Best Linux Distros for Raspberry Pi

Raspberry Pi is a versatile platform for projects ranging from education to home automation. This page highlights the best Linux distros tailored for Raspberry Pi, ensuring optimal performance and user experience.

What makes a good raspberry pi distro?

Lightweight Efficiency

Raspberry Pi's limited resources require a distro that is lightweight and efficient, ensuring smooth performance.

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Ease of Use

User-friendly interfaces and accessible documentation make it easier for beginners and educators to leverage Raspberry Pi.

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Educational Tools

Distros with built-in educational tools are ideal for learning environments, empowering users to explore coding and electronics.

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Security Features

Strong security features protect your projects, especially when Raspberry Pi is used for IoT or home automation.

Recommended distros

Our top picks for raspberry pi, ranked by overall experience.

1
Raspberry Pi Os Icon

Raspberry Pi OS

Official Raspberry Pi Experience

Raspberry Pi OS, formerly Raspbian, is the official distro, designed specifically for Raspberry Pi. It offers a perfect balance of performance and usability.

  • Optimized for Raspberry Pi hardware
  • Wide range of pre-installed educational software
  • Active community support
  • Regular updates and security patches
2
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Ubuntu Mate

User-Friendly Mate Desktop

Ubuntu Mate offers a familiar and easy-to-use interface, making it a great choice for users transitioning from other desktop environments.

  • Intuitive Mate desktop environment
  • Good balance between performance and features
  • Excellent community support
  • Long-term support releases
3
Manjaro Icon

Manjaro ARM

Arch-Based Flexibility

Manjaro ARM brings the power of Arch Linux to Raspberry Pi, offering cutting-edge software and customization options.

  • Rolling release model
  • Comprehensive package manager (Pacman)
  • Customizable to fit various needs
  • Strong community support
4
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Kali Linux

Security and Penetration Testing

Kali Linux is perfect for security professionals and enthusiasts, providing a comprehensive suite of penetration testing tools.

  • Extensive collection of security tools
  • Regular updates and new features
  • Customizable desktop environments
  • Strong focus on security and privacy
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Ubuntu Server Icon

Ubuntu Server

Robust Server Experience

Ubuntu Server offers a stable and robust server environment for Raspberry Pi, ideal for home servers and IoT projects.

  • Optimized for server use
  • Extensive cloud support
  • Strong security features
  • Efficient resource usage
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LibreELEC

Effortless Media Center

LibreELEC transforms your Raspberry Pi into a complete media center, with a focus on ease of use and minimal setup.

  • Optimized for Kodi
  • Minimal setup required
  • Regular updates
  • Lightweight and efficient

Compare raspberry pi distros

Not sure which to pick? These comparisons might help.

Raspberry Pi FAQ

Is Raspberry Pi OS the best choice for beginners?

Yes, Raspberry Pi OS is specifically designed for Raspberry Pi and offers a user-friendly experience with extensive resources and community support, making it ideal for beginners.

Can Raspberry Pi run a media center?

Absolutely, using distros like LibreELEC, you can transform your Raspberry Pi into an efficient media center, perfect for streaming and media playback.

Is it possible to use Raspberry Pi for learning programming?

Yes, Raspberry Pi is an excellent platform for learning programming, with many distros offering educational tools to help users start coding in Python, Scratch, and more.

How do I install a Linux distro on Raspberry Pi?

You can install a Linux distro on Raspberry Pi by downloading the image file from the official website, flashing it onto an SD card using tools like Balena Etcher, and then booting your Raspberry Pi with the card.

What are the security considerations for using Raspberry Pi?

When using Raspberry Pi, especially for IoT projects, it's important to keep the system updated, change default passwords, and use firewalls to safeguard against unauthorized access.

Can Raspberry Pi handle server tasks?

Yes, Raspberry Pi can handle basic server tasks using distros like Ubuntu Server, suitable for home servers, small web hosting, and IoT applications.

Related categories

Not sure which to pick?

Compare any two distros side-by-side.