In this post, I look back at the best Linux distributions of 2022, and spoiler: not all of them are based on Ubuntu!
I know: I make the same joke every year I do this. But hey: I write about Ubuntu. I use Ubuntu. You can expect it to keep everything on top of Ubuntu. But the Linux ecosystem? is more than only ubuntu. There are plenty of top-tier Linux distributions out there that deserve praise, celebration, and recognition. This list is my little way of giving you that!
That said, what follows is not a position of superiority, nor a ranking of importance. It’s just me, one person, giving a hello to Some one of the best Linux releases of the year. It is complete? No. And it’s not a criticism either, so if you love an operating system It is not shown below, the omission is not because I think it’s horrible.
With the SEO gods (hopefully) sated by that long intro, let’s look at my top 5 Linux distros of 2022!
1.Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
Arguably the The best Linux distribution release of the year for me was Ubuntu 22.04 LTSwhich arrived in April.
Long-term support releases are always a big deal since tens of millions of people use them. Fortunately, the dedicated Ubuntu developers put out a noteworthy release.
Put doubts aside (watch the video) the jellyfish jam bought GNOME Shell 42, configurable accent colors, default Wayland, new multitasking options, new dock options, better desktop icon extension, Linux kernel 5.15, Raspberry Pi 4 support. More reams upon reams (over reams, etc. .) of updated applications, tools, and packages.
Although I’m an interim release racer, always have been, probably always will be, most people stick with an LTS release. And with Ubuntu 22.04 they get a version that is actually good enough to use during the support period, without FOMO.
2. Fedora 37 Workstation
fedora workstation is a flagship desktop Linux distribution for good reason: it’s robust, it’s reliable, it’s impeccably produced: it distills what many people look for most: a “pure” GNOME experience, delivered as the developers intended, on a solid and stable foundation.
The fall offer Fedora 37 Workstation features GNOME 43 – an update that greatly improves the user experience of GNOME Shell quick settings. There is also a more prominent function records rebuilt in GTK4/libadwaita; a renewed Calendar Applications; a device security panel Raspberry Pi 4 Compatibility; GRUB instead of syslinux in BIOS; and more.
People often overlook Fedora Workstation because, as Linux distributions go, it’s pretty low-key, unpretentious, and drama-free. However, it’s a polished and functional distribution that forgoes fancy flourishes to focus entirely on performance, integration, and cohesion.
If you’ve never tried Fedora, you’re missing out, so order it!
3. Manjaro 22.0 ‘Sikaris’
That a version of manjaro had to be on this list was obvious. And as Arch-based Linux distros go, Manjaro is one of the best. Oh, I know: Manjaro is talked about within the Linux community at large, but to me, those storms in a cup of tea never affect the quality (or should it be the flavor ☕️) of the distribution itself.
Manjaro 22.0 ‘Sikaris’ is not just a distro: it’s an experience
exemplifying that is Manjaro 22.0 Release Departure in December. The “main” favor with KDE Plasma offers a flawless experience. Everything from the shell to the package manager to custom touches and apps is cohesive, considered, and choreographed.
Manjaro 22.0 is not just a distribution, it is an experience.
The desktop-specific “editions” of Manjaro are also excellently compiled. They never feel like Manjaro plus Xfce, plus GNOME, etc. Each one is a handpicked and beautifully integrated showcase of the strengths of their respective desktops, or to put it in less flowery terms: whichever edition of Manjaro you choose, it always feels like the MAJOR a.
Also, the Manjaro community is large and active. For any issues that come up, I can probably find a Manjaro forum post about it (or someone willing to point me in the direction of a solution). Community is an important aspect of any layout. The Linux kernel is the heart of most distributions, but its community is the lifeblood.
Manjaro is the complete package and definitely a distro of the year.
4.Linux Mint 21
Linux Mint 21.1 As the newer and more visually interesting update (cf. new applets and updated artwork), the original release of Linux Mint 21 had the biggest impact this year, of the two.
The oft-touted “newbie” distribution, Linux Mint’s primary goal is to deliver a lightweight, familiar computing experience that stays out of the way and continues to resonate with users in tune with the Windows way of working.
Linux Mint 21 “Cinnamon” is lightweight and efficient, making it a good choice for lower-end hardware and older machines. In addition to being easy to use, Linux Mint comes with an interesting selection of pre-installed software that is intended to meet the needs of most users, including some home applications they are quite special.
Overall, Linux Mint 21 is the perfect option for users who are looking for a reliable and easy-to-use operating system.
5.Ubuntu 22.10
Ubuntu twice in one list? It’s a bit much, but the inclusion of PipeWire means I’m forced to include 22.10. Honestly, it’s in my contract as the editor of this site:Than? Yes, I wrote the contract myself… Why do you ask?
But seriously, the aforementioned Ubuntu 22.10 addition of PipeWire (although expired) means that most Bluetooth audio devices now “just work” with Ubuntu. That, along with the audio device switcher in GNOME quick settings it means that Ubuntu 22.10 hits the nail on the head with modern audio equipment.
Second, the increased shipment of GNOME 43 and a litany of libadwaita ports meant the kinetic kudu arrived on the scene with a real dynamism — was one of the first ways to test GNOME 43, for context — which has been missing since the early days of Unity.
Finally, and without a doubt the most important, critical and defining element of the distro, was the kinetic kudu pet wallpaper – the best Ubuntu default wallpaper since the hardy heronI.
honorable mentions
It was necessary to limit my selection to 5; otherwise this would have been a very long list of all the Linux distributions that released an update in the last 12 months.
Some additional greetings: the recent Endeavor OS The ‘Cassini’ release is the ideal starting point for anyone who wants to set up a reliable rolling release distribution. The last Zorin operating system it’s built on an older Ubuntu foundation, but the wow factor out of the box is still exciting for users new to Linux.
Gamers, programmers and creators love Pop!_OS 22.04, which is the final version of the System76 distribution that ships with GNOME Shell by default; and there has been a lot of love surrounding the lightweight Linux distro MX Linux that injects new life into old hardware.
And a scream has to go to SteamOSthe Arch-based dispense valve is preloaded on the Steamdeck console.
To you
That is all me list of the best desktop Linux releases for 2022. I tried to weigh the various sets of key features, changes, and technologies when selecting them, keeping appeal and popularity in mind. Phew, MX Linux was *so* close to taking a spot – expect to hear more about that and other distros on our sister site OMG! linux.
Who the hell cares what I think anyway?
I want to listen your Distro launches a selection of the last twelve months. So dive into the comments (and a word of advice: the “old” Disqus theme is available to select from the options again, yes). Try to keep reviews positive whenever possible by focusing on distros and developments you like rather than dislikes.
