Jack Wallen / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET
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Within the vast and varied world of Linux, you’ll encounter an impressive selection of lightweight distributions specifically engineered for speed and efficiency. However, it is important to note that not every Linux distribution has been optimized for raw performance—some prioritize other factors, such as stability, compatibility, or aesthetic design. The following systems, however, stand out as true speed champions among their peers, capable of astonishing even seasoned users with their responsiveness and smooth operation.
Linux, as an ecosystem, serves a wide range of purposes depending on the user’s needs and hardware limitations. For many individuals, its most compelling advantage lies in its ability to breathe new life into aging computer systems that might otherwise struggle under the weight of contemporary operating systems. It achieves this through the availability of lightweight and high-speed distributions that provide exceptional functionality without demanding modern hardware resources. What makes these distributions particularly appealing is their ability to maintain essential features, usability, and system integration without any meaningful compromise in performance.
Below, I present a refined selection of my favorite fast Linux distributions—chosen not only for their breathtaking speed but also for their grace, usability, and free accessibility.
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1. RedoxOS
RedoxOS represents a distinctive and fascinating entry in the Linux landscape. It is a specialized operating system that employs a microkernel architecture and is written entirely in Rust, a programming language celebrated for its performance, memory safety, and concurrency. Those who have encountered System76’s COSMIC desktop environment, also authored in Rust, will recognize the impressive responsiveness this language can deliver. Now, imagine that same level of refined efficiency extended across an entire operating system—this is precisely the promise of RedoxOS. Among all the operating systems I have tested, none match the sheer velocity of this one. Applications launch nearly instantaneously, user interactions feel seamless, and every process runs with effortless fluidity. Much of this remarkable performance derives from its minimalist philosophy: the system ships with very few preinstalled applications, which means far fewer background processes contending for system resources.
Nevertheless, prospective users should approach RedoxOS with tempered expectations, as the project remains in active development and is not yet feature-complete. Although it can indeed be installed and utilized, its incomplete toolset and sporadic functionality gaps can lead to frustration after extended use. This is understandable given its current release stage (version 0.9.0 at the time of writing). Still, even in this early stage, RedoxOS offers a rare opportunity to experience what an ultra-fast, bleeding-edge operating system feels like. The system includes essential native applications such as a calendar, terminal emulator, file manager, Minecraft client, image viewer, periodic table, and Pixelcanon—the latter serving as RedoxOS’ rendering engine rather than a standalone app. Like virtually all Linux-based projects, RedoxOS is entirely free to download, install, and experiment with. However, it is not yet mature enough for daily productivity. Those curious about performance innovation may wish to wait for its first major stable release to see it reach its full potential. To put it simply, the speed of RedoxOS transcends standard expectations—it feels otherworldly.
2. Linux Lite
True to its name, Linux Lite is a distribution that embraces simplicity and speed through careful restraint. This open-source operating system falls within the family of lightweight Linux distributions, meaning its architecture prioritizes streamlined operation and performance over visual extravagance. By foregoing flashy design features and resource-intensive visual effects, Linux Lite achieves remarkable responsiveness even on hardware that many modern systems have outgrown. Functionally, this distribution’s primary mission is productivity—it strips away distractions, offering an environment where users can focus singularly on their tasks without dealing with unnecessary graphical clutter.
The most striking aspect of Linux Lite is undoubtedly its speed; it performs with astonishing agility during common operations such as launching programs, managing documents, or browsing the web. Underlying this efficiency is the Xfce desktop environment—a lightweight yet highly customizable user interface that is affectionately known among Linux enthusiasts as the “queen of customization.” Linux Lite utilizes a slightly modified iteration of Xfce, striking a careful balance between flexibility and simplicity. This allows users to personalize nearly every visual and functional aspect of their desktop experience while maintaining the low resource usage that defines the system’s speed.
Out of the box, Linux Lite includes a generous suite of preinstalled software—Chrome for web browsing, LibreOffice (including its powerful Base database utility), GIMP for image editing, Photo Manager for organizing pictures, Deja Dup for data backups, VLC for media playback, and even Timeshift for creating system restore points. Despite its lightness, Linux Lite does not skimp on functionality. Its ability to deliver such comprehensive utility alongside high velocity makes it a compelling option for users seeking a balance between minimalism and practicality. Naturally, the system is entirely free and can be installed on as many computers as desired.
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3. Xubuntu
For those who appreciate Xfce’s balance of light performance and configurability but want the familiarity and stability of Ubuntu, Xubuntu is the natural choice. This Ubuntu derivative swaps out the resource-heavy GNOME desktop for Xfce, achieving a dramatic improvement in system responsiveness. Its default layout is intentionally minimal—a clean arrangement featuring a top and bottom panel and a straightforward workspace interface that makes Linux approachable even for newcomers.
Upon installation, users gain access to a versatile suite of prepackaged software: LibreOffice for productivity, Firefox for web browsing, Thunderbird for email management, Transmission for torrenting, Catfish for file indexing, GIMP for image editing, Rhythmbox and Parole for multimedia playback, and Atril for document viewing. Combined, these applications establish a well-rounded software ecosystem capable of handling everyday computing needs while consuming only modest system resources.
Because Xfce is highly configurable, Xubuntu users can modify nearly every element of the interface—from widget placement to system behavior—without compromising speed. However, this flexibility comes with a minor caveat: an overzealous configuration spree can occasionally destabilize the desktop environment, potentially rendering it temporarily unusable. For users who prefer a more straightforward plug-and-play experience, Linux Lite might be the safer starting point, but for tinkerers, Xubuntu’s configurability is a dream come true. Either way, Xubuntu’s consistent performance and elegant efficiency ensure it remains one of the fastest Ubuntu spins available.
4. Bodhi Linux
Bodhi Linux occupies a special niche among lightweight operating systems, not only for its performance but also for its uniqueness. It employs the Moksha desktop environment, a continuation of the classic Enlightenment window manager—once revered for its smooth animations, minimal footprint, and striking design philosophy. To longtime Linux users, Moksha is a lovingly preserved revival of an interface that seamlessly merges functionality with unconventional beauty. While it may appear unfamiliar to users accustomed to Windows or macOS, Moksha quickly reveals itself as an intuitive and infinitely flexible desktop once explored.
The desktop’s elegance is complemented by its extraordinary responsiveness. Even on modest hardware, Bodhi Linux’s transition effects, window management, and application launches remain remarkably smooth. Functionality-wise, the desktop has its own distinct workflow: for example, right-clicking anywhere on the workspace brings up the main application menu—a hallmark of the Enlightenment lineage. One particularly delightful feature is the “window shade” behavior: double-clicking an application’s title bar rolls the window up like a blind, leaving only the title bar visible. This feature enables efficient multitasking by reducing clutter without fully minimizing windows. Though Bodhi Linux may require a short adjustment period, once mastered, its fluidity and thoughtful design provide an experience unlike any other. As with most distributions featured here, Bodhi Linux can be freely downloaded and used without restriction.
5. Puppy Linux
Finally, Puppy Linux stands out for its unusual structure and philosophy. Rather than being a single monolithic distribution, it constitutes a family of related systems built upon the same design principles and bundled with a common set of lightweight, Puppy-specific tools. Each edition is based upon a different major Linux distribution—typically Ubuntu, Debian, or Void Linux—depending on the user’s needs and hardware compatibility. This modularity ensures that every Puppy variant delivers the signature experience of speed, simplicity, and accessibility, regardless of its underlying base.
Puppy Linux’s appeal lies in its extraordinary compactness. The system boots quickly, runs entirely from RAM for even greater responsiveness, and consumes so few resources that it can breathe new life into decades-old machines. It is available for both 32-bit and 64-bit systems—a rarity in modern operating system development. For those possessing an aging 32-bit computer, the performance Puppy Linux delivers can be astonishing, often rivaling modern systems despite limited hardware.
The distribution includes its own package management system—the Puppy Package Manager (PPM)—which enables software installation from both native repositories and third-party sources. However, some software packages are designed to work only with particular Puppy variants, so users may occasionally need to switch versions to ensure compatibility. Despite this minor limitation, the Puppy ecosystem remains remarkably user-friendly, flexible, and remarkably fast. The system’s interface is intuitive, its performance is peerless on low-end devices, and its download is, of course, completely free from the official Puppy Linux website.
In summary, these five distributions—RedoxOS, Linux Lite, Xubuntu, Bodhi Linux, and Puppy Linux—embody the essence of performance-driven design within the Linux world. Each offers a unique approach to achieving speed without sacrificing usability or freedom, illustrating why Linux continues to be an enduring favorite among enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/the-5-fastest-linux-distros-ive-tried-and-theyre-all-free/
