CachyOS vs Pop!_OS: how they differ
CachyOS and Pop!_OS are often considered side by side. This page compares what each one is built on, how it looks, how software is installed, how updates arrive and what hardware it needs.
Key differences
- Foundation: CachyOS is built on Arch, while Pop!_OS is built on Ubuntu.
- Desktop: CachyOS uses KDE Plasma, with others on offer; Pop!_OS uses COSMIC.
- Software tools: CachyOS uses pacman; Pop!_OS uses apt and Flatpak, so the commands you learn for one do not carry over.
- Releases: CachyOS uses a rolling release, so updates arrive continuously with no big version jumps; Pop!_OS uses long-term releases that stay supported for years.
- Memory: about 4 GB for CachyOS against about 4 GB for Pop!_OS is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Choose CachyOS if
You are among the people who want a fast Arch-based system tuned for performance and gaming.
Choose Pop!_OS if
You are among the people who want a developer- and gamer-friendly system from hardware maker System76.
Quick answers
- Which is easier for a beginner? Pop!_OS is generally the easier first step.
- Which suits older hardware? They ask for a similar amount of memory.
- Can I try both? Yes. Start each from a live USB drive without installing, or put both on one drive with Ventoy.
Browse the CachyOS USB drive or the Pop!_OS USB drive. Learn more: what is CachyOS and what is Pop!_OS.
Software commands compared
- CachyOS:
sudo pacman -S name - Pop!_OS:
sudo apt install name
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, CachyOS or Pop!_OS?
Neither is better for everyone. Choose by what you need: CachyOS suits people who want a fast Arch-based system tuned for performance and gaming, while Pop!_OS suits people who want a developer- and gamer-friendly system from hardware maker System76.
Can I install both CachyOS and Pop!_OS?
Yes. Install each one on its own partition, or try both from a live USB drive first. See dual booting for the idea, which also works between two Linux systems.
Which gets updates faster, CachyOS or Pop!_OS?
CachyOS uses a rolling release, so updates arrive continuously with no big version jumps; Pop!_OS uses long-term releases that stay supported for years.