Debian vs Linux Mint

by Gralio Feb 27, 2025

Debian and Linux Mint are both excellent open-source operating systems catering to different user needs. Debian offers stability, flexibility, and a vast software repository, but requires more technical proficiency. Linux Mint prioritizes ease of use and a familiar desktop experience, suitable for users transitioning from Windows or macOS.

At Gralio.ai we help to simplify your decision-making process by offering detailed, side-by-side software comparisons like this one, to help you confidently choose the tool that aligns with your business goals.

This comparison was created by analysing 401 reviews and 49 websites, saving 2 hours, 38 minutes of reading.

Debian

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Linux Mint

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About

Debian is a free and open-source operating system known for its stability and security. It's like the foundation of a house, providing the core software to run your computer system. Debian offers a wide range of applications and software, making it suitable for various purposes. It stands out for its large, active community of developers who ensure its reliability and provide support.

Linux Mint is a free, full-featured operating system for desktops and laptops. It's designed for ease of use, resembling familiar operating systems, and comes with pre-installed productivity, multimedia, and internet applications. Linux Mint prioritizes user experience and a stable, reliable system with long-term support releases. It boasts a large and active community offering support and resources.

Summary

Main difference

Debian is known for its stability and extensive software repository, making it ideal for users comfortable with a command-line interface and potentially compiling software from source. Linux Mint prioritizes user-friendliness and comes with a pre-configured desktop environment and essential applications, making it better for users who prefer a more familiar, out-of-the-box experience.

Relative strengths of Debian (compared to Linux Mint)

Wider software availability through its large repository and compilation options.
Greater flexibility and control over the system.
Stronger community support focused on open-source principles.

Relative weaknesses of Debian (compared to Linux Mint)

Steeper learning curve and requires more technical expertise.
Can have compatibility issues with certain hardware, especially concerning drivers.
Software may be less up-to-date compared to other distributions, prioritizing stability over bleeding-edge features.

Who should use Debian VS. Linux Mint

Debian is a free, open-source operating system praised for its stability and security. Users love its flexibility and vast software options, but some find the installation challenging. A strong community provides support. Ideal for organizations and individuals prioritizing open-source solutions.

Linux Mint is a free and user-friendly desktop operating system ideal for individuals and businesses, especially those transitioning from Windows. Users praise its customizable interface, speed, and stability, while some experience occasional update issues. Best suited for small to large enterprises.

Ideal for businesses of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises.
A good fit for IT, but also suitable for Education, Media, and other industries seeking a stable OS.

Ideal for businesses of all sizes (1-1000+ employees).
Excellent fit for Education and Software/IT/Telecommunications.

Debian and Linux Mint features

Supported

Partially supported

Not supported

Type in the name of the feature or in your own words tell us what you need

Ready to use software

Not supported

Debian requires some setup and configuration.

Supported

Linux Mint comes with pre-installed software ready to use.
Open Source Software

Supported

Debian is free to use, distribute, and modify, with publicly available source code.

Supported

Linux Mint is open-source, allowing free use, distribution, and modification with access to source code.
100% Open Source

Supported

Debian is 100% open source if you select only open-source packages during installation.

Partially supported

Linux Mint is mostly open-source but offers optional proprietary components.
Processor compatibility

Supported

Debian supports a wide range of processors, from x86 to ARM.

Supported

Linux Mint supports a wide range of processors, especially 64-bit architectures.
Driver availability

Supported

Debian has a wide range of drivers, but proprietary drivers may require manual installation.

Supported

Linux Mint supports drivers via the Driver Manager tool.
System Configuration

Supported

Debian supports system configuration through various tools, including debconf and GNOME System Tools.

Supported

Linux Mint offers comprehensive system configuration tools.

Qualities

Value and Pricing Transparency

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Customer Service

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Ease of Use

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Reliability and Performance

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Ease of Implementation

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Scalability

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Debian and Linux Mint Pricing

No data

We couldn't find a pricing page for Debian.

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We couldn't find a pricing page for Linux Mint.

Debian and Linux Mint review insights

Users love

Free and open-source.
Strong security features.
Wide range of software options.
Large and active community support.
Stable and reliable.

User-friendly interface, especially for those transitioning from Windows.
Highly customizable desktop environment.
Lightweight and fast, suitable for older hardware.
Robust and stable system with regular updates.
Open-source and free, with a large software repository.

Users dislike

Difficult installation process for new users.
Software versions can be outdated.
Limited official support for non-free software and drivers.
Wireless and Bluetooth driver issues can occur.

Some updates can lead to system instability.
Limited driver support for certain hardware, especially older devices.
Software compatibility issues with some Windows applications.
Occasional freezing issues and kernel errors reported.

Debian and Linux Mint Ratings

G2

4.6/5

(168)
Capterra

4.6/5

(22)

G2

4.5/5

(161)
Capterra

4.7/5

(47)
TrustPilot

3.7/5

(14)

Company health

Employee growth

1% increase in the last year

No change in the last year

Web traffic

2% increase in the last quarter

No data

Financing

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How does each distro's driver support compare for less common hardware?

Both Debian and Linux Mint rely on the Linux kernel and therefore have broad hardware support. However, Debian, with its larger community and focus on free software, may have less readily available support for very new or niche hardware that relies on proprietary drivers. Linux Mint, being more desktop-focused and including some proprietary drivers by default, might offer a slightly smoother experience for less common hardware, especially in the consumer space, but can still encounter limitations. Ultimately, both distributions allow for manual driver installation, so support ultimately depends on driver availability from the hardware manufacturer.

Which OS provides a smoother transition for users accustomed to Windows or macOS?

Linux Mint provides a smoother transition for users accustomed to Windows or macOS. Its user interface is designed to be familiar and user-friendly, unlike Debian, which is often considered more challenging for new Linux users. Linux Mint also comes with pre-installed software for common tasks, simplifying the initial setup and making it feel closer to the out-of-the-box experience of Windows and macOS.

What are the advantages of Debian?

Debian's advantages include its strong focus on stability and security, maintained by a large and active community, and its 100% open-source nature, offering greater flexibility and control. While Linux Mint prioritizes user-friendliness, Debian's wider range of software options and cross-compilation support caters to a broader range of technical users and development needs.

What are the disadvantages of Debian?

Debian's disadvantages include a difficult installation process that can be challenging for new users, potentially outdated software versions compared to other distributions, limited official support for non-free software and drivers, and occasional issues with wireless and Bluetooth drivers.

Alternatives to Debian and Linux Mint

Ubuntu Desktop

Ubuntu Desktop is a free and open-source operating system for personal computers. It offers a user-friendly interface, a wide range of pre-installed applications for everyday tasks, and a strong emphasis on security and privacy. Known for its stability and compatibility, Ubuntu Desktop is suitable for both personal and professional use. It is supported by a large and active community that provides help and resources. Ubuntu Desktop can be installed on a wide range of hardware, from older PCs to modern laptops.

Arch

Arch Linux is a free, open-source operating system primarily designed for experienced computer users. It emphasizes user customization and control, offering a highly flexible and minimal system. Unlike operating systems with pre-installed software, Arch Linux users build their system from scratch, choosing only the components they need. While not as user-friendly as other operating systems, Arch Linux offers greater flexibility and control for users comfortable managing their own system.

Ubuntu

Ubuntu is a free, open-source operating system known for its speed and user-friendliness. Popular with developers, Ubuntu offers a secure platform for both daily tasks and professional software development. It boasts a large collection of applications and is compatible with a wide range of hardware, from modern laptops to older computers. Ubuntu also integrates well with enterprise environments, especially with the added support of Ubuntu Pro.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux

Red Hat Enterprise Linux is a stable operating system used by businesses of all sizes. It's known for its flexibility and security, especially important for companies moving operations online. Red Hat offers support, helping your business use this system whether your data is stored locally, or accessed through the cloud.

Amazon Linux 2

Amazon Linux 2 is a server operating system designed by Amazon Web Services (AWS) for businesses running applications in the cloud. It's reliable, secure, and frequently updated with the latest software. Amazon Linux 2 provides a user-friendly interface and can be easily deployed on various cloud platforms, making it a stable and efficient choice for businesses hosting applications on AWS.

CentOS

CentOS is a free computer operating system built on top of the popular Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Offering a stable and reliable platform, it's a popular choice for businesses wanting a cost-effective alternative without sacrificing enterprise-grade features. CentOS is ideal for companies looking for a long-term solution, as it's known for its extended support lifecycle and large, active community.

Page co-authored by

Michal Kaczor

CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

Tymon Terlikiewicz

CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

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