ZDNET’s key takeaways
- There are paid Linux distros that offer added features.
- There are also paid add-ons that extend support.
- Some of these are desktop OSs, and one is specifically for home servers.
Ah, Linux. It’s everywhere: powering desktops, servers, cars, refrigerators, thermostats — you name it, and Linux probably powers it. Because of its ubiquity, you may know a bit about Linux, and the one thing you’ve probably heard is that it’s free.
It is. Linux is not only free as in the source code is available for anyone to view and use, but, for the most part, Linux has no associated cost.
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That “for the most part” is important because some Linux distributions offer a premium version that I actually find worth the price.
Before I get to the list, there’s one thing to understand: Paid versions of Linux fall under a few limited categories.
- Enterprise Linux (such as SUSE and Red Hat)
- A few distributions that actually offer a legit premium option
- Distributions that make deploying a server to your home LAN easier
- Distributions that offer premium add-ons to improve what you might already have
I’m going to leave out the Enterprise Linux category, because those distros are only viable for large organizations (and are too costly for most consumers).
With that said, let’s get to the list.
1. Zorin OS
To some, Zorin OS Pro is a hard sell. After all, everything it offers can be had in a free Linux distribution. There are the extra layouts, the bundled software, the ability to cast your desktop to your TV, installation support, more wallpaper — all for only $47.99. Here’s the thing: while you can get those things via a free distribution, Zorin OS Pro makes it easy. And for those who are just coming to Linux from Windows or MacOS, ease is the key to longevity.
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When those new to Linux decide to switch, if there are too many challenges, they jump right back to proprietary operating systems, and Zorin OS understands that. To that end, the developer has taken great pains to help new users get exactly what they need and want from an OS, without having to jump through many (if any) hoops. On top of that, Zorin OS Pro is simply a fantastic operating system. It’s beautiful (with a total of 12 different desktop layouts), has all of the software you need out of the box, and makes things like installing software and casting your desktop far easier than most distributions. To me, that is worth every penny.
2. Linux-AI OS
Linux-AI OS is the new kid on the block. I recently reviewed this distribution and have found it to be an outstanding option for users of all types. But don’t be fooled: simply because it has AI in the name, this isn’t all about artificial intelligence. It offers AI out of the box (even local AI), so if you prefer to use AI and want Linux as your OS, this is the way to go. The premium version ($49.99) does a few things that other distros are not doing.
Also: Inside Linux-AI OS: I tested a distro with built-in local AI
The premium version adds a few things to the mix, including AI image and video creation, voice tools, local Ollama AI, virtual machine management, email assistance, and advanced creative tools. I’ve had a few chats with Kevin Richards, the developer of Linux-AI OS, and he’s even planning to add the ability for users to create music via AI using PersonaStudio. According to Richards, PersonaStudio is “an app that can be used to read a script and produce a realistic dialogue for storytelling, podcasts, or talking faces videos.”
3. Archcraft Prime
You’ve probably not heard of Archcraft Prime. I have reviewed Archcraft and found it to be a super solid distribution for anyone looking to move beyond beginner Linux. As for Archcraft Prime, you get three premium window managers (Openbox, bspwm, and i3wm) and all five Wayland compositors (Sway, Wayfire, River, Hyprland, and NeWM) preinstalled and pre-configured in one single ISO. This means you can choose between those combinations, without having to install and configure them yourself.
You may be asking, “Why would I pay for that?” Consider this: If you want to up your Linux game but don’t want to spend time installing and configuring more complex window managers and compositors to start using them, this is a great way to go. You could install Archcraft Prime, select the Hyrpland compositor, and not have to spend hours setting it up. If you wanted to, however, you could eventually spend that time (once you’ve become familiar with how Hyrpland works), but you don’t have to.
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That’s the beauty of Archcraft Prime.
Archcraft Prime is available for a donation. You pay what you want to gain access to this premium distro.
4. Ubuntu Pro
OK, Ubuntu Pro isn’t a distribution, but a license you can purchase to add extra support to the OS. We’re not talking an extra year or so. With an Ubuntu Pro subscription, you get 10 years of comprehensive security updates and patches for Ubuntu. On top of that, there are over 25,000 tools and packages, and an option for 24/7 enterprise-level support.
Also: Ubuntu makes extending support easy – here’s how
It gets better. You can add Ubuntu Pro for personal use for free for up to five computers. Yeah — free. Once you get beyond five computers, that’s when you start having to pay the price. The one downfall of the free option is that it does not include access to the knowledge base, Certified Windows drivers for KVM guests, and the Ubuntu Assurance Program.
Once you get beyond five machines, you’re looking at the Enterprise option, which costs $25/computer/year. If you have six computers in your home or business and want them all included in Ubuntu Pro, it would only cost you $25/year for that extra machine.
5. Unraid
Unraid is a Linux server operating system geared toward network-attached storage. If you’re looking to replace Google Drive or iCloud and want to bring those services to your home network, Unraid is a great way to go — especially if you’re not yet familiar enough with Linux to set up your own server.
With Unraid, you can mix and match drives, securely store and share data, manage virtual machines, and deploy/manager docker applications. Even better, all of this is done via a well-designed web-based UI.
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Unraid also allows you to install apps to expand the feature set of the OS from a community app market. You’ll find apps like paperless-ngx (document management), Vaultwarden (password manager), Duplicati (backup client), Jellyfin (media server), various VPNs, immich (photo/video backup), Ollama (AI), OpenWebUI (web front-end for AI), and many more.
There are three pricing tiers for Unraid:
- Starter $49/one time – You get 6 devices, one year of updates, and a perpetual license.
- Unleashed/$109/one time – You get unlimited devices, one year of updates, and a perpetual license.
- Lifetime $250/one time – You get unlimited devices, unlimited updates, and a perpetual license.
