# Best Operating Systems Software 2026 | Capterra > Find the top Operating Systems software of 2026 on Capterra. Based on millions of verified user reviews - compare and filter for whats important to you to find the best tools for your needs. Source: https://www.capterra.com/operating-systems-software/s/android --- # Best Operating Systems Software Last updated on March 13, 2026 How to find the right Operating Systems Software? Learn more from our team about Operating Systems Software pricing features and benefits in our Operating Systems Buyers Guide Verified Insights Provider data verified by our Software Research team and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) ## What is operating system software? Researched by: [Capterra](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/capterra/) Updated on March 13, 2026 [Operating system (OS) software](https://www.capterra.com/operating-systems-software/) allows users to manage the resources of a computer, including the memory, disk drives, and the central processing unit (CPU). The software utilizes a graphic user interface (GUI), a combination of graphics and text, that allows you to interact with the device even without knowing its language. The operating system is also responsible for allocating computer resources, such as CPU, input/output devices, and computer memory, to specific users and programs. Additionally, it protects user data and monitors the overall system health. The tool also helps detect system errors and minimize the instances of system malfunctioning. * * * For more information consult our [Operating Systems Buyers Guide](#buyers-guide-content) [## Ubuntu](https://www.capterra.com/p/229058/Ubuntu/) [4.7 (122)](https://www.capterra.com/p/229058/Ubuntu/reviews/) Ubuntu is a secure Linux operating system for servers, desktops, cloud, and developers. [Learn more about Ubuntu](https://www.capterra.com/p/229058/Ubuntu/) Operating Systems features reviewers most value App Management Data Security Desktop Interface File Management For Developers Kernels Resource Allocation System Updates User Interface 89% recommend this product [## Android 11](https://www.capterra.com/p/228982/Android-11/) [4.6 (121)](https://www.capterra.com/p/228982/Android-11/reviews/) Android 11 is the operating system for Samsung, Galaxy, and OnePlus devices that comes with automatic security and application updates. [Learn more about Android 11](https://www.capterra.com/p/228982/Android-11/) Operating Systems features reviewers most value App Management Data Security Desktop Interface File Management For Developers Kernels Resource Allocation System Updates User Interface 88% recommend this product [## Windows 11](https://www.capterra.com/p/251507/Windows-11/) [4.4 (101)](https://www.capterra.com/p/251507/Windows-11/reviews/) Windows 11 is the latest operating system for Windows, with enhanced security, performance and gaming capabilities. [Learn more about Windows 11](https://www.capterra.com/p/251507/Windows-11/) Operating Systems features reviewers most value App Management Data Security Desktop Interface File Management For Developers Kernels Resource Allocation System Updates User Interface 80% recommend this product [## MacOS Big Sur](https://www.capterra.com/p/228984/MacOS-Big-Sur/) [4.8 (59)](https://www.capterra.com/p/228984/MacOS-Big-Sur/reviews/) MacOS Big Sur is the latest operating system for mac computers that provides a one-click control center and a customizable start page. [Learn more about MacOS Big Sur](https://www.capterra.com/p/228984/MacOS-Big-Sur/) Operating Systems features reviewers most value App Management Data Security Desktop Interface File Management For Developers Kernels Resource Allocation System Updates User Interface [## iOS14](https://www.capterra.com/p/228981/iOS14/) [4.6 (53)](https://www.capterra.com/p/228981/iOS14/reviews/) iOS 14 is the updated operating system for iPhones with features such as home screen widgets,application libraries,and compact calling. [Learn more about iOS14](https://www.capterra.com/p/228981/iOS14/) Operating Systems features reviewers most value App Management Data Security Desktop Interface File Management For Developers Kernels Resource Allocation System Updates User Interface [## Linux Mint](https://www.capterra.com/p/229032/Linux-Mint/) [4.8 (52)](https://www.capterra.com/p/229032/Linux-Mint/#reviews) Linux Mint is an open-source desktop OS offering a user-friendly alternative to Windows and macOS based on Debian and Ubuntu. [Learn more about Linux Mint](https://www.capterra.com/p/229032/Linux-Mint/) Operating Systems features reviewers most value App Management Data Security Desktop Interface File Management For Developers Kernels Resource Allocation System Updates User Interface [## CentOS Linux](https://www.capterra.com/p/229026/CentOS-Linux/) [4.6 (34)](https://www.capterra.com/p/229026/CentOS-Linux/reviews/) CentOS Linux is a free operating system that can be run in any linux environment and provides new releases every 6-12 months. [Learn more about CentOS Linux](https://www.capterra.com/p/229026/CentOS-Linux/) Operating Systems features reviewers most value App Management Data Security Desktop Interface File Management For Developers Kernels Resource Allocation System Updates User Interface [## Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://www.capterra.com/p/229025/Red-Hat-Enterprise-Linux/) [4.5 (26)](https://www.capterra.com/p/229025/Red-Hat-Enterprise-Linux/reviews/) Redhat Enterprise Linux is an open-source operating system that can be run on multiple platforms to handle large quantites of data. [Learn more about Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://www.capterra.com/p/229025/Red-Hat-Enterprise-Linux/) Operating Systems features reviewers most value App Management Data Security Desktop Interface File Management For Developers Kernels Resource Allocation System Updates User Interface [## Debian](https://www.capterra.com/p/229027/Debian/) [4.6 (24)](https://www.capterra.com/p/229027/Debian/reviews/) Debian is a free, open-source Linux operating system providing stability, security, and flexibility. [Learn more about Debian](https://www.capterra.com/p/229027/Debian/) Operating Systems features reviewers most value App Management Data Security Desktop Interface File Management For Developers Kernels Resource Allocation System Updates User Interface [## Raspberry Pi OS](https://www.capterra.com/p/230090/Raspbian/) [4.8 (19)](https://www.capterra.com/p/230090/Raspbian/reviews/) Raspbian is a free Debian-based operating system optimized for Raspberry Pi hardware with over 35,000 precompiled software packages. [Learn more about Raspberry Pi OS](https://www.capterra.com/p/230090/Raspbian/) Operating Systems features reviewers most value App Management Data Security Desktop Interface File Management For Developers Kernels Resource Allocation System Updates User Interface [## Fedora Workstation](https://www.capterra.com/p/229028/Fedora-Workstation/) [4.8 (18)](https://www.capterra.com/p/229028/Fedora-Workstation/#reviews) Fedora Workstation is an operating system designed for developers that comes with an open-source toolbox and application containment. [Learn more about Fedora Workstation](https://www.capterra.com/p/229028/Fedora-Workstation/) Operating Systems features reviewers most value App Management Data Security Desktop Interface File Management For Developers Kernels Resource Allocation System Updates User Interface [## Oracle Linux](https://www.capterra.com/p/229031/Oracle-Linux/) [4.4 (18)](https://www.capterra.com/p/229031/Oracle-Linux/reviews/) Oracle Linux is an operating system that provides an environment for virtualization, data management, and cloud-native computer tools. [Learn more about Oracle Linux](https://www.capterra.com/p/229031/Oracle-Linux/) Operating Systems features reviewers most value App Management Data Security Desktop Interface File Management For Developers Kernels Resource Allocation System Updates User Interface [## Parrot OS](https://www.capterra.com/p/230180/Parrot-Security-OS/) [4.5 (17)](https://www.capterra.com/p/230180/Parrot-Security-OS/reviews/) Operating system based on Debian with a full portable laboratory for cyber security operations, pen-testing, and digital forensics. [Learn more about Parrot OS](https://www.capterra.com/p/230180/Parrot-Security-OS/) Operating Systems features reviewers most value App Management Data Security Desktop Interface File Management For Developers Kernels Resource Allocation System Updates User Interface [## Zorin OS](https://www.capterra.com/p/235851/Zorin-OS/) [4.7 (9)](https://www.capterra.com/p/235851/Zorin-OS/reviews/) Zorin OS is a user-friendly Linux-based operating system that provides a familiar desktop experience for Windows and macOS users. [Learn more about Zorin OS](https://www.capterra.com/p/235851/Zorin-OS/) Operating Systems features reviewers most value App Management Data Security Desktop Interface File Management For Developers Kernels Resource Allocation System Updates User Interface [## SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop](https://www.capterra.com/p/229040/Suse-Linux-Enterprise-Desktop/) [4.5 (8)](https://www.capterra.com/p/229040/Suse-Linux-Enterprise-Desktop/reviews/) SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop is a secure desktop operating system for enterprise environments with an integrated search engine. [Learn more about SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop](https://www.capterra.com/p/229040/Suse-Linux-Enterprise-Desktop/) Operating Systems features reviewers most value App Management Data Security Desktop Interface File Management For Developers Kernels Resource Allocation System Updates User Interface [## Kubuntu](https://www.capterra.com/p/229669/Kubuntu/) [4.7 (6)](https://www.capterra.com/p/229669/Kubuntu/#reviews) Kubuntu is an operating system that can be used on Mac & PC devices that comes with email integration and a built in file terminal. [Learn more about Kubuntu](https://www.capterra.com/p/229669/Kubuntu/) Operating Systems features reviewers most value App Management Data Security Desktop Interface File Management For Developers Kernels Resource Allocation System Updates User Interface [## Manjaro](https://www.capterra.com/p/229041/Manjaro-Linux/) [4.7 (6)](https://www.capterra.com/p/229041/Manjaro-Linux/#reviews) Manjaro Linux is an operating system that can be downloaded online and comes with power saving methods and multi-functioning updates. [Learn more about Manjaro](https://www.capterra.com/p/229041/Manjaro-Linux/) Operating Systems features reviewers most value App Management Data Security Desktop Interface File Management For Developers Kernels Resource Allocation System Updates User Interface [## FreeBSD](https://www.capterra.com/p/246861/FreeBSD/) [5.0 (4)](https://www.capterra.com/p/246861/FreeBSD/#reviews) A multi-language operating system for embedded platforms and modern servers, providing advanced security and storage capabilities. [Learn more about FreeBSD](https://www.capterra.com/p/246861/FreeBSD/) Operating Systems features reviewers most value App Management Data Security Desktop Interface File Management For Developers Kernels Resource Allocation System Updates User Interface [## Alpine Linux](https://www.capterra.com/p/246978/Alpine-Linux/) [4.7 (3)](https://www.capterra.com/p/246978/Alpine-Linux/#reviews) A Linux distribution built around C musl libl and Busybox implementation. It is a distro for single-purposes and network-based systems. [Learn more about Alpine Linux](https://www.capterra.com/p/246978/Alpine-Linux/) Operating Systems features reviewers most value App Management Data Security Desktop Interface File Management For Developers Kernels Resource Allocation System Updates User Interface [## Deepin](https://www.capterra.com/p/234319/Deepin/) [4.7 (3)](https://www.capterra.com/p/234319/Deepin/#reviews) It is a Linux based operating system which allows users to download apps, manage display, customize user interface, and more. [Learn more about Deepin](https://www.capterra.com/p/234319/Deepin/) Operating Systems features reviewers most value App Management Data Security Desktop Interface File Management For Developers Kernels Resource Allocation System Updates User Interface [## TRON](https://www.capterra.com/p/247001/TRON/) [4.5 (2)](https://www.capterra.com/p/247001/TRON/#reviews) Open-source operating system kernel design that enables engineers to interface with electronic devices, appliances, and cars. [Learn more about TRON](https://www.capterra.com/p/247001/TRON/) Operating Systems features reviewers most value App Management Data Security Desktop Interface File Management For Developers Kernels Resource Allocation System Updates User Interface [## Oracle Solaris](https://www.capterra.com/p/246752/Oracle-Solaris-10/) [4.5 (2)](https://www.capterra.com/p/246752/Oracle-Solaris-10/#reviews) Cloud-based operating system & business management tool that allows firms to optimize operational efficiency and streamline workflows. [Learn more about Oracle Solaris](https://www.capterra.com/p/246752/Oracle-Solaris-10/) Operating Systems features reviewers most value App Management Data Security Desktop Interface File Management For Developers Kernels Resource Allocation System Updates User Interface [## Xubuntu](https://www.capterra.com/p/234442/Xubuntu/) [4.0 (2)](https://www.capterra.com/p/234442/Xubuntu/#reviews) Operating systems that provides businesses with a configurable desktop environment to streamline workflows. [Learn more about Xubuntu](https://www.capterra.com/p/234442/Xubuntu/) Operating Systems features reviewers most value App Management Data Security Desktop Interface File Management For Developers Kernels Resource Allocation System Updates User Interface [## Talos OS](https://www.capterra.com/p/238078/Talos-OS/) [5.0 (1)](https://www.capterra.com/p/238078/Talos-OS/#reviews) A completely reimagined OS for Kubernetes that lets users run & manage Kubernetes across cloud, virtual, bare metal & other platforms. [Learn more about Talos OS](https://www.capterra.com/p/238078/Talos-OS/) Operating Systems features reviewers most value App Management Data Security Desktop Interface File Management For Developers Kernels Resource Allocation System Updates User Interface [## Junos OS](https://www.capterra.com/p/229029/Junos-OS/) [5.0 (1)](https://www.capterra.com/p/229029/Junos-OS/#reviews) Junos OS is a linux based operating system that provides open APIs to allow for third party integrations. [Learn more about Junos OS](https://www.capterra.com/p/229029/Junos-OS/) Operating Systems features reviewers most value App Management Data Security Desktop Interface File Management For Developers Kernels Resource Allocation System Updates User Interface Page 1 of 2 ## Top-rated software of 2026 ### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox. Filter (30) Products: Sort By: Sponsored * * * Plan Type Free Trial Popular 85% of professionals opt for a 30-day trial before the software purchase Other subsciption plans: Free Version Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription One-Time License Key Features All key features Popular We have selected the most important and critical features as defined by Capterra user reviews AI Copilot App Management Data Security Desktop Interface File Management For Developers Generative AI Kernels Resource Allocation System Updates User Interface Deployment Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based Desktop Mac Desktop Windows Desktop Linux On-Premise Windows On-Premise Linux Desktop Chromebook Mobile Android Mobile iPhone Mobile iPad Related Software Category: [Remote Desktop Software](https://www.capterra.com/remote-desktop-software/)[Virtual Machine Software](https://www.capterra.com/virtual-machine-software/)[Virtualization Software](https://www.capterra.com/virtualization-software/)[Server Monitoring Software](https://www.capterra.com/server-monitoring-software/)[Data Center Management Software](https://www.capterra.com/data-center-management-software/)[VDI Software](https://www.capterra.com/vdi-software/)[Cloud PBX Software](https://www.capterra.com/cloud-pbx-software/)[Desktop as a Service (DaaS) Software](https://www.capterra.com/daas-software/)[Server Management Software](https://www.capterra.com/server-management-software/) I'm looking for Operating Systems Software that is: [Free](https://www.capterra.com/operating-systems-software/s/free/) Table of Contents - [The benefits of operating system](#the-benefits-of-operating-system) - [Typical features of operating system software](#typical-features-of-operating-system-software) - [The cost of operating system software](#the-cost-of-operating-system-software) - [Considerations when purchasing operating system software](#considerations-when-purchasing-operating-system-software) ## The benefits of operating system An operating system acts as an interface between the computer hardware and the user. Here are some of the many benefits provided by operating system software. - **Facilitates data sharing:** Operating systems facilitate sharing of data via modems, printers, or fax machines, among other devices. The software also allows users to share individual data, including files, videos, and images, with multiple users via email. - **Addresses security concerns:** An operating system is responsible for addressing all kinds of security concerns, including software vulnerabilities, network intrusion, malware, and authentication issues. The system utilizes various methods and techniques, such as firewalls, buffer overflow defense, and access control, to help protect a computer system and stored information. - **Manages multiple tasks:** An OS software can work on more than one task by switching between tasks. These tasks may involve a single user or multiple users. The software allows you to navigate between tasks without losing important information. - **User-friendly interface:** Modern operating systems use GUI, which is visually appealing and simple to understand and use even if you don’t know programming languages. It allows users to interact with the computer via text and graphics, such as icons, dialog boxes, and buttons. * * * ## Typical features of operating system software - **Memory management:** Allocate memory for process execution. Keep track of used memory and remove unwanted memory pages or shift them to secondary memory to free the primary memory for important processes. - **Systems update:** Perform regular patch updates. Update the software to its latest version based on trends and user feedback to improve efficiency in operations. - **Desktop interface:** Provide an intuitive interface that enables users to understand and communicate with the device without knowing the programming language. - **Data security:** Secure information by providing data access control and by encrypting the data stored in the system. Most operating systems have an in-built security program that helps remove malware and suspicious files. - **File management:** Allow users to create, modify, share, and delete files in the system. Facilitate transferring of files to connected devices. - **Resource allocation:** Allocate resources, such as memory, file storage, input/output devices, and network connections, to a computer program as and when required. * * * ## The cost of operating system software Since operating system software usually comes pre-installed with hardware devices, the pricing of these tools depends on the component that you choose, such as the laptop, desktop, or mobile device. Also, there is no fixed pricing range for OS solutions. Different operating system software solutions are available in the market, including Mac OS, Microsoft Windows OS, Android OS, and Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu. While Linux is majorly considered a free operating system and open-source software, Mac OS is an operating system that powers only Apple products. Similar to Linux, the Android mobile operating system is free for consumers. Windows OS and Mac OS, such as OS X, come pre-installed with the hardware. Compared to Mac OS, Linux or Microsoft Windows are better suited for businesses with a restrained budget. This is because Apple devices tend to be costlier than Microsoft or any other brand. * * * ## Considerations when purchasing operating system software Here are some important factors to consider before finalizing your operating system software purchase. - **User requirements:** Before you finalize an operating system for yourself, make sure to examine your needs and expectations from the tool. For instance, if you are a software developer, you might want to consider a developer-friendly tool. In such a case, Linux can be a good choice for you as it offers increased flexibility in terms of coding to developers. Similarly, if you need to do a lot of images or video editing, Mac OS is most likely to meet your needs as the software offers powerful editing tools. If you are a student, you may want to consider the Windows application, as it comes with a powerful Microsoft Office package that can be useful for your academic needs. - **Memory management capabilities:** A good operating system should be able to manage primary memory properly and move processes between main memory and disk during process execution. The software should further be able to allocate memory to processes and de-allocate it upon their completion. It should also help keep track of the memory usage and its location, regardless of whether it is free or allocated. - **Quality:** One of the most critical parameters to consider while looking for a good computer operating system software is its stability and robustness. You must select a tool that handles all its functions, including device management, memory management, and processor management, without crashing. Refrain from selecting a product that requires constant rebooting to operate. - **Security concerns:** While operating systems are exposed to security risks, Windows applications are the most susceptible to such issues. Linux-based operating systems, on the contrary, are the least exposed to viruses. * * * **Sources** Products evaluated for the pricing calculation were taken from [Capterra’s operating system software directory](https://www.capterra.com/operating-systems-software/), sorted by the number of reviews. The pricing ranges exclude freemium versions of the products. The highlighted features were identified based on their relevance and the percentage of products in Capterra’s directory that offer them.