MX Linux vs Qubes OS
| MX Linux | Qubes OS | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Paid from | Free | — |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | Linux | Linux |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Device types | Desktop and laptop computers; removable USB media for live operation | Computers with compatible 64-bit Intel or AMD CPUs and required virtualization features |
| CPU architectures | 64-bit only for MX-25 official releases | x86_64 (64-bit Intel or AMD; Intel 64/AMD64) |
| Support lifecycle | Major versions follow Debian Stable releases; support duration varies by release (official chart linked in FAQ, but not verified here). | Qubes OS releases are supported for six months after each subsequent major or minor release |
| Built-in management | MX Tools; MX Updater with package update checks, upgrade modes and scheduled unattended upgrades; MX Package Installer | Qubes Update tool; Qube Manager; Qubes Template Manager; qvm-template; command-line qube tools |
| App compatibility | Debian packages and repositories, Debian Backports, Flatpak, Snap on supported setups, AppImage | App qubes based on Fedora and Debian templates; community templates include Whonix, Ubuntu, Arch Linux, and Gentoo; Windows qubes supported |
| Deployment models | Install on physical computers; live system from USB; customized live/remastered images | Installed on compatible physical computers; may also be installed on a USB flash drive or external disk |
Both are listed in Best Operating Systems. On Samsung Mobile US Press, MX Linux scores higher on our published basis.