Pop!_OS
System76's Ubuntu-based Linux distribution with its own Rust-built COSMIC desktop.
Updated · AppBreakup editorial · Linux
Is Pop!_OS free?
Yes, free and open source
Switch from Pop!_OS to
All 6
UbuntuOpen source
Linux MintOpen source
Fedora LinuxOpen source
- Verified facts
- 5 of 5
- Alternatives ranked
- 6
- Approved reviews
- 0
- Visits sent from here
- 1
About Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS is a free Linux distribution made by System76, the US company that builds Linux laptops and desktops. It sits on an Ubuntu base, so software and guides written for Ubuntu generally work, but it ships its own desktop environment, COSMIC, which System76 wrote in Rust as a Wayland-native shell. Out of the box you get automatic window tiling, flexible panels and docks, workspaces, applets, and power profiles on System76 laptops. The installer offers full-disk encryption and there are separate download images for machines with NVIDIA graphics, generic Intel/AMD hardware and the Raspberry Pi, which saves new users from hunting for graphics drivers. It is aimed at developers, creators and gamers who want a polished desktop without much setup, and it runs on most PCs, not just System76 hardware. The OS is free to download and its source code is published on GitHub; System76 earns its money from hardware rather than the software.
Best for: Developers and gamers who want an Ubuntu-compatible desktop with built-in tiling and easy NVIDIA setup.
Pop!_OS pricing (checked Nov 8, 2026)
Each line is quoted from Pop!_OS's own site, with the page it came from.
| Plan or term | What it says | Checked | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Nov 8, 2026 | system76.com |
Pros and cons
What works
- Built-in auto-tiling that works with both mouse and keyboard
- Dedicated NVIDIA image avoids manual driver setup
- Ubuntu base means wide software and documentation support
- Full-disk encryption offered in the installer
Why people leave
- Secure Boot must be turned off before installing
- COSMIC is newer than GNOME or KDE, so some settings and extensions are still missing
- Release cadence follows Ubuntu LTS, so packages can lag rolling distros
Pop!_OS vs Ubuntu, Linux Mint and Fedora Linux
From each app's listing and the prices verified on its own site. A dash means we haven't verified it yet.
| Attribute | Pop!_OS | Ubuntu | Linux Mint | Fedora Linux |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Open source | Open source | Open source | Open source |
| Verified price | — | — | — | — |
| Free plan | Free app | Free app | Free app | Free app |
| Open source | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hostable | No | No | No | No |
| Platforms | Linux | Linux | Linux | Linux |
Top Pop!_OS alternatives
See all 6- 1Ubuntu68.8
The base Pop!_OS builds on, with GNOME, Canonical support and the largest pool of guides and certified hardware.
- 2Linux Mint64.8
Another Ubuntu-based desktop aimed at newcomers, with a traditional Cinnamon layout instead of tiling.
- 3Fedora Linux61.8
Ships newer kernels and desktop releases faster, with a stock GNOME or KDE experience.
- 4
Zorin OS59.4Ubuntu-based too, with layouts that mimic Windows or macOS for people switching from those systems.
- 5
CachyOS57.5A rolling Arch-based distro tuned for performance, for gamers who want the newest packages.
Why people left Pop!_OS
In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.
No switching stories yet. If you moved away from Pop!_OS, review the app you switched to and tell us why.
Reviews
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Pop!_OS: common questions
What is Pop!_OS?
Pop!_OS: System76's Ubuntu-based Linux distribution with its own Rust-built COSMIC desktop. Best for developers and gamers who want an Ubuntu-compatible desktop with built-in tiling and easy NVIDIA setup. Available for Linux.
Is Pop!_OS free?
Yes. Pop!_OS is free, open-source software.
How much does Pop!_OS cost?
Pop!_OS is free and open source. Price: Free. Checked on Pop!_OS's own site, November 2026.
Is Pop!_OS open source?
Yes. The source code is on GitHub at pop-os/pop.
What platforms does Pop!_OS run on?
Pop!_OS is available for Linux.
What are the best alternatives to Pop!_OS?
The highest-ranked Pop!_OS alternatives right now are Ubuntu, Linux Mint and Fedora Linux. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.
Pop!_OS vs Ubuntu: what's the difference?
Both Pop!_OS and Ubuntu are free and open source. Both run on Linux.