Jack Wallen/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeaways
- If you need AI, try one of these Linux distros.
- Some systems include AI out of the box.
- Others require a bit of configuration.
No matter how hard you try, it’s becoming harder to escape the pull of AI. It’s embedded in most apps, services, and operating systems we use. AI is in Windows as Copilot, in MacOS as Apple Intelligence, and AI is also starting to make its way into Linux.
Also: The 6 AI-free Linux distros I recommend most – and why they’re likely to stay that way
The good news is that most Linux distributions don’t have the technology so embedded into their systems that it can’t be ignored or removed.
However, if you are fond of using AI and seeking a distribution that makes working with AI a bit easier, I’ve curated a best-of list for you.
Let’s get into it.
1. Pop!_OS
System76 built Pop!_OS for “creators.” Of course, when tech people say “creators,” they generally mean developers. However, this distribution’s appeal to creators goes well beyond devs. I’m a writer, and I use Pop!_OS regularly.
The important thing to understand is that you can download one of two versions of the OS: one for AMD GPUs and one for Nvidia GPUs. When using AI (especially local AI), the best route is via an Nvidia GPU. Most AI systems are built specifically for AMD hardware. If you don’t have an Nvidia GPU, your AI will run in CPU mode, which is exponentially slower.
Also: 7 things every Linux beginner should know before downloading their first distro
Before you install Pop!_OS, make sure you’re downloading the right ISO for your GPU hardware. That way, you can be sure the correct drivers are automatically installed.
This simplicity is the main reason I place Pop!_OS on the list (well, that and it’s gorgeous). If you plan on using locally installed AI, go straight to Nvidia hardware and use the Pop!_OS Nvidia ISO.
2. Fedora
Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNETThe main thing you need to know about Fedora is that the organization has created the Fedora AI Developer Desktop Initiative. From this program, new AI-centric Fedora Atomic Desktops will be spawned.
These desktops haven’t been released yet. But you can bet that when it happens, Fedora will do it right.
The main goal of the Fedora AI Developer Desktop Initiative is to build a thriving community around AI technologies. This community will focus on equipping developers with the tools to ensure that users experience painless deployment and usage of AI applications.
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This initiative started in March, so I would expect some developments to come to light soon.
In the meantime, Fedora is still a good option for AI because of its powerful container support and dedication to security.
3. CachyOS
Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNETFirst off, CachyOS is the fastest desktop operating system available. The developers have made several tweaks to boost performance, and they’ve hit the nail on the head.
Because of the highly customized kernel, CachyOS delivers speed unlike any other operating system, and the more speed you can give AI, the better off you’ll be.
Also: I tried the KDE Plasma 6.8 beta, and it’s hands down as good as it gets
But CachyOS isn’t just about speed. You also get the latest Nvidia (CUDA) and AMD (ROCm) drivers, which are crucial for running AI successfully on the desktop. Those latest and greatest drivers mean you won’t have to go on any wild goose chases to find what you need.
Another great thing about CachyOS is that it auto-detects your GPU and installs the best drivers, so you don’t have to worry about doing so before installing or using AI. Although you don’t get any pre-installed AI services, Cachy OS’s drivers and speed go a long way toward improving the AI experience.
4. MainstreamOS
Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNETMainstreamOS gives you AI out of the box. The one caveat is that you do have to carefully configure the desktop by connecting it to your AI account. The MainstreamOS AI system lets you use a locally installed AI (such as Ollama) and Gemini, Claude, Codex, or Mistral.
If you opt for local AI, make sure your machine has the power to support it. You certainly do not want to run a query and have your system bog down to the point that it becomes unusable.
Also: Can MainstreamOS finally make Linux a household name? I tried it to find out
The second thing MainstreamOS does is make using the Hyprland window manager a breeze (which is, traditionally, a complicated window manager).
With MainstreamOS, the AI is served as a sidebar that you can call or dismiss with ease. Bring up the AI sidebar, submit your query, read the results, and dismiss the sidebar. There’s no need to install any extra apps to use this service. Just connect it to your AI account of choice, grab an API key, paste it into the AI configuration, and you’re good to go.
5. Linux-AI OS
Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNETLinux-AI OS is one of the newest distributions on the block, but it certainly doesn’t feel that way. This distribution uses AI sparingly, but effectively. For example, you get locally installed AI (Ollama) out of the box and connected to the app, so no extra configuration is required.
With Linux-AI OS, you install the operating system, log in to your account, and start using AI. It’s about as easy as AI gets.
Also: This Linux distro I recommend to power users takes a unique approach to OS design
Like the other distributions on this list, make sure to install Linux-AI OS on hardware that can handle the task. No matter how small or large your model, it still needs resources to support the heavy lifting.
But if you want out-of-the-box AI on Linux, you can’t go wrong with Linux-AI OS.
