Fedora Asahi Remix vs Pop!_OS
Fedora Asahi Remix: Linux on Apple Silicon Macs. Pop!_OS: A developer-friendly desktop with built-in tiling. Here is how they differ, and which one suits you.
Quick verdict
- BeginnersPop!_OSPop!_OS is rated beginner; Fedora Asahi Remix is intermediate.
- GamingPop!_OSPop!_OS ships gaming-oriented defaults or current drivers.
- Older hardwarePop!_OSPop!_OS needs about 4 GB of RAM versus 8 GB.
- Latest softwareTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- Long-term stabilityTieBoth are a similar fit here.
Specs compared
| Feature | Fedora Asahi Remix | Pop!_OS |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity rank (30d) | #28 | #13 |
| Latest version | — | 24.04 (Dec 11, 2025) |
| Based on | Fedora | Ubuntu LTS |
| Release model | Stable | Stable |
| Desktop | KDE Plasma, GNOME | COSMIC |
| Package management | DNF · Flatpak | APT · Flatpak |
| Init system | systemd | systemd |
| Experience level | Intermediate | Beginner |
| Suggested RAM | 8 GB+ | 4 GB+ |
| Architectures | aarch64 | x86_64 |
| First released | 2023 | 2017 |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Good for | Development, Everyday use | Development, Gaming, Everyday use |
Key differences
- Fedora Asahi Remix is based on Fedora, while Pop!_OS is based on Ubuntu LTS.
- Fedora Asahi Remix ships KDE Plasma, GNOME; Pop!_OS ships COSMIC.
- Software comes from DNF · Flatpak on Fedora Asahi Remix and APT · Flatpak on Pop!_OS.
- We suggest about 8 GB of RAM for Fedora Asahi Remix and 4 GB for Pop!_OS.
- Fedora Asahi Remix is best for intermediate users; Pop!_OS for beginner users.
Choose Fedora Asahi Remix if…
- runs natively on Apple Silicon
- upstream-first GPU driver work
- installs alongside macOS
Newer Apple chips may not be supported
Full Fedora Asahi Remix 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 profileFedora Asahi Remix vs Pop!_OS: FAQ
Is Fedora Asahi Remix better than Pop!_OS?
Neither is better for everyone. Fedora Asahi Remix is the stronger pick for a different set of needs; Pop!_OS for beginners, gaming, older hardware.
Which uses less RAM, Fedora Asahi Remix or Pop!_OS?
Pop!_OS is lighter: we suggest about 4 GB versus 8 GB. The desktop you choose affects memory use more than the distribution itself.
Is Fedora Asahi Remix based on Pop!_OS?
No. Fedora Asahi Remix is based on Fedora; Pop!_OS is based on Ubuntu LTS.
Can I switch from Fedora Asahi Remix 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.