The Battle of the Linux Titans: Zorin OS 16.2 Vs Pop OS 22.04 | Which is the ULTIMATE Distro? (2023)

Zorin OS and Pop OS are two phenomenal Linux distributions. Both are modern distros, doing a lot of innovation and providing remarkable computing experience to their users.
Zorin and Pop OS both are based on Ubuntu. But the similarities start and end right there, as both of these bring their own unique desktops, downright stunning features, and provide unparalleled computing experiences to their users.
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Download Pop!_OS:
pop.system76.com/
Download Zorin OS:
zorin.com/os/
Let's take a closer look and see how they compare against each other in terms of speed, performance, user interface, stability, and software support. And finally, see Which one of these two is the best? Which one is more suitable for You? Zorin OS or Pop OS. Let's jump right in.

[@centy64]

I've been using Zorin since 2021 (first time I tried linux) and never once felt the need to switch distro or worse run back to windows. Really looking forward to Zorin 17 later this year. I think Pop_OS looks pretty good too though I can't imagine what Zorin could do to make me switch away from it at this stage.

[@hankdean15]

For me it is Zorin, I love the way they did that distro.

[@WellingtonFerreira-yb2xt]

ja podem atualiza a versão zorin os 17 pro atualizou em linguagem rust

[@TomSmith-sr2br]

USES SNAP...NO.

[@hankdean15]

@@TomSmith-sr2br well yeah it uses snaps what’s is it supposed to be using

[@WellingtonFerreira-yb2xt]

@@TomSmith-sr2br eu uso pouco o snap store so em ultima caso, mas não afeta o desempenho

[@WhatIsItReallyAbout]

The Pop!OS tiling window function is also an extension that anyone add from the gnome-extensions site. So regardless of distro, if you have gnome, you can run this feature.

[@youdontknowme2508]

PopOS is going to hit a massive change in the next release. I don't think this is the right time to compare Pop os with Zorin. They're even skipping releases to focus on their work so..

[@psychogamer1368]

Gnome 43 not supported... maybe 42 too

[@naskue4187]

Not from the site. The github

[@biswajitmishra7029]

​@@LinuxAficionado can you please share the link or name of the extension

[@TomSmith-sr2br]

Zorin uses SNAP....NO..NO and NO.....

[@gavinxu985]

I've tried Ubuntu/Manjaro/PopOS/Fedora/ElementaryOS/Zorin, now I stick to Zorin since it looks good and all functionalities work well. Looking forward to this year's ZorinOS 17.

[@_DashingAdi_]

When is it releasing?

[@gavinxu985]

@@_DashingAdi_ The official site says that it'll be released late this year.

[@cejannuzi]

I run and love both. THANKS FOR THE GREAT VIDEO.

[@roxshivamsingh]

I purchased Zorin OS Pro in the past year and am really glad for it. ❤❤

[@shashankarora9206]

I have tried both these linux distros and I love both of them...my one laptop has Pop os and the other has zorin. Zorin's colour theme is so relaxing.

[@illegalquantity]

Pop OS color theme is more relaxing. (in dark mode)

[@timnowak8573]

As for me, Pop Os wins because of a few things. First of all, the lack of information in the video that Pop Os has a recovery partition, which definitely facilitates the repair of the damaged system. Also, you can use easy access to files on a damaged system. This is a definite advantage, other system including Zorin Os does not have a similar function. Another advantage is the lack of snap application. I think Canonical wants to impose using this application format to others. In addition, snap applications do not integrate well with the system theme. And even more so with custom theme. Also they are slow in relation to the DEB ,and Flatpack applications and take up a lot of space. Another very big plus in the benefit of the Pop os is the fact that in the future we will gain access to a new graphic environment, that is undergoing creation. Cosmic Desktop is definitely a breath of freshness, and something completely new in relation to other graphics environments. Ps. Sory, as I wrote something not very understandable. English is not my native language.

[@ritwiktrivedi]

Your post is very readable. Keep learning my friend, you are really good.

[@iakuraa]

I'm using Pop!_OS just because of the company. I'm really excited for their upcoming custom-made COSMIC DE.

[@BobboNaught-YT]

thank you. I've been using Zorin for a couple of years and didn't even realize I could try windows installer files with it, natively

[@arthurdiamondhands474]

I've been using popOS with the GNOME desktop environment. I like using the tiled windows. My experience has been good. I use it for productivity and a little bit of gaming on steam.

[@SilverTongueFox]

How good is pop for gaming?

[@thelegendaryqwerty]

I have to go with Zorin, because of XFCE4.

[@CouldBeMathijs]

Zorin Lite is good indeed, no one makes such a good-looking Xfce desktop out of the box...

[@ThomasGrillo]

I'm legally blind, and one of the biggest problems I have with modern operating systems is the "sheet of paper" like appearance of apps (windows). I can't tell where the edge of one ends, and the background app begins. Is there a way to bring back the nice, fat border frames around apps, or windows? Also, is it easy to invoke the magnifying zoom in/out feature, like in Windows Magnifier? Thanks

[@TheAlanReviews]

I use Pop!_OS 22.04. I enjoy it. It works great for gaming, programming, and video editing.

[@lonecoder_cro]

Yes to comment am looking for, gaming,editing and programming ✌🏽

[@TheAlanReviews]

@@lonecoder_cro Same. I do gaming, editing, and programming too on my PC.

[@BernhardErnst]

Many years ago I tried Pop OS. It worked pretty well for games, but months down the line had several issues. Since I do do development, I also had MySQL installed. That ended up with a timer problem going back through Ubuntu to Debian where the bug originates from. This essentially caused the maximum timer point being moved out just before getting to it and that continued. Have not tried Pop OS since then. Borderlands Pre-Sequel ran faster on it than on Windows using the same hardware. Zorin gave me issues starting at the installer. It did not stay installed for long.

[@gsswmr]

For me, who uses NVidia, it hangs when installing in proprietary driver mode and if installed in standard driver mode, it breaks after any update.

[@lexinggeneral]

First tried zorin on their 13 lite version to revive & replace my windows 7 starter pack..my god,i wonder how that version even exist in first place..yet zorin was reasonably fast and stable despite the limits of intel Atom, 2 GB ramer ancient Asus..i used to use balena etcher for burning the iso but i also discovered a more convenient way,now im even using android to burn the iso using Etchdroid app for my next installation,fast fwd 2023,installed 16.2 core version on another potato but still reliable Samsung 370R4E 6 gb ramer,intels HD graphics 2000😢, and dualcore 1.6 , rather a bit modern x86 but still humble intel Pentium 997(pre shipped w/ windows 8) and wow! zorin os didnt fail to amaze.. just knocked it off,transforms my humble laptop with a fresh modern looking OS (used the Mac style setup + tweaks) and its beautiful..thankyou linux for being around❤❤cant wait for the 17 version hopefully to get the tweak free widgets feature this time. hopefully a newer (gui/gnome or whatever its called) design🎉

[@grimmpickins2559]

I really need to give Zorin a try - I'm constantly trying out new distros whilst I tinker and extend the life of old computers (mostly Macs at the moment). I've been running a tweaked Pop OS on my secondary gaming computer with a CRT (it took some work to get that right). After using 'Tweaks' to customize Pop - I've been really loving it with the Nordic appearance and translucent menu bars, very modern Mac-esque. I've given Garuda a look again this week, as they just updated heavily. I have a 2015 iMac testing it out right now, and it is one potent Arch distro... I wouldn't recommend it to beginners, as I used to use the prior version as my daily and eventually I broke it in updates - still not sure what went down there... I never became fully comfortable with Arch, but I couldn't deny how well it ran - when it did, LOL.

[@fancommie]

Don't hesitate! I've been using Zorin for a couple of months (after switching from Windows 10) and I'm absolutely satisfied with this OS! I used to think that Linux Mint is the best distro ever created but Zorin is ORDERS OF MAGNITUDE better, faster, more stable, more polished and more MODERN. Yes, being more modern is probably the most important advantage that Zorin has over Mint which unforunately doesn't keep abreast of the times anymore.

[@ImteshalKarim]

I have distro hopped for ages but am currently sticking to Ubuntu Mate with Flatpak and Synaptic. It's lightweight and responsive and slightly better than XFCE, which is my all time favourite

[@sifatullah246]

Among all the Ubuntu flavors, Ubuntu MATE is my favorite. But I don't like the MATE desktop. It has always been buggy or unstable at some point or another through my testing period.

[@vasiovasio]

Great video! Man, you are so Hyped it is Unreal! Keep going!

[@HarshalHirve555]

Thank you so much for this informative information.

[@LinuxTex]

Glad you enjoyed it Harshal😘

[@praddyumnyadav8137]

My Linux Journey :- 1. Ubuntu (21 days) [***] 2. Zorin OS (3 days) [***] 3. Linux Mint Cinnamon (6 months) [*****] 4. Feren OS (1 month) [****] 5. Linux Mint XFCE (2 months) [****] 6. Linux Mint Cinnamon (3 months) [*****] 7. KDE Neon (2 months) [****] 8. Kubuntu (3 months) [****] 9. Manjaro (4 Days) [***] 10. Fedora Gnome (2 months) [*****] 11 . Fedora Gnome + KDE (8 months) [*****] 12. Nobara Linux (3 days) [***] 13. Fedora Gnome + KDE[main] (Currently Using) [*****]

[@davidwayne9982]

I just installed ZORIN 16.3 a few days back-- and LOVE IT--- I've had BOTH and I like ZORIN MUCH better... I just installed the POP shell on ZORIN and have the best of both-- POP TILING on ZORIN stabiltiy and speed...

[@DogginsFroggins]

popOS has been excellent for me, I use it mainly for work, programming and some light indie games. My main system is still a windows machine till gamepass works on Linux or the compatibility is nearly flawless.

[@Yxboss]

I begin Linux with pop OS but then later, I’ve got some issue with an update and could not boot properly then I switched to Zorin and currently very happy, I’ve tried KDE and liked it but then switched back to zorin. 💜💜💜

[@misterl9850]

So, I used Zorin OS 16.2 pro for a year! Love it. But in one day it just won't boot... so, installed pop os. also, great stuff, and I love it, especialy tiling feature! But, strangely my pop os can't see my usb drives.... So, now trying again zorin with custom tiling feature. Will see. Can't deside witch is better. Love both!

[@davidwayne9982]

I think from what I see in YOUR review--- I LIKE ZORIN better... I think I'll download and test it out on my extra drive. I LOVE SPARKY LINUX too- debian based- and VERY fast. and stable... but Zorin looks good and I like a change every so often.. THANKS.

[@spinningbacksidekick]

Hey, there's no wrong choice. Either one gives you that good Ubuntu spyware baked in!

[@Janus_Icon]

Unfortunately I can't get behind either of these distros when you know that Linux Mint is out there. If you want something flashy and off the beaten path, just fully commit and pick Garuda.

[@tommyslavic898]

I have been using POP OS for several months. Auto updates. Lately I found that it freezes randomly or is painfully slow. Usually a reboot fixes it but there must be a permanent fix.

[@TomSmith-sr2br]

the problem is SNAP

[@tommyslavic898]

@@TomSmith-sr2br Thanks Tom. Is there a way to get around that?

[@TomSmith-sr2br]

@@tommyslavic898 Don't use ubuntu or any OS that uses snap.

[@SuperHardik12345]

Its good to see your face for first time.

[@genocidestomper]

I wish there was a popular Ubuntu-based distro (hopefully with KDE) that defaults to BTRFS during installation

[@genocidestomper]

@@LinuxAficionado Awesome! I'll have to check it out.

[@SXV550]

Is zorin pro worth the $40? Do you use the free or pro version?

[@celdepescaun39]

for ZorinOS , 16.2 , pressed Z button , then those 3lines on upper right corner. In your video you can change repositories, but on my ZorinOS I have only options : Software&Updates, Update preferencies, About Software. Why like that ? Thank you

[@shantanusingh1281]

I've tried both operating systems and zorin is more stable in comparison with pop that's why I'm still running it on my machine. For pop os we need to do some unnecessary boot setting before installing it. Moreover even after installating it apps sometimes lags and the screen don't open as well.

[@vfletes1]

Any chance you could take a look at pure OS think what is new

[@Sameer-uq2jm]

I cannot run pop os without disabling secure boot. is it suggestable to use with secure boot disabled.

[@romutulus253]

I've tried Pop on two computers and had niggling problems on both of them. Switched one of them to Zorin and everything works fine. However, I'm not really a fan of how far behind Zorin is on the LTS version. I ended up using Mint and Endeavor on those two computers. With that said, Zorin does look really nice out of the box. Only beaten by elementary for me, but elementary isn't very usable for me.

[@MarkMayhew]

Good video!

[@ChagantiReddy]

Which distro do you use

[@davidwayne9982]

Does ZORIN offer a KDE version?? or can KDE be installed??

[@jazbuntu8170]

I was using Garuda for most of the last year but ended up having 1 or 2 probs (I think with dkms and also when recording certain games) so decided to see how Pop was doing now , after a few days I found that a couple of things were nagging at me a bit so then installed Zorin and I've been satisfied so far and everything I normally use is working perfectly . So in conclusion I would agree that right now Zorin is slightly better than Pop from a practical point of view , also I have installed Zorin on some PCs for other people and they have been totally satisfied despite being new to Linux :)

[@abhijitkmt]

Try Kubuntu ONCE

[@jazbuntu8170]

@@abhijitkmt I just installed it :)

[@MrBravano]

My issue with Zorin Os is its always behind in the kernal version. I have RTL wifi card in the machine I need to install Linux and due to the kernal version it was hell. The Mainline tool to upgrade had issues and just screwed it up. For those with name brand boards and minimal use, Zorin is great. But untill they can keep up with the kernal, pop os it is.

[@piet-0]

Maybe I am wrong here, but they are not based on the same Ubuntu version. Zorin 16.2 is still on Ubuntu 20.04, only Zorin 17 will (probably) be on Ubuntu 22.04.

[@brunoborguettilara]

Pop_OS! supports Nix too, but it isn't a user friendly thing.

[@HareRama-i6s]

i baught an used thinkpad p52. It has fingerprint sensor,NVIDEA graphics etc. so which os is best for it. i need to use finerprint sensor

[@myst4706]

Linux Mint is the best choice for you

[@justincase9471]

I have used Pop-OS for a couple of years, but I removed it from my systems after the fight that they engaged with the Gnome community. I am now happily using Fedora as my main OS. 🙂

[@guilherme5094]

Good fight, I think this time I'll choose Zorin.

[@wernerclaassen4787]

Zorin tops POP OS, BUT Endless OS tops them all!!!!!

[@synosahil]

Zorin and PopOs both are good I have used them both as daily driver but somehow I feel they lack few things I know they are not perfect yet but still

[@Barood88]

So what do you think what is good then? I need a perfect os for my laptop.

[@synosahil]

@@Barood88 well if you have minimal work like not so intense then go for zorin

[@Barood88]

@@synosahil alright thankyou👍

[@illegalquantity]

What I hate about Zorin? The sign of Zorin for the menu. It looks cheap. And it looks like a Zorro sign or a letter N lying down. And it sounds like a Serbian word. I heard about a Serbian male name called Zoran. The tray is too thick and bright. The whole OS contains a lot of white color which remembers me to the Windows 10. Sorry Zorin OS this is not your turn. I prefer Pop!_OS because its look. I like the space theme of this OS! A bit similar to MacOS which is the most beautiful OS. It feels like a more modern OS compared to Zorro.. er.. Zorin.

[@crossdissolve7649]

I like your new format

[@seraph_86]

Hay bro can you do a video on XeroLinux ???

[@Unethical.FandubsGames]

I've used Zorin many times. Though I'm still primarily a windows user (Sorry. But there's still a ton of games and apps that can ONLY run on Windows and I NEED them.) but you really can't go wrong with either of these choices. You pick either one and you're getting a great user experience. I haven't been using Pop! for very long but I'm really looking forward to seeing how these two distros influence one another.

[@kynize641]

i've tried zorin os it's a good os but i feel pop os has a big advantage it's more customizable. there are things you can do on ubuntu, debian, pop os that zorin doesn't let you do. for those looking for a windows theme they choose zorin. for those wanting to get away from windows and want a completely different DE they choose ubuntu, debian, pop os, it all depends on the person and workflow. at the end of the day they're all linux anyway. any linux distro is a good choice as long as it's not microsoft windows. 😂😂😂😂

[@karstentopp]

I am torn between Zorin, Pop! and Deepin. I don't like the remnants of Chinese in Deepin, even when set to English, Chinesen signs keep popping up. Pop! is sometimes a bit too colorful and Zorin, well it's just right, but abouit as much on the"too boring" side than Pop! and Deepin are on the "too cluittered, too colorful, too distracting" side.... But if I had to chose one, it would be Zorin.

[@ramzykemal1391]

Keep it up! May God bless you

[@BrawlStarssuperstar]

HI FRIENDS I USE ZORIN OS , FOR ME VERY NICE OS

[@SNIFFSCURRY]

Thank You.

[@LinuxTex]

Hope you enjoyed the video Neeraj👍

[@4D1_P74Z]

Pop os feels better and bigger than Zorin to me... I feel Zorin is limited... Anyways love your videos always!!!❤❤❤

[@LinuxTex]

Glad you enjoyed the video Adi👍

[@CouldBeMathijs]

I mean Zorins release schedule is barley better than ElementaryOS, which is saying something...

[@mefariusxd3512]

I prefer ❤ Manjaro KDE Plasma

[@abhijitkmt]

i love kubuntu ... KDE Plasma DE is the best

[@jonaskeepauthor1935]

They are both fantastic distros, but titans?

[@richardclark4478]

I have found that POP is better on a 2022 HP Omen. Zorin would not even install on the SSD. So, I am kind of biased because one installed and the other did not.

[@hmefx9251]

how is the omen performing on pop ? I too own a 2022 omen laptop and I'm planning to dual boot pop os can you clarify me few doubts ? 1. How is the thermals in pop os ? 2. Is switching gpu profiles between igpu and dgpu working ? 3. Can we control the fan speed ?

[@davidwayne9982]

I"m on POP os now--- and LIKE ZORIN also---- BUT-- I'd like BOTH of them a WHOLE LOT MORE---- if they throw out the GNOME Trash.. and go just KDE.. (as if you can't tell-- I HATE gnome-- it's stupid design- no flow, clunky- junk).. (just my opinion- not knocking it for others!!! )..

[@D.u.d.e.r]

Well Zorin Core which is free doesn’t contain KDE Plasma which I prefer, so I u need to buy a paid version to get it. That is one of the reasons I stay away from it.

[@thedoc3722]

Found pop os to work better mint kept freezing up.

[@diuran1919]

POP OS too many issues right nowt, Zorin much much more stable, but I will stay with my Linux Mint the best OS for new and advance users.

[@donaldocuellar5333]

Zorin ofcourse

[@JacobKinsley]

I don't like Pop!_OS because the name is supposed to appeal to the kinds of people that make learning shorthand terminal commands their entire personality.

[@illegalquantity]

And what about pop music, popular, and popcorn? Or popo(s)!? 😄

[@gatosssss1]

None. Garuda with vanilla kde ftw.

[@hano1880]

ZorinOS

[@psychogamer1368]

Well... both are ubuntu based... one has a customized gnome and another has more more more more customized gnome ( in zorin) .... Go for arch and cherry pick things you want... DE/WM ...

[@youssefessahli2179]

Linux is Titanic 😂

[@janetmartha3261]

❤❤👍👍

[@richenjoshi7054]

You can't even zoom in using touchpad in browser. Using ctrl +,- only either increases or decreases the scale. RIP linux

[@pranitmali8602]

your touchpad doesnt work i think , shitty windows fanboy linux has this function no matter what distro you use

[@ashrafalameldin7173]

Zorin wins

[@davidwayne9982]

POP tiling is TRUE tiling-- not like that STUPID keyboard banging BS in I3 and all those "manual" systems that the keybanging "geniuses" are always touting.... which are TRASH...

[@mohammedF976]

Different people different preferences isn't it ?

[@B.A.Gondal]

Pope OS? Never knew Pope is making linux distributions now😂

[@thelifeofweidi]

Not possible to compare them. Zorin OS use Ubuntu 20.04. An super old version. PopOS is using Ubuntu 22.04. you compare new against old 😂😂😂

[@chris_schenkel]

Linux titans? That is so sad. Get some help.

[@TheGagi82]

They both look beautiful,but Zorin OS looks to me a little bit "friendly"