Fedora vs Pop!_OS: how they differ
Fedora 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: Fedora is built independently rather than on another distribution, while Pop!_OS is built on Ubuntu.
- Desktop: Fedora uses GNOME; Pop!_OS uses COSMIC.
- Software tools: Fedora uses dnf and Flatpak; Pop!_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; Pop!_OS uses long-term releases that stay supported for years.
- Memory: about 4 GB for Fedora against about 4 GB for Pop!_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 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 Fedora USB drive or the Pop!_OS USB drive. Learn more: what is Fedora and what is Pop!_OS.
Software commands compared
- Fedora:
sudo dnf install name - Pop!_OS:
sudo apt install name
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Fedora or Pop!_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 Pop!_OS suits people who want a developer- and gamer-friendly system from hardware maker System76.
Can I install both Fedora 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, Fedora or Pop!_OS?
Fedora uses numbered releases on a fixed schedule; Pop!_OS uses long-term releases that stay supported for years.