Endless OS vs Peppermint OS
Endless OS: An offline-friendly atomic desktop for learning. Peppermint OS: A light Debian-based desktop with minimal defaults. Here is how they differ, and which one suits you.
Quick verdict
- BeginnersTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- GamingEndless OSEndless OS gets newer drivers and kernels faster.
- Older hardwarePeppermint OSPeppermint OS needs about 2 GB of RAM versus 4 GB.
- Latest softwareEndless OSEndless OS uses a atomic model; Peppermint OS is stable.
- Long-term stabilityPeppermint OSPeppermint OS changes less between upgrades.
Specs compared
| Feature | Endless OS | Peppermint OS |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity rank (30d) | #51 | #45 |
| Latest version | — | — |
| Based on | Debian | Debian Stable |
| Release model | Atomic | Stable |
| Desktop | GNOME-based | Xfce |
| Package management | Flatpak · OSTree | APT · Flatpak |
| Init system | systemd | systemd |
| Experience level | Beginner | Beginner |
| Suggested RAM | 4 GB+ | 2 GB+ |
| Architectures | x86_64 | x86_64 |
| First released | — | 2010 |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Good for | Education, Everyday use, Immutable systems | Older hardware, Everyday use |
Key differences
- Endless OS is based on Debian, while Peppermint OS is based on Debian Stable.
- Endless OS follows a atomic release model; Peppermint OS is stable.
- Endless OS ships GNOME-based; Peppermint OS ships Xfce.
- Software comes from Flatpak · OSTree on Endless OS and APT · Flatpak on Peppermint OS.
- We suggest about 4 GB of RAM for Endless OS and 2 GB for Peppermint OS.
Choose Endless OS if…
- works well offline
- hard-to-break atomic base
- educational content built in
Limited traditional package installation
Full Endless OS profileChoose Peppermint OS if…
- lean install with Debian underneath
- devuan variant without systemd
- simple welcome tools
Community-maintained with a small team
Full Peppermint OS profileEndless OS vs Peppermint OS: FAQ
Is Endless OS better than Peppermint OS?
Neither is better for everyone. Endless OS is the stronger pick for gaming, latest software; Peppermint OS for older hardware, long-term stability.
Which uses less RAM, Endless OS or Peppermint OS?
Peppermint OS is lighter: we suggest about 2 GB versus 4 GB. The desktop you choose affects memory use more than the distribution itself.
Is Endless OS based on Peppermint OS?
No. Endless OS is based on Debian; Peppermint OS is based on Debian Stable.
Can I switch from Endless OS to Peppermint 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.