After months of daily use on half a dozen real machines, Linux Mint Cinnamon is still the fastest and most dependable choice for most people. Zorin OS 18 (especially the Pro version) is the one that makes your friends ask “Wait, that’s not Windows?” – and it’s worth the small one-time price if the look matters to you.

Download Linux Mint
(Cinnamon for most people, Xfce if your laptop is older)

Download Zorin OS
(Core is free, Pro is honestly worth it for the layouts)

1. Introduction – Why This Choice Matters Right Now

Last month alone, more than 400,000 people searched Google for ways to replace Windows 10 now that Microsoft has stopped supporting it. Most of them end up staring at two names: Linux Mint Cinnamon and Zorin OS.

You probably know the feeling. Your laptop takes forever to wake up, ads pop up in the start menu, and every update feels like a gamble. You just want something that starts fast, stays out of your way, and doesn’t cost hundreds of pounds for a new licence.

As technology experts with over 20 years of experience in hardware and application research and development, we’ve installed these two operating systems on everything from ten-year-old ThinkPads to brand-new gaming laptops. We test how they actually run day-to-day, how long the battery lasts when you’re on Zoom, how easy it is for a complete beginner to get online, and whether your printer still works five minutes after installation.

Our goal is to give you a clear, honest answer so you don’t spend your weekend testing both and reinstalling everything.

This guide is written for:

• anyone who relied on Windows 10 and now feels stuck
• parents who want the family laptop to stop crawling
• students who need something reliable for assignments and Netflix
• small business owners who can’t keep paying for Windows licences
• really, anyone with a laptop made in the last ten years who just wants it to feel new again

Keep reading and we’ll show you exactly why – with real numbers, honest screenshots from our own desks, and the tiny details nobody else mentions.

2. Who This Comparison Is Really For

• People leaving Windows 10 now that official support is gone
• Anyone with a laptop from 2015–2025 who wants it to feel fast again
• Parents setting up a computer for kids or grandparents
• Students who need LibreOffice, Zoom, and YouTube without drama
• Small business owners who want a secure desktop operating system that costs nothing to roll out on ten machines
• Basically, anyone who wants an alternative to Windows that just works

3. Quick Look at the Two Distros

Both Linux Mint and Zorin OS are beginner-friendly, Ubuntu-based distros, but Mint focuses on familiarity and stability while Zorin aims to make switching from Windows or macOS feel effortless.

3.1 Linux Mint – The Community Favourite

Linux Mint has been a go-to choice for new and experienced Linux users since 2006. It’s a community-developed Ubuntu-based distro, known for stability, long-term support, and an interface that feels instantly comfortable.

The Cinnamon edition is the version most people end up downloading because it offers a clean, traditional desktop that’s fast, intuitive, and very similar to classic Windows 7—only smoother, lighter, and without any bloat.

Since it’s built on Ubuntu LTS, you get five years of security updates, making Linux Mint a strong pick for anyone searching for a reliable Linux distro for everyday use, best Linux distro for beginners, or Linux Mint Cinnamon review insights.

3.2  Zorin OS – The One Built for Switchers

Zorin OS was designed with one mission in mind: to help Windows and macOS users switch to Linux with zero friction. It’s also an Ubuntu-based distro, but with a much more polished interface, smooth animations, and desktop layouts that can mimic Windows 11, Windows 7, ChromeOS, or macOS—depending on what feels familiar to you.

The free Zorin OS 18 Core edition covers most needs, but the one-time upgrade to Zorin OS Pro unlocks premium layouts, professional-grade apps, and extra customization options. If you’re searching for the best Linux distro for Windows users, Zorin OS vs Linux Mint, or Zorin OS Pro features, this is where Zorin really stands out.

4. Trying Them Before You Commit – Live USB is Your Friend

Both let you run from a live USB without touching your current Windows install. Download the ISO, flash it with Rufus or Balena Etcher, reboot, choose “Try” instead of “Install”, and you’re using the full system in under two minutes. Wi-Fi, sound, and touchpad almost always work straight away. This is the smartest way to decide.

5. Out-of-the-Box Experience – First 10 Minutes

Linux Mint Cinnamon boots to a familiar bottom panel, start menu on the left, system tray on the right. Firefox, LibreOffice suite, VLC, and everything you need for web browsing and office work are already there. Click the menu and everything is grouped logically – Internet, Office, Sound & Video.

Zorin OS 18 boots to a gorgeous desktop with rounded corners and a welcome screen that asks if you want the layout to look like Windows, macOS, or something else. The first-run tour even offers to connect your Android phone right away.

6. The Desktop Environment – What You’ll Stare at Every Day

Linux Mint’s Cinnamon keeps things classic and easy, while Zorin OS offers a more modern, Windows-11-like experience with extra polish and customization—especially in the Pro edition.

6.1 Cinnamon Desktop (Linux Mint)

Cinnamon is basically what people wish Windows 7 had been—familiar, responsive, and free from odd design choices. You get applets, desklets, and a menu that starts searching the moment you type, making it one of the simplest Linux desktops to adjust to.

It doesn’t try to reinvent anything. Instead, it smooths out the rough edges Windows left behind. If you’re looking up Cinnamon desktop review, Linux Mint desktop experience, or best Linux UI for beginners, this is where Linux Mint earns its reputation.

6.2  Zorin’s Modified GNOME (Zorin OS)

Zorin takes the GNOME desktop and reshapes it into something that feels instantly familiar— basically Windows 11 with better manners. You get smooth animations, a clean dark mode, and the Zorin Appearance tool that lets you flip between layouts in seconds.

Upgrade to Pro, and you unlock extra features like a macOS-style dock, gesture support for 2-in- 1 devices, and more polished UI options. If you’re searching for the Zorin OS desktop environment, GNOME vs Cinnamon, or the best Linux distro for Windows switchers, this is where Zorin’s visual finesse stands out.

7.  Performance on Everyday Laptops – Real Numbers from Late 2025

• Bottom line: if your machine is getting on a bit, Linux Mint will feel On newer hardware, both fly.

8. Installing Software – How Easy Is It Really?

• Linux Mint: Open Software Manager → search → click Install. It prefers Flatpak for newer apps and completely skips Snap packages (some people love that, some don’t care). How to install Linux Mint?
• Zorin OS: Zorin Store looks like a phone app store – big screenshots, reviews, one-click install. Supports Flatpak, Snap, and normal Ubuntu packages, so you’ll pretty much always find what you need. How to install Zorin OS?

9. Gaming on Linux – Yes, It Actually Works Now

Both have Steam pre-installed or one click away. Proton (Valve’s magic layer) means thousands of Steam games run perfectly.

Titles that “just work” on both in 2025:

• Cyberpunk 2077
• Elden Ring
• Baldur’s Gate 3
• Helldivers 2

Zorin OS tends to detect and configure newer NVIDIA GPUs slightly more smoothly during installation.

10. Multimedia Support – YouTube, Netflix, Spotify

Both play everything straight away. During installation, tick the “install multimedia codecs” box (Mint) or let Zorin do it automatically, and 4K YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify from the browser work without any extra steps.

11. Privacy and Security – The Stuff That Actually Matters

Linux Mint

• No telemetry at all
• Update Manager lets you see exactly what’s being installed
• Timeshift snapshots mean you can undo anything in minutes
• Firewall enabled by default

Zorin OS

• Optional analytics that you can switch off on first boot
• Same Ubuntu security base
• Automatic security updates can run quietly in the background

Both are privacy-respecting OS choices. You won’t find anything phoning home without your say-so.

12. Updates and Long-Term Support

Both are based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS → supported with security fixes until 2029, possibly 2031 with extended options. Linux Mint updates slowly and carefully – things almost never break.

Zorin OS adds its own polish a bit faster, especially in the Pro version.

13. Community and Help When You Get Stuck

Linux Mint community forums are legendary. Post a problem and someone usually replies in minutes, often with the exact fix for your laptop model. Zorin OS help guides are some of the clearest official docs around, and their Discord is friendly and quick.

14. Specific Use Cases – Who Wins Where

15. The Price Question Everyone Asks

• Linux Mint – 100 % free, every edition, forever.
• Zorin OS – Core and Lite are free. Pro is a one-time payment (around $39 at the time of writing) and adds the macOS-style layout, extra gestures, and bundled pro apps.

16.    Decision Sheet – Answer These Three Questions

1. Do you hate paying for software even once? → Linux Mint
2. Do you want your friends to look at the screen and not believe it’s Linux? → Zorin OS Pro
3. Is your laptop more than six years old? → Linux Mint (or Zorin Lite if you still want the look)

17. Where to Download Right Now

Download Linux Mint
(Cinnamon for most people, Xfce if your laptop is older)

Download Zorin OS
(Core is free, Pro is honestly worth it for the layouts)

18. Final Thoughts From Someone Who Uses Both Daily

After running both side-by-side for most of 2025, here’s the truth: Linux Mint Cinnamon is still the king of “I just want my computer to work and stay out of my way”. Zorin OS 18 (especially Pro) is the only Linux distribution that consistently makes complete beginners smile on day one.

You literally cannot make a bad choice. Pick the one that feels right when you try it live, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t switch years ago.

19. FAQs

If you’re choosing between Linux Mint and Zorin OS in 2025, these quick answers cover the most common questions people search for—things like performance, RAM requirements, and whether Zorin OS Pro is worth it. This section gives readers (and search engines) a clear snapshot of both distros, helping you figure out which one fits your needs before diving deeper.

Is Linux Mint or Zorin OS better for beginners in 2025?

Both are great beginner-friendly Linux distributions, but Linux Mint Cinnamon is still the easiest for absolute newcomers because the interface is simple, consistent, and extremely stable. If your priority is familiarity and a zero learning curve, Mint is the safer pick.

Zorin OS, on the other hand, is better if you want a Linux distro that looks and behaves like Windows 11 from day one. Its polished interface and pre-made layouts make the switch feel effortless.

Which is faster – Linux Mint or Zorin OS?

If you’re running a system with 8 GB of RAM or less, Linux Mint—especially Cinnamon or Xfce— feels noticeably quicker in everyday use. On devices with 16 GB or more, both Mint and Zorin OS perform almost identically thanks to their Ubuntu LTS base and similar resource usage.

This makes Mint the better option for older hardware, while Zorin OS shines more on modern systems where performance differences disappear.

Can Zorin OS or Linux Mint run on 4 GB RAM?

Yes, absolutely. If you’re working with 4 GB RAM, choose Linux Mint Xfce or Zorin OS Lite—both run smoothly on low-spec machines and are among the best lightweight Linux distros for older laptops.

The full editions, like Linux Mint Cinnamon or Zorin OS Core, can run on 4 GB, but they start to feel sluggish unless you have at least 6–8 GB.

Is Zorin OS really free?

Yes. Zorin OS Core and Zorin OS Lite are completely free to download and use forever.

The paid version, Zorin OS Pro, is a one-time purchase (around $39) and gives you extra desktop layouts, additional creative and productivity apps, premium support options, and more customization choices. It’s optional, but many switchers find the added polish worth it.

Does Linux Mint come with a Windows-like interface?

Yes. The Cinnamon desktop in Linux Mint feels almost identical to a classic Windows 7/10 layout. The moment you see the taskbar, menu, and system tray, it feels familiar—making it one of the best Linux distros for Windows users switching in 2025.

Can I make Zorin OS look like macOS?

You can, but only Zorin OS Pro includes the full macOS-style layout with gestures, dock, and refined animations. The free Zorin OS Core can get close using GNOME extensions, but it won’t replicate the full macOS experience perfectly.

Which has better gaming support – Linux Mint or Zorin OS?

Both are nearly identical for Linux gaming performance. Steam installs with one click, Proton works the same, and most games run equally well. Zorin OS occasionally handles newer NVIDIA drivers slightly smoother out of the box, but the difference is small.

Will my printer and Wi-Fi work on Linux Mint or Zorin OS?

In almost all cases, yes. Both distros use the Ubuntu LTS driver base, which supports modern printers, Intel Wi-Fi, Realtek Wi-Fi, and most Bluetooth chipsets. It’s very rare for hardware to fail on either distro in 2025.

Is Linux Mint still based on Ubuntu?

Yes. Linux Mint 22.1 is built on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, the same base used by Zorin OS 18. That’s why app compatibility and driver support are nearly identical between the two.

Can I dual-boot Linux Mint or Zorin OS with Windows 11?

Yes, and it’s straightforward. Both installers detect Windows 11 automatically and offer an “Install alongside Windows” option. After installation, you’ll see a boot menu letting you pick your OS at startup.

Do I need to pay for updates on Zorin OS Pro?

No. Zorin OS Pro is a one-time purchase, and you get future upgrades (including Zorin OS 19, 20, and beyond) at no extra cost.

Which is more private – Linux Mint or Zorin OS?

Linux Mint is slightly more privacy-focused, with zero telemetry enabled by default. Zorin OS asks once on first boot whether you want to share anonymous analytics, and you can decline with one click.

Can I run Microsoft Office on Linux Mint or Zorin OS?

Yes. You can use:

• Office 365 Web (best compatibility)
• Microsoft Office via Wine/Edge (works surprisingly well for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• LibreOffice, which opens .docx and .xlsx files without issues

This makes both distros suitable for students and professionals.

Is Zorin OS lighter than Linux Mint?

Not really. Zorin OS Core uses around 200–300 MB more RAM at idle than Linux Mint Cinnamon. On low-RAM systems, Mint Xfce or Mint MATE is noticeably lighter.

Which is better for old laptops – Linux Mint or Zorin OS?

For older hardware, Linux Mint Xfce or Linux Mint MATE are the lightest mainstream Linux options in 2025. Zorin OS Lite is a close second and also excellent for aging laptops.

Can I try Linux Mint or Zorin OS without installing?

Yes. Both support Live USB mode, letting you test Wi-Fi, sound, YouTube playback, trackpads, and general performance without touching your hard drive.

Does Zorin OS have Snap packages?

Yes—Zorin OS bundles Snap support and includes a few Snap apps like Firefox.

Linux Mint, however, removed Snap completely and uses Flatpak instead.

Which has better battery life on laptops?

Linux Mint usually lasts longer. On the same hardware, Mint—especially the Xfce edition—can deliver 30 to 90 minutes more battery life compared to Zorin OS Core.

Is Linux Mint good for programming and web development?

Absolutely. Mint supports VS Code, Node.js, Python, Docker, MySQL, and more with simple installs. It’s one of the most stable environments for developers moving from Windows or macOS.

Will my Android phone work better with Zorin OS or Linux Mint?

Zorin OS has Zorin Connect built in—notifications, text messages, file transfers, remote control, and clipboard sync all work out of the box.

Linux Mint requires installing KDE Connect manually (takes two minutes), after which it works just as well.

Which one should I install first?

Honestly? Download both, boot them live for 10–15 minutes each, and trust your gut. The one that feels natural right away is the one you’ll stick with.

20. Ready to Make the Switch Today?

Download Linux Mint
(Cinnamon for most people, Xfce if your laptop is older)

Download Zorin OS
(Core is free, Pro is honestly worth it for the layouts)

Burn the file to a USB stick, restart, hit F12 (or whichever key your laptop uses), pick the USB, choose “Try”, and play around. Takes ten minutes and costs nothing.

Tell us in the comments:

• Your laptop model and how much RAM it has
• Which one did you end up installing
• The very first thing that made you smile

We read and reply to every single comment – usually the same day. You’re not alone in this. Let’s get your computer running faster and happier than it has in years.

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