Ubuntu Desktop vs Linux Mint

by Gralio Mar 08, 2025

Ubuntu Desktop and Linux Mint are both free and open-source operating systems. Ubuntu excels in software development and enterprise use, while Linux Mint offers a more familiar experience for Windows users. Both are suitable for individual users and businesses, catering to different needs and preferences.

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 578 reviews and 48 websites, saving 3 hours, 36 minutes of reading.

Ubuntu Desktop

Website LinkedIn Twitter

Linux Mint

Website LinkedIn Twitter

About

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.

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

Ubuntu Desktop is a versatile operating system known for its developer tools and broader software compatibility. Linux Mint prioritizes user-friendliness and a familiar experience, making it easier for those transitioning from Windows.

Relative strengths of Ubuntu Desktop (compared to Linux Mint)

Stronger software development tools integration: Ubuntu Desktop seamlessly integrates with various developer tools, making it ideal for software development.
Wider software compatibility: Ubuntu Desktop generally supports a wider range of software than Linux Mint.
Active community and enterprise support: Ubuntu has a larger community and offers enterprise-level support (Ubuntu Pro).

Relative weaknesses of Ubuntu Desktop (compared to Linux Mint)

Less user-friendly for Windows users: Ubuntu's GNOME interface can be less intuitive for those accustomed to Windows.
Snap packages: While offering automatic updates, snap packages can sometimes be slower and consume more resources than traditional packages.
Occasional kernel crashes: Ubuntu has reports of occasional kernel crashes, particularly under heavy RAM usage.

Who should use Ubuntu Desktop VS. Linux Mint

Ubuntu Desktop is a free, open-source operating system known for its user-friendly interface and robust security. It's ideal for individual users and software developers, especially those working in IT. Users praise its speed and active community support, but some experience occasional kernel crashes and battery drain.

Linux Mint is a free and user-friendly desktop operating system ideal for individuals and businesses, especially those transitioning from Windows. Users praise its intuitive interface, customizability, and speed, while some experience occasional instability after updates. Best for small to large businesses.

Best for medium to large enterprises (100+ employees).
Ideal for the Software, IT, & Telecommunications industry.

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

Ubuntu Desktop 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

Operating System Compatibility

Supported

Ubuntu Desktop supports running alongside other operating systems via dual booting or virtualization.

Supported

Linux Mint supports running alongside other operating systems like Windows.
Ready to use software

Supported

Ubuntu Desktop comes with pre-installed software and an app store for easy installation.

Supported

Linux Mint comes with pre-installed software ready to use.
Driver availability

Supported

Ubuntu Desktop has a comprehensive set of device drivers and tools for managing them.

Supported

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

Supported

Ubuntu Desktop allows configuring system settings via a graphical System Settings Manager.

Supported

Linux Mint offers comprehensive system configuration tools.
Processor compatibility

Supported

Ubuntu Desktop supports a wide range of processors, especially 64-bit CPUs.

Supported

Linux Mint supports a wide range of processors, especially 64-bit architectures.
Peripheral compatibility

Supported

Ubuntu Desktop supports various peripherals like printers, scanners, and cameras.

Supported

Linux Mint supports common peripherals, sometimes requiring manual driver installation.

Qualities

Value and Pricing Transparency

+1

Strongly positive sentiment

No data
Customer Service

No data

No data
Ease of Use

+0.62

Rather positive sentiment

+1

Strongly positive sentiment
Reliability and Performance

+0.47

Rather positive sentiment

+1

Strongly positive sentiment
Ease of Implementation

+0.33

Rather positive sentiment

No data
Scalability

No data

No data

Ubuntu Desktop and Linux Mint Pricing

No data

User sentiment

Strongly positive

See full Pricing page

No data

User sentiment

Strongly positive

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

Ubuntu Desktop and Linux Mint review insights

564 reviews analysed from and

Users love

User-friendly GNOME interface.
Open-source and customizable.
Strong security features and regular updates.
Efficient performance, often faster than other operating systems.
Active community support.

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

Certain proprietary software and games are not available or fully compatible.
Occasional kernel crashes when under heavy RAM usage.
Battery drain is a concern on laptops.
Some UI customizations are locked until you install gnome tweaks.
Gnome being a snap package.

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.

Ubuntu Desktop and Linux Mint Ratings

G2

4.5/5

(356)
Glassdoor

3.1/5

(373)

G2

4.5/5

(161)
Capterra

4.7/5

(47)
TrustPilot

3.7/5

(14)

Company health

Employee growth

19% increase in the last year

No change in the last year

Web traffic

4% increase in the last quarter

No data

Financing

May 2013 - $13M

No data

Which OS provides better driver availability for less common hardware?

Ubuntu likely offers better driver availability for less common hardware due to its larger community and broader hardware support focus. While Linux Mint prioritizes ease of use and pre-installed software, its driver support can be limited, especially for older or niche devices. Ubuntu's emphasis on developer tools and wider hardware compatibility suggests a greater likelihood of finding drivers for less common hardware.

How do Ubuntu's snap packages compare to Mint's update stability?

Ubuntu's snap packaging system, while designed for security and ease of updates, has faced criticism for potentially slower performance and occasional instability. Conversely, Linux Mint prioritizes update stability, opting for a more traditional approach. While Mint users sometimes report instability after updates, it's generally considered less frequent than issues stemming from snap updates in Ubuntu. Therefore, Mint generally offers a more stable update experience compared to Ubuntu's snap-based approach.

What are the advantages of Ubuntu Desktop?

Ubuntu Desktop offers seamless integration with software development tools, making it ideal for developers. It also boasts strong security features and regular updates, contributing to a more secure computing experience. Furthermore, Ubuntu Desktop has a large and active community providing ample support and resources.

What are the disadvantages of Ubuntu Desktop?

Ubuntu Desktop users occasionally experience kernel crashes under heavy RAM usage and battery drain on laptops. Some users find the default GNOME interface limiting, requiring additional tweaks for full customization. Finally, some proprietary software and games may have compatibility issues with Ubuntu Desktop.

Alternatives to Ubuntu Desktop and Linux Mint

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.

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.

Debian

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.

Windows 11

Windows 11 is the latest version of Microsoft's operating system. It features a redesigned interface with a centered Start menu and taskbar, along with new productivity tools like Snap Layouts for better multitasking. Windows 11 prioritizes security and integrates Microsoft Edge for work and leisure. While familiar to Windows 10 users, it introduces modern features and design elements.

VyOS

VyOS is an open-source alternative to traditional network routers and VPN solutions. It's essentially a customizable operating system designed for networking, offering advanced features like routing, VPN creation, firewall protection, and traffic management. Unlike many proprietary options, VyOS is highly flexible and can run on standard computer hardware, virtual environments, and even cloud platforms. It's managed through a command-line interface, making it suitable for technically proficient teams. VyOS is particularly valuable for businesses managing their own network infrastructure who are comfortable with hands-on configuration and prefer cost-effective, open-source solutions.

Fedora

Fedora is a free, Linux-based operating system that offers a secure and customizable experience for a variety of uses. It provides different editions tailored for desktops, servers, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things. Known for its innovative features and regular updates, Fedora is driven by a large community of developers.

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.

How are we doing?

Is this information helpful to you? Is there anything we are missing?

Did this help you select your product?

Other issues? Vote & Let us know