Thinking of switching to Linux or upgrading your current setup? Pop!_OS and Zorin OS are two of the most polished Ubuntu-based options out there — each built with a clear purpose in mind.

Pop!_OS, crafted by System76, is made for people who like power, precision, and performance. Whether you’re writing code, gaming with a GPU, or juggling multiple windows, it’s designed to keep up — no lag, no fuss, just flow.

Zorin OS, on the other hand, is focused on simplicity, beauty, and comfort. It’s especially great if you're coming from Windows or macOS. The interface feels familiar, the experience is smooth, and you won’t need to tinker with settings just to get started.

Both are solid, reliable, and user-friendly. But the better fit depends on what you want from your computer — raw efficiency or refined ease.

What is Pop!_OS?

Pop!_OS is a performance-focused Linux distribution developed by System76, based on Ubuntu. It’s designed for developers, creators, and power users who want a clean, efficient, and GPU-friendly desktop experience. It features a custom desktop environment called COSMIC, built for keyboard navigation, auto-tiling windows, and productivity.

Pros of Pop!_OS

1. Optimized GPU Support
   Comes in separate ISOs for NVIDIA and AMD/Intel — no manual driver headaches.
2. Auto Window Tiling
   Built-in tiling manager improves multitasking and window organization without extra setup.
3. Full Disk Encryption by Default
   Adds an extra layer of out-of-the-box security.
4. Minimal and Clean Interface
   No bloatware — just essential tools, leaving room for your custom setup.
5. Great for Developers
   Includes support for programming tools, Flatpak integration, and productivity enhancements.
6. Regular Updates & Firmware Tools
   Direct updates from System76, including firmware support for their hardware.

Cons of Pop!_OS

1. Not Ideal for Older PCs
   GNOME-based COSMIC is resource-heavy compared to lightweight distros.
2. Limited Desktop Customization
   Less flexible than KDE Plasma or deep GNOME tweaks.
3. Focused User Base
   Aimed more at tech-savvy users — complete beginners may prefer something more visual like Zorin OS.
4. No Native Wayland Support Yet
   As of now, still uses X11 — though future COSMIC versions may change that.

What is Zorin OS?

Zorin OS is a user-friendly Linux distribution based on Ubuntu, designed to make the transition from Windows or macOS as smooth as possible. Developed by the team at Zorin Group, it offers a sleek interface, familiar layouts, and a strong focus on usability. With editions like Core, Pro, Lite, and Education, Zorin OS caters to a wide range of users — from beginners and casual users to schools and low-spec PC owners.

Its custom Zorin Desktop Environment (based on GNOME or XFCE for Lite) lets you switch between different UI styles — such as Windows, macOS, or touch — with just a few clicks.

Pros of Zorin OS

1. Familiar Look & Feel
   Layout Switcher lets you choose a Windows-like, macOS-like, or tablet-style interface — great for new Linux users.
2. Beginner-Friendly Experience
   Clean design, easy app installation, and minimal terminal use make it perfect for non-technical users.
3. Lightweight Options Available
   The Zorin OS Lite edition (with XFCE) is optimized for older or low-end hardware.
4. Excellent Compatibility
   Built on Ubuntu LTS, giving access to a massive library of software and strong hardware support.
5. Pre-installed Essentials
   Comes with core productivity tools, and Pro edition adds extra creative and business software.
6. Wine & PlayOnLinux Integration
   Makes it easier to run certain Windows apps and games.

Cons of Zorin OS

1. Pro Edition Is Paid
   While Core and Lite are free, the Pro version (with extra layouts and preinstalled apps) requires a one-time payment.
2. Not Aimed at Power Users
   Less appealing for developers or users who want tiling window managers or advanced system control.
3. Slower to Get Latest GNOME Features
   Sticks to stable versions — good for reliability, but not for those who want the latest updates.
4. Limited Customization Without Extensions
   Core edition offers fewer built-in tweaks compared to KDE-based distros. 

#1 Key Similarities Between Pop!_OS and Zorin OS

✔ Based on Ubuntu
Both distros are built on top of Ubuntu, which means they inherit its stability, security updates, and access to the Ubuntu software ecosystem.

✔ Beginner-Friendly
Both are designed to offer a smooth and modern desktop experience. While they target different users, they both make Linux accessible to people switching from other operating systems.

✔ Strong Security Practices
Pop!_OS and Zorin OS both benefit from Ubuntu’s LTS security patches and updates. Pop!_OS adds full disk encryption by default; Zorin allows it during setup.

✔ Flatpak and APT Support
Both support installing apps through Flatpak and APT package manager, giving users flexibility in software management.

✔ Excellent Hardware Compatibility
Since both are Ubuntu-based, they support a wide range of devices and drivers — making them great for laptops, desktops, and even older machines (especially Zorin Lite).

✔ Live USB + Easy Installation
Each provides a Live USB environment and a simple graphical installer, making it easy to try before installing.

✔ Regular Updates
Both distros are actively maintained with stable release cycles, bug fixes, and system enhancements.

#2 Key Differences – Pop!_OS vs Zorin OS

2.1 Developer & Vision

Pop!_OS is built by System76, a company that makes Linux-powered laptops and desktops. They created Pop!_OS to run perfectly on their hardware, with a strong focus on performance, productivity, and advanced users like developers, engineers, and creators.

Zorin OS, on the other hand, comes from the Zorin Group, a team dedicated to making Linux feel smooth, familiar, and approachable — especially for people switching from Windows or macOS. Their goal is to remove the learning curve and make Linux feel instantly usable.

Pop!_OS is performance-driven for tech-savvy users, while Zorin OS is thoughtfully designed for a smooth, beginner-friendly Linux journey.

2.2 User Target

Pop!_OS is crafted for power users who demand more from their system — think programmers, engineers, gamers, and creators who love performance, keyboard shortcuts, and control over their workflow.

Zorin OS is thoughtfully tailored for beginners, casual users, and those moving from Windows or macOS. It provides a familiar experience with minimal setup and a strong visual interface.

Pop!_OS suits users who want performance and productivity, while Zorin OS fits those seeking simplicity and a familiar desktop without the tech-heavy feel.

2.3 Desktop Environment

Pop!_OS features a custom GNOME-based environment called COSMIC. It’s built for productivity — with handy features like auto-tiling, workspaces, and keyboard-driven navigation that help you stay in the zone while multitasking.

Zorin OS delivers a more familiar and flexible experience with its own Zorin Desktop, based on GNOME (for Core/Pro) and XFCE (for Lite). It includes a built-in layout switcher that lets you make your desktop look and feel like Windows, macOS, or even touch-based tablets — all in a few clicks.

Pop!_OS gives you a focused, workflow-driven desktop, while Zorin OS offers visual flexibility and comfort, especially for users who like familiar layouts.

2.4 GPU & Driver Support

Pop!_OS takes the hassle out of GPU setup by offering separate ISOs for NVIDIA and Intel/AMD systems. Just pick the right one, install, and you're ready to roll — no extra steps or manual driver installs.

Zorin OS, while still compatible with most GPUs, requires users to install proprietary drivers manually — especially for NVIDIA cards. It’s a quick process, but not as seamless as Pop!_OS.

Pop!_OS is plug-and-play for GPU users, while Zorin OS needs a little extra setup for full graphics performance.

2.5 Tiling Window Manager

Pop!_OS comes with a built-in auto-tiling window manager, designed to organize your apps automatically into neat, side-by-side layouts. It’s perfect for multitasking, coding, or managing multiple windows without dragging things around manually.

Zorin OS sticks with the traditional stacking window system — similar to what you see in Windows or macOS — where you manually move and resize windows. It focuses more on comfort than advanced layout control.

Pop!_OS boosts productivity with smart auto-tiling, while Zorin OS keeps things classic and easy with manual window management.

2.6 Editions Offered

Pop!_OS keeps things simple with just one main edition, plus a separate ISO that includes NVIDIA drivers pre-installed. It’s a focused approach — install it and go, whether you’re a developer, gamer, or general power user.

Zorin OS gives you more flavors to choose from:

1. Core for everyday use (free)
2. Pro for extra features and layouts (paid)
3. Lite for older or low-spec PCs
4. Education for schools and students

Each edition is tailored to a different type of user — from beginners to classrooms to performance seekers.

Pop!_OS keeps it streamlined with one powerful edition, while Zorin OS offers more choices to suit different users and hardware.

2.7 System Requirements

Pop!_OS is designed for modern hardware, offering smooth performance but with a heavier footprint. It runs best on systems with at least 4 GB RAM and a multi-core processor, especially when using its tiling features and GNOME-based desktop.

Zorin OS Lite, on the other hand, is built specifically for older or low-spec machines. It uses the lightweight XFCE desktop, making it run comfortably on systems with as little as 2 GB RAM and low-end CPUs — perfect for breathing new life into aging PCs.

Pop!_OS thrives on newer hardware, while Zorin OS Lite is a smart pick for reviving older computers.

2.8 Out-of-the-Box Software

Pop!_OS keeps things minimal by design. You get just the essential tools — browser, terminal, software center — giving you a clean slate to build your system the way you want, without unnecessary bloat.

Zorin OS leans toward ready-to-use convenience, especially in the Pro and Education editions, which come preloaded with productivity apps, media tools, and even Windows app support via Wine. It’s geared to help users get started right after installation.

Pop!_OS gives you control with a clean start, while Zorin OS provides a more complete setup out of the box for immediate use.

#3 Advanced Differences  – Pop!_OS vs Zorin OS

3.1 Wayland Support

Pop!_OS currently runs on X11 by default, but that’s changing soon. The upcoming COSMIC desktop, being built from scratch in Rust, is set to switch to Wayland as its display server — offering better performance, smoother animations, and improved security.

Zorin OS, whether using GNOME (Core/Pro) or XFCE (Lite), still relies on X11. While GNOME technically supports Wayland, Zorin doesn’t enable or emphasize it, and there’s no official roadmap pointing to a Wayland-first approach.

Pop!_OS is moving toward full Wayland support with COSMIC, while Zorin OS continues to rely on X11 with no clear plans for transition.

3.2 Encryption Defaults

Pop!_OS takes security seriously right from the start — it enables full disk encryption by default during installation, helping protect your data without requiring extra steps.

Zorin OS gives you the option to enable encryption during setup, but it’s not automatic. You’ll need to manually check the box if you want your drive secured.

Pop!_OS secures your system by default, while Zorin OS leaves it up to you to enable encryption during setup.

3.3 Software Delivery Model

Pop!_OS leans heavily on Flatpak for app installation, offering a sandboxed and secure environment. Its built-in Pop!_Shop is tightly integrated with Flatpak/Flathub, making it easy to find and install modern Linux apps in a click.

Zorin OS takes a more balanced approach — it supports APT, Flatpak, and Snap out of the box, giving users the freedom to choose how they install apps. It doesn’t favor one packaging format over another.

Pop!_OS promotes Flatpak for app security and simplicity, while Zorin OS offers flexibility without locking you into a single format.

3.4 Firmware Management

Pop!_OS includes an integrated firmware updater, especially optimized for System76 devices, but it also works well on most other systems. Updates for BIOS, keyboard firmware, and controllers are handled smoothly through LVFS (Linux Vendor Firmware Service).

Zorin OS uses the standard Ubuntu tools like fwupd and GNOME Software, which also connect to LVFS — reliable and functional, but not as deeply integrated or customized as in Pop!_OS.

Pop!_OS offers enhanced firmware support, especially for System76 machines, while Zorin OS sticks with Ubuntu’s standard update tools.

3.5 Window Management Philosophy

Pop!_OS is built for a keyboard-centric workflow — it encourages efficient multitasking with features like auto-tiling, dynamic workspaces, and fast keyboard shortcuts. It's designed to keep your hands on the keyboard and your focus uninterrupted.

Zorin OS takes a mouse-friendly, visual-first approach, offering a familiar point-and-click experience similar to Windows or macOS. It’s built for comfort, not complexity, making it great for users who prefer simplicity over automation.

Pop!_OS is productivity-driven with keyboard-first navigation, while Zorin OS keeps things intuitive and visually accessible for everyday users.

3.6 Custom Tools

Pop!_OS comes equipped with productivity-focused utilities like Pop Shell (its advanced tiling window manager), a built-in recovery partition for system repair, and a hybrid graphics toggle — perfect for switching between integrated and dedicated GPUs on demand.

Zorin OS provides a more visually oriented toolkit: the Zorin Appearance app lets you customize your desktop layout with ease, while built-in support for Wine and PlayOnLinux makes it easier to run some Windows apps without diving into terminal commands.

Pop!_OS gives you tools to optimize workflow and performance, while Zorin OS focuses on visual customization and Windows-app compatibility.

3.7 Pricing & Licensing

Pop!_OS is completely free and open source, with no paid versions or locked features — whether you're a developer, gamer, or casual user, you get the full experience right out of the box.

Zorin OS offers Core and Lite editions for free, covering the needs of most users. However, the Pro edition comes with a small one-time fee, unlocking additional desktop layouts, productivity tools, and preinstalled creative software — mainly to support development.

Pop!_OS gives you full power for free, while Zorin OS offers a premium upgrade for users who want more features and want to support the project.

3.8 Touchscreen & Tablet Usability

Pop!_OS runs on GNOME, which does support basic touchscreen gestures like tap, swipe, and pinch. While it works on touchscreen devices, the desktop experience isn’t specifically optimized for tablets — it's still keyboard-and-mouse focused.

Zorin OS Pro takes it a step further by offering a dedicated touch layout. With larger icons, simplified menus, and mobile-like navigation, it’s built to be more comfortable on hybrid laptops, 2-in-1s, and tablets.

Pop!_OS supports touch input but favors traditional setups, while Zorin OS Pro delivers a more polished touchscreen experience for tablet-style use.

3.9 Cloud & Remote Access Tools

Pop!_OS keeps things clean and lightweight, so it doesn’t include any built-in remote desktop or cloud integration. If you need remote access or sync features, you’ll need to install tools like Remmina, AnyDesk, or Dropbox manually.

Zorin OS Pro includes Zorin Connect, a feature that creates a seamless bridge between your Android phone and desktop. You can sync notifications, share files, send texts, and even control your mouse and media — all wirelessly.

Pop!_OS leaves cloud and remote tools up to the user, while Zorin OS Pro offers an integrated Android-to-PC connection out of the box.

3.10 Development Philosophy

Pop!_OS follows a more agile development model — while it’s based on Ubuntu LTS, System76 frequently rolls out feature updates between major releases. This means tools like Pop Shell, firmware manager, and hybrid graphics support evolve faster and independently.

Zorin OS prefers a version-based release cycle. Most updates are delivered as part of major version upgrades, focusing on reliability and polish rather than fast feature rollouts. This keeps the system stable and predictable for everyday users.

Pop!_OS evolves continuously with faster feature delivery, while Zorin OS favors steady, versioned updates for a more stable experience.

#4 Use Case Summary – Which One to Choose?

Choose Pop!_OS if you’re a developer, engineer, gamer, or multitasker who wants a fast, keyboard-driven, performance-tuned Linux experience. It’s especially great if you have modern hardware or need NVIDIA GPU support, auto-tiling, and custom tools that boost productivity.

Choose Zorin OS if you're a beginner, casual user, or switching from Windows or macOS. It offers a familiar interface, smoother touchscreen support, and out-of-the-box usability — perfect for older PCs, schools, or users who prefer a more visual, mouse-friendly environment.