Solus
The comfortable choice
- User-friendly interface
- Efficient package management
- Rolling release model
- Great for multimedia
- Limited hardware compatibility
- Smaller community
Best for
Desktop simplicity
Solus vs Tails
Solus and Tails are two distinct Linux distributions with unique focuses. Solus offers a user-friendly desktop experience, while Tails prioritizes privacy and security. This page compares their key features to help you decide which is right for you.
Tails
Privacy first OS
- Focus on privacy
- Amnesic by design
- Tor integration
- Portable and lightweight
- Limited software availability
- Not ideal for daily use
Best for
Privacy and anonymity
TL;DR: Pick Solus for a user-friendly desktop. Pick Tails for privacy and anonymity.
Side-by-side comparison
How they stack up across key categories.
Ease of use
Solus
Solus is designed to be easy to use with its intuitive Budgie desktop, ideal for both new and experienced users.
Tails
Tails requires some technical understanding to maximize its privacy features, which might be challenging for beginners.
Desktop feel
Solus
Solus offers a modern and polished feel with its Budgie desktop environment, which is both attractive and functional.
Tails
Tails uses the GNOME desktop in a minimal configuration, focusing on privacy over aesthetics.
Stability
Solus
As a rolling release, Solus provides the latest updates but maintains stability through rigorous testing.
Tails
Tails is stable due to its focus on security, although it may lack the latest features.
Updates
Solus
Solus has a rolling release model, offering continuous updates without needing fresh installations.
Tails
Tails updates are focused on security patches and Tor improvements, rather than new features.
Software access
Solus
Solus has a curated repository with essential applications and easy access to third-party software through Flatpak.
Tails
Tails offers a limited set of pre-installed software focused on privacy and security needs.
Privacy
Solus
Solus does not have a specific focus on privacy beyond standard Linux security practices.
Tails
Tails excels in privacy, using Tor for internet browsing and leaving no traces on the computer.
Community & docs
Solus
Solus has a smaller but active community with comprehensive documentation and support forums.
Tails
Tails benefits from a dedicated community focused on privacy, with detailed documentation for its specific use cases.
Gaming
Solus
Solus supports gaming with optimized drivers and compatibility tools like Steam and Lutris.
Tails
Tails is not intended for gaming due to its limited software and focus on privacy.
Pros & cons summary
Solus
Pros
- Solus provides a clean, intuitive interface with the Budgie desktop environment, making it easy for new users to navigate.
- The eopkg package manager offers straightforward package management for installing and updating software.
- As a rolling release, Solus provides the latest software updates without needing to install a new version.
- Solus comes with pre-installed tools ideal for multimedia editing and consumption, such as music production software.
Cons
- Solus's hardware support is not as extensive as some other distributions, which can be a limitation on older or uncommon hardware.
- The smaller user community can make finding help more challenging compared to larger distributions.
Tails
Pros
- Tails is designed with privacy as a key feature, using the Tor network to anonymize internet activity.
- The operating system is amnesic, which means it doesn’t leave traces on the computer it is used on.
- Integrated with Tor, Tails provides secure communication channels easily accessible to users.
- Being a live OS, Tails can be run from a USB stick, making it highly portable and lightweight.
Cons
- Software choices are limited to what is available in the distro, which may not cover all user needs.
- Tails is not designed for everyday use as it focuses on specific privacy needs, lacking many features found in typical desktop environments.
Which should you pick?
Quick recommendations for common scenarios.
Switching from Windows
Pick: Solus
Solus offers a user-friendly desktop experience similar to Windows, making it ideal for new Linux users.
Following online tutorials
Pick: Solus
Solus's community and comprehensive documentation make it easier to follow various Linux tutorials.
Using older hardware
Pick: Either
Both Solus and Tails can run on older hardware, with Solus offering a better desktop experience and Tails focusing on privacy.
Gaming
Pick: Solus
Solus provides better support for gaming with optimized drivers and support for platforms like Steam.
Work/professional use
Pick: Solus
Solus's desktop environment and software options make it a better fit for professional work environments.
Simple daily desktop
Pick: Solus
Solus is designed for everyday use with a focus on ease of use and a visually appealing desktop experience.
FAQ
Quick answers to common questions.
Are Solus and Tails related?
Solus and Tails are not directly related; they are separate projects with different goals and target audiences.
Which is more beginner-friendly?
Solus is more beginner-friendly with its intuitive Budgie desktop environment and user-focused design.
How do their performance and speed compare?
Solus generally offers better performance and speed for regular desktop tasks, while Tails prioritizes security over performance.
Can I try them before installing?
Both Solus and Tails can be run as live sessions from a USB stick, allowing users to try them without installation.
What about software compatibility?
Solus has broader software compatibility with access to third-party applications, while Tails focuses on privacy-related software.
How is hardware support?
Solus has decent hardware support but may struggle with very new or uncommon hardware, while Tails runs on most systems but may lack specific drivers.
What are their release cycles?
Solus is a rolling release, offering continuous updates, while Tails releases updates focused on security improvements.
Can I switch between them easily?
Switching between Solus and Tails involves reinstalling the OS, as they are designed for different use cases and have different system requirements.
Compare another pair?
Generate a clean "vs" page for any two distros.