Best Operating Systems for Cloud
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Compare the Top Operating Systems for Cloud as of September 2025
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What are Operating Systems for Cloud?
Operating systems are foundational software that manage computer hardware, software resources, and provide services for applications and users. They handle critical functions such as process scheduling, memory management, device control, file systems, and security. Operating systems provide a user interface—either graphical (GUI) or command-line—that allows individuals to interact with the machine. They also offer APIs and system calls that enable developers to build and run applications consistently across devices. From personal computers to servers, mobile devices, and embedded systems, operating systems are essential for ensuring stability, efficiency, and usability in modern computing environments. Compare and read user reviews of the best Operating Systems for Cloud currently available using the table below. This list is updated regularly.
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1
macOS Catalina
Apple
If you're using one of these computers with OS X Mavericks or later, you can install macOS Catalina. Your Mac also needs at least 4GB of memory and 12.5GB of available storage space, or up to 18.5GB of storage space when upgrading from OS X Yosemite or earlier. To get the latest features and maintain the security, stability, compatibility, and performance of your Mac, it's important to keep your software up to date. Apple recommends that you always use the latest macOS that is compatible with your Mac. The version of macOS that came with your Mac is the earliest version it can use. For example, if your Mac came with macOS Big Sur, it will not accept installation of macOS Catalina or earlier. If a macOS can't be used on your Mac, the App Store or installer will let you know. For example, it might say that it's not compatible with this device or is too old to be opened on this version of macOS. -
2
Parrot OS
Parrot Security
Parrot is a worldwide community of developers and security specialists that work together to build a shared framework of tools to make their job easier, standardized and more reliable and secure. Parrot OS, the flagship product of Parrot Security is a GNU/Linux distribution based on Debian and designed with Security and Privacy in mind. It includes a full portable laboratory for all kinds of cyber security operations, from pentesting to digital forensics and reverse engineering, but it also includes everything needed to develop your own software or keep your data secure. Always updated, frequently released with many hardening and sandboxing options available. Everything is under your complete control. Feel free to get the system, share with anyone, read the source code and change it as you want! this system is made to respect your freedom, and it ever will be. -
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Windows 7
Microsoft
Windows 7 is an operating system for PC created by Microsoft. Windows 7 is not as current as Windows 10/11. Windows 7 was actively supported from October 2009 until January 2020. Many organizations still use Windows 7, even though it is not actively supported. It's recommended to upgrade to Windows 10/11. -
4
elementary OS
elementary OS
The fast, free and privacy-friendly alternative to Windows and macOS. A comprehensive update to a solid foundation. These include, but are not limited to, a completely redesigned login and screen lock screen, a revamped first-use experience, major updates to System Settings, enhancements to included applications, and desktop touch-ups. Get free and paid applications in the Application Center, the store where the user decides the amount to pay to independent developers. Each app has been reviewed by elementary to ensure a native, secure, and privacy-friendly experience. Elevate your productivity and focus with multitasking view, mini-screen mode, and Do Not Disturb. Or remove all work notifications while watching videos or playing games. elementary OS includes a suite of applications carefully selected to meet your daily needs, so you can get more out of your computer without having to deal with bloatware. -
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IBM z/OS
IBM
IBM® z/OS® brings the computing power and resources of the IBM Z® platform to help you drive business transformation and accelerate innovation. Get the stable, secure environment your organization requires to improve performance for mission-critical workloads and meet future challenges. A highly secure and scalable operating system for running mission-critical applications. The new IBM® z16™ platform accelerates decision velocity, protects against threats across your business, and modernizes for hybrid cloud. IBM z/OS V2.5 enables innovative development to support hybrid cloud and AI business applications, along with next-level technologies for security and resilience. With a continuous delivery model, new z/OS capabilities are available quarterly with no impact on stability, complexity, or costs. Achieve rapid application development and provisioning for hybrid cloud deployment. Simplified and modern experience for easier installation, management, etc. -
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OS108
OS108
OS108 is a fast, open, and secure desktop operating system built on top of NetBSD. 1 and 0 being binary bits when represented as 8 bits forms a byte also the distance of Earth from the Sun is about 108 times the diameter of the Sun. hence the name. We are always in need of contributors who want to join the project. If you’re not a developer you can still help in the form of how-to guides and other user-centric documentation and support forums.Starting Price: Free -
7
Security Onion
Security Onion
Security Onion is a comprehensive open source platform for intrusion detection, network security monitoring, and log management. It provides a set of powerful tools to help security professionals detect and respond to potential threats across an organization's network. Security Onion integrates various technologies, including Suricata, Zeek, and Elastic Stack, to collect, analyze, and visualize security data in real-time. Security Onion’s intuitive user interface allows for easy management and analysis of network traffic, security alerts, and system logs. It also includes built-in tools for threat hunting, alert triage, and forensic analysis, helping users identify potential security incidents quickly. Security Onion is designed for scalability, making it suitable for environments of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises.Starting Price: Free -
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Entsecure
Entsecure
Entsecure OS is a simple to use, easy to manage and secure operating system that powers any laptop. Centrally manage & monitor inventory, usage, vulnerable systems, and much more from anywhere. Automated security updates, patch management,and software updates. Designed with end-users in mind, provides self service tools to reduce service desk workload. Automated and integrated tools that significantly reduce the workload and empower IT teams. Insights, policy support, and tools for reporting and usage patterns using our ML engine. Secure by design, simple to deploy and use, and makes the organization achieve compliance goals and reduce IT cost. Built-in features that help you reach your compliance goals. Policy management, automatic patch management, configurations management, central device management, full disk encryption. Simplify IT management, empower end-users. -
9
BlackBerry QNX
BlackBerry QNX
Launch your critical embedded systems faster with our commercial RTOS, development tools and services. BlackBerry QNX delivers a time-tested real-time operating system (RTOS), hypervisor, and other embedded software to help make you successful. We are the embedded OS of choice for ventilators, train controls, factory automation systems, medical robots and more. Whether your priority is safety certification, security or performance, our software, tools and services can help you build more reliable products. If you’re looking to increase security or safety, or you want to streamline your cross-platform development process, we can help. We can bring your plans to life with an RTOS and hypervisor purpose-built for embedded systems, including pre-certified product variants. Our modular microkernel architecture delivers better reliability and saves duplication of OS development effort across multiple products. -
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Red Hat Enterprise Linux
Red Hat
Red Hat Enterprise Linux is an enterprise Linux operating system, certified on hundreds of clouds and with thousands of vendors. Red Hat Enterprise Linux provides a consistent foundation across environments and the tools needed to deliver services and workloads faster for any application. Red Hat Enterprise Linux reduces deployment friction and costs while speeding time to value for critical workloads, enabling development and operations teams to innovate together in any environment. Red Hat Enterprise Linux extends your hybrid cloud infrastructure to the edge—across hundreds of thousands of nodes all over the world. Create edge-optimized OS images, minimize workload interruptions caused by OS updates, transfer system updates more efficiently, and have confidence in automatic health checks and rollbacks. Run purpose-built command line utilities to automate many inventory and remediation steps associated with upgrading your subscription or migrating from another Linux distro.Starting Price: $99 one-time payment -
11
CopperheadOS
Copperhead
CopperheadOS is a Secure Android built for encrypted and secure phones by a privacy focused company. Available as security-centric and privacy focused Google-free Android for the latest Pixel devices. Develop or include a secure phone in your businesses mobile security program. CopperheadOS integrates with the latest and greatest mobile security solutions. Mobile devices are easy targets for hackers so we developed the most secure android, CopperheadOS, to protect against a variety of attack vectors. Copperhead's technical documentation is available for review. Security-centric, non- technical user experience. No Google or any tracking analytics. Sandboxing and application isolation. Integrates with the latest mobile device management and intrusion detection system mobility software. -
12
CloudLinux
CloudLinux
Stable servers reduce churn and allow you to increase density, and therefore magnify your profit. The CloudLinux OS stability features prevent resource spikes and make your servers rock-solid stable, even in the most stressful situations. CloudLinux OS protects your servers from attacks by virtualizing users’ file systems and prevent sensitive information disclosure. Our kernel-level technology prevents all known symbolic link attacks, which further enhances the security level of the servers. Secure the unsupported versions of PHP where, vulnerabilities, even if discovered, are not patched by the PHP.net community. Multiply the number of users on a more stable server with Cloudlinux OS and manage any resources limits for each customer. Troubleshooting performance problems with Detailed information on system bottlenecks, slow database queries, functions, or external calls.Starting Price: $7 per server per month -
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Stratodesk NoTouch
Stratodesk
Stratodesk NoTouch is the #1 Thin Client endpoint OS and management solution in the world. Comprised of both NoTouch OS and NoTouch Center, Stratodesk NoTouch lets you transform any PC, Thin Client, Laptop or Raspberry Pi device into a secure and centrally managed Thin Endpoint. You can also instantly deploy NoTouch OS onto thousands of devices and manage them from oStratodesk NoTouch is the #1 Thin Client endpoint OS and management solution in the world. Comprised of both NoTouch OS and NoTouch Center, Stratodesk NoTouch lets you transform any PC, Thin Client, Laptop or Raspberry Pi device into a secure and centrally managed Thin Endpoint. You can also instantly deploy NoTouch OS onto thousands of devices and manage them from one browser. NoTouch OS is the minimal footprint OS that installs from your server onto your PC, Laptop, Thin Client, or Raspberry Pi Device. NoTouch Center is the #1 endpoint management software for your VDI endpoints. -
14
IBM i
IBM
IBM i is an integrated operating environment developed by IBM, consisting of operating system, database, middleware, and development tools. IBM I, a platform for innovators, by innovators. The latest update to IBM i has arrived. With IBM i 7.4, you'll get continuous availability (thanks to IBM Db2 Mirror for i), the latest security features, and easy integration with IoT, AI and Watson. Ensures mission-critical applications remain up and running. Enhanced security features implement the latest industry-standard practices. Protect critical business applications and data. New auditing capability at the object level. Industry-standard Open Source environments. Port more applications to IBM I. Easily integrate with IoT, AI and Watson. Get work done 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Transfer virtual save media to and from the cloud. Consolidate most commonly used tasks for managing IBM i. -
15
Oracle Linux
Oracle
An open and complete operating environment, Oracle Linux delivers virtualization, management, and cloud native computing tools, along with the operating system, in a single support offering. Oracle Linux is 100% application binary compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Search the catalog to find information about independent software vendors (ISVs) who have certified their applications to run on Oracle Linux and Virtualization. Applications certified on Oracle Linux run wherever Linux runs—on-premises, in Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, and in other clouds. Join us in this Oracle Tux Tech Talk webinar on July 28 and learn how to benchmark for performance, discover the benefits of the UEK, and understand which workloads see improvement from UEK. -
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Mac OS X El Capitan
Apple
Handoff and Instant Hotspot: Handoff requires an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with a Lightning connector and iOS 8 or later. Instant Hotspot requires an iPhone or iPad with cellular connectivity with a Lightning connector and iOS 8.1 or later. Requires Personal Hotspot service through your carrier. AirDrop to iOS devices requires an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with a Lightning connector and iOS 7 or later. FaceTime: Video calls require a built-in FaceTime camera, an iSight camera (built in or external), a USB video class (UVC) camera, or a FireWire DV camcorder; and broadband Internet connection. -
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macOS Mojave
Apple
macOS Mojave (version 10.14) is the fifteenth version of macOS (formerly OS X), Apple's operating system for its Macintosh desktops, laptops, and servers. It is the third version of the operating system after the name change from OS X to macOS. Audio calls require a microphone (built-in or external) and broadband Internet connection. Video calls require a built-in FaceTime camera, an iSight camera (built-in or external), or a USB video class (UVC) camera; and broadband Internet connection. iCloud requires iOS 5 or later on iPhone 3GS or later, iPod touch (3rd generation or later), iPad Pro, iPad Air or later, iPad or later, or iPad mini or later; a Mac computer with OS X Lion 10.7.5 or later; or a PC with Windows 7 or Windows 8 (Outlook 2007 or later or an up-to-date browser is required for accessing email, contacts, and calendars). -
18
GemOS
GemOS
We allow companies to discover and share disparate data tied to unique identifiers. Create flexible applications that can adapt to different protocols, like Ethereum, Hyperledger and more. Run blockchain nodes of varying sizes and functionality to fit your needs, as a validator or read-only participant. Additionally, you can connect to one or many protocols. Connect data sources from different systems, and register them on a common ledger. Create proofs-of-existence with verifiable integrity without surrendering custody of sensitive information. Attach identity registries for individuals, groups, and devices, and assign a universal blockchain IDs. Create entitlements for users and roles across the network and automatically enforce key-based authorization. Safeguard user access with industry-leading security based on PKI and hierarchical-deterministic (HD) identity trees. Integrate your organization's identity and permission schemas for mirrored functionality. -
19
FortiOS
Fortinet
As organizations accelerate their digital innovation initiatives, they need to make sure their security can keep up with today’s complex and fast-evolving threats. Network edges have exploded, which has splintered the network perimeter across the entire infrastructure. This rapid expansion of the network edge has exacerbated the challenges caused by years of adding disparate point security products to solve one problem with no regard for an overall security strategy. These disparate solutions cannot work together and share information, making consistent security policy and end-to-end visibility impossible. Trying to maintain and monitor numerous hybrid, hardware, software, and X-as-a-Service solutions also overburdens security teams. Fortinet’s operating system, FortiOS, is the foundation of the Fortinet Security Fabric, consolidating many technologies and use cases into a simplified, single policy and management framework. -
20
Roku OS
Roku
Streaming isn’t just one thing we do—it’s all we do. We built the Roku operating system (OS) specifically for streaming TV with one goal in mind—getting you to the entertainment you love quickly and conveniently. The Roku home screen puts you in control with the entertainment you love front and center. You’re always just a click away from your favorite channels, useful features like search, and quick access to quality free entertainment with Featured Free. Everything about the Roku OS is designed with ease in mind. That means smooth setup, a simple home screen anyone can use, your favorite entertainment at your fingertips, and automatic updates with new features so your device gets even better over time. With endless free entertainment available to stream, the Roku OS helps your dollars go further. It’s easy to save with 250,000+ free movies and TV episodes, 150+ live channels on The Roku Channel, and search results ranked by price. -
21
Pavilion HyperOS
Pavilion
Powering the most performant, dense, scalable, and flexible storage platform in the universe. Pavilion HyperParallel File System™ provides the ability to scale across an unlimited number of Pavilion HyperParallel Flash Arrays™, providing 1.2 TB/s read, and 900 GB/s write bandwidth with 200M IOPS at 25µs latency per rack. Uniquely capable of providing independent, linear scalability of both capacity and performance, the Pavilion HyperOS 3 now provides global namespace support for both NFS and S3, enabling unlimited, linear scale across an unlimited number of Pavilion HyperParallel Flash Array systems. Take advantage of the power of the Pavilion HyperParallel Flash Array to enjoy unrivaled levels of performance and availability. The Pavilion HyperOS includes patent-pending technology to ensure that your data is always available, with performant access that legacy arrays cannot match. -
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Unisys ClearPath Forward MCP
Unisys
For computing requirements that demand the utmost in security, resiliency, availability and scalability combined with optimal business agility, ClearPath Forward provides the foundation for simplification, controlling costs, and digital transformation. Augment staff, optimize performance and speed digital transformation of your ClearPath Forward environment with a managed service offering and cloud hosting managed, maintained and optimized by Unisys. Build a clear, actionable strategy that outlines how to evolve your applications in response to new demands with ClearPath Forward Advisory Services and ClearPath Forward Application Evolution Services. Benefit from a full range of advisory and implementation services to streamline the transition of your ClearPath Forward environment to private or public cloud. -
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The ClearPath MCP and ClearPath OS 2200 operating environments provide a complete and integrated software portfolio for hosting your business-critical workloads. Be well-equipped to support even the most demanding applications. Access features ranging from multi-layered, built-in security and transaction managers to databases, integration tools, development tools, and everything in between. Be able to license the operating environment separately to enable transaction processing in a public cloud, private cloud, or the server hardware of your choice. With the vast array of cross-platform software available in the ClearPath Forward environment, you’ll have everything you need to complement and extend the capabilities of the ClearPath MCP and ClearPath OS 2200 operating systems.
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24
Zyber 365
Zyber 365
Web3 and AI-based OS, are the new innovative operating system that combines the power of cyber security and quantum proofing to create sustainable and affordable solutions for the future. We are an innovative enterprise that prioritizes the development of a sustainable cyber-chain that will form the core of our operating system with the objective of delivering a decentralized and secure working environment. Unique and immutable node for identification of each user on multiple applications. Leveraging cutting-edge AI and Web3 solutions to enable transparency, security, and personalization. We are aiming to provide a sophisticated and futuristic collection of decentralized OS, applications, and programs to replace the traditional operating system and its subsequent applications. -
25
Deta Space OS
Deta
We're crafting a new OS with you at the center, putting you firmly in control. Space OS is its operating system, that provides users control over their software and gives apps super-interoperability powers — all with AI baked in. Your data, back under your control. Every app has it's own collection that you can extend, export and wipe. Craft your own apps with prompts or download apps from developers around the world. Craft a dynamic app, sketch with ease, automate everyday tasks, and open up a world of endless possibilities. -
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SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) is a robust, scalable, and secure enterprise-grade operating system designed for businesses and organizations. It offers a reliable platform for running mission-critical workloads and applications across physical, virtual, and cloud environments. SUSE Linux Enterprise Server provides advanced features such as high availability, virtualization, and cloud integration, making it ideal for deploying complex IT infrastructures. It is known for its stability and long-term support, ensuring organizations can maintain a secure and consistent environment over time. SUSE's management tools allow for streamlined configuration and automation, simplifying the deployment and maintenance of servers. It supports a wide range of hardware architectures, including x86_64, ARM, and IBM Power, ensuring flexibility for various business needs. SUSE Linux Enterprise Server is also optimized for performance, with strong security features.
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27
Apple tvOS
Apple
Your tvOS apps can deliver amazing experiences with stunning picture quality through 4K resolution, Dolby Vision, and HDR10 — and immersive sound through Dolby Atmos. And with Picture in Picture, multiuser, and game controller support, you can create even more engaging gaming and interactive experiences. We’ve reimagined the TV experience with tvOS — an innovative TV platform that redefines what can be done in the living room. Apple TV features a built-in App Store, making it more entertaining than ever. Now you can deliver incredible and immersive apps and games on the big screen. Leverage many of the same frameworks, technologies, and concepts that are similar to iOS. Frameworks and technologies, such as Metal, UIKit, CloudKit, and Game Center, let you create rich games and apps that look amazing on Apple TV. TVMLKit templates using XML and JavaScript are available as a framework for tvOS apps and let you use predefined layouts and JavaScript APIs to quickly create beautiful apps. -
28
Fire OS
Amazon
Fire OS is the operating system that runs Amazon's Fire TV and tablets. Fire OS is a fork of Android, so if your app runs on Android, it will most likely run on Amazon's Fire devices too. You can quickly check your app's compatibility with Amazon through the App Testing Service. As a developer, you might not have to adjust your Android code at all to publish your app on Amazon's platform. Most Fire devices receive over-the-air updates to get Fire OS updates automatically. Not every Fire device receives a push of the same Fire OS version at the same time. The updates often roll out to different devices at different times. At the core, both Fire OS and Android share the same foundation. The main way Fire OS differs from Android is in the services. Instead of using Google's services (for activities such as browsing, location, messaging, payments, and so on), Fire OS might use Amazon's services. -
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Apple watchOS
Apple
watchOS 8 helps you stay connected, active, and healthy like never before. Share your favorite memories with the enhanced Photos app. Put more fun into your texts. Find new ways to center yourself and be present. And that’s just the start. watchOS 8 makes staying connected with the people and things you care about easier than ever. See your photos, control your home, start your car, and even access your ID in powerful new ways — all from your wrist. Put your favorite photos of friends and family front and center. Featuring a dynamic, multilayered effect, this new watch face uses Portrait mode photos from your iPhone to give the people you care about a starring role. The photo collection from your Memories is displayed in a unique mosaic grid, giving you a richer view of your library. Photo highlights from your Memories and Featured Photos now automatically sync to your watch, serving up something new every day. -
30
Wear OS
Google
See your next meeting, get directions, check your grocery list, and even pay with just your watch. Stay in the moment with smart ways to text, email and see who’s calling, without pulling out your phone. Workout without your phone. Google Fit and other health apps make it easy to get motivated, stay balanced and track your health right from your wrist. Download or stream your favorite music right from your wrist so you can stay motivated down to the last mile. Wear OS by Google lets you be you with hundreds of styles—from fashion to fitness to fun—all from your favorite brands. Wear OS by Google works with phones running the latest version of Android (excluding Go edition and phones without Google Play Store) or iOS. Supported features may vary between platforms and countries with compatibility subject to change.