Fedora vs elementary OS: how they differ
Fedora and elementary 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: Fedora is built independently rather than on another distribution, while elementary OS is built on Ubuntu.
- Desktop: Fedora uses GNOME; elementary OS uses Pantheon.
- Software tools: Fedora uses dnf and Flatpak; elementary OS uses apt and Flatpak, so the commands you learn for one do not carry over.
- Releases: Fedora uses numbered releases on a fixed schedule; elementary OS uses long-term releases that stay supported for years.
- Memory: about 4 GB for Fedora against about 4 GB for elementary OS is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Choose Fedora if
You are among the people who want recent software and developer tools with sensible defaults.
Choose elementary OS if
You are among the people who like a clean, Mac-style desktop with a curated app store.
Quick answers
- Which is easier for a beginner? elementary 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 Fedora USB drive or the elementary OS USB drive. Learn more: what is Fedora and what is elementary OS.
Software commands compared
- Fedora:
sudo dnf install name - elementary OS:
sudo apt install name
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Fedora or elementary OS?
Neither is better for everyone. Choose by what you need: Fedora suits people who want recent software and developer tools with sensible defaults, while elementary OS suits people who like a clean, Mac-style desktop with a curated app store.
Can I install both Fedora and elementary 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, Fedora or elementary OS?
Fedora uses numbered releases on a fixed schedule; elementary OS uses long-term releases that stay supported for years.