Alternatives to Emmabuntüs
A Debian-based Linux distribution designed for refurbishing and reusing older computers. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
Emmabuntüs
A Debian-based Linux distribution designed for refurbishing and reusing older computers.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as Emmabuntüs.
Linux Mint
A desktop Linux operating system designed to work out of the box, with a lightweight Xfce edition.
Linux Mint moves you to a widely used system that works out of the box with a familiar layout, plus a lightweight Xfce edition for older hardware.
Linux Lite
A lightweight, beginner-friendly Linux distribution for older computers and people moving from Windows.
Linux Lite targets beginners and Windows switchers on older hardware, with a built-in help manual and English forums, but offers fewer desktop choices.
Q4OS
A lightweight Debian-based desktop Linux distribution aimed at ease of use and less powerful hardware.
Q4OS is another Debian-based desktop for older or low-powered PCs, with tools to remove unneeded components and an ARM edition, from a small team.
MX Linux
A midweight desktop Linux distribution based on Debian Stable, built with antiX components and MX tools.
MX Linux builds on Debian Stable with antiX components and MX tools, aiming to stay responsive on modest hardware, with documentation not mainly in French.
Zorin OS Lite
An Xfce-based edition of the Zorin OS Linux distribution intended for older and lower-powered PCs.
Zorin OS Lite gives older PCs a familiar Xfce desktop with Zorin-specific features, supported until at least June 2029, though the Lite edition is planned to end.
Lubuntu
An official Ubuntu flavour with the LXQt desktop, designed to be fast and lightweight.
Lubuntu switches to an Ubuntu base with the lightweight LXQt desktop and everyday apps included, suited to older or modest computers.
Xubuntu
A community-developed Ubuntu flavour with the lightweight Xfce desktop for everyday use.
Xubuntu offers an Ubuntu base with the Xfce desktop and a long-term support release until 2029, looking more traditional than newer desktops.
antiX
A fast, lightweight live Linux distribution based on Debian Stable, without systemd or elogind.
antiX is a much lighter Debian Stable system without systemd, using window managers rather than a full desktop, with strong live-USB support for old hardware.
Also worth comparing
These listings name Emmabuntüs as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.
ChromeOS Flex
Google's free cloud-focused operating system for installing on existing PCs and Macs.
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.
Puppy Linux
A family of small Linux distributions for home computers, sharing the same Puppy tools.
Bodhi Linux
A lightweight Ubuntu-based Linux distribution with the Moksha desktop, derived from Enlightenment.
Peppermint OS
A minimal Xfce Linux distribution based on Debian or Devuan that lets you choose your own applications.
