Side by side
elementary OS vs Solus
Both stand on operating systems. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Linux
elementary OS combines a Linux desktop, everyday applications, workspaces, and a pay-what-you-can app store. Its physical-install focus, hardware requirements, and community-powered support are important considerations.
Visit elementary OS Free plan Linux
Solus offers four desktop choices, rolling updates, and built-in software management for x86-64 personal computers. Check the listed hardware requirements and choose the desktop edition that fits your needs.
Visit SolusThe facts
| elementary OS | Solus | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux | Linux |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | elementary.io | getsol.us |
| On operating systems | #18 of 42 | #36 of 42 |
elementary OS: what it does well
- Free plan available
- Built-in apps for common tasks
- Pay-what-you-can AppCenter
- Supports Intel, AMD, and ARM 64-bit
- Permissions can be revoked
What to know first
- Virtual machines are not recommended
- Requires 32 GB free SSD space
- Some apps require third-party sharing
Solus: what it does well
- Four desktop editions are available.
- Rolling updates do not require system reinstalls.
- Includes Firefox, Thunderbird, and LibreOffice.
- Supports Flatpak applications.
- Free to use.
What to know first
- Requires a 64-bit x86-64 processor.
- Minimum listed memory is 4 GB RAM.
- Requires 10 GB of free disk space.
Alternatives to elementary OS Alternatives to Solus The whole list