MX Linux and Solus stand out in the Linux world for their unique approaches to user experience. MX Linux is celebrated for its simplicity and community support, while Solus offers a modern, independent approach with its Budgie desktop. This page covers their strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for various use cases.
The comfortable choice
A modern experience
TL;DR: Pick MX Linux for simplicity and support. Pick Solus for a modern experience and rolling updates.
How they stack up across key categories.
MX Linux is designed with ease of use in mind, offering intuitive tools and a user-friendly interface.
Solus provides a streamlined user experience with its modern Budgie desktop, suitable for users who prefer a contemporary look.
Leverages the XFCE desktop for a classic, efficient user experience.
Offers the Budgie desktop, known for its sleek and modern aesthetic.
Prioritizes stability with a Debian base, making it reliable for day-to-day use.
Rolling release model provides the latest updates, but may introduce occasional stability challenges.
Utilizes a stable release cycle, focusing on reliability over cutting-edge updates.
Employs a rolling release model, providing continuous updates and new features.
Offers access to a wide range of software through the Debian repositories.
Has a curated set of software repositories, with a focus on quality over quantity.
MX Linux provides a strong focus on user privacy, with minimal telemetry.
Solus emphasizes privacy, with built-in features that respect user data.
Strong community support and extensive documentation aid troubleshooting and learning.
Smaller community but active forums and documentation provide user support.
Supports gaming through compatibility with Steam and Proton, but less optimized than Solus.
Optimized for gaming with performance tweaks and support for gaming platforms.
Quick recommendations for common scenarios.
Pick: Either
Both offer a user-friendly experience for newcomers transitioning from Windows.
Pick: MX Linux
Its Debian base and strong community make it easier to find resources and tutorials.
Pick: MX Linux
Its lightweight nature makes it ideal for extending the life of older machines.
Pick: Solus
Optimized for gaming with support for the latest drivers and platforms.
Pick: MX Linux
Its stability and extensive application support make it suitable for professional environments.
Pick: Either
Both distros provide a simple and effective desktop environment for everyday tasks.
Quick answers to common questions.
No, MX Linux is based on Debian, while Solus is an independent distribution. They have different development goals and base systems.
MX Linux is generally considered more beginner-friendly due to its strong community support and user-friendly tools.
Both distros are optimized for speed, but Solus is particularly noted for its performance optimizations with the Budgie desktop.
Yes, both MX Linux and Solus offer live environments that allow you to test them without installing on your hard drive.
MX Linux has broader software compatibility due to its Debian base, while Solus offers a curated selection focusing on quality.
MX Linux is known for excellent hardware compatibility out of the box, while Solus works well with modern hardware but has fewer pre-included drivers.
MX Linux follows a stable release cycle with periodic updates, whereas Solus uses a rolling release model for continuous updates.
Switching between the two involves learning different system bases and package managers, but both offer sufficient documentation to assist in the transition.
Generate a clean "vs" page for any two distros.
