Qubes OS
Qubes OS: A free desktop OS that separates activities into managed, isolated qubes. Ranked #2 of 17 in Privacy-Focused Operating Systems by our editors (9.2/10); pricing: Free plan; best for desktop users needing strong app isolation.
At a glance
- Editor score9.2 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forDesktop users needing strong app isolation
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Facts checked23 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Separates activities into isolated qubes
- Creates app qubes from reusable Fedora and Debian templates
- Includes graphical update and template management tools
Where it doesn't
- Requires compatible 64-bit Intel or AMD hardware and virtualization features
- Release support lasts six months after the next major or minor release
- Windows qubes require Qubes Windows Tools
Our verdict on Qubes OS
Qubes OS is a free, open-source operating system for desktop users who want to separate activities and data into isolated compartments called qubes. It runs on compatible physical computers, using the Xen hypervisor rather than operating as a conventional application or cloud service. App qubes can use reusable Fedora or Debian templates, while standalone qubes provide persistent filesystems. Windows qubes are also supported. Its focus is security through compartmentalization, so it suits people willing to work within a system designed around separating tasks rather than a standard desktop workflow.
The management tools give users several ways to maintain that separation. Qube Manager and command-line tools can create, list, and remove qubes; the graphical Template Manager and qvm-template command manage templates. The Qubes Update tool handles system and qube updates, and users can attach or detach devices to qubes. Community templates include Whonix, Ubuntu, Arch Linux, and Gentoo. These options make the system adaptable, but users should expect to understand the relationship between templates, app qubes, and standalone qubes to manage it effectively.
Hardware fit is a decisive consideration: Qubes OS requires a compatible 64-bit Intel or AMD CPU and the required virtualization features. It can be installed on a computer, USB flash drive, or external disk. According to the project's support lifecycle, each release is supported for six months after a subsequent major or minor release, so keeping up with releases matters. Documentation and community are the listed support channels. Choose Qubes OS if strong isolation and its management model fit your work; choose another operating system if your computer is incompatible or you need a longer release-support window.
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Qubes OS pricing
Qubes OS fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Platform | Not verified |
| Isolation approach | Not verified |
| Device support | Not verified |
| Default telemetry | Not verified |
| Installation method | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Support | Docs, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | qubes-os.org |
| Facts checked | 23 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Qubes OS
- GrapheneOSA free, open-source Android-based OS built around device hardening and privacy controls.9.3
- TailsTails pairs live Tor use with optional encrypted storage and a suite of privacy tools.9.1
- WhonixWhonix separates Tor routing from applications in isolated virtual machines.9.0
See all Qubes OS alternatives →
Qubes OS vs the competition
- Qubes OS vs GrapheneOS
- Qubes OS vs Tails
- Qubes OS vs Whonix
- Qubes OS vs CalyxOS
- Qubes OS vs /e/OS
- Qubes OS vs PureOS
Compare Qubes OS with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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