Best Operating Systems (2025)
Ranked picks for operating systems. No "it depends."
Linux
The free, open-source Swiss Army knife that runs the world, but good luck figuring out which distro to pick.
Full Rankings
The free, open-source Swiss Army knife that runs the world, but good luck figuring out which distro to pick.
Pros
- +Open source
- +Stable
- +Highly customizable
- +Free and open-source with massive community support
- +Runs on everything from servers to toasters
- +Highly customizable and secure by design
Cons
- -Steep learning curve
- -Hardware compatibility issues
- -Distro fragmentation leads to endless debates and confusion
- -Driver support can be a wild goose chase
The rock-solid Unix-like OS that makes Linux look like a temperamental toddler.
Pros
- +ZFS filesystem built-in for enterprise-grade data integrity
- +Jails provide lightweight, secure containerization without Docker bloat
- +Ports collection offers a massive, curated package system
- +Predictable release cycle and long-term stability for servers
Cons
- -Limited hardware support compared to Linux, especially for newer laptops
- -Steeper learning curve with BSD-specific tools and documentation
The Linux distro that's so user-friendly even your non-techy friends might actually use it.
Pros
- +Massive community support and extensive documentation
- +Regular LTS releases with long-term stability and security updates
- +Pre-configured with essential tools and a polished desktop environment
- +Excellent hardware compatibility and driver support out-of-the-box
Cons
- -Can feel bloated with pre-installed apps you'll never use
- -Snap packages are controversial for performance and integration issues
The operating system that powers half the world's PCs, whether you love its compatibility or hate its updates.
Pros
- +Massive software and hardware compatibility with broad driver support
- +Integrated development tools like WSL for Linux environments and Visual Studio
- +Active Directory and enterprise management features for large-scale deployments
- +DirectX and gaming ecosystem that dominates the PC market
Cons
- -Forced updates that can break workflows and require frequent reboots
- -Bloatware and telemetry by default, requiring tweaks for privacy and performance
The Unix-based OS that makes you feel like a pro until you realize you're just paying the Apple tax.
Pros
- +Seamless integration with Apple hardware and ecosystem (e.g., Handoff, Continuity)
- +Unix foundation with a polished GUI, great for developers who want both terminal power and user-friendliness
- +Robust security features like Gatekeeper and System Integrity Protection (SIP) out of the box
- +Excellent built-in tools like Xcode for iOS/macOS development and native support for popular languages
Cons
- -Limited hardware customization and upgrade options—you're locked into Apple's walled garden
- -Can be pricey compared to alternatives, with frequent major updates that sometimes break compatibility
Apple's walled garden: where you build beautiful apps, but only if you play by their rules.
Pros
- +Access to a high-spending user base
- +Swift and SwiftUI make modern development fast and safe
- +Tight integration with Apple hardware and services
- +Strong app review process ensures quality and security
Cons
- -Requires a Mac and annual developer fee
- -App Store approval can be slow and unpredictable
- -Limited customization compared to open platforms
Google's mobile playground: powerful, but you'll need a PhD in Gradle to get started.
Pros
- +Massive user base with billions of devices worldwide
- +Kotlin-first approach makes modern development less painful
- +Jetpack Compose simplifies UI building with declarative syntax
- +Strong integration with Google services and Firebase
Cons
- -Gradle build system is notoriously slow and complex to configure
- -Fragmentation across devices and OS versions requires extensive testing
- -Official documentation can be overwhelming and sometimes outdated
Head-to-head comparisons
Missing a tool?
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