Solus
For the modern desktop
- User-friendly Budgie desktop
- Independently developed
- Optimized for performance
- Rolling release with stability
- Smaller software repository
- Limited community support
Best for
Desktop simplicity
Solus vs Ubuntu
Solus and Ubuntu are two popular Linux distributions offering unique features and strengths. This comparison explores their differences, helping you choose the right OS for your needs.
Ubuntu
The comfortable choice
- Large software repository
- Strong community support
- Regular LTS releases
- Widely-supported hardware
- Can be resource-heavy
- Includes some proprietary software
Best for
General use
TL;DR: Pick Solus for a sleek, modern desktop experience. Pick Ubuntu for extensive software support and community resources.
Side-by-side comparison
How they stack up across key categories.
Ease of use
Solus
Solus provides a clean and modern interface with the Budgie desktop, making it intuitive for new users.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu offers a user-friendly experience with its GNOME desktop, widely recognized for its simplicity and ease of navigation.
Desktop feel
Solus
Solus’ Budgie desktop is polished and customizable, providing a modern and cohesive experience.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu's GNOME desktop offers a classic and straightforward design with robust customization options.
Stability
Solus
Solus implements a curated rolling release model, ensuring up-to-date software while maintaining stability.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu has predictable LTS releases that prioritize stability and security, ideal for long-term use.
Updates
Solus
Solus updates are frequent and incremental, designed to efficiently deliver the latest features.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu provides regular updates with a focus on LTS support, offering major updates every two years.
Software access
Solus
Solus features a tailored repository with popular applications, although it may lack some niche options.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu's extensive repositories and support for PPA make it easy to find and install a wide variety of software.
Privacy
Solus
Solus focuses on user privacy, shipping with open-source software and minimal telemetry.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu has faced criticism for past privacy issues but has enhanced user control over data sharing in recent versions.
Community & docs
Solus
Solus has a smaller community, which can limit available resources but offers a dedicated user base.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu benefits from a vast community and comprehensive documentation, making it easy to find help and tutorials.
Gaming
Solus
Solus includes support for Steam and Lutris, but its smaller repository might limit some gaming options.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is well-supported by game developers and offers extensive access to gaming platforms like Steam.
Pros & cons summary
Solus
Pros
- The Budgie desktop offers a sleek, intuitive design that is easy for newcomers to learn.
- Solus is independently developed, allowing for unique features and optimizations.
- It is optimized for desktop performance, making it fast and responsive.
- Offers a rolling release model which keeps the system up-to-date without compromising stability.
- Designed with a focus on providing an out-of-the-box experience.
Cons
- Solus has a smaller software repository compared to more established distros, which might limit available applications.
- The community is smaller, which can lead to fewer resources for troubleshooting or learning.
- Hardware support might be less comprehensive due to its independent nature.
Ubuntu
Pros
- Ubuntu's software repository is expansive, providing access to a wide range of applications.
- It boasts a strong, active community that is ideal for getting help and support.
- Regular Long Term Support (LTS) releases ensure stability and security for enterprise environments.
- Offers extensive hardware compatibility, supporting a wide range of devices out-of-the-box.
- Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, offers professional support options.
Cons
- Ubuntu can be resource-heavy, which might not be ideal for older hardware.
- The inclusion of some proprietary software can be a downside for users seeking a fully open-source experience.
- The Unity desktop environment, while user-friendly, is not as lightweight as others.
Which should you pick?
Quick recommendations for common scenarios.
Switching from Windows
Pick: Ubuntu
Ubuntu offers a familiar user experience with strong community support, easing the transition from Windows.
Following tutorials
Pick: Ubuntu
Ubuntu's extensive documentation and community resources make it ideal for learning and following tutorials.
Older hardware
Pick: Solus
Solus is optimized for performance and can run efficiently on older machines with limited resources.
Gaming
Pick: Ubuntu
With better support from game developers and platforms, Ubuntu is more suited for gaming enthusiasts.
Work/professional use
Pick: Ubuntu
Ubuntu's LTS releases and professional support options make it a reliable choice for professional environments.
Simple daily desktop
Pick: Solus
Solus offers a clean, modern desktop experience that is perfect for everyday use without unnecessary complexity.
FAQ
Quick answers to common questions.
Are Solus and Ubuntu related?
No, Solus is independently developed, while Ubuntu is based on Debian. They are separate projects with different goals.
Which distro is more beginner-friendly?
Both are beginner-friendly, but Ubuntu has more comprehensive support and resources, making it slightly easier for newcomers.
How do the distros compare in terms of performance?
Solus is optimized for desktop performance and tends to be lighter, while Ubuntu may require more resources but offers extensive software support.
Can I try these distros before installing?
Yes, both Solus and Ubuntu offer live environments that let you try them without making changes to your system.
How do the distros handle software compatibility?
Ubuntu has a broader software repository, providing more compatibility, while Solus focuses on popular applications and may have limited options.
What about hardware support for these distros?
Ubuntu generally offers better hardware support due to its larger community and partnerships, while Solus supports most common hardware.
What are the release cycles for these distros?
Solus follows a rolling release model, while Ubuntu provides regular updates with major LTS releases every two years.
Is it easy to switch between Solus and Ubuntu?
Switching between the two is straightforward, but involves reinstalling your system. Both offer tools to back up data and settings.
Compare another pair?
Generate a clean "vs" page for any two distros.