elementary OS vs Pop!_OS
elementary OS: A calm, consistent desktop with a design focus. Pop!_OS: A developer-friendly desktop with built-in tiling. Here is how they differ, and which one suits you.
Quick verdict
- Beginnerselementary OSBoth are beginner-friendly; elementary OS 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 | elementary OS | Pop!_OS |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity rank (30d) | #18 | #13 |
| Latest version | — | 24.04 (Dec 11, 2025) |
| Based on | Ubuntu LTS | Ubuntu LTS |
| Release model | Stable | Stable |
| Desktop | Pantheon | COSMIC |
| Package management | APT · Flatpak (AppCenter) | APT · Flatpak |
| Init system | systemd | systemd |
| Experience level | Beginner | Beginner |
| Suggested RAM | 4 GB+ | 4 GB+ |
| Architectures | x86_64 | x86_64 |
| First released | 2011 | 2017 |
| Price | Free, pay what you want | Free |
| Good for | Everyday use | Development, Gaming, Everyday use |
Key differences
- elementary OS ships Pantheon; Pop!_OS ships COSMIC.
- Software comes from APT · Flatpak (AppCenter) on elementary OS and APT · Flatpak on Pop!_OS.
Choose elementary OS if…
- cohesive design across desktop and apps
- curated AppCenter with sandboxed Flatpaks
- clear privacy and permission controls
Fewer customization options than KDE or Xfce
Full elementary OS 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 profileelementary OS vs Pop!_OS: FAQ
Is elementary OS better than Pop!_OS?
Neither is better for everyone. elementary OS is the stronger pick for beginners; Pop!_OS for gaming.
Which uses less RAM, elementary OS 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 elementary OS based on Pop!_OS?
No. elementary OS is based on Ubuntu LTS; Pop!_OS is based on Ubuntu LTS.
Can I switch from elementary OS 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.