Ubuntu and Linux Mint are two popular Linux distros available in the Linux community. Ubuntu is a derivative of Debian, and on the other hand, Linux Mint is developed based on Ubuntu LTS. Though both the distros are quite an excellent choice for the newbie and support a wide range of modern devices, still there are some differences for which an array of users may want to compare as Linux Mint vs Ubuntu for digging out the right reasons to choose. Further just describing these distros, I would like to hit the bull of the deciding factor for making a comparison between Linux Mint vs Ubuntu. It helps you as new Linux users or users want to shift from Windows or MacOS and try to get the best OS alternative.

Linux Mint or Ubuntu, Which one is Better?

In this comparison article, I am not going to start a battle (Linux Mint vs Ubuntu) on finding the answer to the queries of which one is best for newcomers; rather I will show you some overriding factors which will help you guys to fit yourself according to the choices.

Before going into the details, I would like to mention for whom this article is developed. A good number of users regularly searches online for “Best Linux Distros for Beginner.” For solving this sort of question, there are not any specific answers because choosing the best distros or OS depends on users need. So there is nothing called – best Linux distro.

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Best Linux distros for a newbie is asked by two camps. One camp is those who are tech-savvy tweakers, knows a lot about technology, computer and now desire to explore Linux for the first time and likes the concept of open source software movement.

On the other hand, there is another camp who don’t know much about Linux but want to install a fresh copy on old hardware to give a new life or want to shift from Windows or Mac and want to get the taste of freedom. These guy doesn’t care about customization or tweaks on Linux, and they want a better and smoother computing experience. Before going to the main discussion, you can check out my latest comparison article on Debian vs Ubuntu.

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: Deep Down into the Core

Both the distros are forked of Debian system and have lots of things in common. However, they have approached a different path to fulfill the users need. Linux Mint is trying to be an excellent alternative to Windows OS, and Ubuntu is more about to compete with the Mac system. Besides all these differences, you can make these Linux distros as like as you want with few tips and tricks and that’s the beauty of Linux – ensuring freedom all the way. Now it’s time to deep down into the core of Linux Mint vs Ubuntu comparison and see the overriding factors.

1. System Requirements

Both systems run on a wide range of devices, but Ubuntu demands a bit more power than Linux Mint. Ubuntu Gnome version offers sleek modern design and stunning visual effects, but Linux Mint is a bit old-fashioned and also runs on both current and old hardware. Ubuntu Gnome requires more power and resources, but Linux Mint demand a bit lower than Ubuntu.

2. System Installation Process

Installation methods for both the distros are quite the same and easy. Linux Mint and Ubuntu both support Ubiquity installer method and UEFI.

3. Basic Interface

Linux Mint comes with various Linux desktop environment but Cinnamon as default one. This DE is more like Windows interface with the bottom panel, launcher at the bottom left and system notification at the right. You can see all the active app window in the bottom panel.

On the other hand, Ubuntu comes with default Unity like Gnome version besides with different desktop environments like Budgie, KDE, XFCE, etc. It provides a common dock-like panel at the right and a top bar consisting of notification area and app window integration panel. You can find all the active app in the dock panel. This dock panel can be moved either bottom or left with a few tweaks via Ubuntu Gnome Tweak Tools.

4. Performance

If we discuss the performance for both the Linux distros, Linux Mint will remain ahead of Ubuntu. Ubuntu default flavor is best suitable for modern devices with high-end hardware equipped with. On the contrary, Linux Mint runs smoother on old equipment as well as a current machine. If you want to give life on your old dead laptop, I would like to recommend you to use Lubuntu or Xubuntu flavor.

5. Software Manager

Both systems come with a complete software management system. Ubuntu Software center seems a bit slower and takes considerable resources to load. Comparing to that, Linux Mint software manager is fast, quick and straightforward. Both the distros provide various software under different categories which let the users choose the right app easily.

6. Software Sources with Useful Options

Linux Mint and Ubuntu come with a software source tools or manager but the one comes with Linux Mint is far better and offers more usability option for the beginner. Sometimes newbies messed up with the PPA repositories while installing some third-party Linux software. So the choice of resetting PPAs to default one comes handy in this situation.

Only Linux Mint shines while offering this resetting options. Moreover Linux Mint has a separate PPA management tab for easy control. Additionally Linux Mint gives an opportunity to fix various common update problem under the maintenance tab automatically. Ubuntu lacks all those nifty helpful options.

7. Necessary Software Out of the Box

What new users want to do just after installing any OS? As a new user in the Linux community, you might want to enjoy movies and music, do some office productivity task in words, sheets or excels, web browsing or some photoshop job. All these are fundamental requirements for any users.

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Linux Mint and Ubuntu both the distros come with a set of default productivity applications. However, these distros also lack in some aspects. Linux Mint and Ubuntu don’t come with media codec or adobe flash if you not selected it during the Ubuntu installation process.

Ubuntu has a package consisting of all the necessary media codec and flash namely Ubuntu Restricted Extras. However, you will not get it on the software store instead you have to run command into the terminal to install it. Initially, this process may seem a bit daunting for new users. On the other hand, Linux Mint also doesn’t come media codec, but it’s easy to find out in the software center.

Moreover, Linux Mint offers some best Linux software like VLC, and GIMP preinstalled that Ubuntu does not provide by default. You can install it afterward but still Ubuntu lack behind by giving some essential apps pre-installed by default.

8. Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: Beautification of GUI

Regarding the beautification of a graphical user interface, Linux Mint does offer a better customization option than Ubuntu. Though installing themes is not difficult on Ubuntu, but still, you need a separate Ubuntu Gnome Tweak Tool for getting more customization options for applying themes and icons.

On the other hand, Linux Mint comes with a handful and nice looking community driven themes, applets and desklets preinstalled. In Ubuntu, you have to find Best Ubuntu Themes and Icons on the internet and download a zip file then install to apply. Ubuntu also does not support Linux Mint like applets and desklets like widgets.

9. Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: System Customization

Linux is impressive in the spare of customization. You can do whatever you want in the Linux system. It let you enjoy the freedom of customization. Ubuntu and Linux Mint are also not lag behind in customization.

However, Ubuntu offers some preference, and it’s much more as “what you see is what you get” than Linux Mint. Time has gone a long way, and now both the distros let you modify the system starting from icons, menus, file system, window management and what not.

10. Various Desktop Environments

Ubuntu and Linux Mint both come with a set of different flavors. Now Linux Mint supports Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce desktop environment. Recently it has abandoned KDE development. On the other hand, Ubuntu supports a wide range of Linux desktop environment including Ubuntu Gnome (Default), KDE Plasma, LXDE, Budgie desktop environment, MATE, and Xfce. So in case of various Linux desktop environment, Ubuntu goes ahead of Linux Mint.

Both the Linux distros provide a versatile way to update the application and upgrade the system into the latest release. Ubuntu has a software updater utility tool that checks the most recent app and system image release with just a single click.

Linux Mint also provides a software updater for its app update and distro release upgrade. Moreover, you can also update the installed Linux software through distro specific software center in Ubuntu and Linux Mint.

12. Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: Release Cycle

In every six months, Ubuntu releases a new version, and after every two years, It releases an LTS – Long Term Support version. Its LTS supports five years for desktop and server system. So you understand now that Ubuntu system release cycle is scheduled. However, Linux Mint has not planned instead it provides a new version after a few months when Ubuntu releases an LTS version.

13. Corporate or Business Use

Canonical is a great company and has made significant efforts to push its Ubuntu into the corporate or business usages. The company is immensely successful in this sector. In this tech world, a considerable portion of the servers are running Linux, and Ubuntu bites a large part of it. Moreover, lots of governmental authority including China, etc. are converting their official system to either Linux or specifically Ubuntu. Furthermore, Ubuntu could convince the PC manufacturer to pre-load its system onto desktops and laptops.

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On the other hand, Linux Mint is more aimed at enthusiasts. Apparently Linux Mint has not taken any endeavor to push its system into the corporate or business world. However, Linux Mint is polished and capable of replacing any OS or distros for any users.

14. Gaming Experience

Linux Mint and Ubuntu both the distros will have the same gaming experiences. However, as Linux Mint consumes fewer resources, so running various games will give a bit more performance than Ubuntu. On the other hand, Ubuntu is an excellent choice for modern hardware so that gaming performance will be increased on Ubuntu with less compatibility issue. At last, I can only say, gaming experiences will be more or less the same in both systems.

15. Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: Community Support

If we discuss the community support, then Ubuntu remains a long ahead than Linux Mint. Ubuntu is backed up and developed by a large corporate company called Canonical and also has a huge fan base and community-driven support teams around the world. Linux Mint also does not lag behind. Lots of community groups around the globe and a group of companies using Linux Mint also act as partners, donors or sponsors for its development.

Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: Who Wins the Battle?

Personally, I like Ubuntu, but I also do not hate Linux Mint. It’s not a hate post towards Linux Mint or Ubuntu. However, a mere discussion and review on which factors do we have to consider while choosing the right Linux distros for the beginners. As a new user, I recommend you to use both of them and try to find out which one fits your desire and needs. Linux Mint and Ubuntu both are very popular in the Linux community and offers a wide range of software compatibility.

If you are an MS Windows users, then go for Linux Mint which will give you a known desktop environment to play with but if you are a tech-savvy guy, stick with Ubuntu, as it provides a stunning and sleek system for your latest hardware.

What do you think? Is Ubuntu is better than Linux Mint or vice versa? Let us know your suggestions, experiences, and opinions in the comment below.