Lubuntu vs Pop!_OS
Lubuntu: A lightweight Ubuntu flavour with LXQt. Pop!_OS: A developer-friendly desktop with built-in tiling. Here is how they differ, and which one suits you.
Quick verdict
- BeginnersTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- GamingPop!_OSPop!_OS ships gaming-oriented defaults or current drivers.
- Older hardwareLubuntuLubuntu needs about 2 GB of RAM versus 4 GB.
- Latest softwareTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- Long-term stabilityTieBoth are a similar fit here.
Specs compared
| Feature | Lubuntu | Pop!_OS |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity rank (30d) | #34 | #13 |
| Latest version | — | 24.04 (Dec 11, 2025) |
| Based on | Ubuntu | Ubuntu LTS |
| Release model | Stable | Stable |
| Desktop | LXQt | COSMIC |
| Package management | APT · Snap | APT · Flatpak |
| Init system | systemd | systemd |
| Experience level | Beginner | Beginner |
| Suggested RAM | 2 GB+ | 4 GB+ |
| Architectures | x86_64 | x86_64 |
| First released | 2011 | 2017 |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Good for | Older hardware, Everyday use | Development, Gaming, Everyday use |
Key differences
- Lubuntu is based on Ubuntu, while Pop!_OS is based on Ubuntu LTS.
- Lubuntu ships LXQt; Pop!_OS ships COSMIC.
- Software comes from APT · Snap on Lubuntu and APT · Flatpak on Pop!_OS.
- We suggest about 2 GB of RAM for Lubuntu and 4 GB for Pop!_OS.
Choose Lubuntu if…
- light LXQt desktop
- ubuntu package base
- simple, familiar layout
64-bit only in current releases
Full Lubuntu 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 profileLubuntu vs Pop!_OS: FAQ
Is Lubuntu better than Pop!_OS?
Neither is better for everyone. Lubuntu is the stronger pick for older hardware; Pop!_OS for gaming.
Which uses less RAM, Lubuntu or Pop!_OS?
Lubuntu is lighter: we suggest about 2 GB versus 4 GB. The desktop you choose affects memory use more than the distribution itself.
Is Lubuntu based on Pop!_OS?
No. Lubuntu is based on Ubuntu; Pop!_OS is based on Ubuntu LTS.
Can I switch from Lubuntu 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.