In this post, I look at the best Linux distros of 2022 – and spoiler: not all of them are Ubuntu-based!
I know: I make the same joke every year. But hey: I’m writing about Ubuntu. I use ubuntu. you can Expect me to save everything about Ubuntu. What about the Linux ecosystem? is more than simply Ubuntu. There are many top-notch Linux distros out there that deserve praise, mention, and recognition. This list is my little way to give them that!
That is, from now on it is neither a priority nor a ranking of importance. He’s just yelling at me, a person Disappear the best Linux releases of the year. Is it comprehensive? Yes, yes. And that’s not a criticism either, so if you have an OS you love not I find it terrible because the release is not shown below!
With the SEO gods (hopefully) satisfied with this long introduction, let’s take a look at the top 5 Linux distros of 2022!
1. Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
is controversial the it was the best Linux distro release of the year for me Ubuntu 22.04 LTScame back in April.
With tens of millions of people using them, long-term support releases are always of great importance. Fortunately, Ubuntu’s dedicated developers have released a noteworthy release.
Put anxiety aside (see video). Jammy Jellyfish GNOME Shell 42 got configurable accent colors, Wayland by default, new multitasking options, new dock options, better desktop icons extension, Linux kernel 5.15, Raspberry Pi 4 support. Plus updated apps, tools, and realms of packages (over realms, etc.)
While I’m an interim release driver – always have been, probably will be – most people stick to the LTS release. And with Ubuntu 22.04, they’re getting a release that’s actually good enough to be used for the duration of support. FOMO.
2. Fedora Workstation 37
Fedora Workstation is the leading desktop Linux distro for a good reason: it’s robust, reliable, impeccably produced – distilling what many people are looking for most: a “pure” GNOME experience delivered as the developers intended, on a strong and stable foundation.
autumn offer Fedora 37 workstation features GNOME 43 – An update that fundamentally improves the GNOME Shell user experience Quick Settings. There are also more features Files rebuilt in GTK4/libadwaita; be updated Calendar software; The Device Security panel; Raspberry Pi 4 support; GRUB instead of syslinux in BIOS; and more.
People often overlook Fedora Workstation because, as Linux distros go, it’s pretty simple, unassuming, and drama-free. However, it’s a slim and functional distro that forgoes fancy flourishes to focus entirely on its performance, integration, and connectivity.
If you’ve never tried Fedora, you’re missing out, so get on it!
3. Manjaro 22.0 ‘Sikaris’
that The version mancaro It was clear that it should stand out on this list. As far as Arch-based Linux distros go, Manjaro is one of the best. Oh, I know: there’s chatter around Manjaro within the wider Linux community, but for me the storms in this teacup never affect the quality (or the flavor ☕️) of the stream.
Manjaro 22.0 ‘Sikaris’ isn’t just a release: it’s an experience
For example Manjaro 22.0 release released in December. With KDE Plasma, the “core” advantage is serving up a seamless experience. From the shell to the package manager to custom touches and implementations, everything is integrated, reviewed and choreographed.
Manjaro 22.0 is not just a release, it’s an experience.
Manjaro’s special desktop “editions” are also horribly designed. They never feel like Manjaro plus Xfce, plus GNOME etc. Each is a carefully curated and beautifully integrated showcase of its desktop’s strengths – or, in less flowery terms: no matter which edition of Manjaro you choose, you’ll always MAIN one.
Moreover, the Manjaro community is large and active. For any problems that arise, I can find a Manjaro forum post about it (or someone willing to point me in the direction of a solution). Community does is an important aspect of any distro. The Linux kernel is the heart of most distros, but its community is its lifeblood.
Manjaro is a complete package and a definite distro of the year.
4. Linux Mint 21
Linux Mint 21.1 is a newer and more visually interesting (see new applets and updated artwork) update, the original Linux Mint 21 release has had the biggest impact of the two this year.
An often touted “starter” distro, Linux Mint’s primary goal of offering a lightweight and familiar computing experience that stays out of the way continues to resonate with users in keeping with the Windows way of working.
Linux Mint 21 “Cinnamon” is lightweight and efficient, making it a good choice on low-end hardware and older machines. In addition to being easy to use, Linux Mint offers an interesting selection of pre-installed software aimed at meeting the needs of some users. native programs these are quite special.
Overall, Linux Mint 21 is a perfect choice for users who want a reliable and easy-to-use operating system.
5. Ubuntu 22.10
Ubuntu twice in one listing?! It’s a bit much, but the inclusion of PipeWire means I have to include 22.10. To be honest, my contract as editor of this site says —Yes? Yes, I wrote the contract myself… Why do you ask?
But seriously, the aforementioned addition of Ubuntu 22.10 PipeWire (albeit belatedly) means that most Bluetooth audio devices now “just work” with Ubuntu. This along with the audio device switcher in GNOME Quick Settings Ubuntu 22.10 hits the right note with modern audio hardware.
Second, an upgrade to porting GNOME 43 and a number of libadwaita ports Kinetic Gudu came to the scene with real dynamism – for context was one of the earliest ways to try GNOME 43 – it hasn’t been around since the Unity days.
Finally, and certainly the most important, was the critical and distro-defining element Kinetic Gudu mascot wallpaper – the The best default Ubuntu wallpaper since Hardy Heronimo.
Dear notes
I had to limit my selection to 5, otherwise it would be a very long list of every Linux distro that has released an update in the last 12 months.
A few extra shoutouts: the end EndeavorOS The ‘Cassini’ release is the ideal jumping off point for anyone looking to run a reliable rolling release distro. The latest Zorin OS based on the old Ubuntu base, but the current wow factor remains refreshing for Linux newbies.
Gamers, programmers and creators adore it Pop!_OS 22.04, is the latest version of the System76 distro to ship with GNOME Shell by default; and there’s a lot of love around the lightweight Linux distro MX Linux gives new life to old devices.
And a scream must go SteamOSArch-based Valve distro preload on Steamdeck console.
To you
So it is my List of the best desktop Linux releases for 2022. I’ve tried to consider the various feature sets, changes, and underlying technologies and consider appeal and popularity. Phew, MX Linux came *so* close to taking place — expect to hear more about this and other distros on our sister site Oh, my God! linux.
Anyway, who cares what fudge I think?!
i want to hear your selected distro releases from the last twelve months. So dive into the comments (and hint: the “old” Disqus theme is available to choose from again, yay). If possible, try to be positive by focusing on the distros you don’t like and the developments you like.
