Pop!_OS vs Xubuntu
Pop!_OS: A developer-friendly desktop with built-in tiling. Xubuntu: Ubuntu with the light, steady Xfce desktop. 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 hardwareXubuntuXubuntu 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 | Pop!_OS | Xubuntu |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity rank (30d) | #13 | #40 |
| Latest version | 24.04 (Dec 11, 2025) | — |
| Based on | Ubuntu LTS | Ubuntu |
| Release model | Stable | Stable |
| Desktop | COSMIC | Xfce |
| Package management | APT · Flatpak | APT · Snap |
| Init system | systemd | systemd |
| Experience level | Beginner | Beginner |
| Suggested RAM | 4 GB+ | 2 GB+ |
| Architectures | x86_64 | x86_64 |
| First released | 2017 | 2006 |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Good for | Development, Gaming, Everyday use | Everyday use, Older hardware |
Key differences
- Pop!_OS is based on Ubuntu LTS, while Xubuntu is based on Ubuntu.
- Pop!_OS ships COSMIC; Xubuntu ships Xfce.
- Software comes from APT · Flatpak on Pop!_OS and APT · Snap on Xubuntu.
- We suggest about 4 GB of RAM for Pop!_OS and 2 GB for Xubuntu.
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 Xubuntu if…
- lighter than Ubuntu’s default desktop
- ubuntu compatibility and documentation
- conservative, predictable interface
Flavour LTS support is shorter than Ubuntu’s
Full Xubuntu profilePop!_OS vs Xubuntu: FAQ
Is Pop!_OS better than Xubuntu?
Neither is better for everyone. Pop!_OS is the stronger pick for gaming; Xubuntu for older hardware.
Which uses less RAM, Pop!_OS or Xubuntu?
Xubuntu is lighter: we suggest about 2 GB versus 4 GB. The desktop you choose affects memory use more than the distribution itself.
Is Pop!_OS based on Xubuntu?
No. Pop!_OS is based on Ubuntu LTS; Xubuntu is based on Ubuntu.
Can I switch from Pop!_OS to Xubuntu 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.