postmarketOS
postmarketos.org
What it is
postmarketOS, now called Nura, is a free, open-source operating system project focused on extending the life of consumer electronics. Its listed latest stable release is Nura v26.06; development builds are labeled edge. The project says users can customize the system, install software, and choose when to update, and describes privacy and user control as goals. Nura is based directly on Alpine Linux and uses Linux mobile components including ModemManager. Interface options include GNOME, KDE, Phosh, and Sxmo. Install images are listed for phones, tablets, Chromebooks, laptops, single-board computers, and x86_64 EFI systems, with support varying by device category. Listed architectures are aarch64, armv7, x86_64, and riscv64. The install page says listed images use close-to-mainline kernels. Stable and edge channels are available, and stable kernel packages are kept current while a release is supported. Device support depends on its category and maintainers; community and testing devices may lack features, have limited functionality, or receive limited maintenance. The project notes usability and stability issues remain and advises against Nura for those seeking an operating system as usable as iOS or Android. It has no support contract; community members may help when available. Installation guidance and a Matrix/IRC channel are linked for questions. The operating system formerly known as postmarketOS was renamed Nura in an announcement on September 27, 2026. The plan costs nothing.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- Nura develops free and open-source software to extend the life of consumer electronics.Read 8 Oct 2026 · nura.eco
- Privacy
- The project says its operating system has no surveillance, upselling, or walled gardens.Read 8 Oct 2026 · nura.eco
- Support
- The project says it has no support contract and community members may help with issues when they have time.Read 8 Oct 2026 · nura.eco
- Founded
- 2017Read 28 Sep 2026 · postmarketos.org
- Contributions
- Anyone can contribute patches and participate in discussions, according to the project team page.Read 8 Oct 2026 · nura.eco
- Device control
- The project says users can adjust the system, install what they want, and update at their own pace.Read 8 Oct 2026 · nura.eco
- Device limits
- The project says functionality depends on the device and that testing-category devices may have limited functionality or may not be well maintained.Read 8 Oct 2026 · nura.eco
- Device support
- The install page lists release images for phones, tablets, Chromebooks, laptops, and other hardware, with community, testing, stable, and edge categories.Read 8 Oct 2026 · nura.eco
- Former name
- Nura was formerly known as postmarketOS.Read 8 Oct 2026 · nura.eco
- Hardware support
- Install images are listed for phones, tablets, Chromebooks, laptops, and other devices, with support varying by device category.Read 8 Oct 2026 · nura.eco
- Help
- The project directs installation questions to its Nura Matrix/IRC channel.Read 8 Oct 2026 · nura.eco
- Installation help
- The install page links to an installation guide and invites users with questions to join the project’s Matrix/IRC channel.Read 8 Oct 2026 · nura.eco
- Intended audience
- The project says users get the best experience after learning how the system works and contributing to development or testing.Read 8 Oct 2026 · nura.eco
- Interfaces
- The project lists GNOME, KDE, Phosh, and Sxmo among its user interface options.Read 8 Oct 2026 · nura.eco
- Kernel
- The install page says all listed images use close-to-mainline kernels.Read 8 Oct 2026 · nura.eco
- Maintainers
- The project is a community-built free and open-source software project that accepts contributions through patches and discussions.Read 8 Oct 2026 · nura.eco
- Privacy and control
- The project says its operating system has no surveillance, upselling, or walled gardens, and lets users customize it, install software, and update at their own pace.Read 8 Oct 2026 · nura.eco
- Project history
- The project announced on September 27, 2026 that the operating system formerly known as postmarketOS would henceforth be called Nura.Read 8 Oct 2026 · nura.eco
- Readiness
- The project says usability and stability issues remain and advises against Nura for people seeking an operating system as usable as iOS or Android.Read 8 Oct 2026 · nura.eco
- Release
- The latest stable release listed is Nura v26.06; development builds are labeled edge.Read 8 Oct 2026 · nura.eco
- Security posture
- The project describes privacy and user control as goals, but the pages reviewed do not state a security certification or compliance program.Read 8 Oct 2026 · nura.eco
- Software base
- Nura is based directly on Alpine Linux and uses Linux mobile components including ModemManager.Read 8 Oct 2026 · nura.eco
- Support limits
- The site says community-category devices may lack important features and testing-category devices may have limited functionality or maintenance.Read 8 Oct 2026 · nura.eco
- Technical base
- Nura is based directly on Alpine Linux and uses the mainline Linux kernel and components including ModemManager.Read 8 Oct 2026 · nura.eco
Plans and prices
Nura (formerly postmarketOS) Free Free and open-source operating system; device support and stability vary Read 8 Oct 2026 · nura.eco
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Free and open-source operating system.
- Supports phones, tablets, laptops, and other devices.
- Offers GNOME, KDE, Phosh, and Sxmo interfaces.
- Stable and edge release channels are available.
- Users can customize the system and choose update timing.
Limits
- Device support and functionality vary by category.
- Testing devices may have limited maintenance.
- The project says usability and stability issues remain.
- No support contract is offered.
Who it suits
Nura may suit people willing to learn how the system works and contribute to development or testing. Device support and stability limits make it a less suitable choice for people seeking an experience as usable as iOS or Android.
Verdict
Nura offers a customizable Linux system for a range of device types, with stable and edge channels. Check the support category for a specific device, and weigh the stated usability and stability limits before choosing it.
Where Specifiction places it
- Privacy-Focused Operating Systems#1 of 178.3
- Operating Systems#13 of 428.1