13 Best Alternative Operating Systems Besides Windows

Windows has been the default operating system (OS) for most people for decades. It is reliable and known for its accessible user interface (UI). However, it may not be the best choice for everyone depending on their priorities and the ways they use their machines. Despite their lack of advertising some of the time, there are plenty of other options on the market. What are the best alternative operating systems outside of Windows?

We will explore these in no particular order, as their use cases and other specs vary widely. For the sake of highlighting some lesser-known operating systems, we will also not be discussing macOS, Linux or ChromeOS.

Visopsys

Let’s start with one of the weirdest offerings of the bunch. Visopsys is unique because it isn’t necessarily an operating system first by some people’s standards. It is an educational tool for computer science students. It is an easy install with simplistic navigation too. It doesn’t have much, but it is the perfect playground for budding coders and programmers to see what is possible for them in their early stages of learning.

AROS

This is one of many free options designed for x86 systems. If you are nostalgic for the classic Amiga, this might be the OS for you. Just because it has a classic feel doesn’t mean it is incapable of running new software. It can’t read physical Amiga media, so you’ll have to use ROMs.

ArcaOS

This is an IBM-inspired, 32-bit operating system, and it is still receiving some support. It is meant for slightly older machines though, so you may want to check compatibility. A personal license will run $129 and a commercial license will cost $229.

FreeDOS

Welcome to open-source DOS heaven. It is an interface many are already familiar with, especially in a corporate environment. There are multiple versions of FreeDOS depending on what kind of system you’re running it on, but it replicates a lot of the same pros and cons from the legacy operating system. This means it is reliable but limiting in its activity. It can also support older games to experience some late 1980s nostalgia.

Icaros Desktop

This is one of the most retro-feeling OSs on the market. It even has some classic games as ROMs. This is an offshoot of the previously mentioned AROS, inspired by the Amiga operating system. One of the most common gripes about this is the installation process. It is cumbersome and nebulous, but many feel the payoff is worth it for the app portfolio.

MenuetOS

MenuetOS is for 32-bit or 64-bit machinery based in everyone’s favorite computer language — Assembly. It comes complete with everything you need, unlike some of the other options on this list which require supplementary programs to work as if it were Windows or macOS. It has a:

• Desktop
• USB support
• High resolution visuals
• Internet browser
• Media player

MorphOS

Have an old Mac but love the Amiga like AROS users? MorphOS is the perfect blend of these two digital spaces. It isn’t exclusive to Macs, but old machines will support it. It is a media-focused operating system with tons of hardware compatibility to keep you busy.

OpenIndiana

If you’re familiar with SunOS, this is the spiritual successor. It has the look and feel of familiar desktop environments. It prides itself in a clean interface that is free, open-source and accessible. It comes equipped with Firefox for your internet browsing needs.

ReactOS

ReactOS is another open-source, free OS. Many call it a Windows 95 replication, hoping people would install ReactOS and not notice the difference between the two. It is still in early development, but it is based on Windows NT architecture, and it’s small when you look at it from a space perspective. It should have a familiar vibe for people familiar with Windows even though it doesn’t have any of its code.

FreeBSD

This is likely the closest you will get to Linux without using it. It doesn’t have a desktop, but it supports several options, such as KDE and XFCE. Much like Linux’s reputation, it is known for its impeccable cybersecurity infrastructure. This is why Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD) code is in macOS. 

KolibriOS

This is one of the fastest-booting operating systems on this list. It is also one of the best for running tons of apps simultaneously, making it perfect for gaming and multitasking. If you like MenuetOS, then you will like KolibriOS — they have the same DNA. While it supports hundreds of apps, its native productivity installations are nothing to ride home about. However, it is visually impressive.

Haiku

Alternative operating systems fans will know of Haiku if they are familiar with BeOS. This is its follow-up. This is an open-source variant of its predecessor with an equally pleasing modular design that makes it accessible. It has a sleek, straightforward design that some may consider to be outdated, but is slow to develop. It is easy to use like a Windows machine but is more streamlined and powerful.

Illumos

Last but not least is another tiny UNIX-based OS. It also runs via BSD and is the inspiration for many other distributions, including OpenIndiana. 

Honorable Mentions

There are a few stragglers that didn’t make it to this list that you may want to peruse through if you are an alternate OS connoisseur. They include but are not limited to:

• WayneOS
• Kubuntu
• Ubuntu
• RomBasic
• OS/2
• QNX
• TempleOS

Best Alternative Operating Systems out There

If you want to experiment with something free or streamlined, these are the best alternative operating systems to try. They have their pros and cons, but computer users have diverse needs and curiosities that only maybe operating in a new environment could satisfy. Many of these come in and out of fashion, depending whether developers keep supporting them, and new ones enter the scene all the time. Keep your eyes peeled for what’s making waves in the computing space in the coming future — your new favorite OS might be on its way.