Free Software Foundation Approved Distros
Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes Last updated on 21st August 2025
Not all software in Linux distributions necessarily is free or libre software. After all, most of us want to play MP3 files, and I am as guilty of this as many. Then, some proprietary drivers are included with some of them baked into Linux kernels as well. All of this may make Linux easier to use, but it will not please some. Hence, the Free Software Foundation (FSF) has a list of distros satisfying their guidelines and some of these are below.
Dynebolic is a Linux distribution designed for multimedia production and creative work. It recently returned after a 10-year hiatus, now based on Devuan and featuring the KDE Plasma desktop environment. Key features include portability, focus on multimedia tools (audio, video, graphics, publishing), use of free and open-source software, automatic hardware recognition, and various pre-installed creative applications. The latest beta version runs on Linux kernel 6.8 series and introduces "workflows" for different tasks based on KDE's Activities feature. However, reviewers note that it doesn't significantly stand out from other distributions in terms of creativity. Development is ongoing, with a focus on improving audio production tools and customized artwork.
Guix System is an advanced GNU/Linux distribution based on the GNU Guix package manager, offering features such as a fully programmable operating system using Guile Scheme, transactional upgrades and rollbacks for both packages and entire systems, declarative configuration through a single file, Linux-libre kernel support with GNU Hurd development, usage of GNU Shepherd init system instead of systemd, reproducible builds and environments, unprivileged package management, per-user profiles, and functional deployment model. The distribution emphasises user freedom and open-source principles as it adheres to the GNU Free System Distribution Guidelines. Although powerful and flexible, its unique approach may require users to adapt to its functional programming paradigm and Scheme-based configuration.
Hyperbola GNU/Linux-libre is an independent Linux distribution based on Arch Linux and Debian. It offers a fully free software experience, adhering to the GNU Free System Distribution Guidelines, using the Linux-libre kernel and Xfce desktop environment. The focus is on privacy, security, and user freedom, employing OpenRC as init system instead of systemd, supporting full-disk encryption with LUKS, and utilising a rolling release model for updates. HyperbolaBSD, a planned successor, intends to replace Hyperbola GNU/Linux-libre. It will be based on an OpenBSD hard fork and aims to provide an alternative to current OS trends threatening user choice. Development began in March 2022, with plans to create a minimalist, modular system that replaces non-free components with GPL-compatible code. The transition to HyperbolaBSD was motivated by concerns regarding the Linux kernel's direction and potential adoption of Rust.
LibreCMC is a free embedded operating system based on LEDE Project (a Linux fork) and adhering to GNU Free System Distribution Guidelines. Key features include using a Linux-libre kernel, removing non-free components, supporting various routers and some single-board computers, utilising BusyBox init system, having ext4 as the default file system, and releasing updates every 3–6 months. This distribution emphasises privacy, security, and user freedom by providing complete control over devices with a focus on software freedom, making it eligible for FSF's "Respects Your Freedom" certification. The project consists of two parts: a GNU/Linux-libre distribution and an experimental non-Linux OS (still in development). LibreCMC aims to cater to users who prioritise software freedom and avoid non-free blobs or components in their embedded devices.
Parabola GNU/Linux-libre is a free and open-source Linux distribution, adhering to the GNU Free System Distribution Guidelines. Based on Arch Linux, it offers features such as rolling updates, pacman package management, multiple desktop environments, and a focus on community involvement and system simplicity. Key differences from Arch include using only free software, an x86-64, i686, and ARMv7 architecture support, and the utilization of a Linux-libre kernel instead of a generic Linux kernel. Parabola offers basic installations to provide users with control over their computing environment while maintaining privacy, security, and user freedom by filtering out non-free software packages. Distinguishing from Arch Linux, it remains committed to free software principles and removing non-free components. Users can install Parabola using ISO images or migrating from existing Arch systems.
ProteanOS is a custom-designed operating system, built from the ground up for various embedded devices, inspired by industry standards and open-source values. It offers flexibility to run on multiple hardware platforms with various UNIX kernels, and features a small size while maintaining high performance through essential software packages and hardware optimization. ProteanOS is fully free/libre, enabling user control and continued development support.
PureOS is a user-friendly, secure, and freedom respecting operating system developed by Purism. Based on Debian's "testing" main archive, it provides a convergent experience across desktop computers, laptops, and the company's Librem 5 smartphone. Focused on privacy and security, PureOS only uses free and open-source software, with GNOME and KDE Plasma desktop environments available. Aiming to provide a fully auditable operating system, recent improvements include enhanced stability, new security and update software channels, and better management of older versions. Suitable for technology enthusiasts, privacy-conscious individuals, and enterprises seeking secure and freedom-respecting systems.
Trisquel is a free and open-source Linux distribution based on Ubuntu that strictly adheres to free software principles, using the Linux-libre kernel and offering multiple editions (MATE desktop, LXDE, KDE, Sugar TOAST) catering to various users. It provides long-term support updates and supports various architectures such as x86, x86-64, ARM, and POWER9. Using APT and Synaptic for package management, Trisquel aims for user-friendliness and accessibility with a regular release cycle. Designed for home users, small enterprises, and educational centres, it includes pre-installed applications while being community-driven with a focus on updates, patches, and multilingual support. Some challenges may arise due to proprietary hardware drivers. Trisquel provides a fully free software system, ensuring all included software is open-source and libre.
This is a free software-focused Argentine distribution first released in 2000, based on Ubuntu but modified to remove non-free packages and repositories. Named after a gecko species native to Argentina, Ututo is known for its commitment to software freedom and its unique approach to package management. Developed by the Universidad Nacional de Salta, it has an active community and offers a customizable, efficient Linux distribution suitable for home users and developers. Despite limited recognition compared to other distributions, Ututo remains significant for its strong adherence to free software principles.