I have been using Linux since the late 90s, and honestly, there's no correct answer. I use AlmaLinux for serious stuff. I use Intel's Clear Linux on my workstat

I have been using Linux since the late 90s, and honestly, there's no correct answer. I use AlmaLinux for serious stuff. I use Intel's Clear Linux on my workstation. I use Slackware for hobbyist stuff. In your case, I would suggest taking a serious look at Debian since you're already using it via Ubuntu. While I do not care for rule by committee, Debian has a rather good track record. You may also want to look at Pop! OS https://pop.system76.com/ https://pop.system76.com/ Beyond Debian and Pop!, Arch is quite common. I never cared for it personally, but many people (and many whom I respect) love it.