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The best lightweight linux distros are distributions that are made especially for old hardware and hardware with limited resources. This way, even on old hardware with low specs for processing power, disc space, and RAM, the user can still have a responsive and lag-free computing experience.
Some of the distributions listed here are also among the best Linux distributions for beginners. Even though we mostly talk about older computers, you can use most of these best lightweight linux distros on fairly new computers as well.
The best lightweight linux distros are like their desktop-focused counterparts in a lot of ways. They are easy to set up and use, and they can be changed just enough to meet the needs of different users.
Best Lightweight Linux Distros
antiX

antiX is one of the best lightweight linux distros that will work well on a computer with few resources. The full version of antiX, which uses IceWM and the Rox file manager, is one of the lightest distributions out there.
The distribution has its own repos as well as repos from Debian. It comes with the Synaptic package manager, but the metapackage installer is an interesting part of the distro that makes it easier for new users to use.
Features
Pros
- Straight out of the box.
- home-grown antiX control panel
Cons
- Not nice to look at
Absolute Linux

Absolute Linux is best lightweight linux distros that comes with Firefox and LibreOffice already installed. With the light IceWM window manager and popular apps like LibreOffice, it is quick and great for older computers.
In the world of Linux, Absolute Linux is a winner. Based on Slackware, it’s easy to set up and keep up to date. The text-based installer is easy to understand and lets users change the installation media to fit their needs.
Features
Pros
- light desktop distribution
Cons
- No Live environment
LXLE

The version of Lubuntu that LXLE is based on is called Lubuntu LTS. Now that Lubuntu comes with LXQT by default, users who want to use the LXDE desktop environment should consider LXLE.
Even though LXLE is best lightweight linux distros, it tries to provide an easy-to-use interface and eye candy. The system has been tweaked to make it run better, and it comes with a large number of light applications already installed.
Features
Pros
- simple
- fully understandable
Cons
- little bit confusing
Manjaro XFCE

The Arch User Repository is the foundation for the best lightweight linux distros that Manjaro sells (AUR). The Manjaro community not only uses the Arch repositories, but it also keeps its own repository of the latest software packages.
So not only do you get great support for the best software, but the extra layer of repository checks done by the community also makes it more stable. This distribution is available on a number of desktop environments, but the XFCE version is the most popular.
Features
Pros
- Easy to use
- user-friendly
Cons
- Installation takes a long time
Lubuntu

Lubuntu is a “official” version of Ubuntu that uses the lighter LXQt window manager instead of the main Ubuntu release’s Gnome 3. It isn’t the best lightweight linux distros on this list, and its development goals have changed from focusing on older hardware to making all computers more stable and responsive.
Because of this, Lubuntu no longer includes 32-bit support for older computers that don’t have a modern processor. In each release, the project doesn’t list the minimum system requirements. Download Lubuntu from its officially website.
Features
Pros
- Ubuntu, but smaller
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not good for PCs that run fast.
Puppy Linux

Puppy Linux is a collection of programes and libraries that can be used to run any Linux operating system. Puppy Linux is a group of best lightweight linux distros that are designed to be easy to use and to take up as little memory as possible.
Puppy Linux is easy to use because it is made with a low system load requirement in mind. At the moment, Puppy Linux is one of the Linux distributions that users like the most. It is easy to use and has a lot of options.
Features
Pros
- easy to use
- Good-looking distro
Cons
- Limited software library
Peppermint OS

Peppermint OS is best lightweight linux distros that is made to run quickly and be easy to use. It comes with the lightweight and customizable LXDE desktop environment. Peppermint OS also comes with a lot of pre-installed software, such as a web browser, media player, and office suite.
The distribution also works with cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive, making it a great choice for people who need to access their files from anywhere.
Features
Pros
- software pre-installed
- lightweight
Cons
- limited software availability.
SliTaz

Simple, Light, Incredible, Temporary Autonomous Zone, or SliTaz, is one of the best lightweight linux distros that comes with a graphical desktop. The Openbox window manager is used, and even though the distro is small, you can turn on some desktop effects.
SliTaz also has a lot of custom tools, like SliTazPanel, that let you manage all of the system’s parts. You can also anchor SliTaz to your hard disc, and Windows users can host it inside a directory without having to partition their discs.
Features
Pros
- Incredible
- Temporary Autonomous Zone
Cons
- Not many apps
Zorin OS Lite

Zorin OS Lite is best lightweight linux distros of how beautiful the XFCE desktop environment can look. Zorin OS was already made to look very pretty, and the Lite version makes it possible for old hardware to have the same quick and beautiful experience.
Zorin is not made for servers like many other Linux distributions are. Instead, it was made with desktop users in mind, and this is clear in every part of the way it works.
Features
Pros
- Easy to use
Cons
- subscriptions based
FAQs
Which Linux distro is the most lightweight?
- Q4OS:
- Slax.
- Ubuntu MATE.
- Xubuntu.
- Linux Mint Xfce.
What’s the easiest Linux distribution to use?
Which Linux distribution is best for beginners? For me, it’s Linux Mint. It has a user interface that looks and feels a lot like Windows to make switching easier, as well as free, open-source code that you can use to make your own changes.
Which Linux is best for beginners?
- Ubuntu.
- Linux Mint.
- Zorin OS.
- Elementary OS.
- Manjaro.