubuntu Budgie

Linux Ubuntu Budgie desktop interface

Understandably, this distro bridges the Budgie desktop environment with Ubuntu's computing. Its elegant, macOS-inspired UI ranks it for quick navigation and seamless transitions.

It packs a ton of resourceful software packages and widgets for boosting productivity without any unnecessary baggage. Its updated support for Budgie-Nemo integration and 4K desktop resolutions make it a viable Linux distro.

Download: Ubuntu Budgie

10. KDE Neon

KDE Neon is an Ubuntu-based distro offering a fully-featured KDE desktop environment. It is highly malleable, as it incorporates a broad scope of hardware configurations, making it another candidate for enabling gaming on Linux desktops.

Neon combines the aesthetics of both Windows and macOS and rolls them together for enhanced effects and functionalities. Nevertheless, Neon’s USP is its primary offering of a portable cloud computer that can work seamlessly on any smart device, ranging from smartphones to TVs.

Download: KDE Neon

Choosing Between Different Ubuntu-Based Distributions

Linux users are spoilt for choices, given the multitude of open-source options available within the Linux gamut. A few practical, stable distributions are available on the internet, each promising to cater to varied individual interests.

Depending on your need of the hour, you can choose an Ubuntu-based distribution that meets your immediate needs. Rest assured, you won't be disappointed with the results, as switching to Linux is a rewarding journey in the long term.