If you’re thinking about switching to Linux, two names will probably appear again and again: Linux Mint and Ubuntu. Both are popular Linux distributions, both are free, and both can be excellent choices for everyday computing.

But what are the differences between Mint and Ubuntu, and which one should you install?

The biggest difference is the desktop experience. Linux Mint focuses on providing a familiar, traditional desktop that feels comfortable for people coming from Windows, while Ubuntu offers a more modern GNOME-based experience with its own design and workflow. Mint is based on Ubuntu’s long-term support releases, so the two systems also share many underlying technologies.

In this guide, we’ll compare Linux Mint vs Ubuntu across performance, hardware support, software, updates, security, gaming, customization, system requirements, and ease of use.

By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of which Linux distribution makes more sense for your computer and your daily needs.

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: Quick Comparison

Feature	Linux Mint	Ubuntu
Based on	Ubuntu	Debian
Main desktop	Cinnamon	GNOME
Beginner friendly	Excellent	Excellent
Windows-like experience	Excellent	Good
Performance on older PCs	Usually better	Depends on desktop and hardware
Software availability	Excellent	Excellent
Hardware support	Very good	Excellent
Long-term support	Yes	Yes
Gaming	Very good	Very good
Customization	Excellent	Very good
Package management	APT + GUI tools	APT + GUI tools
Flatpak	Built in	Available
Snap	Not installed by default	Built in
Enterprise use	Less common	Very common
Server version	No main Mint server edition	Yes
Best for beginners	Mint	Ubuntu
Best for enterprise	—	Ubuntu
Best for older hardware	Mint	Ubuntu flavors may be better
Best for traditional desktop	Mint	—

Both distributions are based on mature Linux technologies, but they have different goals and desktop experiences.

What Is Linux Mint?

Linux Mint is a Linux distribution designed to provide a comfortable and familiar desktop experience.

The standard edition uses the Cinnamon desktop environment, which has a traditional layout with:

• A desktop
• A taskbar
• A start-style application menu
• System tray
• Window controls
• File manager
• Settings tools

For someone coming from Windows, this layout can feel familiar almost immediately.

Linux Mint also offers other desktop editions, including MATE and Xfce, which can be useful for users who prefer a lighter desktop environment.

Mint’s developers focus heavily on making the desktop straightforward for everyday users.

You can browse files, install software, configure hardware, manage updates, and change system settings without needing to spend all your time in the terminal.

What Is Ubuntu?

Ubuntu is one of the world’s best-known Linux distributions.

It is developed by Canonical and is based on Debian.

Ubuntu is used on:

• Desktop computers
• Laptops
• Servers
• Cloud platforms
• Development machines
• Internet infrastructure
• Enterprise systems
• IoT devices

The standard Ubuntu desktop uses GNOME with Ubuntu’s own visual modifications.

Instead of a traditional Windows-style desktop, GNOME uses a different workflow centered around the Activities overview, application launcher, workspaces, and a dock.

Ubuntu is also available in several official flavors with different desktop environments.

This means Ubuntu can be adapted to different hardware and user preferences.

The Biggest Difference Between Mint and Ubuntu

The easiest way to understand the difference is to look at the desktop philosophy.

Linux Mint tries to make Linux feel familiar.

Ubuntu tries to provide a modern desktop experience while also serving a much wider ecosystem of desktop, server, cloud, and enterprise users.

If you install Mint Cinnamon after using Windows for years, the basic layout should feel familiar.

If you install Ubuntu, the desktop may take a little longer to understand.

Neither approach is automatically better.

It depends on what you want from your computer.

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: Desktop Environment

The desktop environment is one of the most noticeable differences.

Linux Mint Cinnamon

Cinnamon provides a traditional desktop layout.

You get:

• Application menu
• Taskbar
• System tray
• Desktop icons
• Windows-style window controls
• Familiar file management

This makes Mint particularly comfortable for people moving from Windows.

Cinnamon also gives you plenty of customization options.

You can change themes, icons, panels, applets, desktop effects, and other visual settings.

Ubuntu GNOME

Ubuntu’s standard desktop is based on GNOME.

GNOME takes a different approach.

Instead of putting everything into a traditional Start menu and taskbar, it uses:

• Activities overview
• Dock
• Workspaces
• Application grid
• Search

This design can feel different at first.

However, once you learn the workflow, it can be very efficient.

Ubuntu also supports GNOME extensions, which can change the behavior and appearance of the desktop.

Winner: Depends on preference

Choose Mint if you want a traditional desktop.

Choose Ubuntu if you prefer the GNOME workflow.

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: Ease of Use

Both Linux Mint and Ubuntu are beginner-friendly compared with many other Linux distributions.

However, Mint often feels easier for people who are moving from Windows.

The desktop layout is familiar, and many common settings are easy to find.

For example, you can open the application menu, search for a program, launch it, and manage your files in a way that feels similar to Windows.

Ubuntu is also easy to use, but its GNOME interface requires you to learn a slightly different workflow.

Winner: Linux Mint

For a first Linux installation, especially on a personal desktop or laptop, Mint is often the easier starting point.

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: Performance

Performance depends on your hardware and which desktop environment you choose.

The standard Linux Mint Cinnamon desktop can feel lighter than the standard Ubuntu GNOME desktop on some systems.

This can be particularly noticeable on:

• Older laptops
• Systems with limited RAM
• Older CPUs
• Computers with integrated graphics

However, modern computers can generally run both distributions comfortably.

Ubuntu also offers lighter desktop flavors such as Xubuntu and Lubuntu.

So if you’re comparing standard Mint Cinnamon with standard Ubuntu Desktop, Mint may have an advantage on older hardware.

Winner: Linux Mint for many older PCs

But hardware matters more than the distribution name.

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: System Requirements

The exact requirements change with each release and desktop environment.

A modern computer with several gigabytes of RAM should generally be able to run either distribution.

For an older computer, your choice of desktop environment becomes more important.

Linux Mint’s Xfce edition is designed for users who want a lighter desktop.

Ubuntu users can choose lighter official flavors.

If your computer is very old, don’t simply install the standard version of either operating system and expect perfect performance.

Instead, choose a desktop environment that matches your hardware.

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: Software Availability

Both distributions give you access to a huge amount of Linux software.

You can install applications through:

• Software managers
• APT
• Flatpak
• Snap on Ubuntu
• Downloaded packages
• Terminal commands

Ubuntu has a particularly large ecosystem because it is widely used by developers, businesses, cloud providers, and software vendors.

Mint benefits from being based on Ubuntu’s long-term support releases, which means many Ubuntu tutorials and packages are also relevant to Mint.

Winner: Ubuntu

Ubuntu has the broader ecosystem and stronger presence among commercial software providers.

However, the practical difference for normal desktop users is often small.

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: Software Management

Both distributions use the APT package manager for traditional Debian packages.

For example:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install firefox

The commands are familiar across both systems.

The graphical experience differs.

Mint provides its own Software Manager, while Ubuntu provides the App Center.

Both let you search for and install applications without using the terminal.

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: Snap vs Flatpak

This is one of the more important differences.

Ubuntu has strong support for Snap, Canonical’s package format.

Ubuntu’s package-management tools integrate Snap packages into the desktop experience.

Linux Mint takes a different approach.

Mint does not include Snap support by default and instead has strong support for Flatpak.

Flatpak is a popular way to distribute desktop applications across different Linux distributions.

This means the application installation experience can differ depending on which distribution you choose.

Which is better?

It depends on the applications you need.

If you frequently use software distributed through Snap, Ubuntu may be more convenient.

If you prefer Flatpak, Mint may be more attractive.

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: Updates

Both distributions provide regular updates.

Linux Mint’s update manager gives users control over system updates and allows them to manage different types of updates through a graphical interface.

Ubuntu also provides graphical update tools and automatic security updates.

The biggest difference is the release philosophy.

Ubuntu has:

• Regular releases
• Long-term support releases

Linux Mint generally follows Ubuntu’s long-term support base for its main editions.

For users who don’t want to reinstall their operating system frequently, long-term support releases are usually the better choice.

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: Long-Term Support

Ubuntu’s LTS, or Long Term Support, releases are designed for users who want a stable system with long support periods.

They are especially popular with:

• Businesses
• Developers
• Servers
• Organizations
• Long-term desktop installations

Linux Mint’s main releases are based on Ubuntu LTS releases.

That gives Mint users access to a stable underlying foundation.

Winner: Tie

Both can provide a long-term desktop setup.

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: Security

Linux is known for strong security practices, but no operating system is automatically secure.

Both Mint and Ubuntu receive security updates.

Ubuntu has a major advantage in enterprise security because Canonical maintains a large security ecosystem around Ubuntu for businesses and cloud environments.

Ubuntu also has extensive documentation for security hardening, servers, containers, cloud deployments, and enterprise environments.

Mint is perfectly suitable for normal desktop users who keep their system updated and follow sensible security practices.

Winner: Ubuntu for enterprise

Winner: Tie for normal desktop use

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: Hardware Support

Ubuntu has a strong reputation for hardware compatibility.

It is widely used across desktops, laptops, servers, and cloud systems.

Hardware vendors and software companies often provide Ubuntu-specific instructions because of its popularity.

Linux Mint benefits from its Ubuntu base, so much of the same hardware support applies.

For very new hardware, Ubuntu may sometimes receive support first.

Winner: Ubuntu

If you’re buying a brand-new laptop and Linux compatibility is important, checking support for your exact hardware model is still a good idea.

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: Gaming

Linux gaming has improved significantly over the years. To see how Linux stacks up against other operating systems, check our detailed breakdown of Linux gaming performance vs Windows.

Both Mint and Ubuntu can run many games through platforms and compatibility tools such as:

• Steam
• Proton
• Lutris
• Heroic Games Launcher
• Wine

Ubuntu has an advantage when following gaming guides because many developers and communities specifically document Ubuntu support.

Mint can also run many of the same games because of its Ubuntu base.

Your graphics card and drivers often matter more than whether you’re using Mint or Ubuntu.

Winner: Ubuntu by a small margin

For gaming, however, the difference is usually much smaller than the difference between graphics hardware and driver quality.

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: NVIDIA Drivers

NVIDIA drivers can be one of the more important parts of a Linux gaming or workstation setup.

Ubuntu provides a graphical way to manage proprietary drivers.

Linux Mint also provides Driver Manager tools.

Because Mint is based on Ubuntu’s foundation, many Ubuntu driver instructions can also be useful for Mint users.

Winner: Tie

For either distribution, use the recommended driver for your specific NVIDIA hardware and distribution version.

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: Customization

Linux Mint Cinnamon gives users a lot of control over the traditional desktop.

You can customize:

• Themes
• Icons
• Panels
• Applets
• Desktop effects
• Menus
• Fonts
• Window behavior

Ubuntu’s GNOME desktop can also be customized.

GNOME extensions can add features and change the desktop’s behavior.

However, GNOME’s customization system works differently from Cinnamon’s.

Winner: Linux Mint

Mint is usually easier for users who want to change the traditional desktop without adding many extensions.

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: Privacy

Privacy is an important consideration when choosing an operating system.

Linux Mint generally takes a simple desktop approach with fewer integrations into Canonical’s broader ecosystem.

Ubuntu has historically included features and services that connect more closely with Canonical’s ecosystem.

For most users, this isn’t a major concern.

Still, if you prefer a straightforward desktop with fewer additional services, Mint may feel more comfortable.

Winner: Linux Mint

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: Terminal

Both distributions provide access to a powerful Linux terminal. If you want a modern command-line setup alongside default emulators, compare advanced options like iTerm2 vs Ghostty.

You can use:

• Bash
• Zsh
• Fish
• Python
• Git
• SSH
• Docker
• Development tools

Commands such as:

sudo apt update

work across both distributions.

For developers, the underlying command-line experience is very similar.

Winner: Tie

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu for Developers

Ubuntu has a strong advantage among developers because it is widely supported by:

• Programming language communities
• Cloud providers
• Software vendors
• Container platforms
• Development tools
• Tutorials
• Enterprise environments

If you’re learning Linux development, Ubuntu can be a safe choice because you’ll often find Ubuntu-specific instructions.

Mint can still be an excellent development machine.

Since it is based on Ubuntu, many Ubuntu development guides also work on Mint.

Winner: Ubuntu

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu for Programming

Both distributions can handle common development workflows. You can also use popular editors such as Visual Studio Code, Neovim, and next-generation AI coding tools covered in our Cursor vs Windsurf vs GitHub Copilot comparison.

You can install:

• Python
• Node.js
• Java
• Go
• Rust
• C/C++
• PHP
• Ruby
• Git
• Docker

You can also use popular editors such as:

• Visual Studio Code
• Neovim
• Vim
• Sublime Text
• JetBrains IDEs

Ubuntu has a larger developer ecosystem, but Mint is more than capable for personal programming projects.

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu for Older Computers

This is one area where Mint often shines.

If you have an older computer that struggles with Windows, Linux Mint may give it a second life.

The Cinnamon edition is not the lightest Linux desktop, but Mint also offers Xfce and MATE editions.

For older machines, a lighter desktop can make a noticeable difference.

Ubuntu also offers lighter flavors.

If your computer has very limited resources, compare lightweight distributions rather than only comparing Mint and standard Ubuntu.

Winner: Linux Mint

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu for Windows Users

If you’re coming from Windows, Linux Mint is probably the easier transition.

The desktop layout is familiar.

You have:

• A bottom panel
• Start-style menu
• System tray
• Desktop icons
• Familiar window behavior
• Traditional file management

Ubuntu’s GNOME desktop is not difficult, but it feels different.

You may need some time to learn:

• Activities
• Workspaces
• Application overview
• Dock behavior
• GNOME shortcuts

Winner: Linux Mint

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu for macOS Users

The answer can be different for Mac users.

Ubuntu’s GNOME workflow may feel more familiar to people who like:

• Workspaces
• Application overview
• Keyboard-driven navigation
• Minimal desktop layouts

However, neither distribution exactly copies macOS.

If you’re coming from a Mac, spend some time with both desktop environments before deciding.

Winner: Depends on preference

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: Community and Documentation

Ubuntu has one of the largest Linux communities.

That means you can find:

• Tutorials
• Forums
• Documentation
• Troubleshooting guides
• Stack Exchange answers
• YouTube tutorials
• Developer guides

Linux Mint also has an active community.

Because Mint is based on Ubuntu, you can often adapt Ubuntu instructions to Mint.

However, you should always check the version and package names before copying commands from a guide.

Winner: Ubuntu

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: Enterprise Support

This is a clear Ubuntu advantage.

Canonical provides commercial Ubuntu support for businesses and organizations.

Ubuntu is widely used in data centers, enterprise servers, and AI workstations running local LLM runtimes such as LM Studio and Ollama

• Data centers
• Cloud computing
• Containers
• Enterprise servers
• Development environments
• AI infrastructure
• IoT

Linux Mint is primarily focused on desktop users.

Winner: Ubuntu

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: Server Support

Ubuntu has official server editions.

You can install Ubuntu Server on physical machines, virtual machines, cloud servers, and other infrastructure.

Linux Mint is primarily a desktop operating system and does not compete directly with Ubuntu Server.

Winner: Ubuntu

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: Which Is Faster?

If you’re comparing standard Linux Mint Cinnamon with standard Ubuntu Desktop, Mint can feel faster on some older or lower-powered computers.

But there is no universal performance winner.

Your experience depends on:

• CPU
• RAM
• GPU
• Storage
• Desktop environment
• Background services
• Applications
• Drivers

A lightweight Ubuntu flavor can outperform a heavier Mint desktop on the same machine.

Likewise, a well-configured Mint installation can feel extremely responsive.

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: Which Uses Less RAM?

The answer depends on the desktop environment and what services are running.

Cinnamon generally uses fewer resources than some heavier desktop configurations, but RAM usage changes between releases and hardware.

Don’t judge an operating system only by the amount of RAM shown immediately after startup.

Background services, caching, hardware drivers, and desktop effects can all affect memory usage.

For an older computer, the desktop environment is often more important than whether the distribution is Mint or Ubuntu.

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: Which Has Better Drivers?

Ubuntu has a strong advantage in hardware support because it is widely tested and supported by hardware and software vendors.

Mint inherits much of this support through its Ubuntu foundation.

For a new computer, always check:

1. Wi-Fi compatibility
2. Bluetooth
3. Graphics
4. Audio
5. Webcam
6. Touchpad
7. Fingerprint reader
8. Sleep and resume

A distribution that works perfectly on one laptop may have problems on another.

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: Pros and Cons

Linux Mint Pros

• Familiar desktop
• Excellent for Windows users
• Easy to learn
• Strong customization
• Good performance
• Flatpak support
• Useful graphical tools
• Good choice for older PCs
• Based on Ubuntu LTS

Linux Mint Cons

• Smaller enterprise ecosystem
• Less commercial support
• Some very new hardware may receive support later
• Fewer server-focused options
• Ubuntu-specific instructions may sometimes need adjustment

Ubuntu Pros

• Huge community
• Excellent hardware support
• Strong developer ecosystem
• Long-term support releases
• Official server editions
• Enterprise support
• Excellent cloud support
• Strong gaming support
• Large software ecosystem

Ubuntu Cons

• GNOME can feel unfamiliar to Windows users
• Heavier desktop experience on some older systems
• Snap is more central to the default experience
• Some users prefer Mint’s simpler desktop approach

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: Detailed Comparison Table

Category	Linux Mint	Ubuntu
Beginner friendly	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Windows transition	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
Performance	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hardware support	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Software availability	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gaming	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customization	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Privacy	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Developer support	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Enterprise support	⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Server support	⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Older PCs	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Community	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Traditional desktop	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
Modern desktop workflow	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Flatpak	Excellent	Available
Snap	Not included by default	Built in
Long-term desktop use	Excellent	Excellent

Which Is Better: Linux Mint or Ubuntu?

The answer depends on what you want to do.

Choose Linux Mint if you:

• Are new to Linux
• Are coming from Windows
• Have an older PC
• Want a traditional desktop
• Like easy customization
• Prefer Cinnamon
• Want fewer default services
• Prefer Flatpak

Choose Ubuntu if you:

• Are a developer
• Want broad hardware support
• Need enterprise tools
• Want Ubuntu Server
• Work with cloud platforms
• Follow Ubuntu-specific tutorials
• Want Snap support
• Need commercial support
• Want a larger software ecosystem

Should You Install Linux Mint or Ubuntu?

If you’re still unsure, here’s the simplest recommendation.

For a normal home computer, start with Linux Mint.

It provides a familiar desktop, good performance, strong customization, and an easy learning curve.

For development, enterprise work, cloud computing, or server use, choose Ubuntu.

Ubuntu’s ecosystem is much larger in those areas.

If you have a modern gaming PC, either can work well. Your graphics card and drivers will have a bigger effect on gaming than the distribution itself.

If you have an old laptop, try Linux Mint Xfce or another lightweight Linux distribution.

Can Linux Mint Run Ubuntu Software?

In many cases, yes.

Linux Mint’s main editions are based on Ubuntu’s long-term support foundation.

This means many packages and applications designed for Ubuntu can also work on Mint.

However, don’t assume that every Ubuntu package or command will work perfectly.

Always check:

• Your Mint version
• Ubuntu base version
• Package dependencies
• Repository source
• Installation instructions

Third-party software can sometimes require a specific Ubuntu release.

Is Linux Mint Better Than Ubuntu for Beginners?

For many beginners, yes.

The biggest reason is the desktop.

Mint Cinnamon feels familiar to Windows users, so you can spend less time learning where everything is.

Ubuntu is also beginner-friendly, but the GNOME workflow is different.

If you’ve never used Linux before and want something that feels familiar, Mint is a very safe starting point.

Is Ubuntu Better Than Linux Mint for Gaming?

Ubuntu has a slight advantage because more gaming documentation and software instructions target Ubuntu.

However, Linux Mint can run many of the same games and gaming tools.

For Steam and Proton, your GPU, drivers, game compatibility, and hardware usually matter more than whether you’re using Mint or Ubuntu.

If you’re building a gaming PC specifically for Linux, Ubuntu is a safe choice.

Mint is also a good option if you prefer its desktop.

Final Verdict: Differences Between Mint and Ubuntu

The differences between Mint and Ubuntu are less about the basic Linux foundation and more about the experience each distribution provides.

Linux Mint is the better choice for beginners, Windows users, older computers, and people who want a traditional customizable desktop.

Ubuntu is the better choice for developers, enterprise users, cloud work, servers, and people who want the largest mainstream Linux ecosystem.

Neither distribution is a bad choice.

If you’re installing Linux on your personal laptop for the first time, I’d start with Linux Mint Cinnamon.

If you’re building a development machine or learning Linux for professional work, Ubuntu is a strong choice.

The best part is that both are free. You can create a bootable USB drive, test each one, and decide which desktop feels better before installing anything permanently.

Quick Recommendation

Best for beginners: Linux Mint

Best for Windows users: Linux Mint

Best for older PCs: Linux Mint

Best for developers: Ubuntu

Best for gaming: Ubuntu

Best for servers: Ubuntu

Best for enterprise: Ubuntu

Best for customization: Linux Mint

Best for traditional desktop: Linux Mint

Best overall for home users: Linux Mint

Best overall for professional Linux users: Ubuntu