CentOS Stream
Continuous delivery
- Rolling release model
- Strong RHEL alignment
- Enterprise-grade stability
- Robust server tools
- Less desktop-oriented
- Fewer multimedia packages
Best for
Server environments
CentOS Stream vs Pop!_OS
CentOS Stream and Pop!_OS represent two different approaches to Linux. CentOS Stream offers a rolling release model closely aligned with RHEL, ideal for developers and testers. Pop!_OS, on the other hand, delivers a polished desktop experience optimized for creators and professionals. This page explores these distinctions to help you choose the right fit.
Pop!_OS
Linux for creators
- User-friendly interface
- Excellent hardware support
- Optimized for performance
- Built-in tiling window manager
- Limited server tools
- Heavier system requirements
Best for
Creative professionals
TL;DR: Pick CentOS Stream for server environments and development. Pick Pop!_OS for a user-friendly desktop experience.
Side-by-side comparison
How they stack up across key categories.
Ease of use
Stream
CentOS Stream, while stable, can be challenging for beginners due to its server-oriented setup and lack of intuitive desktop features.
Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS provides an intuitive and user-friendly experience with a focus on desktop usability, making it accessible for newcomers.
Desktop feel
Stream
CentOS Stream is not primarily designed for desktops but can be customized with additional packages.
Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS offers a sleek and modern desktop environment with built-in tiling and customization options.
Stability
Stream
CentOS Stream balances stability with a rolling release model, ideal for testing future RHEL releases.
Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS provides stable updates with a focus on performance and desktop stability.
Updates
Stream
CentOS Stream provides continuous updates that align with RHEL, offering a preview of future releases.
Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS offers frequent updates with new features and improvements, ensuring a fresh experience.
Software access
Stream
CentOS Stream's repositories focus on enterprise tools, with additional software available through EPEL.
Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS provides access to a wide range of software, including Flatpak and Snap packages.
Privacy
Stream
CentOS Stream respects user privacy with minimal data collection, suitable for enterprise use.
Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS emphasizes user privacy and does not include unnecessary telemetry.
Community & docs
Stream
CentOS Stream benefits from a strong community and extensive documentation, particularly for server use.
Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS has a growing community and support from System76, with helpful documentation available.
Gaming
Stream
CentOS Stream is not optimized for gaming but can be configured with additional repositories.
Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS includes gaming optimizations and support for NVIDIA graphics, ideal for gamers.
Pros & cons summary
CentOS Stream
Pros
- CentOS Stream offers a rolling release model that delivers new features continuously, providing a preview of the next RHEL minor version.
- It maintains strong alignment with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), making it ideal for development and testing.
- The distribution is known for enterprise-grade stability, which is crucial for production environments.
- CentOS Stream includes robust server tools and services, making it a preferred choice for system administrators.
Cons
- CentOS Stream is less focused on desktop users, lacking the polish and features found in desktop-oriented distributions.
- The default repositories contain fewer multimedia packages, requiring additional setup for a complete desktop experience.
- Since it's a rolling release, it may not be as stable as traditional CentOS for some users.
Pop!_OS
Pros
- Pop!_OS offers a user-friendly interface, making it accessible to newcomers while being powerful for advanced users.
- It provides excellent hardware support, especially for System76 devices, ensuring seamless compatibility.
- The distribution is optimized for performance, providing a responsive and efficient experience.
- Pop!_OS includes a built-in tiling window manager, enhancing productivity for power users.
- Frequent updates bring the latest features and improvements, keeping the system fresh and secure.
Cons
- Pop!_OS is not primarily designed for server use, providing limited tools for enterprise environments.
- The system requirements are heavier compared to lightweight distributions, which may not run well on older hardware.
- Its focus on desktop features may not cater to users seeking a minimalistic setup.
Which should you pick?
Quick recommendations for common scenarios.
Switching from Windows
Pick: Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS offers a familiar and user-friendly interface that eases the transition from Windows.
Following tutorials
Pick: Either
Both distros have extensive documentation and community support for learning and troubleshooting.
Using older hardware
Pick: CentOS Stream
CentOS Stream can be configured to run efficiently on older hardware with minimal desktop requirements.
Gaming
Pick: Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS is optimized for gaming, providing excellent support for graphics drivers and gaming software.
Work/professional use
Pick: CentOS Stream
CentOS Stream is ideal for professional environments, offering enterprise-grade stability and tools.
Simple daily desktop
Pick: Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS offers a polished desktop experience with features that enhance daily productivity.
FAQ
Quick answers to common questions.
Are CentOS Stream and Pop!_OS related?
No, CentOS Stream and Pop!_OS are not related. CentOS Stream is a community-driven project aligned with RHEL, while Pop!_OS is developed by System76 for desktop use.
Which distro is more beginner-friendly?
Pop!_OS is more beginner-friendly due to its intuitive interface and desktop-focused features, making it easier for newcomers to navigate.
Which has better performance?
Performance depends on use case. Pop!_OS is optimized for desktop performance, while CentOS Stream focuses on server stability and can be tailored for efficiency.
Can I try these distros before installing?
Yes, both CentOS Stream and Pop!_OS offer live environments that allow you to try the operating system without installing it on your hardware.
How do they handle software compatibility?
CentOS Stream focuses on enterprise software, while Pop!_OS provides broad software support, including access to Flatpaks and Snaps for easy installation.
What about hardware support?
Pop!_OS is known for excellent hardware support, particularly for System76 devices. CentOS Stream supports a wide range of server hardware but may require additional drivers for desktops.
How often are updates released?
CentOS Stream provides continuous updates aligned with RHEL development, while Pop!_OS releases regular updates to enhance features and security.
Is switching between these distros easy?
Switching between distros generally requires a fresh installation. Backup your data, and ensure hardware compatibility before transitioning.
Compare another pair?
Generate a clean "vs" page for any two distros.