Linux Mint vs elementary OS: how they differ
Linux Mint 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: both are built on Ubuntu, so much of the help, software and troubleshooting advice for one applies to the other.
- Desktop: Linux Mint uses Cinnamon; elementary OS uses Pantheon.
- Software tools: both use apt and Flatpak, so install commands are the same.
- Releases: both follow long-term releases that stay supported for years.
- Memory: about 4 GB for Linux Mint against about 4 GB for elementary OS is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Choose Linux Mint if
You are among the people moving from Windows who want a familiar, conservative desktop that rarely changes.
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? Both suit beginners, so choose on look and feel.
- 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 Linux Mint USB drive or the elementary OS USB drive. Learn more: what is Linux Mint and what is elementary OS.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Linux Mint or elementary OS?
Neither is better for everyone. Choose by what you need: Linux Mint suits people moving from Windows who want a familiar, conservative desktop that rarely changes, while elementary OS suits people who like a clean, Mac-style desktop with a curated app store.
Can I install both Linux Mint 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, Linux Mint or elementary OS?
Linux Mint uses long-term releases that stay supported for years; elementary OS uses long-term releases that stay supported for years.