Raspberry Pi OS vs Ubuntu
Raspberry Pi OS: The official system for Raspberry Pi boards. Ubuntu: Broad support, from your laptop to your server. 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 hardwareRaspberry Pi OSRaspberry Pi OS needs about 1 GB of RAM versus 4 GB.
- Latest softwareTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- Long-term stabilityTieBoth are a similar fit here.
Specs compared
| Feature | Raspberry Pi OS | Ubuntu |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity rank (30d) | #27 | #1 |
| Latest version | — | 26.04.1 (Aug 31, 2026) |
| Based on | Debian Stable | Debian |
| Release model | Stable | Stable |
| Desktop | Raspberry Pi Desktop | GNOME |
| Package management | APT | APT · Snap |
| Init system | systemd | systemd |
| Experience level | Beginner | Beginner |
| Suggested RAM | 1 GB+ | 4 GB+ |
| Architectures | aarch64, armhf | x86_64, aarch64 |
| First released | 2012 | 2004 |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Good for | Education, Development, Servers | Everyday use, Development, Servers |
Key differences
- Raspberry Pi OS is based on Debian Stable, while Ubuntu is based on Debian.
- Raspberry Pi OS ships Raspberry Pi Desktop; Ubuntu ships GNOME.
- Software comes from APT on Raspberry Pi OS and APT · Snap on Ubuntu.
- We suggest about 1 GB of RAM for Raspberry Pi OS and 4 GB for Ubuntu.
Choose Raspberry Pi OS if…
- best hardware support on Raspberry Pi
- imager preconfigures Wi-Fi and SSH
- large educational community
Only for Raspberry Pi hardware
Full Raspberry Pi OS profileChoose Ubuntu if…
- long-term support release options
- extensive documentation and vendor support
- desktop and server editions
Snap is integrated into the default experience
Full Ubuntu profileRaspberry Pi OS vs Ubuntu: FAQ
Is Raspberry Pi OS better than Ubuntu?
Neither is better for everyone. Raspberry Pi OS is the stronger pick for older hardware; Ubuntu for a different set of needs.
Which uses less RAM, Raspberry Pi OS or Ubuntu?
Raspberry Pi OS is lighter: we suggest about 1 GB versus 4 GB. The desktop you choose affects memory use more than the distribution itself.
Is Raspberry Pi OS based on Ubuntu?
No. Raspberry Pi OS is based on Debian Stable; Ubuntu is based on Debian.
Can I switch from Raspberry Pi OS to Ubuntu 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.