Alternatives to Pop!_OS
An Ubuntu-based Linux desktop operating system from System76, focused on productivity and customization. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
Pop!_OS
An Ubuntu-based Linux desktop operating system from System76, focused on productivity and customization.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as Pop!_OS.
Linux Mint
A desktop Linux operating system designed to work out of the box, with a lightweight Xfce edition.
Linux Mint also offers a familiar Ubuntu-family desktop for Windows switchers, with common apps preinstalled and a Debian-based LMDE option.
Manjaro Linux
An Arch-based rolling-release Linux distribution that aims to make Arch easier to install and use.
Manjaro Linux moves you to an Arch-based rolling release with current software and staged update branches, which needs more attention than fixed releases.
Garuda Linux
An Arch-based Linux distribution with a gaming edition, performance tweaks and the Chaotic-AUR repository.
Garuda Linux is an Arch-based rolling distribution with a dedicated gaming edition and the Chaotic-AUR repository, replacing Pop!_OS's Ubuntu base.
Zorin OS Lite
An Xfce-based edition of the Zorin OS Linux distribution intended for older and lower-powered PCs.
Zorin OS Lite is a lighter Xfce-based distribution for older PCs, though the Lite edition is planned to end from Zorin OS 19.
Xubuntu
A community-developed Ubuntu flavour with the lightweight Xfce desktop for everyday use.
Xubuntu keeps the Ubuntu software base but uses the lightweight Xfce desktop, with long-term support until 2029.
MX Linux
A midweight desktop Linux distribution based on Debian Stable, built with antiX components and MX tools.
MX Linux switches to a Debian Stable base with antiX components and MX tools, aimed at running well on modest hardware.
Void Linux
An independent rolling-release Linux distribution with its own XBPS package manager and the runit init system.
Void Linux is an independent rolling distribution with its own XBPS package manager and runit instead of systemd, better suited to experienced Linux users.
CachyOS
A performance-tuned Linux distribution based on Arch Linux, with CPU-optimized packages and a custom kernel.
CachyOS is an Arch-based rolling distribution with CPU-optimized packages and kernel scheduler choices, trading Ubuntu's fixed releases for frequent updates.
Also worth comparing
These listings name Pop!_OS as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.
Bazzite
A Fedora-based Linux distribution set up for gaming on desktops, handhelds, tablets and living-room PCs.
Pop!_OS is an Ubuntu-based desktop from System76 with NVIDIA and hybrid graphics support and full-disk encryption, focused on productivity more than gaming presets.
Drauger OS
An Ubuntu-based Linux distribution tuned for desktop gaming performance.
Pop!_OS keeps an Ubuntu base, adds full-disk encryption and NVIDIA hybrid graphics support, collects no user data, and is best tuned for System76 hardware.
Nobara
A Fedora-based Linux desktop tuned for gaming, streaming and content creation out of the box.
Pop!_OS offers an Ubuntu base from System76 with good NVIDIA and hybrid graphics support and full-disk encryption, but is less gaming-specific and best tuned for System76 hardware.
SteamOS
Valve's Linux-based gaming operating system for the Steam Deck and other supported devices.
Pop!_OS is an open-source Ubuntu-based desktop from System76 with NVIDIA support and full-disk encryption, aimed at general desktop use rather than a Steam console experience.
Ubuntu GamePack
An Ubuntu-based Linux distribution preloaded with Steam, Wine and other gaming tools.
Pop!_OS is an open-source Ubuntu-based desktop from System76 with NVIDIA and hybrid graphics support and no user data collection, but gaming tools are not all preinstalled.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
Flatpak
Sandboxed application packaging for Linux, with shared runtimes and Flathub.
Snap
Canonical's universal Linux packages with confinement and automatic updates.
GameMode
A Linux daemon and library that temporarily applies performance optimisations while a game is running.
Budgie
A free and open source Linux desktop environment with its own panel, application menu and window management.
