Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
None of these five Linux distributions is presented here as having an announced premium edition. The ideas are hypothetical: ZDNET writer Jack Wallen imagines what paid extras might make elementary OS, Linux Mint, MainstreamOS, Bazzite, and Ubuntu more useful. The proposals target different needs, from getting started to gaming, Android integration, and creator workflows.
Wallen frames the question personally: “I’ve been using Linux since 1997, and there have been many times when I’ve thought, ‘Why doesn’t X distro have a paid version?’” His suggestions are an opinion piece, not evidence of planned products, published prices, or new support commitments.
What each hypothetical paid tier might offer
| Distribution | Problem it might address | Wallen’s proposed extras |
|---|---|---|
| elementary OS | Software setup and compatibility | Preconfigured Bottles/Wine for Windows applications, Steam for games, and automatic GPU detection and driver installation. |
| Linux Mint | New-user onboarding | Installation and first-steps help, perhaps through chatbots or members-only forums. |
| MainstreamOS | Desktop customization | Guidance for newcomers to Hyprland and deeper customization help for experienced users. |
| Bazzite | Gaming and Android integration | A version with Waydroid ready to use, KDE Connect, and a simpler way to synchronize Android devices with Linux. |
| Ubuntu | Hardware setup and creator workflows | Improved OEM support, driver and firmware setup, hybrid graphics and fingerprint-reader support, professional codecs and camera RAW support, plus Android-tablet editions with stylus support. |
These are proposed benefits, not features confirmed by the distributions. The table compares the problems the imagined tiers would solve; it does not describe purchasable plans.
Where the ideas differ
elementary OS: fewer setup hurdles
The imagined tier would bundle setup work that can otherwise fall to the user: preparing Bottles/Wine for Windows applications, getting Steam ready for games, and detecting the GPU and installing its drivers. The proposal is about making a desktop usable sooner, not a claim that elementary OS currently provides this paid setup.
#1 Best Overall
- 1. 9-in-1 Linux:32GB Bootable Linux USB Flash Drive for Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, Linux Mint cinnamon 22, MX Linux xfce 23, Elementary OS 8.0, Linux Lite xfce 7.0, Manjaro kde 24(Replaced by Fedora Workstation 43), Peppermint Debian 32bit (being replaced by MX Linux 32bit) for older PC, Pop OS 22, Zorin OS core xfce 17. The versions you received might be latest than above as we update them to latest/LTS when we think necessary.
- 2. Try or install:Before installing on your PC, you can try them one by one without touching your hard disks.
- 3. Easy to use: These distros are easy to use and built with beginners in mind. Most of them Come with a wide range of pre-bundled software that includes office productivity suite, Web browser, instant messaging, image editing, multimedia, and email. Ensure transition to Linux World without regrets for Windows users.
- 4. Support: Printed user guide on how to boot up and try or install Linux; please contact us for help if you have an issue. Please press "Enter" a couple of times if you see a black screen after selecting a Linux.
- 5. Compatibility: Except for MACs,Chromebooks and ARM-based devices, works with any brand's laptop and desktop PC, legacy BIOS or UEFI booting, Requires enabling USB boot in BIOS/UEFI configuration and disabling Secure Boot is necessary for UEFI boot mode. Packing: The bootable USB drive comes in a colored PET/CPP zipper bag with instructions on how to get started. The box pictured is not included.
Linux Mint: help from a person or support channel
Wallen’s suggestion focuses on installation and the first steps after setup. He floats chatbots or members-only forums as possible ways to provide help. The article does not identify a provider, establish that Linux Mint offers such a plan, or verify an affiliate program. Treat this as a proposed service rather than a place to sign up.
MainstreamOS: a guided route into Hyprland
The proposal is help with Hyprland, both for newcomers learning how to use it and for experienced users who want to customize their desktop more deeply. It is a service concept, not a verified MainstreamOS support offer.
Rank #2
- ✅For beginners, refer image-7, its a video boot instruction, and image-6 is "boot menu Hot Key list"
- ✅16-IN-1, 64GB Bootable USB Drive 3.2 , Can Run Linux On USB Drive Without Install, All Latest versions.
- ✅Including Windows 11 64Bit & Linux Mint 22.3 (Cinnamon)、Kali 2026.02、Ubuntu 26.04、Zorin Pro 18、Tails 7.8.1、Debian 13.5.0、Garuda 2026.03、Fedora Workstation 44、Manjaro 25.06、Pop!_OS 22.04、Solus 2026.04、Archcraft 26.05、Neon 2026.06、Fossapup 9.5、Sparkylinux 8.3, All ISO has been Tested
- ✅Supported UEFI and Legacy, Compatibility any PC/Laptop, Any boot issue only needs to disable "Secure Boot"
Bazzite: connect a gaming setup with Android
The article describes Bazzite as gaming-oriented and says Steam is preinstalled. Wallen’s hypothetical additions are Android-focused: Waydroid ready to use, KDE Connect, and a simpler synchronization tool. Those additions should not be mistaken for announced Bazzite features.
Ubuntu: make specialist hardware and media work easier
Wallen’s proposed Ubuntu tier ranges beyond installation support. It would improve OEM hardware compatibility and setup for drivers, firmware, hybrid graphics, and fingerprint readers, while adding professional codecs and camera RAW format support. He also suggests editions for Android tablets with stylus support. These are ideas for a paid tier, not confirmed Ubuntu products or commitments.
Rank #3
- Dual USB-A & USB-C Bootable Drive – works with almost any laptop or desktop (UEFI & Legacy BIOS). Boot Tails directly from the USB for secure, private sessions on any computer.
- Customizable Outside Tails – you may Add / Replace / Upgrade any other compatible bootable ISO app, installer, or utility on the USB without modifying Tails itself. You can also update Tails at any time by adding the latest Tails ISO.
- Designed for Privacy & Anonymity – Tails routes all internet traffic through Tor for maximum online privacy and protection against tracking or surveillance. Leave No Trace – your sessions run entirely from the USB and don’t touch the host system. When you shut down, no activity or data remains on the computer.
- Bypass Censorship & Access the Web Freely – browse and communicate securely from anywhere with built-in encryption and privacy tools. No Installation Required – run Tails LIVE directly from the USB. Perfect for journalists, researchers, or anyone who values freedom and security online.
- Premium Hardware & Reliable Support – built with high-quality flash chips for speed and longevity. TECH STORE ON provides responsive customer support within 24 hours.
Which proposal would matter most to you?
- If you are new to Linux: the Linux Mint idea directly addresses installation and early-use questions.
- If you want games or Windows apps ready sooner: elementary OS’s imagined preconfiguration targets compatibility and setup effort.
- If desktop personalization is the priority: the MainstreamOS proposal centers on Hyprland guidance.
- If your computer and phone need to work together: Bazzite’s suggested Android tools are the closest fit.
- If your work depends on hardware or media formats: Ubuntu’s proposal focuses on drivers, devices, codecs, and RAW files.
That is a way to compare the ideas, not a ranking of real paid editions. Wallen’s article offers personal speculation rather than evidence of broader demand or a project roadmap.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Dual USB-A & USB-C Bootable Drive – works with almost any desktop or laptop computer (new and old). Boot directly from the USB or install Linux Mint Cinnamon to a hard drive for permanent use.
- Fully Customizable USB – easily Add, Replace, or Upgrade any compatible bootable ISO app, installer, or utility (clear step-by-step instructions included).
- Familiar yet better than Windows or macOS – enjoy a fast, secure, and privacy-friendly system with no forced updates, no online account requirement, and smooth, stable performance. Ready for Work & Play – includes office suite, web browser, email, image editing, and media apps for music and video. Supports Steam, Epic, and GOG gaming via Lutris or Heroic Launcher.
- Great for Reviving Older PCs – Mint’s lightweight Cinnamon desktop gives aging computers a smooth, modern experience. No Internet Required – run Live or install offline.
- Premium Hardware & Reliable Support – built with high-quality flash chips for speed and longevity. TECH STORE ON provides responsive customer support within 24 hours.
Rank #4
- 1. 3IN1: Multiboot USB flash drive includes Linux Mint Cinnamon 22 & 21.3 64bit and Linux Mint Cinnamon 19 32bit.It's suitable to both older PC and new computers.You can always try on USB before install. The versions you received might be latest than above as we update them when we think necessary.
- 2. What is Linux Mint: Linux Mint is designed to work 'out of the box' and comes fully equipped with the apps most people need, such as graphic design, office software, web browser, multimedia and gaming.
- 3. Why choose Linux Mint: works out of the box, easy to use, requires little maintenance, safe, fast and comfortable.
- 4. Compatibility: This Multiboot USB is compatible with any brands' PC such as HP,Dell,Lenovo,Samsung,Toshiba,Sony,Acer,Asus except for Apple computers, Chromebooks and ARM-based devices, and works with both legacy BIOS and UEFI booting modes. When using UEFI boot mode, secure boot needs to be disabled in BIOS settings.
- 5. User Guide & Support: Print user guide and support available. please contact us for help if you have an issue.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
