Best Linux for KDE Plasma
KDE Plasma is known for its customisation. The systems below ship it as their main desktop or as a leading option.
What to look for
- A screen big enough to use the settings
- Enough RAM for a comfortable session
- A taste for adjusting things
Good choices
- Manjaro: suits people who want Arch's software with an easier installer and curated updates. See the USB drive.
- CachyOS: suits people who want a fast Arch-based system tuned for performance and gaming. See the USB drive.
- Garuda Linux: suits people with a capable computer who want a polished, gaming-friendly Arch-based desktop. See the USB drive.
- openSUSE: suits people who like a carefully engineered system with strong snapshot rollback, in rolling (Tumbleweed) or fixed (Leap) form. See the USB drive.
- Kubuntu: suits people who want Ubuntu's base with KDE Plasma and plenty of customisation. See the USB drive.
- Ubuntu Studio: suits people making audio, video, graphics or photos who want the tools preinstalled. See the USB drive.
- KDE neon: suits people who want the newest KDE Plasma on a stable Ubuntu LTS base. See the USB drive.
- Nobara: suits people who want a Fedora-based system with gaming fixes and media codecs ready to go. See the USB drive.
How to decide
Start two or three of these from a live USB drive and use each for twenty minutes. See how to try Linux without installing, then read how to choose a Linux distribution.
Frequently asked questions
Can I try these before installing?
Yes. Write one to a USB drive and start it in live mode. See how to try Linux without installing.
How many should I test for KDE Plasma?
Two or three is plenty. Use each for about twenty minutes and check Wi-Fi, sound, battery and the programs you rely on.
Will my files be touched while I test?
No. A live session leaves your internal disk alone unless you choose to install.