deepin vs Pop!_OS
deepin: A polished desktop environment with its own apps. Pop!_OS: A developer-friendly desktop with built-in tiling. Here is how they differ, and which one suits you.
Quick verdict
- BeginnersdeepinBoth are beginner-friendly; deepin has a macOS-like layout.
- GamingPop!_OSPop!_OS ships gaming-oriented defaults or current drivers.
- Older hardwareTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- Latest softwareTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- Long-term stabilityTieBoth are a similar fit here.
Specs compared
| Feature | deepin | Pop!_OS |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity rank (30d) | #41 | #13 |
| Latest version | — | 24.04 (Dec 11, 2025) |
| Based on | Independent (formerly Debian-based) | Ubuntu LTS |
| Release model | Stable | Stable |
| Desktop | Deepin Desktop (DDE) | COSMIC |
| Package management | APT · deepin App Store | APT · Flatpak |
| Init system | systemd | systemd |
| Experience level | Beginner | Beginner |
| Suggested RAM | 4 GB+ | 4 GB+ |
| Architectures | x86_64 | x86_64 |
| First released | 2004 | 2017 |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Good for | Everyday use | Development, Gaming, Everyday use |
Key differences
- deepin is based on Independent (formerly Debian-based), while Pop!_OS is based on Ubuntu LTS.
- deepin ships Deepin Desktop (DDE); Pop!_OS ships COSMIC.
- Software comes from APT · deepin App Store on deepin and APT · Flatpak on Pop!_OS.
Choose deepin if…
- visually refined, integrated desktop
- in-house applications and control center
- simple graphical installer
Desktop is heavier than Xfce or LXQt
Full deepin profileChoose Pop!_OS if…
- nVIDIA image with the proprietary driver preinstalled
- optional auto-tiling built into the desktop
- tested on System76 hardware
COSMIC is young; expect rough edges and missing extensions
Full Pop!_OS profiledeepin vs Pop!_OS: FAQ
Is deepin better than Pop!_OS?
Neither is better for everyone. deepin is the stronger pick for beginners; Pop!_OS for gaming.
Which uses less RAM, deepin or Pop!_OS?
Both need about 4 GB of RAM for a comfortable desktop. The desktop environment affects memory use more than the distribution.
Is deepin based on Pop!_OS?
No. deepin is based on Independent (formerly Debian-based); Pop!_OS is based on Ubuntu LTS.
Can I switch from deepin to Pop!_OS without losing files?
Back up your home folder first. If /home is on a separate partition you can reinstall without formatting it, but a clean install with restored backups is safest.