Pop!_OS vs Solus
Pop!_OS: A developer-friendly desktop with built-in tiling. Solus: An independent desktop with a curated rolling model. Here is how they differ, and which one suits you.
Quick verdict
- BeginnersTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- GamingSolusSolus ships gaming-oriented defaults or current drivers.
- Older hardwareTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- Latest softwareSolusSolus uses a rolling model; Pop!_OS is stable.
- Long-term stabilityPop!_OSPop!_OS changes less between upgrades.
Specs compared
| Feature | Pop!_OS | Solus |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity rank (30d) | #13 | #43 |
| Latest version | 24.04 (Dec 11, 2025) | — |
| Based on | Ubuntu LTS | Independent |
| Release model | Stable | Rolling |
| Desktop | COSMIC | Budgie, KDE Plasma, GNOME, Xfce |
| Package management | APT · Flatpak | eopkg · Flatpak |
| Init system | systemd | systemd |
| Experience level | Beginner | Beginner |
| Suggested RAM | 4 GB+ | 4 GB+ |
| Architectures | x86_64 | x86_64 |
| First released | 2017 | 2015 |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Good for | Development, Gaming, Everyday use | Everyday use, Gaming |
Key differences
- Pop!_OS is based on Ubuntu LTS, while Solus is based on Independent.
- Pop!_OS follows a stable release model; Solus is rolling.
- Pop!_OS ships COSMIC; Solus ships Budgie, KDE Plasma, GNOME, Xfce.
- Software comes from APT · Flatpak on Pop!_OS and eopkg · Flatpak on Solus.
Choose 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 profileChoose Solus if…
- weekly, curated rolling updates
- desktop-focused package selection
- independent base with its own tooling
Smaller repository than major distributions
Full Solus profilePop!_OS vs Solus: FAQ
Is Pop!_OS better than Solus?
Neither is better for everyone. Pop!_OS is the stronger pick for long-term stability; Solus for gaming, latest software.
Which uses less RAM, Pop!_OS or Solus?
Both need about 4 GB of RAM for a comfortable desktop. The desktop environment affects memory use more than the distribution.
Is Pop!_OS based on Solus?
No. Pop!_OS is based on Ubuntu LTS; Solus is based on Independent.
Can I switch from Pop!_OS to Solus 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.