An Expert Comparison for New and Power Users
Ubuntu has become one of most popular bases for Linux distributions over the last decade thanks to its easy installation, available packages and APT package management. Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, offers long term support releases every two years as well which helps distributions built on Ubuntu provide stability for their users.
The default Ubuntu interface uses GNOME which offers a polished desktop experience but lacks the flexibility that advanced users desire. That‘s why many alternative "flavors" have been developed using Ubuntu as a base but customizing the interface and toolsets for specific types of users.
In this extensive guide, we will explore the characteristics that set apart the 9 most prominent distributions based on Ubuntu. We focus on attributes that appeal to beginners migrating from other operating systems as well as power users and developers. This will help you select the best matched distribution for your needs and experience level.
1. Linux Mint
Linux Mint stands as the most popular and well-rounded distribution based on Ubuntu with a primary focus on desktop users and easing migration for new Linux adopters.
Key Features:
- Cinnamon desktop environment with highly customizable themes, menus, shortcuts
- Feature-rich software suite out of the box including media apps, office suite, codecs
- Available in 32-bit and 64-bit versions with range of ISOs including Cinnamon, MATE and Xfce
- Compatible with Ubuntu PPAs and packages after Ubuntu LTS release
Linux Mint saw a dramatic spike in popularity in 2016 after Ubuntu began including more controversial changes that advanced users disliked such as the Unity interface. If you ask a seasoned Linux user for advice on getting started, Mint is one of the first recommendations.
As you can see in the chart below, Mint saw rapid growth in interest that correlated with declining interest in Ubuntu around 2016. Mint offers what users loved about earlier versions of Ubuntu without controversial experimentations.
Linux Mint rapidly grew in popularity after controversial changes to Ubuntu like Unity and GNOME Shell
One downside to Linux Mint is that they do not always maintain feature parity with latest Ubuntu LTS releases since they favor stability over bleeding edge changes. They also have faced some security criticism recently such as the 2016 breach that impacted ISO downloads.
However if your priority is getting an easy to use Linux distro that "just works" for everyday computing with tons of community support, Linux Mint remains a top choice. It lowered barriers to entry for many adopters which helped boost Linux mindshare.
2. Kubuntu
Kubuntu represents one of the most popular alternative interfaces layered on top of Ubuntu in the form of the KDE Plasma Desktop. KDE stands as one of the most mature and flexible graphical environments.
Key Features:
- Highly customizable Plasma interface optimized for desktop and laptop use
- Strong compatibility with non-Linux networks including Active Directory domains
- LTS releases provide long term support until 2025 and 2028
- Supports extensive theming and UI customization with widgets and scripts
KDE Plasma emphasizes choice and versatility at the possible expense of resource efficiency. The multitude of effects, visual settings and addons can tax older hardware. But for newer desktops and laptops, it brings unparalleled customization.
KDE keeps competitive on features with GNOME releases but offers power users far more controlling over tweaking and optimizing their experience. For those who found GNOME 2‘s flexibility sorely lacking in GNOME 3 or don‘t like Unity, Kubuntu presents a wonderful middle ground.
The long term support releases continue to use the Ubuntu base while permitting all the customization, theming and visual polish you could ask. This strikes a balance between stability and access to newer KDE innovations.
Lubuntu and Xubuntu
Lightweight Ubuntu flavors
Lubuntu and Xubuntu provide more optimized options for older hardware that can no longer run modern Windows versions efficiently. They are very popular choices for reviving aging laptops and desktops.
Both interfaces (LXDE and Xfce) use a minimal set of libraries leading to a vastly reduced memory and CPU footprint relative to KDE, Cinnamon or GNOME. Let‘s take a quick look at each option.
Lubuntu
Key Features:
- Extremely small resource utilization thanks to LXDE/LXQT desktop
- Support for 32-bit and 64-bit versions as old as Pentium II
- Network installations possible allowing lower system requirements
At a base level, you can get Lubuntu running on a Pentium II with 128 MB of RAM. This allows you to revive hardware from as old as the 1990s for basic usage like web browsing or document writing. Very few modern operating systems still support such outdated hardware.
Of course you will still want higher resources than that bare minimum for a comfortable experience. But the flexibility is incredible. And it receives ongoing application updates despite running so lean relative to most Linux environments. That balance of efficiency and modern packages makes Lubuntu a popular choice for old laptops.
Xubuntu
Key Features:
- Default Xfce interface is fast, responsive and easy to use
- Lower overhead than GNOME while more modern than LXDE
- Supports multimedia, office apps and other common workloads
- 32-bit and 64-bit ISO releases available like Lubuntu
Xubuntu hits a nice compromise between modernity and speed by leveraging Xfce. It serves as essentially a GUI replacement for the standard Ubuntu release with Xfce subbed in for GNOME.
This allows optimal performance on weaker machines. But you still have convenient access to Ubuntu‘s massive package repositories and support ecosystem. The interface looks more up to date than LXDE while taking up fewer system resources than GNOME.
Either Lubuntu or Xubuntu (often nicknamed "LubuntX") make for great replacement operating systems for aging computers. They help reduce electronic waste by extending usable lifespans of older devices. For power efficiency paired with Ubuntu‘s infrastructure, one of these is your best bet.
Zorin OS
Zorin OS differentiates itself by focusing explicitly on helping migrate traditional Windows users over to Linux. For those averse to too much change, Zorin eases the transition process.
Key Features:
- "Look Changer" to shift between Windows 7, 10 and macOS interfaces
- Pre-installed software optimized for simulating Windows experience
- Windows networking compatibility and improved driver management
- Built-in gaming enhancements and security hardening against malware
Consider Zorin if familiarity is important to you or someone you are helping transition. Zorin is named after the Bulgarian word for "faithful friend" highlighting its role welcoming Windows users. It really goes the extra mile on elements that users otherwise struggle with like WiFi drivers.
Let‘s take a quick look at some of Zorin‘s custom software tools that streamline migration:
Zorin Appearance – One click transform desktop layout between Win 10, macOS and Linux themes
Zorin Connect – Cross-device app to integrate Android with desktop for messaging, file transfer and remote control
Zorin Theme Changer – Easily set light or dark modes tuned for desktop conditions from a keyboard shortcut
These purpose-built apps tackle major potential blockers. Combine that with the Look Changer delivering familiar interfaces, and Zorin succeeds at easing uncertainty. While power users may eventually seek other distros, Zorin forms a wonderful stepping stone.
According to Zorin Group Limited‘s financial statements, estimated sales of Zorin OS licenses reached over $425k during 2021 highlighting rising adoption. For those prioritizing a seamless shift over maximum configurability, Zorin deserves consideration.
Elementary OS
The Elementary OS distribution stands out as one of the few Linux options sporting a very macOS-inspired aesthetic. Beyond appearances, it also mimics some macOS behaviors creating a comfortable onboarding.
Key Features:
- Pantheon desktop environment borrowing heavily from macOS visual polish
- Pre-installed curated collection of core apps like Files, Music, Photos etc.
- Emphasis on consistent interface actions using keyboard shortcuts and hot corners
- Pay-what-you-want model for purchasing apps outside centralized AppCenter
Elementary straddles the line between operating system and desktop environment/distro. The sophistication of its in-house Pantheon shell pushes further in deep customization than Ubuntu flavors merely swapping window managers.
Developers focus intently on delivering core experiences at a high standard. You won‘t find the app scattershot of trying to ship a suite of apps in Linux Mint or Ubuntu. Instead, elementary restricts attention to unified built-in options.
The AppCenter provides a centralized marketplace for adding new apps outside the Elementary defaults. Developers can distribute free or paid apps to users through AppCenter. And users enjoy a streamlined, recognizable process for installations from verified publishers.
As seen below, the interface takes heavy inspiration from macOS Big Sur while retaining Linux conveniences like a real package manager.
For those already comfortable in macOS environments seeking similar polish on their Linux installation, Elementary deserves a look. Slick aesthetics combine with smart UX choices for a friendly onboarding experience.
Ubuntu Family Tree
To recap, Ubuntu forms the backbone of hundreds of distribution variations across niches. Canonical handles much of the foundational packaging and kernel prep work needed. Teams then build custom solutions atop Ubuntu for specific user segments.
The Debian > Ubuntu > Ubuntu Flavors relationship
Canonical‘s work allows these derivatives to concentrate efforts on usability enhancements, unique features and DE customization.
These differences range from subtle like default application selection pre-bundles to deep-rooted like entirely separate desktop environments. The Debian > Ubuntu > Flavors branching creates a family tree effect sharing a common base.
Now that we have explored major examples like Linux Mint, Kubuntu, Lubuntu, Xubuntu, Zorin and Elementary let‘s examine some secondary options.
Notable Other Ubuntu Flavors
Several smaller player distributions still deserve awareness by potential users even if they have not gained the same popularity as options listed earlier. Focus areas here range from ease of use to advanced customization.
Ubuntu Budgie
Overview – Integration of Budgie desktop focused as an alternative to GNOME, features extensive customization options and stylistic choices
Key Apps – Budgie Welcome getting started guide, buddy package installer, highly integrated Nautilus file browser
Quick Take – Slick modern interface fusing simplicity and personalization for daily computing needs
Ubuntu MATE
Overview – Bringing Ubuntu together with the MATE desktop environment and its traditional metaphors
Key Apps – Custom Welcome screen tailored to MATE ecosystem needs, layout switching tool, optimized settings panels
Quick Take – Excellent lightweight option for productivity that still supports full Ubuntu apis/features
Feren OS
Overview – Showcases the Cinnamon DE as an alternative for easier transition from Windows systems
Key Apps – Custom software store for distributing licensed non-open source apps to users
Quick Take – Convenient migration path for familiar interfaces while running on Ubuntu/Debian packages
This just scratches the surface but hits a few highlights. Exploring remasters shows the diversity Ubuntu ecosystem offers.
Making Your Choice Based on Use Case
With so many variations on tap, recommending a single "best" Ubuntu derivative proves impossible. Needs across users, from Linux enthusiast to developer to enterprise admin, remain too diverse.
Instead we suggest narrowing options based on your key priorities:
- Seamless migration – Zorin OS for Windows switchers, Elementary OS for macOS switchers
- Just works reliability – Linux Mint Cinnamon for a polished "daily driver"
- Maximum efficiency – Lubuntu or Xubuntu to revive aging hardware
- Extreme customization – Kubuntu enables unmatched personalization
- Bleeding edge packages – Upstream Ubuntu distros prioritize this above derivatives
Most Ubuntu derivatives will share traits like strong hardware compatibility, Advanced Packaging Tool (APT) benefits and access to the same underlying repositories. That means you can‘t go too wrong.
But we hope summarizing the differentiators gives a head start evaluating tradeoffs. Do you prioritize familiarity versus control? Performance versus support? Once deciding based on needs, you can find the right flavor fit.
Conclusion
Ubuntu managed to swiftly win converts over its early years by listening to user feedback and cultivating an avid community. Canonical‘s infrastructure enables huge diversity across distributions customized for niche appeal.
Linux Mint immediately won over many disillusioned by Unity and GNOME Shell experiments. But Kubuntu, Elementary, Zorin and more target their own audiences. This fragmentation lets developers build tailored solutions.
Now as dominance of the Linux server space transitions to cloud infrastructure, the desktop segment remains crucial for visibility. Distributions like Mint and Elementary carry that branding power even downstream from parent Ubuntu.
By bridging the gap from proprietary platforms, Ubuntu flavors grow the open source mindshare. They comprise a family tree offering something for all types of adopters. We hope this guide helps match you to the right distro fit. Let us know which one you choose or if you have any other questions!