Linux has become more accessible than ever, and two of the most popular Linux distributions, Linux Mint and Ubuntu, stand out for their user-friendliness. Both are based on Debian and share the same underlying foundation, but each takes a unique approach to user experience, desktop environments, and software management.
This comparison of Linux Mint vs Ubuntu explores everything you need to know to make an informed decision, whether you’re new to Linux or an experienced user.
What is Linux Mint?
Linux Mint is a Ubuntu-based Linux distribution known for its ease of use, stability, and traditional desktop environment. Developed by the Linux Mint team and maintained with community contributions, Mint aims to provide a smooth, Windows-like experience, making it an ideal choice for users transitioning from Windows or macOS. The Cinnamon desktop environment, Mint’s default, is built to give users a traditional desktop layout with a highly personalized feel, featuring a taskbar, Mint Menu, and system tray for an intuitive and familiar experience.
Key features:
- Default Desktop Environment: Cinnamon, designed for user-friendliness and familiarity, especially for users who favor a Windows-like desktop. Linux Mint also offers MATE and Xfce editions for lighter desktop options.
- Package Management: Linux Mint’s Software Manager makes finding, installing, and updating software easy, with extensive software repositories.
- Community Focus: Strong support community, providing additional help, customization options, and tutorials for users at any level.
What is Ubuntu?
Ubuntu is a viral Linux distribution developed by Canonical, focusing on making Linux accessible for users of all experience levels. It comes with GNOME as its default desktop environment, a more modern interface that has gradually evolved to feel familiar to macOS users.
Ubuntu is known for its extensive support, professional resources, and long-term support (LTS) releases, which provide stability and support for up to five years, making it ideal for enterprise settings and users seeking long-term reliability.
Key features:
- Default Desktop Environment: GNOME, a modern desktop environment emphasizing simplicity and streamlined aesthetics. Ubuntu also offers other official spins, such as Ubuntu MATE, Ubuntu Studio, and Kubuntu, to cater to users with different desktop preferences.
- Package Management: Ubuntu’s Software Center provides access to an extensive range of applications, all within Ubuntu’s software repositories, with added support from Canonical’s professional resources.
- Enterprise and Developer Focus: Widely used in professional environments, most developers and enterprises prefer Ubuntu due to its robust support, frequent updates, and extensive documentation.
Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: Pros and Cons
Aspect | Linux Mint | Ubuntu |
User Friendliness | Very user-friendly for beginners, with a traditional layout and minimal learning curve | User-friendly, but GNOME’s UI may be unfamiliar to new Linux users |
Desktop Environments | Default Cinnamon environment, with MATE and Xfce options for flexibility | GNOME as default, with official spins like Ubuntu MATE and Ubuntu Studio |
Software Management | Software Manager is intuitive and straightforward, combining both Mint and Ubuntu repositories | Ubuntu Software Center offers a more extensive selection of software and professional support |
Customization Options | Highly customizable, especially with the Cinnamon desktop environment | GNOME offers fewer customization options but provides a modern aesthetic |
Hardware Requirements | Lower requirements: runs well on older hardware, making it ideal for repurposing old machines | GNOME requires more system resources, so Ubuntu may be heavier on older hardware |
Community and Support | Strong support community, although smaller than Ubuntu’s | Large and active community with extensive documentation and official support |
Security and Updates | Timely security patches and updates following Ubuntu’s LTS release cycle | Frequent updates and security patches, with reliable long-term support options |
Pre-installed Software | Comes with essential applications, including web browsers and productivity tools | Similar set of pre-installed applications, with additional options via the Software Center |
Both distros have advantages: Linux Mint shines in user-friendliness and traditional desktop experiences, while Ubuntu’s GNOME interface and professional support make it popular in enterprise environments.
Desktop Environments and Customization
Desktop environments play a significant role in defining a Linux distro’s look and feel. Linux Mint and Ubuntu provide multiple desktop options, each catering to different preferences.
Linux Mint’s Desktop Environments
- Cinnamon: This default desktop environment in Linux Mint is user-friendly and reminiscent of Windows, making it great for new Linux users or those switching from other operating systems.
- MATE: Known for being lightweight and resource-efficient, MATE is a simpler alternative suitable for older hardware or those seeking a primary interface.
- Xfce: This option provides a minimalistic and highly customizable experience, requiring the least resources, and is ideal for users needing a faster setup on older or low-powered devices.
Ubuntu’s Desktop Environments
- GNOME: Ubuntu’s default environment, GNOME, is modern and streamlined, featuring a unified top bar, an application overview, and intuitive gestures. It’s especially suited for macOS users or anyone who enjoys a modern UI.
- Ubuntu MATE: Similar to Mint’s MATE, Ubuntu MATE is a lightweight alternative to GNOME, offering traditional desktop features with lower resource usage.
- Ubuntu Studio: Tailored for creative professionals, this variant comes preloaded with applications for music production, graphic design, and multimedia editing, making it a specialized choice for artistic fields.
Usefulness per Industry
Linux Mint and Ubuntu cater to various industry needs, from educational institutions and developers to creative professionals.
1. Education
Linux Mint and Ubuntu are both effective in educational settings, providing cost-effective solutions with robust capabilities. Linux Mint’s traditional desktop layout makes it easy for beginners to navigate, while Ubuntu’s more immense community support and documentation are advantageous for more technical use cases in educational environments.
2. Software Development
Ubuntu has a slight edge in software development, as its extensive documentation, professional support, and active community provide a well-supported environment for developers. Additionally, many development tools and libraries are natively compatible with Ubuntu. Linux Mint is also a solid choice for developers, particularly those who focus on desktop applications or want a less resource-intensive environment.
3. Creative Professions
Ubuntu Studio offers a tailored experience for creative professionals, preloaded with specialized audio, video, and graphic design software. The GNOME desktop environment on Ubuntu is visually appealing, making it popular with creatives who want a modern user interface. While less specialized, Linux Mint offers a stable environment and can run multimedia applications effectively.
4. General Business and Enterprise
Ubuntu’s long-term support (LTS) releases make it a preferred choice for enterprises, as Canonical provides five years of updates for each LTS version. This stable release cycle is beneficial for businesses needing reliable, long-term support. However, Linux Mint is still viable for smaller companies or organizations looking for a user-friendly interface without specialized support.
Installation Process and Learning Curve
For those new to Linux, installation and usability are significant factors. Both Linux Mint and Ubuntu aim to simplify the installation process with easy-to-follow guides.
- Installing Linux Mint: Linux Mint’s installer is designed with simplicity, offering an easy-to-navigate interface that makes it beginner-friendly. The process is straightforward and only takes a few steps, allowing users to get up and running quickly.
- Installing Ubuntu: Ubuntu’s installer is equally user-friendly, with a step-by-step process and helpful prompts. It also offers options for setting up alongside other operating systems, making it a good choice for those transitioning gradually from Windows or macOS.
Learning curves vary slightly, as Linux Mint’s traditional Cinnamon layout may be easier for new users familiar with Windows. Ubuntu’s GNOME desktop has a more modern aesthetic, which may feel different initially but is intuitive after some adjustment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Linux Mint or Ubuntu better for new users?
Linux Mint is generally more accessible to new users due to its Windows-like interface, but Ubuntu is also highly user-friendly. The choice depends on personal preference for desktop environments: Cinnamon (Mint) for a traditional look and GNOME (Ubuntu) for a modern feel.
- Can Linux Mint and Ubuntu run the same software?
Yes, they can. The developers based these distributions on Ubuntu’s software repositories, so any software available for Ubuntu is typically compatible with Linux Mint.
- What is the Cinnamon desktop environment?
The Cinnamon desktop, default in Linux Mint, provides a classic desktop layout with a taskbar, system tray, and a start menu (Mint Menu). It’s a preferred option for users seeking a traditional, customizable interface.
- Is Linux Mint better for older hardware?
Yes, the developers optimized Linux Mint (especially with the Xfce desktop) for performance on older or less powerful hardware. Ubuntu’s GNOME desktop is more resource-intensive and may perform poorly on older machines.
- How often do Linux Mint and Ubuntu receive updates?
Ubuntu offers long-term support (LTS) versions every two years, supported for up to five years. Linux Mint follows Ubuntu’s LTS cycle, receiving timely updates and security patches.
- Is Ubuntu better for developers?
Generally, yes. Ubuntu’s extensive community support and large repository make it well-suited for developers. However, Linux Mint is also a reliable option, particularly for front-end or desktop-focused development.
- Do both Linux Mint and Ubuntu support Snap packages?
Ubuntu supports Snap packages by default through Canonical’s Snap Store. Linux Mint focuses on traditional packages and Flatpak support, making it less reliant on Snaps, though you can still install them if desired.
Which Linux Distro is Right for You?
The choice between Linux Mint and Ubuntu ultimately depends on your priorities in a Linux distribution. Linux Mint provides a user-friendly experience with a familiar, traditional desktop environment, making it a top choice for beginners or users who prioritize simplicity and efficiency. With its GNOME desktop, firm support, and LTS options, Ubuntu is well-suited for developers, enterprises, and creative professionals seeking a modern interface and robust ecosystem.
Linux Mint and Ubuntu offer stability, reliable performance, and extensive community support. Whether you are a new user, a developer, or a professional seeking a specific setup, these two distributions provide a solid foundation in the Linux world. With unique strengths, each stands out in its own right as a powerful, user-friendly operating system.
Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: are you ready to explore which option suits you best? Book a 10-minute intro call today to dive deeper into how each distribution aligns with your needs!