Linux operating system options for Raspberry Pi

Raspberry Pi OS (recommended for most users)

Raspberry Pi OS (formerly Raspbian) is the official operating system from the Raspberry Pi Foundation. It's based on Debian Linux and optimized for the Pi's hardware.

Versions

• Raspberry Pi OS with desktop: Full graphical interface, pre-installed apps (web browser, office suite, coding tools).
• Raspberry Pi OS Lite: Command-line only, minimal installation for servers and headless projects.
• Raspberry Pi OS Full: Includes additional software like LibreOffice and games.

Best for

• Beginners and first-time Pi users
• Learning programming (Python, Scratch, GPIO projects)
• Desktop replacement or general computing
• Education and STEM projects

Pros

• Officially supported, frequent updates
• Excellent hardware compatibility
• Huge community and documentation
• Pre-installed tools for education and development

Cons

• Not as lightweight as some alternatives
• Limited to Debian packages (though vast selection available)

Ubuntu

Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions worldwide. The official Raspberry Pi version brings Ubuntu's ecosystem to the Pi.

Versions

• Ubuntu Desktop: Full GNOME desktop environment.
• Ubuntu Server: Headless server OS for web hosting, databases, Docker, etc.
• Ubuntu Core: Minimal, snap-only OS for IoT and embedded devices.

Best for

• Users already familiar with Ubuntu on PC/laptop
• Server projects (web servers, cloud storage, home automation hubs)
• Running Docker containers
• IoT and industrial applications

Pros

• Familiar interface if you use Ubuntu elsewhere
• Long-term support (LTS) releases
• Excellent for servers and headless operation
• Large software repository

Cons

• Heavier than Raspberry Pi OS (especially Desktop version)
• Some Pi-specific tools require manual configuration
• May not fully support all Pi hardware (e.g., camera, GPIO) out of the box

RetroPie

RetroPie turns your Raspberry Pi into a retro gaming console. It's based on Raspberry Pi OS but boots directly into Emulation Station, a game library interface.

Best for

• Retro gaming enthusiasts
• Emulating NES, SNES, Genesis, PlayStation, arcade games, and more
• Building a living room game console

Pros

• Easy setup — just add ROMs and start playing
• Supports dozens of emulators out of the box
• Customizable with themes and scraped artwork
• Large community and active development

Cons

• Single-purpose OS (gaming only, though you can access the desktop)
• ROMs not included (you must provide your own legally)

See our RetroPie alternatives guide for other gaming OS options like Recalbox, Lakka, and Batocera.

Other operating system options

LibreELEC / OSMC (media centers)

Turn your Pi into a dedicated media center with Kodi.

• LibreELEC: Minimal, fast-booting Kodi OS.
• OSMC: Kodi with a Debian base, more customizable.

DietPi (lightweight server)

Extremely lightweight Debian-based OS optimized for servers and headless projects. Great for home automation, Pi-hole, or NAS.

Arch Linux ARM

Minimalist, rolling-release distro for advanced users who want complete control and cutting-edge packages.

FreeBSD / NetBSD

BSD Unix variants for users who prefer BSD over Linux. Less hardware support but excellent documentation.

Windows 10/11 IoT Core

Microsoft's IoT operating system for Pi. Designed for industrial and embedded applications, not general computing.

Which should you choose?

Quick decision guide

• New to Raspberry Pi? Start with Raspberry Pi OS. It's the easiest to use and has the best support.
• Want a specific purpose? Choose a specialized OS (RetroPie for gaming, LibreELEC for media, Ubuntu Server for servers).
• Dual-boot multiple OS? Use NOOBS or PINN to install multiple operating systems and choose at boot.