Pop!_OS

Linux

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Freedom report

Two barsScore 6.3

Free tierA free tier is on its own pricing page
Open codeNo open-source code on record
Runs widely1 of 6 device platforms
DocumentedPlans, terms and facts published

Pop!_OS is ranked #14 of 45 in operating systems on Freedom251. It runs on Linux. There is a free plan.

Pop!_OS plans and pricing

All plans

Pop!_OS Free Free to download · Linux operating system · Installation requires compatible computer hardware system76.com · 5 Oct 2026

Compared on operating systems

Free plan: Yes
Device types: Computers, laptops, desktops, workstations; ARM computers
CPU architectures: 64-bit x86; ARM64
Support lifecycle: LTS release; the vendor describes Pop!_OS updates as continuous but does not state a specific support duration on the cited product pages.
Built-in management: COSMIC Store app updates; OS Upgrade & Recovery; terminal package updates and upgrades; Repoman repository management
App compatibility: Flatpak; .deb packages via apt/dpkg; Ubuntu-compatible software
Deployment models: Install on physical computers from ISO/USB; live USB environment

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The record

Purpose: Pop!_OS is a Linux operating system designed to be productive and personal.
Window management: It supports automatic window tiling that users can adjust with a mouse or keyboard.
Productivity: The launcher can open apps, switch windows, calculate, find files, search the web, and run commands.
Customization: Users can position a single or dual panel on any screen edge and create themes with custom fonts and icons.
Apps and compatibility: Pop!_OS uses APT and Flatpak, and the maker says Ubuntu-compatible tools can run on it.
Software examples: The maker lists VS Code, Android Studio, Blender, DaVinci Resolve, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and MATLAB among compatible software.
Security: The maker says Pop!_OS includes memory-safe Rust code and provides full-disk encryption during installation.
Privacy: System76 says Pop!_OS does not collect or store information from user installations.
Updates: The OS receives rolling updates and periodic version upgrades, which users can install at their convenience.
Install requirements: The installation guide lists 64-bit x86 or ARM architecture, 4 GB RAM minimum, and 20 GB storage; its download page recommends 4 GB RAM and 16 GB storage.
Installation limit: Secure Boot must be disabled before installation, according to the installation guide.
Current release: The download page lists Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS and says it includes the COSMIC desktop environment.
Support: System76 offers documentation and says its support team can help owners of System76 computers through support tickets.
Headquarters: Denver, Colorado, United States
Price from: Free

Where it ranks on Freedom251

Best Operating Systems in 2026#14 of 45

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Sources

system76.com/pop· checked 5 Oct 2026
system76.com/pop/productivity· checked 5 Oct 2026
system76.com/pop/customization· checked 5 Oct 2026
system76.com/pop/compatibility· checked 5 Oct 2026
system76.com/pop/security· checked 5 Oct 2026
system76.com/support/install-pop· checked 5 Oct 2026
system76.com/download-pop/· checked 5 Oct 2026
system76.com/support· checked 5 Oct 2026