Which Linux Distribution to Choose in 2025? My Personal Recommendation

Choosing a Linux distribution can be overwhelming with so many options available. After years of working with different distros, I want to share my experience and recommendations on the three most popular options: Debian, Arch Linux, and Ubuntu.

Debian: My Choice for Professional Work

Debian is my go-to distribution for daily work, and there are good reasons for that:

Why Debian?

• Exceptional stability: Debian is known for its robustness. Packages go through extensive testing before reaching the stable branch
• Very active community: One of the largest and most collaborative communities in the Linux world
• Ideal for production: Perfect for servers and work environments where stability is critical
• Free software philosophy: Maintains a strong commitment to free and open-source software

Cons

• Less updated packages: Stability comes at a price: packages aren’t always the most recent
• Initial setup: Requires more setup time than more user-friendly options

I use Debian for work because I need a system that won’t fail me at critical moments. Long-term stability and support are invaluable when you have production projects.

Arch Linux: For the Brave

Arch Linux is the distro for those who want total control over their system, even if it means taking risks.

Why Arch?

• Absolute control: You build your system from scratch, knowing every component
• Rolling release: You always have the latest software versions
• Excellent documentation: The Arch Wiki is probably the best Linux resource
• AUR (Arch User Repository): Access to a huge repository of community-maintained software

Cons

• You can break everything: An update at the wrong time can leave you without a system
• Requires technical knowledge: Not for beginners
• Constant maintenance: You need to be attentive to updates and changes

Arch is for the daring. If you like tinkering, learning how Linux works under the hood, and don’t mind fixing your system from time to time, Arch is an incredible experience.

Ubuntu: The No-Hassle Option

Ubuntu has traditionally been the gateway to the Linux world, and it remains a solid option for many use cases.

Why Ubuntu?

• Easy to install and use: Works out-of-the-box on most hardware
• Great hardware support: Manufacturers usually give priority support to Ubuntu
• Ideal for beginners: Friendly interface and plenty of documentation
• Enterprise backing: Canonical provides commercial support

Cons

• Questionable privacy: Canonical has made controversial decisions with telemetry and snap
• Not completely free: Some enterprise features are paid
• Less control: Decisions like Snap imposed by Canonical

Ubuntu is perfect if you don’t want to deal with complex configurations and just want everything to work. However, be aware that the direction Canonical has taken in recent years isn’t to everyone’s liking.

The Elephant in the Room: Desktop Environments

Let’s be honest: desktop environments in Linux have traditionally not been as beautiful as in other operating systems. And there’s a good reason: Linux is primarily designed for servers, not for personal desktop use.

GNOME, KDE, XFCE… they’re all functional, but don’t always reach the level of visual polish of Windows or macOS.

Hyperland: The Modern Exception

If you’re among the brave and want a truly beautiful and modern desktop environment, Hyperland is a fascinating option:

• Modern Wayland compositor: Smooth animations and impressive visual effects
• Highly customizable: You can configure practically every aspect
• Excellent performance: Makes the most of modern hardware

The problem: Hyperland can currently be used more easily on Arch Linux. Since it’s in active development and not fully stable, it won’t be available on Debian until it reaches a sufficient level of maturity (that’s Debian’s conservative philosophy).

If you want to try Hyperland right now, Arch is your best option. If you prefer to wait until it’s more stable, Debian will eventually include it.

My Final Recommendation

• Choose Debian if you need stability and are working professionally with Linux
• Choose Arch if you like experimenting, learning, and don’t mind fixing things
• Choose Ubuntu if you’re new to Linux or just want everything to work without complications

Personally, I use Debian for work because stability and reliability are priorities in my workflow. But I have an Arch installation on another machine to experiment with the latest technologies.

In the end, the best distribution is the one that fits your needs and experience level. Have questions about which distribution to choose for your specific case? Contact me and I’ll help you decide.