Linux Mint and Void Linux cater to different types of users: Mint offers a beginner-friendly experience with a familiar interface, while Void caters to advanced users seeking a minimalist, customizable system. This page compares their strengths and weaknesses.
The comfortable choice
The minimalist's choice
TL;DR: Pick Linux Mint for ease and familiarity. Choose Void Linux for minimalism and flexibility.
How they stack up across key categories.
Linux Mint is renowned for its user-friendly interface, making it ideal for beginners transitioning from Windows.
Void Linux is less intuitive, requiring more technical knowledge, making it better suited for experienced users.
Mint offers a polished experience with desktop environments like Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce.
Void offers a minimalistic approach, allowing users to choose their desktop environment and customize it extensively.
Based on Ubuntu's LTS releases, Mint provides a stable and reliable experience.
Void's rolling release model offers cutting-edge features with a focus on stability, but requires careful update management.
Linux Mint uses a point release system, offering periodic updates with a focus on stability.
Void's rolling release ensures continuous updates but demands a proactive approach from users.
Mint provides access to a vast array of software through Ubuntu's repositories and PPAs.
Void uses XBPS, which is efficient, and offers its own repositories, though smaller than Ubuntu's.
Linux Mint respects user privacy and does not include telemetry by default.
Void Linux is privacy-conscious, opting for runit over systemd, which some users prefer for privacy reasons.
Mint's large community and extensive documentation provide excellent support for users.
Void's smaller community offers a focused but limited set of resources and documentation.
Linux Mint supports gaming well, with easy access to Steam and proprietary drivers.
Void can be configured for gaming, though it requires more manual setup compared to Mint.
Quick recommendations for common scenarios.
Pick: Linux Mint
Mint offers a familiar interface similar to Windows, easing the transition.
Pick: Either
Both distros support common Linux commands; Mint is better documented, but Void offers flexibility.
Pick: Void Linux
Void's lightweight nature makes it ideal for older systems needing minimal resources.
Pick: Linux Mint
Mint's ease of installing drivers and gaming platforms like Steam gives it an advantage.
Pick: Linux Mint
Mint's stability and support for productivity applications enhance work efficiency.
Pick: Linux Mint
Mint's user-friendly design and pre-installed software make it perfect for daily tasks.
Quick answers to common questions.
No, Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu, while Void Linux is an independent distribution with its own package manager.
Linux Mint is more beginner-friendly due to its familiar interface and extensive documentation.
Void Linux is known for its performance on older hardware due to its lightweight nature and minimal default setup.
Yes, both distros offer live environments that allow you to try them without installing.
Mint's Ubuntu base provides excellent software compatibility, while Void's smaller repository may require manual software additions.
Linux Mint generally has broader hardware support due to its Ubuntu base, while Void may require more manual configuration.
Mint follows Ubuntu's LTS release cycle, while Void uses a rolling release model, offering continuous updates.
Switching involves installing the new distro and migrating your data; Mint's familiarity might make it easier for newcomers.
Generate a clean "vs" page for any two distros.
