Garuda Linux vs Pop!_OS: how they differ
Garuda Linux 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: Garuda Linux is built on Arch, while Pop!_OS is built on Ubuntu.
- Desktop: Garuda Linux uses KDE Plasma; Pop!_OS uses COSMIC.
- Software tools: Garuda Linux uses pacman; Pop!_OS uses apt and Flatpak, so the commands you learn for one do not carry over.
- Releases: Garuda Linux 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 8 GB for Garuda Linux against about 4 GB for Pop!_OS is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Choose Garuda Linux if
You are among the people with a capable computer who want a polished, gaming-friendly Arch-based desktop.
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? Pop!_OS asks for less 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 Garuda Linux USB drive or the Pop!_OS USB drive. Learn more: what is Garuda Linux and what is Pop!_OS.
Software commands compared
- Garuda Linux:
sudo pacman -S name - Pop!_OS:
sudo apt install name
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Garuda Linux or Pop!_OS?
Neither is better for everyone. Choose by what you need: Garuda Linux suits people with a capable computer who want a polished, gaming-friendly Arch-based desktop, while Pop!_OS suits people who want a developer- and gamer-friendly system from hardware maker System76.
Can I install both Garuda Linux 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, Garuda Linux or Pop!_OS?
Garuda Linux uses a rolling release, so updates arrive continuously with no big version jumps; Pop!_OS uses long-term releases that stay supported for years.