Top GalliumOS Alternatives for Your Chromebook & Beyond

GalliumOS is a beloved, fast, and lightweight Linux distribution specifically designed for Chromebooks and Chromeboxes, offering a complete Linux environment with excellent hardware support and a polished desktop experience. However, for various reasons—perhaps you're looking for a different desktop environment, broader compatibility, or specific features—you might be seeking a GalliumOS alternative. This guide explores some of the best operating systems that can serve as excellent replacements, ensuring your older hardware or Chromebook gets a new lease on life.

Excellent GalliumOS Alternatives

Whether you prioritize extreme lightness, a familiar desktop, or specific functionality, there's a Linux distribution out there that can perfectly fill the void left by GalliumOS. Let's dive into some top contenders.

Xubuntu

Xubuntu is an elegant and user-friendly operating system that comes with Xfce, a stable, light, and configurable desktop environment. As a free and open-source Linux distribution based on Ubuntu and Debian, it shares many underlying similarities with GalliumOS while offering a different desktop experience. Its lightweight nature and XFCE support make it an excellent GalliumOS alternative for those seeking efficiency and customizability.

Lubuntu

Lubuntu is another fast and lightweight operating system, built on Linux and utilizing the minimal LXDE/LXQT desktop. This free and open-source Debian-based distribution is highly customizable and designed for speed and efficiency, making it an ideal GalliumOS alternative, especially for very old or resource-constrained hardware. It's also Debian package compatible, offering a wide range of software options.

Google Chrome OS

Google Chrome OS is the native operating system for Chromebooks. While GalliumOS offers a full Linux environment, Chrome OS is a Linux-based OS designed by Google primarily for web applications. It's a free platform featuring auto-updates, Google Chrome Extensions, sync with Google Drive, and the ability to run Android Apps on the desktop. For users who primarily use web-based services and appreciate simplicity, it's a seamless (and often pre-installed) GalliumOS alternative.

Chromium OS

Chromium OS is the open-source project behind Chrome OS, primarily used by developers. This free and open-source Linux-based operating system aims to provide a fast, simple, and secure computing experience. While it lacks some of the proprietary features of Google Chrome OS, its open nature makes it a flexible GalliumOS alternative for those who want to build and customize their own Chrome OS-like experience.

Linux Lite

Linux Lite is a beginner-friendly, free, and open-source Linux distribution based on Ubuntu LTS, featuring the Xfce desktop. It focuses on providing a lightweight, user-friendly operating system that is easy to transition to from Windows. Its robust community support and emphasis on simplicity make it an excellent and welcoming GalliumOS alternative for new Linux users or those seeking a stable, efficient system.

Damn Small Linux

Damn Small Linux (DSL) is an incredibly versatile 50MB mini desktop-oriented Linux distribution. It's free and open-source, compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux. Its extreme lightweight nature means it can run on virtually any old hardware, making it a powerful GalliumOS alternative for repurposing very old or low-spec machines that GalliumOS might even struggle with.

Enso OS

Enso OS is a clean, simple, free, and open-source Linux distribution that integrates popular projects from the Linux world. While specific details on its lightweight nature aren't as prominent as some others, its focus on ease of use and a streamlined experience makes it an interesting GalliumOS alternative for those looking for a modern yet simple Linux desktop.

FydeOS

FydeOS is a free and open-source Chrome OS fork with Android app support, originally aimed at the Chinese market (formerly known as "Flint OS"). It offers a ChromeOS-like cloud-based operating system experience, making it a compelling GalliumOS alternative if you appreciate the simplicity and app ecosystem of Chrome OS but want more control or compatibility for non-Chromebook hardware.

phoenix linux

Phoenix Linux is a rebirth project inspired by the discontinued Cub Linux. It's a free and open-source Linux-based operating system available across Windows, Linux, and Web platforms. While specific details on its lightweight characteristics are less prominent, its modern approach and Linux-based foundation make it a potential GalliumOS alternative for those seeking a fresh, community-driven Linux experience.

Choosing the best GalliumOS alternative depends entirely on your specific needs and the hardware you're working with. Whether you prioritize extreme lightness, a familiar desktop environment, or tight integration with web services, the Linux ecosystem offers a wealth of excellent choices. Explore these options to find the perfect fit for your computing journey!