Ubuntu vs Linux Mint: Which Should Beginners Use?

Both are free, stable and built on the same base. The difference is mostly the desktop and defaults.

Linux Mint

Cinnamon desktop that feels like Windows: a start menu and taskbar. Great for people leaving Windows. Built on Ubuntu LTS.

Ubuntu

GNOME desktop, the most tutorials online, first-class support from software vendors, and the same family as Ubuntu Server.

Software

Both use apt and .deb packages. Ubuntu pushes Snap packages; Mint ships Flatpak instead.

sudo apt install vlc

Pick

Coming from Windows and want it to feel familiar: Mint. Want to learn what servers run, or need vendor support: Ubuntu. Try both from a USB stick without installing.

FAQ

Can I try them without installing?

Yes. Both boot 'live' from a USB stick, so you can test before changing anything.

Is Mint less secure because it's based on Ubuntu?

No. It gets Ubuntu's security updates for the base system.