ChromeOS vs MX Linux
ChromeOS
chromeos.googleMX Linux
mxlinux.orgSide by side
| Figure | ChromeOS | MX Linux |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $2.08/mo | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 3 | 1 |
| Spec score · Operating Systems | 8.1 (#9) | 8.1 (#11) |
| Intended users | Google presents ChromeOS for business, education, frontline, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, kiosk, and signage use cases. | The project describes MX as a midweight desktop operating system designed for stability, performance and efficient desktops. |
| Support | ChromeOS Enterprise Upgrade includes 24/7 IT support from Google experts, while hardware support and repairs are available through ChromeOS partners. | Support resources include videos, documentation and the MX Linux Forum. |
Plans
ChromeOS
- Kiosk & Signage Upgrade$2.08 a month
- ChromeOS Enterprise Upgrade (Standalone)$4.17 a month
- ChromeOS Enterprise Upgrade (Bundled)Price not published
In their own words
ChromeOS
ChromeOS is Google’s operating system and the core software for Chromebooks, Chromeboxes, Chromebases, and Chromebits. ChromeOS Flex can install on certified existing PCs and Macs, including through USB or remote cloud deployment, and is described as available at no cost. Google presents ChromeOS for business, education, frontline, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, kiosk, and signage use. The Admin console manages devices, apps, extensions, updates, and Google Workspace. Built-in protections include verified boot, a read-only operating system, blocked executable files, encryption, and sandboxing; administrators can remotely wipe devices and require re-enrollment. Supported apps include Zoom, Slack, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office 365, and Teams, with Citrix and VMware for virtualized Windows and legacy apps. Updates arrive every four weeks, and devices receive ten years from platform release. Managed Google Play apps are unavailable on ChromeOS Flex.
MX Linux
MX Linux is a free family of Linux operating systems built from Debian Stable repositories for desktop use focused on efficiency, stability, and performance. The project is a cooperative venture between the antiX and MX Linux communities. Its official editions use Xfce, KDE, or Fluxbox, and graphical MX tools cover tasks such as boot options and repository management. MX Package Installer provides access to popular applications from Debian Stable, MX Test Repo, Debian Backports, and Flatpak; listed compatibility also includes Snap on supported setups and AppImage. MX Updater checks packages, offers upgrade modes, and can schedule unattended upgrades. Live USB and snapshot tools support portable operation and remastering. The Xfce edition comes in standard and Advanced Hardware Support versions; KDE includes Dolphin and KDE Connect. MX automatically receives Debian Stable security updates, and its ISO Signature Verifier checks signed checksums. It can be installed on desktop and laptop computers or run live from removable USB media. Support resources include videos, documentation, a user manual, and a forum.