Nobara Project vs Pop!_OS
Nobara Project: Fedora, pre-tuned for gaming and streaming. 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.
- GamingTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- 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 | Nobara Project | Pop!_OS |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity rank (30d) | #20 | #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 | Beginner | Beginner |
| Suggested RAM | 8 GB+ | 4 GB+ |
| Architectures | x86_64 | x86_64 |
| First released | 2022 | 2017 |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Good for | Gaming, Everyday use | Development, Gaming, Everyday use |
Key differences
- Nobara Project is based on Fedora, while Pop!_OS is based on Ubuntu LTS.
- Nobara Project ships KDE Plasma, GNOME; Pop!_OS ships COSMIC.
- Software comes from DNF · Flatpak on Nobara Project and APT · Flatpak on Pop!_OS.
- We suggest about 8 GB of RAM for Nobara Project and 4 GB for Pop!_OS.
Choose Nobara Project if…
- codecs and NVIDIA drivers included
- gaming and OBS tweaks out of the box
- recent Fedora base
Small maintainer team
Full Nobara Project 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 profileNobara Project vs Pop!_OS: FAQ
Is Nobara Project better than Pop!_OS?
Neither is better for everyone. Nobara Project is the stronger pick for a different set of needs; Pop!_OS for older hardware.
Which uses less RAM, Nobara Project 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 Nobara Project based on Pop!_OS?
No. Nobara Project is based on Fedora; Pop!_OS is based on Ubuntu LTS.
Can I switch from Nobara Project 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.