Alternatives to ChromeOS Flex

Google's free cloud-focused operating system for installing on existing PCs and Macs. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.

  • ChromeOS Flex

    Google's free cloud-focused operating system for installing on existing PCs and Macs.

    FreeProprietaryLinux

Replacements

Listings that take over the same core job as ChromeOS Flex.

  • FydeOS

    A ChromiumOS-based operating system for regular PCs that can run Android and web apps.

    FreemiumProprietaryLinux

    FydeOS is a ChromiumOS-based system for regular PCs that adds Android app support and a kiosk mode, though some features are tied to paid plans.

  • Brunch

    A framework that builds a generic x86_64 ChromeOS image from an official recovery image.

    FreeProprietaryLinux

    Brunch builds official ChromeOS for unsupported x86_64 PCs from a recovery image, limited to Intel 10th gen or newer and AMD Ryzen, with no Google support.

  • openFyde

    The open-source base of FydeOS, a ChromiumOS-based system for PCs and ARM boards.

    FreeOpen sourceLinux

    openFyde is the fully open-source ChromiumOS-based base of FydeOS with images for PCs and ARM boards, aimed more at builders than everyday users.

  • Linux Mint

    A desktop Linux operating system designed to work out of the box, with a lightweight Xfce edition.

    FreeOpen sourceLinux

    Linux Mint is a free, open-source desktop Linux system with local apps preinstalled and a lightweight Xfce edition, instead of a browser and cloud focused design.

  • Linux Lite

    A lightweight, beginner-friendly Linux distribution for older computers and people moving from Windows.

    FreeOpen sourceLinux

    Linux Lite is an open-source, beginner-friendly Linux distribution for older computers, with a built-in help manual and forums, running local desktop software rather than web apps.

  • Zorin OS Lite

    An Xfce-based edition of the Zorin OS Linux distribution intended for older and lower-powered PCs.

    FreeOpen sourceLinux

    Zorin OS Lite is an Xfce-based Linux edition for older PCs supported until at least June 2029, though the Lite edition is planned to end from Zorin OS 19.

  • Emmabuntüs

    A Debian-based Linux distribution designed for refurbishing and reusing older computers.

    FreeOpen sourceLinux

    Emmabuntüs is a Debian-based distribution built for refurbishing older computers with a large set of preconfigured software, though its documentation is mostly in French.

Similar software

Related functionality, not a direct replacement.