Pop!_OS vs Zorin OS: how they differ
Pop!_OS and Zorin 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; Zorin OS uses a Windows-style GNOME desktop.
- Software tools: Pop!_OS uses apt and Flatpak; Zorin OS uses apt, so the commands you learn for one do not carry over.
- Releases: both follow long-term releases that stay supported for years.
- Memory: about 4 GB for Pop!_OS against about 4 GB for Zorin 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 Zorin OS if
You are among the people switching from Windows who want a polished layout from day one.
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 Zorin OS USB drive. Learn more: what is Pop!_OS and what is Zorin OS.
Software commands compared
- Pop!_OS:
sudo apt install name - Zorin OS:
sudo apt install name
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Pop!_OS or Zorin 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 Zorin OS suits people switching from Windows who want a polished layout from day one.
Can I install both Pop!_OS and Zorin 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 Zorin OS?
Pop!_OS uses long-term releases that stay supported for years; Zorin OS uses long-term releases that stay supported for years.