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ReviewsIs Linux (Ubuntu) actually free?
How free100/100
Value9/10
How these scores work
Free Score (0–100) follows a fixed rubric: cards up front, auto-billing, hard time cutoffs, withheld core features, and paying with your data or attention all deduct points. 90–100 truly free · 70–89 free forever · 45–69 squeezed · 15–44 trial mechanics · under 15 fake or gone. Value (0–10) is editorial: real-world worth of the free offering measured against its paid equivalent. Full rubric on the methodology page.
Yes — Ubuntu (and Linux generally) is a complete, free operating system: no license fee, no activation, no subscription. It runs on old and new hardware alike and comes with free software for office, browsing, media, and development.
What it’s worth
Windows licenses cost $100–200; macOS requires Apple hardware. Linux costs nothing and runs on anything.
What you get free
- A complete operating system — desktop, laptop, or server
- Bundled with LibreOffice, Firefox, and media tools
- Runs on old hardware Windows has abandoned
- No license key, no activation, no telemetry by default
In practice: a full computer operating system at $0 — the reason old laptops don't have to become landfill.
Drawbacks
- Learning curve if you're coming from Windows or Mac
- Some specialized software (Adobe, certain games) doesn't run natively
- Hardware compatibility occasionally requires troubleshooting
Free facts
| Verdict | Truly Free |
| Card required | No |
| Auto-bills | — |
| Account | None needed |
| Limits | None |
| The real cost | Nothing. Free, open-source operating system. |
The catch
There is no catch. Canonical (Ubuntu's company) makes money on enterprise support and cloud services. The desktop operating system is and always has been free — a full replacement for Windows or macOS.
Is Linux (Ubuntu) safe?
Yes. This is among the most examined pieces of software on earth.
Downloadubuntu.com — and verify the checksum the download page gives you. That step exists precisely so a tampered image can't pass unnoticed.
Your dataUbuntu asks once whether to send hardware diagnostics, and declining is a normal, supported choice. No ads, and no account needed to use the desktop.
Scams to watchPaid install media and support contracts are legitimate products when labelled as such. Sites selling “Ubuntu licences” are not — there is nothing to license.
Safety here means downloads, data practices, and scam exposure — it is separate from the free verdict above. Checked August 2026.
The smart play
- Try Ubuntu from a USB drive before installing — no commitment needed
- Install alongside Windows (dual boot) if you're not ready to switch fully
- For old hardware, try Linux Mint or Lubuntu — even lighter
Common questions
Is Linux (Ubuntu) safe?
Yes. This is among the most examined pieces of software on earth. ubuntu.com — and verify the checksum the download page gives you. That step exists precisely so a tampered image can't pass unnoticed. Ubuntu asks once whether to send hardware diagnostics, and declining is a normal, supported choice. No ads, and no account needed to use the desktop. Paid install media and support contracts are legitimate products when labelled as such. Sites selling “Ubuntu licences” are not — there is nothing to license.
Does Linux (Ubuntu) require a credit card?
No — Linux (Ubuntu) does not ask for a card to use the free version. Auto-billing: —.
What are the limits of Linux (Ubuntu)'s free plan?
None. There is no catch. Canonical (Ubuntu's company) makes money on enterprise support and cloud services. The desktop operating system is and always has been free — a full replacement for Windows or macOS.
How do I use Linux (Ubuntu) without paying?
Try Ubuntu from a USB drive before installing — no commitment needed Install alongside Windows (dual boot) if you're not ready to switch fully For old hardware, try Linux Mint or Lubuntu — even lighter
What does Linux (Ubuntu) really cost?
Nothing. Free, open-source operating system.
Why is Linux (Ubuntu) free?
Nothing. Free, open-source operating system. Windows licenses cost $100–200; macOS requires Apple hardware. Linux costs nothing and runs on anything.
Is Linux (Ubuntu) still free?
As of our last check, yes. Yes — Ubuntu (and Linux generally) is a complete, free operating system: no license fee, no activation, no subscription. It runs on old and new hardware alike and comes with free software for office, browsing, media, and development. Free tiers change without notice, which is why every page here carries the date it was checked.
More info — tap to expand
Why an entire operating system is free
Linux is maintained by thousands of contributors, companies, and a global community. Ubuntu's sponsor Canonical earns from enterprise services, not desktop licenses. The model has sustained a free operating system for two decades — and it runs most of the world's servers, phones (Android is Linux), and supercomputers.
Last checked: August 2026site-wide date · Verdict: Truly Free — no card, no account wall, no meaningful catch. use it and go.
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