Skip to content
INDEXSuggest a site
Back
elementary OS

elementary OS

Open Source & Free Software AlternativesOperating SystemsPrivacy & Security
FreemiumDesktop
Visit site

Verified working Sep 18, 2026

A polished Linux desktop built around privacy and simpler defaults.

elementary OS is an open source desktop operating system based on GNU/Linux, with its own interface, default apps, and curated AppCenter. It emphasizes privacy controls, accessibility, keyboard-friendly workflows, and a pay-what-you-can funding model rather than advertising or personal-data collection.

Why it stands out

  • Combines a full Linux distribution with a tightly designed desktop experience rather than a loose collection of components.
  • Funding model is directly tied to user payments for the OS and AppCenter apps, not advertising or personal-data monetization.
  • AppCenter is curated for native, permission-aware apps instead of being an unfiltered software directory.
  • Includes family and privacy controls at the operating-system level, affecting more than a single browser or app.
  • The platform and its source code are positioned as inspectable and reusable for developers and hardware partners.

Good to know

  • Some download and interactive parts of the website require JavaScript.
  • Installing it means downloading a full 3.3 GB operating-system image and checking hardware compatibility against the recommended specs.
  • AppCenter is curated, so it may not expose the same breadth of Linux software as broader package repositories.
  • The pay-what-you-can download flow may be unfamiliar if you expect a conventional fixed-price or purely no-cost download page.

Photos

Illustration for elementary OS