A hands-on-style comparison of Elementary OS and Linux Mint—desktop feel, ease of setup, software installs, and built-in security features.
Switching to Linux is less about “which one is best” and more about “which one feels familiar first”—and that’s exactly where Elementary OS and Linux Mint stand apart.
Both are free to install, and both are often recommended as starting points for new Linux users.. But they’re aimed at different backgrounds.. If you’re coming from macOS. elementary OS tries to mirror the look and day-to-day rhythm you’re already used to.. If you’re coming from Windows. Linux Mint leans into a more traditional desktop layout that won’t feel like a reinvention from scratch.
Elementary OS made its case with a clean desktop that can look instantly recognizable to macOS users.. The combination of a bottom dock and a top panel. paired with a tasteful theme. is designed to feel approachable rather than “Linux-y.” The result. as described in the comparison. is a desktop that’s not only easy to navigate but also visually polished.
The distro’s usability is further tied to its foundation: elementary OS is based on the LTS release of Ubuntu. That choice is presented as a reliability play, bringing the same kind of stability associated with its underlying base while keeping the experience user-friendly.
When you log into elementary OS, the interface leans on quick access.. The dock includes shortcuts for common tasks—like the file manager. web browser. to-do list. calendar. music and video players. image viewing. and the app store—plus an option to add new workspaces.. Across the top bar, you get a desktop menu, quick calendar access, and the system tray.
A striking detail in the desktop menu is that elementary OS does not pack in many preinstalled applications.. Instead, it nudges users toward its AppCenter to add software as needed.. The point isn’t just to keep things minimal; it’s to make installation feel like part of the normal workflow rather than a complicated search-and-install routine.
Beyond aesthetics and apps, the comparison highlights an explicit security feature: Secure Session.. Rather than letting applications access sensitive system features automatically, it requires user consent for things like cameras and microphones.. The same security-focused approach is paired with practical controls such as screen time limits and the ability to create custom keyboard shortcuts.
The comparison argues that this combination—macOS-like design, an app store that simplifies software installs, and built-in privacy and control—makes elementary OS a particularly smooth “test the waters” option for macOS users moving to Linux.
That ease of use isn’t framed as limited to macOS refugees, though. The article notes that Windows users also can use elementary OS without the steepest learning curve, even if the look and layout are tailored toward Apple-style familiarity.
Still, it’s presented as important not to overpromise. elementary OS is described as “elementary” in everyday usability, but not as stripped-down in functionality in day-to-day use—meaning the experience is intended to be both approachable and practical once you’re working with it.
Linux Mint takes a different route for Windows newcomers, aiming for a setup that feels ready from the moment you install it. The comparison says Mint is often singled out as one of the best Linux distributions for new users, largely because it sticks with a familiar, traditional desktop layout.
That traditional approach shows up immediately: a bottom panel, a desktop menu, a system tray, and desktop icons. Instead of emphasizing a modern aesthetic overhaul, Linux Mint prioritizes simplicity and gets the job done in a way that can feel familiar to Windows users.
Like elementary OS, Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu—so it shares the same package management and stability benefits. At the same time, the comparison notes that Mint’s “slightly outdated” look is intentional: the emphasis is on reliability and straightforward daily use rather than visual modernity.
Where elementary OS tends to start with fewer apps, Linux Mint is described as more complete out of the box.. The comparison lists productivity tools such as LibreOffice. multimedia viewers. chat applications. and the ability to create web apps directly from websites.. It also highlights that you get a broad set of utilities without needing to immediately fill gaps.
Linux Mint also includes a system snapshots capability, described as a way to create restore points.. If something goes wrong, you can roll your desktop back to a previously working state, using Time Shift.. The comparison ties that feature to the idea that recovery should be built-in rather than something you scramble to learn after the fact.
On the customization front, Mint offers a theme application for choosing the look and controlling colors. The comparison also notes that there are more granular controls in advanced options, letting users tune how the desktop feels rather than forcing one appearance.
For hardware compatibility, Linux Mint adds a driver manager designed to make it easier to install the right drivers for system components. That matters for new users because missing or mismatched drivers can turn a fresh install into a frustrating detour.
The article’s framing for Mint’s audience is direct: if you want a turn-key Linux option that installs and is ready to go right away—especially if you’re coming from Windows—Linux Mint is presented as the easiest fit.. It also emphasizes that Mint has a larger community and a faster development cycle. which translates into quicker access to new releases and updates.
If the decision comes down to the kind of familiarity you want on day one, the comparison boils it down to a simple rule: macOS users are advised to choose elementary OS, while Windows users are pointed toward Linux Mint.
Both distributions are ultimately described as strong long-term picks, with the practical next steps also outlined: download the ISO for either elementary OS or Linux Mint, create a bootable USB drive, boot from it, and install.
Elementary OS Linux Mint switch to Linux app store Secure Session Time Shift