Ubuntu vs Ubuntu Studio: how they differ
Ubuntu and Ubuntu Studio 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: Ubuntu is built on Debian, while Ubuntu Studio is built on Ubuntu.
- Desktop: Ubuntu uses GNOME; Ubuntu Studio uses KDE Plasma.
- Software tools: Ubuntu uses apt and Snap; Ubuntu Studio 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 Ubuntu against about 8 GB for Ubuntu Studio is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Choose Ubuntu if
You are among the people who want the most widely supported desktop, with a new release every six months and a long-term release every two years.
Choose Ubuntu Studio if
You are among the people making audio, video, graphics or photos who want the tools preinstalled.
Quick answers
- Which is easier for a beginner? Ubuntu is generally the easier first step.
- Which suits older hardware? Ubuntu 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 Ubuntu USB drive or the Ubuntu Studio USB drive. Learn more: what is Ubuntu and what is Ubuntu Studio.
Software commands compared
- Ubuntu:
sudo apt install name - Ubuntu Studio:
sudo apt install name
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Ubuntu or Ubuntu Studio?
Neither is better for everyone. Choose by what you need: Ubuntu suits people who want the most widely supported desktop, with a new release every six months and a long-term release every two years, while Ubuntu Studio suits people making audio, video, graphics or photos who want the tools preinstalled.
Can I install both Ubuntu and Ubuntu Studio?
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, Ubuntu or Ubuntu Studio?
Ubuntu uses long-term releases that stay supported for years; Ubuntu Studio uses long-term releases that stay supported for years.