Linux Mint vs Pop!_OS
| Linux Mint | Pop!_OS | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Paid from | — | Free |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | Linux | Linux |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Device types | desktop computers, laptop computers | Computers, laptops, desktops, workstations; ARM computers |
| Support lifecycle | LTS releases are supported for 5 years; Linux Mint 22.3 is supported until April 2029. | 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 | Update Manager; centralized software updates | COSMIC Store app updates; OS Upgrade & Recovery; terminal package updates and upgrades; Repoman repository management |
| App compatibility | Software manager; access to software packages; dual-boot installation alongside Windows | Flatpak; .deb packages via apt/dpkg; Ubuntu-compatible software |
| Deployment models | Installation on desktop and laptop computers; live USB | Install on physical computers from ISO/USB; live USB environment |
| CPU architectures | — | 64-bit x86; ARM64 |
Both are listed in Best Operating Systems. On Freedom251, Pop!_OS scores higher on our published basis.