Pop OS vs Ubuntu: Which One is Better?

Choosing the right operating system can become a challenge as it involves managing computer hardware and software resources and offers common services for computer programs. While the IT industry mainly focuses on top OS including Windows, macOS, Linux, and others, there are others in the race too. Pop OS and Ubuntu are two operating systems that are open-source Linux distributions. If you are wondering about their differences and want to know more about Pop OS vs Ubuntu, then our today’s guide will be a perfect find for you. So, keep reading!

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Pop OS vs Ubuntu: Which One is Better?

Linux distributions offer two operating systems for users namely, Pop OS and Ubuntu which are of similar nature. Pop OS is an Ubuntu-based operating system. Therefore, it becomes important to differentiate these two OS with respect to what they are and how they function. Let us first discuss their basic definition below.

What is Pop OS?

To know more about the pros and cons of Pop OS and Ubuntu, it is important to understand what Pop OS really is.

Pop OS is a free and open-source Linux system that is based on Ubuntu.
This distribution is created by an American Linux computer vendor, known as System76.
Pop OS is an OS that has been designed to be included with System76 PCs along with being downloaded and installed on almost all other computers.
It supports AMD as well as NVIDIA GPUs out of the box.
This OS is meant for gaming due to its built-in GPU support.
The recent releases of Pop OS also enable users to set up TensorFlow and Cuda.
Other outside programmers can contribute, read, and alter the sources code in Pop OS as it is not a community-driven OS like others.
Programmers can also create unique ISO and resell under a different brand name with Pop OS.

What is Ubuntu?

It is important to understand Ubuntu in detail as well to know what is better either Pop OS or Ubuntu.

Ubuntu is an open-source and free Linux-based operating system.
Ubuntu is mainly based on the Debian GNU/Linux distribution.
Ubuntu OS can be used for both Personal Computers (PCs) and servers.
Ubuntu is designed to focus on development in smartphones, network servers, and other such devices.
Ubuntu is an easy-to-use operating system for beginners.
There are different variants for Ubuntu including Ubuntu server edition, Edubuntu, Xunbuntu, and others.
The default user interface of Ubuntu is GNOME (GNU Network Object Model Environment).
This OS is primarily used for usage on home computers.
Ubuntu OS combines all characteristics of the Unix operating system with a customized graphical user interface which makes it popular in research companies and colleges as well.
Ubuntu is an African term in real that means humanity to others.

Also Read: How to Install GCC on Ubuntu

Which is Better Pop OS or Ubuntu?

Both these operating systems are not different from each other except for a few features and specifications. Choosing one OS between these two depends completely on the needs and requirements of the user for a particular task. If you are a gamer, you must opt for Pop OS and if you want to stay within the budget being a beginner, you can opt for Ubuntu as your operating system.

Difference Between Pop OS and Ubuntu

Even though Pop OS and Ubuntu are similar when it comes to their functionality, there are a few features that might have differences between Pop OS and Ubuntu. Let us figure out these differences in detail below:

1. Pop OS Vs Ubuntu Desktop Environment

By default, Pop OS employs the GNOME desktop environment. It has GNOME feel to it and is more polished than the one in Ubuntu. It also runs on a customized version of GNOME with features like complex workspaces, window stacking, auto-tiling, and extensive customization. Even GNOME in Ubuntu comes pre-installed but it is not as flexible as the Pop OS one. So, the desktop environment of Pop OS is more current and energetic.

2. Bloatware of Operating Systems

There is no bloatware present in Pop OS because there are fewer pre-installed programs. Pop OS also comes with its own official PPA with all apps that can be installed using the APT command. Even Flatpak packages are available at Pop OS Shop. On the other hand, Ubuntu comes with pre-installed programs that cause bloatware, decrease the system performance, and deteriorate user experience.

3. Pop OS Vs Ubuntu Hardware Performance

Minimal OS and hardware data are used by Pop OS. This operating system does not even collect or retain any user data. Minimum system requirements for Pop OS include 2GB RAM (4GB suggested), 20GB Storage, and a 64-Bit CPU. Ubuntu also has low system requirements including 2GB RAM, 25GB Storage, and a 2GHz dual-core processor. However, Ubuntu does gather data from users.

4. App Store for Pop OS and Ubuntu

App Store is available for both, Pop OS and Ubuntu. While only a few apps are pre-installed in Pop OS, a number of pre-installed apps can be found in Ubuntu.

5. Pop OS Vs Ubuntu Usability

Pop OS is basically for Linux users who are into gaming. Apart from gaming, Pop OS supports some amazing features of modernized software. Ubuntu software is compatible with beginners as well as people new to using Linux. It is also available for free for users trying out OS.

6. Ease of Installing Third-Party Apps

Pop OS has its own official PPA which is made available by default. It offers some useful applications like Android Studio, TensorFlow, and others. On the other hand, Ubuntu offers a number of applications but it shows some issues with its Snap packages. They take a lot of time to start and also take up disk space.

7. Snap Package Support

Snap package support is offered by Ubuntu as these packages are listed right on the software center. It is better than Pop OS as in Pop OS, you will not be able to find Snap Packages through the Shop.

Also Read: Top 14 Best Graphics Card for Linux

Pros of Pop OS

Let us shed some light on the pros of Pop OS that will help you to know about Pop OS. Continue to read to know which is better Pop OS or Ubuntu.

Improved Gaming Quality: You can enjoy a great gaming experience on Linux by installing Wine, Lutris, and Steam. Even though installation of these programs takes longer, with Pop OS it is easy to install them.
Pop Shop: With Pop Shop, you can install applications as well as update your system. This app store makes updating easier as well.
Easy Installation: Install Pop OS is relatively easy and uncomplicated. To install Pop OS, no additional software or configuration is required on your system.
Easy to Use: Pop OS comes with applications that automate specific tasks that generally require a technical professional. It is an operating system that can be easily used by beginners.
Speed: Pop OS is known for its speed as it is faster than other operating systems. Developers can easily send their code and source it to improve the speed of the operating system as it is an open-source program.

Pros of Ubuntu

Just like Pop OS, there are various perks of using Ubuntu as an operating system that can help you decide better between them.

Wide Device Support Range: Ubuntu operating system supports a wide range of devices such as PCs, robots, phones, servers, IoT devices, and other virtual devices. Ubuntu also supports computers produced by companies that produce their own operating systems including Apple.
Low Cost: As you know already, Ubuntu is a free and open-source OS. You do not have to pay for it or buy a license to use it.
Regular Updates: Ubuntu offers regular updates and releases for the OS. This ensures that the user continues working with an updated version of the program. This eventually helps to reduce the number of bugs in the program.
Customization: Ubuntu is also known to offer different options for customizations as per the user’s style. You can easily customize the desktop screen, icon size, themes, notifications, updates, look, and feel of the operating system. You can also customize other features like panel settings, cursor size, hot corners, window snapping, and more.
Built-In Anti-Virus: Ubuntu OS comes with an in-built anti-virus system that helps to immune your PC from malware and viruses. This helps in saving the cost of installing an additional anti-virus program.

Cons of Pop OS

A list of drawbacks of Pop OS is also extremely helpful to know more about the difference between them.

Full Disk Encryption: One drawback of Pop OS is that it does not support full disk encryption and custom partitions. Therefore, default partitions are used to achieve the desired result with Pop OS.
Limited Processor: With Pop OS, only a 64-bit processor is available to users. It is a con for users with a process limit of 32-bit.
Minimize Option: Pop OS does not come with a default maximize and minimize option.
Software Support: Pop OS only gets technical support from System76. This might reduce options for users and put them at a disadvantage which having community support might prevent.
Dual Booting: Pop OS also does not support dual booting. Along with that, it also does not support the third or fourth OS on the same device. This can limit the option for those users who want to operate more than one OS on their device.

Also Read: Why is RalinkLinuxClient Showing Up in Windows 10?

Cons of Ubuntu

Determining the cons of Ubuntu helps users to compare it with Pop OS and also enables them to clearly identify the difference. Continue to read to know which is better Pop OS or Ubuntu.

Limited Applications: One of the cons of Ubuntu is that you will be confined to installing a limited number of apps on it because is not a popular operating system.
Lack of Community Support: It is very difficult to get help from the Ubuntu community quickly in case an issue comes up. The response from the community can take up to days or even months.
Hardware Compatibility: Ubuntu has also shown incompatibility issues between the operating system and the user’s hardware. This can result in issues with other devices such as printers, graphic cards, and others.
Gaming Quality. Ubuntu is not a great option for gamers. There are only a few games available on this OS and the ones available are neither impressive nor advanced. It also lacks configurations required for gaming purposes.
MP3 Format Restriction: On Ubuntu, if you want to use or work with MP3 files, you must add external codes or install external applications as this OS does not run with the MP3 format. However, formats like MP4, AAC, WAC, and others are supported and accessible on the Ubuntu operating system.

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This brings us to the end of our doc on Pop OS vs Ubuntu. We hope that we were able to guide you thoroughly about both the operating systems, their features, pros, and cons, and most importantly were able to differentiate them well to help you find a perfect fit. For more queries, suggestions, or doubts, you can contact us by leaving your comments below.