Best Pop!_OS alternatives
Distributions that share Pop!_OS’s purpose, family, release model, or desktop, ordered by how closely they match. Each one lists what it has in common and a link to a full side-by-side comparison.
- 1Pop!_OS vs Ubuntu
Ubuntu#1 in rankings
Broad support, from your laptop to your server. Ubuntu provides a widely documented desktop and server platform.
- Also suited to development and everyday use
- Also Debian-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: based on Debian.
- 2Pop!_OS vs Linux Mint
Linux Mint#2 in rankings
A familiar desktop. A comfortable place to start. Linux Mint puts a traditional desktop, graphical update tools, and a straightforward software manager at the center of the experience.
- Also suited to development and everyday use
- Also Ubuntu-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: Cinnamon, MATE, Xfce desktop, beginner level.
- 3Pop!_OS vs Kubuntu
Kubuntu#14 in rankings
Ubuntu with the KDE Plasma desktop. Kubuntu is an official Ubuntu flavour that replaces GNOME with KDE Plasma.
- Also suited to development and everyday use
- Also Ubuntu-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: based on Ubuntu.
- 4Pop!_OS vs CachyOS
CachyOS#4 in rankings
An Arch-based system tuned for speed. CachyOS is an Arch-based rolling distribution that focuses on performance.
- Also suited to development and gaming
- Offers COSMIC
Key difference: based on Arch Linux, rolling release model.
- 5Pop!_OS vs Zorin OS
Zorin OS#7 in rankings
A gentle switch from the desktop you know. Zorin OS adapts an Ubuntu-based desktop for people switching from other operating systems.
- Also suited to everyday use
- Also Ubuntu-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: GNOME-based (Xfce in Lite) desktop, beginner level.
- 6Pop!_OS vs elementary OS
elementary OS#18 in rankings
A calm, consistent desktop with a design focus. elementary OS builds its own Pantheon desktop and a curated set of applications on an Ubuntu LTS base.
- Also suited to everyday use
- Also Ubuntu-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: Pantheon desktop, beginner level.
- 7Pop!_OS vs Lubuntu
Lubuntu#34 in rankings
A lightweight Ubuntu flavour with LXQt. Lubuntu is the official Ubuntu flavour using the LXQt desktop.
- Also suited to everyday use
- Also Ubuntu-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: based on Ubuntu.
- 8Pop!_OS vs Xubuntu
Xubuntu#40 in rankings
Ubuntu with the light, steady Xfce desktop. Xubuntu is the official Ubuntu flavour with the Xfce desktop.
- Also suited to everyday use
- Also Ubuntu-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: based on Ubuntu.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Pop!_OS?
Ubuntu is the closest match: also suited to development and everyday use; also debian-based. Linux Mint and Kubuntu are also strong options.
Why switch from Pop!_OS?
Common reasons are its tradeoffs: cosmic is young; expect rough edges and missing extensions; release timing follows system76 rather than ubuntu’s schedule. An alternative can keep what you like while avoiding these.