As the name suggests, a Chromebook makes its best-selling point with affordability as an added advantage. Besides, despite the difference between Chromebook and other Windows and Mac-based machines, the default OS is the most distinguishing feature.

However, limited features, minimal customization, and vulnerability to various attacks make privacy a big concern. Hence, Chromebook users are always looking for alternative operating systems that offer flexibility and customization.

That makes Linux the most appropriate choice as it offers features that the user demands. This article covers your concern about choosing the best Linux distribution for your Chromebook.

1. BunsenLabs Linux

BunsenLabs is an upgrade of the Debian-based CrunchBang Linux distribution. It offers minimal energy utilization, a plethora of useful scripts, and rapid access to any part of the system. The Openbox desktop consumes limited resources and is ideal for power users who run scripts and require immediate system resources access.

It is suitable for Chromebook users with configuration and packages on top of Debian Linux. Hence, BunsenLabs Linux is best for Chromebook users who want minimal resource consumption, a simple desktop environment, limitless customization, and software availability.

Download: BunsenLabs Linux

2. Arch Linux

Arch Linux is one of the most popular Linux distributions. It is ideal for experienced users and developers as it allows extensive customization and support due to its underlying DIY philosophy and massive online community support.

Arch Linux is extremely lightweight as it comes with only a kernel and terminal. It may seem a bit intimidating to new users, however, you can install any desktop environment and have the flexibility to manage any component or package you need in your system. Hence, the functionality and features make Arch Linux ideal for installation on Chromebooks. You can download the Arch Linux ISO image from the official website.

Download: Arch Linux

3. elementary OS

As the name suggests, elementary OS is the most suitable Ubuntu LTS-based distribution for new Linux users. It has a macOS-like user interface and a clean design with massive support from the Ubuntu community.

Since it exports all the qualities of Ubuntu, the package management is relatively easy, and you can also use snap to download third-party apps. elementary OS's installation image is available to download for free on its official website.

Download: elementary OS

4. GalliumOS

GalliumOS is an independent Ubuntu-based Linux operating system specifically developed as an alternative OS for Chromebooks. It's an efficient operating system that offers maximum compatibility and support on limited hardware.

Besides, it offers a better user experience by offering dual-boot support, an XFCE desktop environment, Chrome OS mouse driver support, and extended battery life. The best part is the feature to fix bugs on Chromebooks, unavailable in other distributions.

Download: GalliumOS

5. Lubuntu

Lubuntu is another lightweight energy-efficient derivative of Ubuntu with the LXDE desktop environment. The distribution gives a modern feel with minimal hardware requirements that make it ideal for Chromebooks with less RAM and storage.

A Windows user will find Lubuntu much more familiar and easy to use. Hence, a novice user can install Linux with minimal requirements and feel of Windows on a Chromebook.

Download: Lubuntu

6. Solus

Solus is an ideal OS for beginner Linux users who want a Windows-like experience on a Chromebook. It is built from scratch and targets newbies with multiple features, built-in applications, and a proprietary desktop environment. The capabilities it offers do not just end here, as it’s also best for experienced users due to the availability of four desktop environments, each with its unique capabilities and features.

For instance, Solus Plasma and GNOME are the most resource-intensive and are designed for the latest hardware, whereas Solus Mate is the most lightweight. If you want to have an out-of-the-box user experience, then Solus Budgie is an ideal desktop environment.

The downside is that it takes a lot of storage space and is pretty resource-intensive than other Linux distributions for Chromebooks. However, being a rolling release distribution with the availability of a software center eases the task of package management and installation, and the distro's user-friendliness makes Solus a stable OS for Chromebooks.

Download: Solus

7. Void Linux

Void Linux provides the user with a lot of customization and support in terms of security due to its massive online community. It is a rolling release distribution that boots efficiently and has multiple C standard libraries. Besides, it has a separate package management system and allows users to build packages from the source.

The distribution offers eight types of desktop environments and replaces the initialization process from systemd to runit. However, it is not suitable for novice users as it has some compatibility issues. Lastly, the monolithic kernel makes Void Linux most suitable for Chromebooks.

Download: Void Linux

8. Phoenix Linux

Samsung-Chromebook

Even though Cub Linux is similar to Chrome OS in terms of appearance and functionality, the creators discontinued working on it after one year of release. So you may not find a new stable version of Cub Linux as Phoenix Linux is the continuation of that project.

Phoenix Linux uses Openbox window manager and tries to be a replica of Mac and Windows, making it very simple and efficient to use on Chromebooks. Although Phoenix Linux comes pre-installed with multiple applications and offers an intuitive user interface, it is still unstable being under development. Before downloading, it is important to know that Phoenix OS's latest version ALPHA 2 isn't as stable as it was in earlier stages of development.

Download: Phoenix Linux

Why Use Linux on Chromebooks?

Chromebooks are generally cheap, low-power, and highly helpful since they run on a barebones operating system with just a web-based interface on top. Hence, installing Linux allows you extra customization and flexibility to write scripts and develop/debug applications.

Besides, Linux distributions' performance and portability go hand-in-hand with the main features of Chromebooks. Therefore, installing Linux on Chromebooks enhances system functionality, and its advantages over Chrome OS outweigh some of its drawbacks.