Suppose you’re looking to switch to a Linux-based operating system or are curious about the differences between two of the most popular distributions. In that case, you might wonder: Linux Mint or Ubuntu? Both are excellent choices for beginners and experienced users but, at the same time, have their unique features and advantages.
This comprehensive comparison will deeply dive into Linux Mint and Ubuntu, exploring their similarities and differences in the user interface, software availability, support, and more. By the end of this article, you’ll better understand which Linux distro best fit your needs and preferences. So, let’s get started!
What is Linux Mint?
Linux Mint is a popular, user-friendly Linux distribution based on Ubuntu. It was created in 2006 by Clement Lefebvre to be easy for beginners and experienced users and provide a complete out-of-the-box experience, including multimedia codecs and proprietary drivers that are not included by default in most other Linux distributions.
The distro comes with several desktop environments, including its in-house developed flagship Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce, which provide different looks and feels for the user interface. On top of that, Mint also includes a set of custom tools and utilities, such as the Software Manager, Update Manager, and System Settings, to make it easier for users to manage their systems and install new software.
In addition to its main release, which is based on Ubuntu, Linux Mint provides an LMDE (Linux Mint Debian Edition). Based on the Debian stable branch, it is being developed alongside the core Mint release to guarantee that if something happens to Ubuntu, Mint can continue to exist and give the same experience to its users as before. If you want to know more about it, here’s our review.
Over the years, Linux Mint has gained a reputation for being one of the most user-friendly and easy-to-use Linux distributions, especially for beginners or users with a Windows background.
What is Ubuntu?
Ubuntu is a name that needs no detailed introduction, but let’s say a few words anyway. Based on Debian, with its initial 4.10 ”Warty Warthog” released in October 2004, for the last 19 years, Ubuntu has become probably the most popular and recognized Linux distribution in the world.
Developed and backed by Canonical Ltd., the distro is widely used in personal and enterprise environments and is known for its stability, security, and flexibility. In addition, it has a large community of developers and users who contribute to its development and provide support.
In addition, the distro offers a wide range of flavors or editions designed to cater to different user needs. These Ubuntu flavors differ mainly in their desktop environment, pre-installed software, and visual style. Some of them are Kubuntu (KDE Plasma Desktop), Xubuntu (Xfce Desktop), Lubuntu (LXQt Desktop), Ubuntu MATE (MATE Desktop), Ubuntu Budgie (Budgie Desktop), etc.
Thanks to Canonical’s strong financial backing and focus in recent years on the enterprise Linux segment, Ubuntu gained popularity among developers and cloud providers and nowadays is widely used as a platform for building and testing software applications.
Mint vs. Ubuntu: Desktop Environment
Desktop environments are one of the fundamental differences between the two distributions. As a significant component of the operating system with which the user interacts, the desktop environment could be the deciding factor in the Mint vs. Ubuntu debate.
Ubuntu relies on the GNOME desktop environment. However, because GNOME developers have different views about how users should interact with the desktop environment, Ubuntu developers have taken measures to bring back many things to normal in their operating system’s desktop interface.
For example, panel functionality is provided by a modified version of the Dash to Dock extension. At the same time, extensions have been added to Ubuntu’s GNOME implementation to provide desktop icons and system tray functionality.
These and other factors, like the decision to bundle the main browser, Firefox, as a Snap package, resulting in some limitations and performance issues, give the desktop experience an overall feeling of inconsistency.
Let’s see how things go with Linux Mint now. The distribution’s in-house developed Cinnamon – the Mint’s hallmark powered the desktop environment. It is something that users coming from Windows will feel right at home with.
Cinnamon provides users with everything they’ve come to expect from a desktop environment, with no surprises or unusual design concepts. You’ll find a panel with a built-in system tray area, a start menu, and all the other components you’d expect to see and function as expected.
Furthermore, the Cinnamon desktop environment, similar to the concept of the GNOME extensions, has so-called desklets – small graphical applications or widgets that can be placed on the desktop of the Linux Mint operating system.
Desklets can display various information, such as weather forecasts, system performance statistics, news headlines, notes, etc. They can be customized in size, appearance, and functionality and are easy to install and manage. Overall, the desklets are a fun and helpful way to enhance the functionality of the Mint desktop and make it more personalized and informative.
Returning to the main topic, Linux Mint vs. Ubuntu, we can conclude that, unlike Ubuntu’s modified GNOME, Mint’s Cinnamon provides a more consistent and straightforward user experience, making Linux Mint our recommendation for all users switching from other operating systems to Linux.
Performance
Performance is another key factor to consider when comparing two Linux distributions. Again, Linux Mint comes out on top. A comparison of memory utilization for Mint vs. Ubuntu on freshly booted systems is shown below.
The main culprit here is the desktop environment. Ubuntu makes use of GNOME, which is currently the most resource-intensive desktop environment used among Linux distributions. Cinnamon, on the other hand, is more user-friendly in terms of system resource utilization.
Yet, while the difference is negligible when using them on modern hardware, it is not the case when looking for a way to breathe new life into an older machine. There, Linux Mint will do better, while Ubuntu will result in a not-so-pleasant user experience.
Furthermore, Ubuntu includes a few extra services running in the background that are removed in Linux Mint, further contributing to making it the lighter of the two Linux distributions.
Linux Mint vs. Ubuntu: Software Sources
Since Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu and thus uses its package base, the two distributions are nearly identical regarding available software. Additionally, Mint has its software repository called “Mint repository,” which contains some additional software packages not available in the Ubuntu repositories.
Furthermore, both rely on the APT package manager for software management. The big difference, however, comes in the additional software sources to which the distributions are oriented. To put it another way, Snap vs. Flatpak.
Ubuntu relies on Snap – an in-house developed packaging system that allows developers to package their software, including all dependencies and libraries, into a single “snap” package that can be installed and run on any Linux distribution that supports the snap system.
The concern is that while the Snap format was designed to be distro-agnostic, it doesn’t enjoy a good following among the Linux community, limiting it to being used almost entirely in Ubuntu and its derivatives. Additionally, Canonical’s latest moves have only made that status even worse.
On the other hand, Linux Mint relies on Flatpak. So again, we are talking about a distro-agnostic package format, but this time it is widely recognized by the Linux world. It has become the primary source for distributing software in Linux, aside from the native package format used in the specific Linux distribution.
But Mint’s developers have gone even further, removing the Snap binding completely from the distribution and replacing it with out-of-the-box Flatpak support.
All of this leads to the logical conclusion that by betting on Linux Mint, users have a broader set of software choices by default while staying closer to the widely accepted approach adopted and followed by the Linux community.
GUI Administration Tools
The available GUI tools that assist management and maintenance are crucial when discussing desktop-oriented Linux distribution. Of course, there will always be Arch or Gentoo for experienced users who are okay with digging into the command line to get their hands dirty, but the focus here is entirely different.
GNOME Settings serves as the central point of management for Ubuntu.
Similarly, Linux Mint provides the System Settings app to satisfy these needs.
Both tools provide similar functionality, but Mint’s System Settings provide more comprehensive system customization options than Ubuntu’s due to the limitations the GNOME desktop environment imposes there.
The main software management app is also relatively similar, so the capabilities of the two distributions are comparable.
However, users benefit from built-in support for Flatpak apps in Mint.
Furthermore, for more advanced users who need extra options in their system’s package management tool, Linux Mint comes preloaded with the good old Synaptic Package Manager.
Both distributions offer user-friendly tools for backing up user data – Ubuntu relies on Déjà Dup and Mint on mintBackup.
However, Linux Mint goes one step further by including the helpful in-house developed system restore Timeshift utility, which takes incremental rsync or BTRFS snapshots of the system at regular intervals. This way, even if something goes wrong with your system, you can always restore it to its previous working state.
Both distro’s update managers have comparable capabilities. Still, the one in Linux Mint is more user-friendly, notifying you of available updates in the system tray area, whereas with Ubuntu, you get a popup message on your screen asking you to install them.
So, on the topic of Linux Mint vs. Ubuntu considered in the light of system management tools, Mint offers more options, with greater attention to detail and user care. At the same time, Ubuntu’s approach is rougher and more inconsistent.
Linux Mint vs. Ubuntu: Support
Because the major Linux Mint releases are based on Ubuntu’s LTS ones, both distributions receive five years of support. However, here comes the big difference, which is entirely in Ubuntu’s favor.
Supported and funded by Canonical, Ubuntu has a lean and robust system for reporting and fixing package security issues. However, with Mint being primarily a community-driven distribution, this process is fuzzier, and the distribution relies heavily on security updates from the Ubuntu repositories it is based on.
Furthermore, Ubuntu has launched a free-to-use Ubuntu Pro Subscription, which can extend Ubuntu’s support lifespan to ten years and provide a considerably faster reaction to critical security vulnerabilities.
At the same time, both distros have active and supportive communities. However, Ubuntu has a larger user base and, therefore, more community support.
Of course, none of this means that Linux Mint is insecure. On the contrary, it is one of the most reliable distributions. It’s only that the distribution’s model and scale cannot compete with Canonical’s financial backing or Debian’s massive number of volunteer developers, resulting in more limited support options.
Conclusion
Everything we’ve said so far leads us to a conclusion on Linux Mint vs. Ubuntu. Which is the superior choice? Here is our take on the subject.
In almost every case, if you doubt which to choose between Mint and Ubuntu, we strongly advise you to go with Linux Mint. This is because, based on Ubuntu, Mint has done an excellent job of addressing all of its weaknesses and growing on them.
Mint offers a more consistent desktop environment than Ubuntu, with a clear focus and attention to detail. Everything about it is geared at providing a pleasant and seamless user experience, with no weird design concepts or limitations placed by business interests and technologies. In addition, it uses fewer system resources and offers better administration tools.
We recommend Ubuntu as the preferred option if you are a corporate user needing additional enterprise capabilities or a longer support period.
That brings us to the end of our article, and we hope it was helpful to you in the Linux Mint vs. Ubuntu topic. We’d love to hear your thoughts and views in the comments section.
Linux Mint is the only distro I recommend to new and current users as it just works and it built on a solid debian/ubuntu base minus the snap issues.
Ubuntu (Zulu pronunciation: [ùɓúntʼù])[1] is a Nguni Bantu term meaning “humanity”. It is sometimes translated as “I am because we are” (also “I am because you are”),[2] or “humanity towards others” (Zulu umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu). In Xhosa, the latter term is used, but is often meant in a more philosophical sense to mean “the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity”.[3]
Source: wikipedia
Good comparison. I moved from Windows to Ubuntu but never felt comfortable with it, so I went back to Windows, but once I discovered Linux Mint, I’ve never looked back. I’ve been running it exclusively on my desktop system for about 7 years now.
If you are a KDE Plasma user, I would instead recommend openSUSE Leap, because there isn’t a good Ubuntu-based distro for KDE.
MX Linux has left Ubuntu and Mint in the dust. Ubuntu has become riddled with bugs since Ver. 11. Mint, which I gave up on in 2020, has become very bloated and seems to be mostly interested in adding more and more features at the expense of efficiency. It was a great distro at one time but not now. As long as a distro is using Ubuntu as its base, expect bugs and frustrations.
Retired Sr. Programmer/Analyst-Consultant
I have tried to use Mint and actually prefer it to Ubuntu but I find Mint almost impossible to network. Ubuntu is much easier to network but it’s almost like all Linux developers don’t want you to be able to network your computer. You have to jump through hoops and install Samba and CIFS with the command console. Why wouldn’t you include Samba with all Linux distributions???? Networking these days is so common. Linux needs to get itself up to date for it to go mainstream.
I just want to write that is a very nice article, thank you… :-)
For my part, I use Linux Mint since the Redmond company announced their new operating system to 11. Being a very conventional user having worked Windows for several of their versions (I started with XP).
So since the announcement of the latest version and especially the prerequisites for migrating to this one, It literally insulted me to be told that my PC which, on paper from a hardware point of view, was capable of running this new system. So I made it my mission to find an alternative to this aberration.
I still tried several versions of Linux, just like Ubuntu and Linux Mint. Ubuntu is very good despite everything, but some functionality that I did not find like on Mint. On the other hand, the appearance of the Ubuntu desktop is prettier than Mint. On Mint, the icons on the square desktop with rounded corners, I like less… But hey, it’s only appearance here and that doesn’t detract from its user-friendliness.
I’ve been using Linux Mint since the announcement and I’ve already terminated Windows 10 on my PC before it even ended support. I think, 2025 could very well be a good turning point for Linux in general. For those who have not yet used and who are still hesitating, go ahead and try it.
I was a Windows user from 3.1 up to 7 in it’s various forms, even beta testing, and skipping on follies like ME. IMHO, 7 was *the* last good Windows, once it got beyond SP1. Everything since, has been utter garbage.
I’ve often said that if I had a dollar for every time I’ve had to reinstall Windows for any number of issues, usually because of the problems it has built right into it’s core, I would be a VERY rich man ! Back when I using Windows 98se, I started plucking around with Linux, predominantly Mandrake, and liked it’s versatility, but at that time, it was no where near ready for prime time as a daily driver. So, I stuck with Windows up to 7 for my daily driver, but always had a second PC that had some form of Linux on. That being said, when I discovered Linux Mint and tried it, in about 2005, I was so impressed I set up my Windows 7 box dual boot, and found I was spending more time in Mint, cuz it simply did not break and require a reinstall to fix it. I eventually, about 2008, ditched Windows all together and went full on Linux Mint, running their Cinnamin desktop. Now, going on the same idea of a dollar for every time I’ve had to reinstall cuz it blew up beyond repair, I would be dead flat broke !!! No kidding !! The only time I’ve had to do a fresh install is when either it’s such a big version upgrade it’s needed, or I, in my admitted un Linux experience, have buggered it up myself !! I have done complete mainboard,cpu gpu upgrades and just pulled the hard drives and hooked them up to the new hardware and successfully booted into desktop !! That is something you simply can not do in Windows eat all, or at least as easily as you can with Linux.
No BSOD, WAAAAYYY less security issues, more user defined ability to make it your own has not only got me sold on Linux, but the rock solid stability and user friendly nature of Mint has me not even liking Ubuntu, for all the same issues you mentioned.
Linux Mint is really the best for Windows migratory. I even sold my wife on it she seamlessly made the transition with very little help from me. I am a big proponent of Mint, to the point that I open wallet to support them !
You totally forgot, or overlooked, a very good option, Ubuntu Cinnamon Remix, https://ubuntucinnamon.org/
Timeshift was not developed by Mint it was developed by, wish I could remember, something like Teejee or I think Tony George Mint just took over maintenance of it.
It would be nice if some of these articles addressed some of the real issues with Mint and Cinnamon that are carried forward on every release so that they could be resolved and it really could become a daily driver. The menu choices on Win 11 are horrible (put copy as a icon only and hide key functions in second menu tiers. Really??) so there is opportunity. Cinnamon starts to fall apart after a certain number of open windows. For me it is around 23. New windows are not displayed (this is a screen resolution issue since Cinnamon cannot go to a second row of windows). Moving between windows with a high number of open windows also often lands you on the wrong window. Support for printing on Laserjets has tons of issues and never gets fixed. Default read only access for certain file types can also cause issues (this is really more of a Linux thing) as Windows users expect read / write all the time (this could be fixed with a simple graphical utility that controls mounting). Just a few obvious things that could be fixed that never are …
Linux Mint is getting toooooo close to communist Microsoft. That’s mean “they know better” they will do things by their way, less and less customization. I’m ditch them for good.
The performance comparison really doesn’t make sense. It suggests that Mint is significantly lighter than Ubuntu yet Mint has higher CPU usage at idle. The RAM + Swap use on Mint is equal to Ubuntu’s RAM use alone. I would prefer my system to use RAM first as its faster and puts less wear on the drives.