Pop!_OS vs elementary OS: how they differ
Pop!_OS 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: Pop!_OS uses COSMIC; 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 Pop!_OS against about 4 GB for elementary OS is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Choose Pop!_OS if
You are among the people who want a developer- and gamer-friendly system from hardware maker System76.
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 Pop!_OS USB drive or the elementary OS USB drive. Learn more: what is Pop!_OS and what is elementary OS.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Pop!_OS or elementary OS?
Neither is better for everyone. Choose by what you need: Pop!_OS suits people who want a developer- and gamer-friendly system from hardware maker System76, while elementary OS suits people who like a clean, Mac-style desktop with a curated app store.
Can I install both Pop!_OS 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, Pop!_OS or elementary OS?
Pop!_OS uses long-term releases that stay supported for years; elementary OS uses long-term releases that stay supported for years.