# Best Operating Systems Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing > Find the best Operating Systems Software for your organization. Compare top Operating Systems Software with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos. Source: https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems --- [Home](https://www.softwareadvice.com/) / Operating Systems Software Software Advice offers objective insights based on verified user reviews and independent product and market research. When our advisors match you to a software provider, we may earn a referral fee. # Best Operating Systems Software of 2026 Updated July 11, 2026 Written by [Supriya Deka](https://www.softwareadvice.com/resources/author/sdeka/) Market Research Specialist Edited by [Mehar Luthra](https://www.softwareadvice.com/resources/author/mehar-luthra/) Team Lead, Content On this page 1. Popular Comparisons 2. Buyers Guide 3. Related Software Filter products 23 results ### Compare Products Showing 1 - 23 of 23 products #### Company Size - Self-Employed - 2-10 - 11-50 - 51-200 - 201-500 - 501-1000 - 1000+ #### Pricing Options - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ ### Compare Products Sort by **Sponsored**: Sorts listings by software vendors running active bidding campaigns, from the highest to lowest bid. Vendors who have paid for placement have a ‘Visit Website’ button, whereas unpaid vendors have a ‘Learn More’ button. **Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least. **Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest. **Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z. [Linux Mint](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/linux-mint-profile/) Linux Mint is an operating system built on Ubuntu and Debian projects that helps businesses run a variety of free and open-sourc...[Read more about Linux Mint](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/linux-mint-profile/) **4.8** ([52 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/linux-mint-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Linux Mint's Best Rated Features 4.78System Updates See All Linux Mint's Worst Rated Features 4.67User Interface See All [MacOS Big Sur](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/macos-big-sur-profile/) Big Sur is the latest operating system for Apple computers that provides a sleek display with customizable start pages, a notifi...[Read more about MacOS Big Sur](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/macos-big-sur-profile/) **4.8** ([59 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/macos-big-sur-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version MacOS Big Sur's Best Rated Features 4.84User Interface See All MacOS Big Sur's Worst Rated Features 4.54Desktop Interface See All [Raspberry Pi OS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/raspbian-profile/) Raspberry Pi OS is an operating system designed to help professionals access pre-compiled software bundles on Raspberry Pi hardw...[Read more about Raspberry Pi OS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/raspbian-profile/) **4.8** ([19 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/raspbian-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Raspberry Pi OS's Best Rated Features 4.73System Updates See All Raspberry Pi OS's Worst Rated Features 4.53Desktop Interface See All [Ubuntu](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/ubuntu-profile/) Ubuntu is an oper-source operating system that comes with cloud optimization and enhanced security for applications and files. T...[Read more about Ubuntu](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/ubuntu-profile/) **4.7** ([122 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/ubuntu-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Ubuntu's Best Rated Features 4.79For Developers See All Ubuntu's Worst Rated Features 4.48App Management See All [Fedora Workstation](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/fedora-workstation-profile/) Fedora Workstation is an operating system designed to help businesses using Linux devices build, test and deploy application cod...[Read more about Fedora Workstation](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/fedora-workstation-profile/) **4.8** ([18 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/fedora-workstation-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Fedora Workstation's Best Rated Features 4.67File Management See All Fedora Workstation's Worst Rated Features 4.27Desktop Interface See All [CentOS Linux](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/centos-linux-profile/) CentOS Linux is an operating system (OS) that helps professionals streamline processes related to partition backups, data securi...[Read more about CentOS Linux](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/centos-linux-profile/) **4.6** ([34 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/centos-linux-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version CentOS Linux's Best Rated Features 4.60System Updates See All CentOS Linux's Worst Rated Features 4.32User Interface See All [Junos OS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/junos-os-profile/) Junos OS is a Linux-based operating system that helps businesses run multiple open-source automation frameworks, such as Chef, P...[Read more about Junos OS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/junos-os-profile/) **5.0** ([1 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/junos-os-profile/#reviews)) Free trial Free version Junos OS's Best Rated Features 5.0User Interface See All Junos OS's Worst Rated Features 5.0Memory Management See All [Linux Lite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/linux-lite-profile/) The people who are looking to get great performance out of their computers, they can use Linux Lite high performance desktop ope...[Read more about Linux Lite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/linux-lite-profile/) **5.0** ([1 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/linux-lite-profile/#reviews)) Free trial Free version [Talos OS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/container-security/talos-os-profile/) If you want to run Kubernetes, Talos OS is the right choice. Talos OS will automate the secure installation of a purpose-built...[Read more about Talos OS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/container-security/talos-os-profile/) **5.0** ([1 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/container-security/talos-os-profile/#reviews)) Free trial Free version [Kubuntu](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/kubuntu-profile/) Kubuntu is an on-premise operating system that allows users to browse the internet, complete assignments, and live chat directly...[Read more about Kubuntu](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/kubuntu-profile/) **4.7** ([6 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/kubuntu-profile/#reviews)) Free trial Free version Kubuntu's Best Rated Features 4.80Data Security See All Kubuntu's Worst Rated Features 3.67Memory Management See All [Manjaro](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/manjaro-linux-profile/) Manjaro is a Linux distribution system that helps businesses run and manage Windows-based and open-source applications. The appl...[Read more about Manjaro](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/manjaro-linux-profile/) **4.7** ([6 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/manjaro-linux-profile/#reviews)) Free trial Free version Manjaro's Best Rated Features 5.0File Management See All Manjaro's Worst Rated Features 4.50App Management See All [Debian](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/debian-profile/) Debian is a Linux-based operating system that helps businesses run free and open-source applications including LibreOffice, VLC ...[Read more about Debian](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/debian-profile/) **4.6** ([24 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/debian-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Debian's Best Rated Features 4.63System Updates See All Debian's Worst Rated Features 4.28File Management See All [iOS14](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/ios14-profile/) iOS 14 is the latest operating systems for iOS devices that provides new compact calling functionality, allowing users to call a...[Read more about iOS14](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/ios14-profile/) **4.6** ([53 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/ios14-profile/#reviews)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Oracle Analytics Cloud +0 more +0 more +0 more iOS14's Best Rated Features 4.70System Updates See All iOS14's Worst Rated Features 4.45Memory Management See All [SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/suse-linux-enterprise-desktop-profile/) SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop is an operating system, which enables businesses to access email clients, web browsers, collaborat...[Read more about SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/suse-linux-enterprise-desktop-profile/) **4.5** ([8 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/suse-linux-enterprise-desktop-profile/#reviews)) Free trial Free version SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop's Best Rated Features 5.0Memory Management See All SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop's Worst Rated Features 4.17User Interface See All [Oracle Solaris](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/501418-Oracle-Solaris-10/) Oracle Solaris is an enterprise operating system designed for large-scale cloud environments. It provides consistent compatibili...[Read more about Oracle Solaris](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/501418-Oracle-Solaris-10/) **4.5** ([2 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/501418-Oracle-Solaris-10/#reviews)) Free trial Free version Oracle Solaris's Best Rated Features 4.0Project Management See All Oracle Solaris's Worst Rated Features 3.0Change Management See All [Parrot OS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/parrot-os-profile/) Parrot OS is a GNU/Linux distribution based on Debian, which helps IT teams of all sizes develop software and perform security-r...[Read more about Parrot OS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/parrot-os-profile/) **4.5** ([17 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/parrot-os-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Parrot OS's Best Rated Features 4.75System Updates See All Parrot OS's Worst Rated Features 4.18Memory Management See All [Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/red-hat-enterprise-linux-profile/) Red Hat Enterprise Linux is an open-source operating system, which provides a foundation for businesses to deploy applications, ...[Read more about Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/red-hat-enterprise-linux-profile/) **4.6** ([27 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/red-hat-enterprise-linux-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Red Hat Enterprise Linux's Best Rated Features 4.76Memory Management See All Red Hat Enterprise Linux's Worst Rated Features 4.20Desktop Interface See All [Oracle Linux](https://www.softwareadvice.com/virtualization/oracle-linux-profile/) Oracle Linux is an open-source operating system that helps businesses streamline application development and virtualization oper...[Read more about Oracle Linux](https://www.softwareadvice.com/virtualization/oracle-linux-profile/) **4.4** ([18 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/virtualization/oracle-linux-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Red Hat Enterprise Linux +0 more +0 more +0 more Oracle Linux's Best Rated Features 5.0Kernels See All Oracle Linux's Worst Rated Features 4.0Network Monitoring See All [Android 11](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/android-11-profile/) Android 11 is the latest operating system that can be used by Samsung, Oppo, Nokia, Motorola, and OnePlus devices. The system co...[Read more about Android 11](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/android-11-profile/) **4.6** ([121 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/android-11-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Android 11's Best Rated Features 4.59User Interface See All Android 11's Worst Rated Features 4.18Memory Management See All [Windows 11](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/windows-11-profile/) Windows 11 is the most recent operating system for Windows users, having removed several features from Windows 10, such as no lo...[Read more about Windows 11](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/windows-11-profile/) **4.4** ([102 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/windows-11-profile/reviews/)) Free trial Free version Windows 11's Best Rated Features 4.51File Management See All Windows 11's Worst Rated Features 4.21Memory Management See All [GROON](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/525370-GROON/) GROON is an AI-powered operating system known as AIOS. It serves as a central platform for unifying business processes, data, an...[Read more about GROON](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/525370-GROON/) No reviews yet Free trial Free version [Jeeves](https://www.softwareadvice.com/digital-adoption-platform/speki-profile/) Jeeves is an all-in-on financial platform, ideal for global teams. Offering corporate cards, business accounts, accounts payabl...[Read more about Jeeves](https://www.softwareadvice.com/digital-adoption-platform/speki-profile/) No reviews yet Free trial Free version [VxWorks](https://www.softwareadvice.com/iaas-solutions/vxworks-profile/) VxWorks® is a real-time operating system (RTOS) designed for embedded systems, with a focus on enabling safe, secure, and reliab...[Read more about VxWorks](https://www.softwareadvice.com/iaas-solutions/vxworks-profile/) No reviews yet Free trial Free version 1 ## Popular Comparisons [ Windows 11 vs Ubuntu ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/ubuntu-profile/vs/windows-11/)[ MacOS Big Sur vs Android 11 ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/android-11-profile/vs/macos-big-sur/)[ Debian vs Linux Mint ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/debian-profile/vs/linux-mint/) Whether you're a gamer, graphic designer, developer, or medical professional, you use a personal computer (whether desktop or laptop), tablet, and/or mobile device to complete tasks, store files, and use various applications. Without an operating system, you wouldn't be able to do any of that. Your laptop or mobile device already has an operating system that lets you access and use the device. However, sometimes you need to upgrade or change the operating system to a more advanced version that continues to meet your needs over time. Operating systems (OS) act as a bridge between the physical components of a computer or device and the programs and applications you use on it. An OS provides the interface for users to control and communicate with the device. These systems are capable of managing computer hardware, data, and program files. Whatever computers or devices you use, we created this buyers guide to provide all the essential information you need to choose or upgrade to the right operating system. Here’s what we'll cover: - [What is an operating system?](#Whatisanoperatingsystem) - [Common features of operating systems](#Commonfeaturesofoperatingsystems) - [What type of buyer are you?](#Whattypeofbuyerareyou) - [Benefits of operating systems](#Benefitsofoperatingsystems) - [Market trend to understand](#Markettrendtounderstand) ## What is an operating system? Operating systems act as a platform for other software to run. These systems provide an interface to connect computers/devices with other tech such as scanners, printers, and copiers. The typical OS can simultaneously handle and run operations such as storage/memory management, file management, security, processor management, and device management. _User interface in_ [CentOS Linux Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/centos-linux-profile/) _(_[Source](https://www.softwareadvice.com/operating-systems/centos-linux-profile/)_)_ ## Common features of operating systems **Memory management** Allocate portions of memory/storage space to programs and reallocate that space when no longer needed. **System updates** Improve or make changes to the current version based on user feedback, trends, and other factors. This functionality provides fixes for features that aren't working as intended, adds minor software enhancements and compatibility, addresses security issues, and improves hardware operation. **User interface** Allow users to interact with their computer, device, or application. This interface connects the user and system, allowing them to exchange information and instructions with minimum user effort to achieve the desired outcome. **Application management** Manage the operation, maintenance, versioning, and upgrading of an application throughout its lifecycle. Monitor all components of an application to see if they are up and running. **Data security** Secure information and confidential data by providing strong authorized keys to users or by encrypting data stored in the system. This allows the software to rectify errors as soon as possible and prevent malware attacks. **File management** Manage files in the system by allowing users to create, modify, and delete files. This functionality also allows users to create new files, locate and share them with other users, or transfer them to connected devices. ## What type of buyer are you? Before purchasing an operating system, you should determine your buyer category so you can choose the right tool. Most buyers fall into the following categories: - **For personal use:** These buyers use laptops and devices for recreational purposes such as gaming, storing personal files, and research purposes. Often, such buyers don't use the same applications required by businesses and prefer an operating system that is easy to use. Some free operating systems offer features such as file and application management, user-friendly interfaces, memory management, and system updates, and can work for such buyers. - **For businesses:** Organizations using a network of computers and devices to run their business require multiple applications. These buyers often have a server in place to handle user connections, storage, and multiple computers and devices. These users require an OS that provides security and privacy, remote access, support for mobile devices, file and printer sharing, backups, and more. Buyers in this category often need to pay for their operating systems, which can be tailored to their unique business needs. Some systems even offer features such as advanced threat protection. These buyers should look for scalable systems that are compatible with any applications and hardware they already use. Scalability allows users to increase or decrease system performance pending on changes in application and processing demands. ## Benefits of operating systems software - **Graphical user interface (GUI):** Most operating systems now have a graphical user interface (GUI) that lets you interact with your device via visual representations such as menus, icons, and buttons. This is an improvement over the traditional interface that required users to write commands in order to access system functionalities. - **Data safety:** An operating system allows users to access data stored in computers or devices, and is responsible for managing data safely and securely. The OS tracks all data and program file names as well as location, and performs common functions such as copying/erasing/backing up. Most operating systems have built-in tools to protect against security threats, including virus scanning utilities and setting up a firewall to block suspicious network activity. - **Sharing of resources:** Operating systems provide network services and file-sharing capabilities so you can share resources such as printers, scanners, and modems with other users. You can even transfer files such as videos, images, and applications to connected devices, and send data to multiple users using built-in email functionality if included. ## Market trend to understand: - **Virtual reality operating systems (VR-OS):** Virtual reality technology is causing major disruptions in multiple industries, including gaming, healthcare, events, engineering, and education. In response, operating system vendors need to create solutions that can support 2D apps and 3D immersive content. These VR-OS enable users to work in an empty space using a wearable device such as a head-mounted display connected to a wireless mouse/keyboard and don't require a laptop or desktop to function. [Big players](https://www.qrcodepress.com/virtual-reality-facebook-os-could-help-the-platform-skip-google-and-android/8537454/) are working on creating their own VR operating systems as virtual reality technology is gaining speed; software vendors are expected to follow suit. **_Note:_** _The application selected in this article is an example to show a feature in context and is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation. It has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable at the time of publication._ ### Related Operating Systems Software - [Cloud PBX Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/4757-cloud-pbx/) - [Data Center Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/data-center-management/) - [Desktop as a Service (DaaS) Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/daas/) - [Remote Desktop Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/help-desk/remote-desktop-comparison/) - [Server Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/server-management/) - [Server Monitoring Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/server-monitoring/) - [VDI Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/vdi/) - [Virtual Machine Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/virtual-machine/) - [Virtualization Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/virtualization/)