Top ARM-Based Linux Distributions: Find the Perfect Fit for Your Device | ARM Based Linux

Are you looking for the perfect Linux distribution for your ARM-based device? Look no further! In this article, we will explore the top ARM-based Linux distributions available, helping you find the perfect fit for your device. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, there’s a distribution on this list that will meet your needs. So let’s dive in and discover the world of ARM-based Linux!

1. Raspbian

Raspbian is a popular Linux distribution specifically designed for the Raspberry Pi. It is based on Debian and optimized for the ARM architecture. Raspbian provides a user-friendly interface and a wide range of pre-installed software, making it an excellent choice for beginners. It also has a large and active community, which means you can easily find support and resources online.

If you’re looking to set up a Raspberry Pi for various projects or as a desktop replacement, Raspbian is the perfect choice. It offers a smooth and seamless experience on the Raspberry Pi, with excellent hardware support and regular updates.

2. Ubuntu Mate

Ubuntu Mate is a lightweight and user-friendly Linux distribution based on Ubuntu. It is known for its simplicity and ease of use, making it a great choice for beginners. Ubuntu Mate provides a familiar desktop environment and a wide range of software applications.

With its ARM-based version, Ubuntu Mate brings the power of Ubuntu to ARM devices. It offers a stable and reliable experience, with regular updates and a strong community support. Whether you’re using a Raspberry Pi or another ARM-based device, Ubuntu Mate is a solid choice.

3. Arch Linux ARM

If you’re an advanced user looking for a highly customizable Linux distribution, Arch Linux ARM is the perfect fit. It is a lightweight and flexible distribution based on Arch Linux, optimized for ARM devices. Arch Linux ARM follows a rolling release model, which means you get the latest software updates as soon as they are available.

Arch Linux ARM provides a minimalistic base system, allowing you to build your own customized environment. It gives you full control over your system and lets you install only the packages you need. However, it requires some technical knowledge and may not be suitable for beginners.

4. Fedora

Fedora is a popular Linux distribution known for its cutting-edge features and strong community support. It is backed by Red Hat and offers a stable and secure environment. Fedora has an ARM version that brings the Fedora experience to ARM devices.

With Fedora, you get access to a wide range of software packages and the latest technologies. It is a great choice for developers and enthusiasts who want to stay on the bleeding edge. Fedora also has a strong focus on security, making it a reliable choice for ARM-based devices.

5. Debian

Debian is one of the oldest and most respected Linux distributions. It is known for its stability, reliability, and wide range of software packages. Debian has an ARM version that provides the same level of quality and performance as its x86 counterpart.

Debian offers a vast software repository, making it easy to find and install the software you need. It is a great choice for both desktop and server environments. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, Debian is a solid choice for ARM-based devices.

6. Manjaro ARM

Manjaro ARM is a user-friendly Linux distribution based on Arch Linux. It aims to provide an easy-to-use and stable experience for ARM devices. Manjaro ARM offers a variety of desktop environments to choose from, including Xfce, KDE, and GNOME.

With its rolling release model, Manjaro ARM provides the latest software updates and features. It also has a user-friendly installer and a wide range of pre-installed software. If you’re looking for a user-friendly and up-to-date Linux distribution for your ARM device, Manjaro ARM is worth considering.

7. OpenSUSE

OpenSUSE is a community-driven Linux distribution known for its stability and ease of use. It offers a variety of desktop environments, including KDE Plasma, GNOME, and Xfce. OpenSUSE has an ARM version that provides the same level of quality and performance as its x86 counterpart.

OpenSUSE offers a wide range of software packages and a user-friendly installer. It also has a strong focus on security and stability, making it a reliable choice for ARM-based devices. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, OpenSUSE is a solid choice.

8. CentOS

CentOS is a popular Linux distribution known for its stability and long-term support. It is based on the source code of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and provides a free and open-source alternative. CentOS has an ARM version that brings the same level of stability and performance to ARM devices.

CentOS is widely used in server environments, thanks to its reliability and security features. It offers a wide range of software packages and a strong community support. If you’re looking for a stable and secure Linux distribution for your ARM device, CentOS is a great choice.

9. Kali Linux

Kali Linux is a specialized Linux distribution designed for penetration testing and digital forensics. It is based on Debian and provides a wide range of tools for security testing and analysis. Kali Linux has an ARM version that brings the power of Kali to ARM devices.

With Kali Linux, you get access to a vast collection of security tools, making it a valuable resource for security professionals and enthusiasts. It also has a strong community support and regular updates. If you’re interested in security testing and analysis on ARM devices, Kali Linux is the perfect choice.

10. Gentoo

Gentoo is a highly customizable and performance-oriented Linux distribution. It follows a “build from source” approach, allowing you to optimize your system for your specific needs. Gentoo has an ARM version that provides the same level of customization and performance as its x86 counterpart.

Gentoo offers a wide range of software packages and a powerful package management system. It requires some technical knowledge and may not be suitable for beginners. However, if you’re an advanced user looking for full control over your ARM device, Gentoo is worth considering.

11. Armbian

Armbian is a lightweight and optimized Linux distribution specifically designed for ARM devices. It supports a wide range of ARM boards, including popular ones like Raspberry Pi, Orange Pi, and Banana Pi. Armbian provides a minimalistic and efficient system, optimized for performance and stability.

Armbian offers a variety of desktop environments and software packages to choose from. It also has a strong community support and regular updates. If you’re looking for a lightweight and efficient Linux distribution for your ARM device, Armbian is a great choice.

12. Lakka

Lakka is a Linux distribution specifically designed for retro gaming. It is based on LibreELEC and provides a user-friendly interface for playing retro games on ARM devices. Lakka supports a wide range of gaming consoles and platforms, making it a great choice for retro gaming enthusiasts.

With Lakka, you get access to a variety of emulators and a large collection of retro games. It also has a user-friendly interface and supports various game controllers. If you’re looking to turn your ARM device into a retro gaming console, Lakka is the perfect choice.

13. RetroPie

RetroPie is another Linux distribution focused on retro gaming. It is based on Raspbian and provides a user-friendly interface for playing retro games on the Raspberry Pi. RetroPie supports a wide range of gaming consoles and platforms, making it a popular choice among retro gaming enthusiasts.

With RetroPie, you get access to a vast collection of emulators and retro games. It also has a user-friendly interface and supports various game controllers. If you’re a fan of retro gaming and own a Raspberry Pi, RetroPie is a must-try distribution.

14. LibreELEC

LibreELEC is a lightweight Linux distribution specifically designed for media center devices. It is based on Kodi and provides a user-friendly interface for playing media files on ARM devices. LibreELEC supports a wide range of media formats and streaming services, making it a great choice for media enthusiasts.

With LibreELEC, you get access to a powerful media player and a variety of add-ons. It also has a user-friendly interface and supports various remote control devices. If you’re looking to turn your ARM device into a media center, LibreELEC is the perfect choice.

15. DietPi

DietPi is a lightweight and optimized Linux distribution designed for single-board computers, including ARM devices. It provides a minimalistic and efficient system, optimized for performance and energy efficiency. DietPi offers a variety of software packages and a user-friendly interface.

With DietPi, you get access to a wide range of software applications, including media players, web servers, and more. It also has a powerful configuration tool that allows you to customize your system easily. If you’re looking for a lightweight and efficient Linux distribution for your ARM device, DietPi is worth considering.

16. Pidora

Pidora is a Linux distribution specifically designed for the Raspberry Pi. It is based on Fedora and provides a user-friendly interface for the Raspberry Pi. Pidora offers a variety of software packages and a familiar desktop environment.

With Pidora, you get access to a wide range of software applications and the latest features of Fedora. It also has a strong community support and regular updates. If you’re looking for a user-friendly Linux distribution for your Raspberry Pi, Pidora is a great choice.

17. OSMC

OSMC (Open Source Media Center) is a Linux distribution specifically designed for media center devices. It is based on Debian and provides a user-friendly interface for playing media files on ARM devices. OSMC supports a wide range of media formats and streaming services.

With OSMC, you get access to a powerful media player and a variety of add-ons. It also has a user-friendly interface and supports various remote control devices. If you’re looking to turn your ARM device into a media center, OSMC is worth considering.

18. Ubuntu Core

Ubuntu Core is a minimalistic version of Ubuntu specifically designed for IoT (Internet of Things) devices. It provides a secure and reliable environment for running IoT applications. Ubuntu Core supports a wide range of ARM devices, making it a popular choice among IoT enthusiasts.

With Ubuntu Core, you get access to a variety of IoT frameworks and tools. It also has a strong focus on security and regular updates. If you’re looking to build IoT applications on ARM devices, Ubuntu Core is the perfect choice.

19. Tizen

Tizen is a Linux-based operating system specifically designed for smart devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and wearables. It is backed by the Linux Foundation and provides a secure and reliable environment for running Tizen applications. Tizen supports a wide range of ARM devices, making it a popular choice among smart device manufacturers.

With Tizen, you get access to a variety of development tools and frameworks. It also has a strong focus on performance and user experience. If you’re looking to develop applications for smart devices on ARM architecture, Tizen is worth considering.

20. Android (AOSP)

Android is a popular mobile operating system based on the Linux kernel. It is specifically designed for smartphones and tablets but also supports a wide range of ARM devices. Android provides a user-friendly interface and a vast collection of apps through the Google Play Store.

With Android, you get access to a variety of features and services, including web browsing, email, social media, and more. It also has a strong developer community and supports custom ROMs. If you’re looking for a mobile operating system for your ARM device, Android is the go-to choice.

In conclusion, there are numerous ARM-based Linux distributions available, each with its own strengths and features. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, there’s a distribution on this list that will meet your needs. From user-friendly options like Raspbian and Ubuntu Mate to highly customizable distributions like Arch Linux ARM and Gentoo, you have plenty of choices to find the perfect fit for your ARM-based device. So go ahead and explore the world of ARM-based Linux!

FAQs

1. Can I install these ARM-based Linux distributions on any ARM device?

Yes, most of these distributions support a wide range of ARM devices. However, it’s always recommended to check the official documentation of each distribution to ensure compatibility with your specific device.

2. Which distribution is best for beginners?

If you’re a beginner, distributions like Raspbian, Ubuntu Mate, and Debian are great choices. They provide user-friendly interfaces and a wide range of pre-installed software, making it easy to get started.

3. Can I dual-boot these ARM-based Linux distributions with other operating systems?

Yes, it is possible to dual-boot these distributions with other operating systems. However, the process may vary depending on the specific distribution and device. It’s recommended to refer to the official documentation or community forums for detailed instructions.