# Top 3 Linux distributions according to some experts

1. Debian
2. Arch Linux
3. NixOS

I only tried some forks of Debian and noticed the stability, but other than that I haven't tried any of these "best distros". 

NixOS is the most recommended for minimalists, very easily customizable installation from a text file (or so).

Arch can be very small and fast.

I used TinyCore Linux for the smallest OS installation ever, like 24 MB cli only. You can add what's needed on top of that, including a minimal GUI for un-googled chromium or other "modern" apps.

The experiences I had with Ubuntu, Centos, RHEL and Fedora were not impressive due to bloat style configuration and inconsistencies in files.