Zorin OS vs elementary OS: how they differ
Zorin 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: Zorin OS uses a Windows-style GNOME desktop; elementary OS uses Pantheon.
- Software tools: Zorin OS uses apt; elementary OS uses apt and Flatpak, 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 Zorin OS against about 4 GB for elementary OS is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Choose Zorin OS if
You are among the people switching from Windows who want a polished layout from day one.
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 Zorin OS USB drive or the elementary OS USB drive. Learn more: what is Zorin OS and what is elementary OS.
Software commands compared
- Zorin OS:
sudo apt install name - elementary OS:
sudo apt install name
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Zorin OS or elementary OS?
Neither is better for everyone. Choose by what you need: Zorin OS suits people switching from Windows who want a polished layout from day one, while elementary OS suits people who like a clean, Mac-style desktop with a curated app store.
Can I install both Zorin 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, Zorin OS or elementary OS?
Zorin OS uses long-term releases that stay supported for years; elementary OS uses long-term releases that stay supported for years.