Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Ubuntu MATE VS Zorin OS

Compare Ubuntu MATE VS Zorin OS and see what are their differences

Ubuntu MATE logo Ubuntu MATE

We are delighted to provide a ready-to-run image for the Raspberry Pi 2 and Raspberry Pi 3.

Zorin OS logo Zorin OS

A powerful operating system designed to make your computer faster, more secure and easier to use. DownloadDownload Lite - Install Zorin OS - Education - .
  • Ubuntu MATE Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-12-18
  • Zorin OS Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-06-18

Ubuntu MATE features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Ubuntu MATE provides a simple and intuitive desktop environment, making it accessible for both new and experienced users. The MATE Desktop Environment is well-organized, offering a traditional and familiar desktop layout.
  • Lightweight and Efficient
    The operating system is designed to be lightweight, which translates to lower resource usage compared to other desktop environments. This makes Ubuntu MATE an excellent choice for older hardware or systems with limited resources.
  • Customizability
    Users have a wide range of customization options for tweaking the appearance and behavior of the desktop environment. This includes changing themes, layouts, and panel configurations easily.
  • Active Community and Support
    Ubuntu MATE benefits from a vibrant community and a strong support network, offering numerous resources like forums, documentation, and tutorials. Users can easily find help and guidance for any issues they encounter.
  • Software Compatibility
    Being based on Ubuntu, Ubuntu MATE is compatible with a vast range of software and applications available through the Ubuntu repositories and PPAs (Personal Package Archives).
  • Regular Updates
    Ubuntu MATE receives regular updates and security patches, ensuring that the system remains secure and up-to-date with the latest features and improvements.
  • Long-Term Support (LTS) Versions
    LTS versions of Ubuntu MATE offer extended support and stability, making them an ideal choice for users who need a reliable and long-lasting operating system.

Possible disadvantages of Ubuntu MATE

  • Less Modern Appearance
    The MATE desktop environment, while functional, may seem outdated or less visually appealing compared to more modern desktop environments like GNOME or KDE Plasma.
  • Limited Advanced Features
    Being focused on simplicity and efficiency, Ubuntu MATE lacks some of the advanced features and eye-candy that are available in other desktop environments. Users looking for cutting-edge features may find it lacking.
  • Software Bloat
    Like other Ubuntu flavors, Ubuntu MATE comes with a pre-installed selection of applications that may not be necessary for all users. This can result in perceived software bloat.
  • Learning Curve for Customization
    While the desktop environment is customizable, new users might find the customization options overwhelming or difficult to navigate initially, requiring some time to learn how to effectively personalize the system.
  • Hardware Compatibility Issues
    Although rare, some users may experience hardware compatibility issues with certain devices or components, particularly with very new or niche hardware.
  • Default Applications
    The default selection of applications may not satisfy all users, requiring additional effort to install preferred alternatives. Some users might find the default applications less polished compared to alternatives.

Zorin OS features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Zorin OS offers a highly intuitive and Windows-like interface, making it an excellent choice for users transitioning from Windows.
  • Pre-installed Software
    Includes a wide variety of pre-installed software, covering most basic needs such as web browsing, document editing, and media playback.
  • Performance
    Optimized to run smoothly even on older hardware, providing a fast and responsive experience without requiring the latest technologies.
  • Customization
    Features a highly customizable environment with Zorin Appearance, allowing users to tailor the desktop to their preferences.
  • Security
    Based on Ubuntu, it benefits from a large repository of secure and stable software, along with regular updates and community support.
  • Compatibility
    Supports a wide range of software applications and hardware devices out of the box, reducing the need for additional configurations.

Possible disadvantages of Zorin OS

  • Limited Edition Features
    Some advanced features are only available in the paid editions (Pro), which may be a limitation for users wanting a completely free experience.
  • Gaming
    While it supports Steam and other gaming platforms, it may not run all the latest games as efficiently as Windows due to limited driver support.
  • Smaller Community
    Compared to larger distributions like Ubuntu or Fedora, Zorin OS has a smaller user community, which may result in fewer online resources and support options.
  • Limited Deep Customization
    While Zorin OS is customizable, deeply technical users may find it less flexible than other distributions that cater specifically to power users, such as Arch Linux.

Analysis of Zorin OS

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Zorin OS is considered a solid choice for both beginners and experienced users looking for a reliable and aesthetically pleasing Linux distribution. Its focus on accessibility and user friendliness makes it a strong candidate for mainstream desktop use.

Why this product is good

  • Zorin OS is often praised for its user-friendly interface and the seamless experience it offers to users transitioning from Windows or macOS. It is based on Ubuntu, which provides a stable and secure foundation alongside access to a large repository of software. Furthermore, Zorin OS includes a variety of useful applications out of the box and offers a visually appealing desktop environment that can be customized to fit different desktop paradigms.

Recommended for

  • Users transitioning from Windows or macOS seeking a familiar interface.
  • Beginners who want an easy-to-use and stable Linux distribution.
  • Users who appreciate a polished and modern user experience.
  • Those who need access to Ubuntu's vast repository of software and community support.

Ubuntu MATE videos

Ubuntu MATE 20.04 Review - Best of the Ubuntu Derivatives

More videos:

  • Review - Ubuntu MATE 20.04 Review: MATE Has Never Been This Better
  • Review - Ubuntu MATE 19.10 Review - Fast, Functional & Fun?

Zorin OS videos

Zorin OS 17 : Download and Install on VirtualBox Complete Guide Step by Step And Review

More videos:

  • Review - Zorin OS 15 Review - the desktop shell to beat?
  • Review - Zorin OS 15 for Windows Users

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Ubuntu MATE and Zorin OS)
Linux
23 23%
77% 77
Operating Systems
25 25%
75% 75
Linux Distribution
24 24%
76% 76
OS & Utilities
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Ubuntu MATE and Zorin OS

Ubuntu MATE Reviews

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Zorin OS Reviews

12 Best Linux Distros You Should Use
Besides, Zorin OS also has a Pro version that costs $40, and for that price, you get more desktop layout customizations, preloaded apps such as GIMP and Blender, and the ability to share your mouse and keyboard across computers. Now, we wouldn’t recommend going all out on the Pro version, since most of the paid features can be added by using extensions. However, for what it...
Source: beebom.com
The best Linux distributions (operating systems)
Zorin OS is an Ubuntu derivative that is primarily aimed at Windows users, making it easy for them to switch to Linux. For companies relying on Microsoft’s office programs, Zorin OS is worth taking into consideration.
Source: www.ionos.com
Best Top 20 Ubuntu Linux Alternatives (Pros and Cons)
Zorin OS is based on Ubuntu and it comes with a GNOME 3 or XFCE 4 desktop environment, but it’s highly tailored to enable Windows and macOS users to switch to Linux. It is designed to make your computer faster, more powerful and secure.
Best Linux distros of 2021 for beginners, mainstream and advanced users
The Zorin OS project began in 2008 with the sole intention of making Linux user-friendly. Its developers wanted to make Linux accessible to regular users and they did this by introducing familiarity in the user interface.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Zorin OS should be more popular than Ubuntu MATE. It has been mentiond 151 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Ubuntu MATE mentions (43)

  • best Distro for Noob
    When I started out, I used red hat, Suse linux, and then finally I jumped to Ubuntu, when they killed gnome and rolled out their new GUI later, I switched to Ubuntu Mate, with xfce alternatively installed. And then later came MINT. Which is based on ubuntu anyway. Source: over 1 year ago
  • New monitor and VGA cable smudges/ghosting
    Prepare a blank USB stick with a copy of Ubuntu (write the ISO to the USB stick with Rufus). Source: over 1 year ago
  • Reviving an old machine for gaming
    Ubuntu MATE (simple, well maintained, has the Ubuntu ecosystem support and should work well). Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Who needs Ubuntu when you have MATE
    Linux Mint has its advantages, but your title doesn't make sense when there's Ubuntu MATE. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Fail To Download on Old Windows Vista PC
    (btw: since the PC is older I would reccommend Ubuntu Mate or Xubuntu as those come with a lighter Desktop). Source: about 2 years ago
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Zorin OS mentions (151)

  • Microsoft starts testing ads in the Windows 11 Start menu
    I tried several over the years, specifically looking for a good out of the box experience, GUI-first usage, and one that's stable over time, and after upgrades. Zorin OS fit the bill the most. I think the landing page is good as well. https://zorin.com/os/. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • Introduction
    My first Linux distro was PopOS and It was a refreshing experience. It was really easy to install, use, and game on. I distro hopped a few times to see what other linux flavors are like. These are the ones that I remember trying Zorin OS and Linux Mint. These ones looked mostly like windows and it was easy to use. At work, I gained most of my linux knowledge from docker and configuring / administrating RHEL... - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • I'm planning to go full on linux without previous experience
    Zorin and Linux Mint are two popular Linux distros that are very friendly to those coming from Windows OS. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Edge sends images you view online to Microsoft
    > and never felt Linux was a worthwhile alternative on desktop ZorinOS (https://zorin.com/os) can hopefully change your perspective. - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
  • Manjaro is a free and open source Linux operating system that emphasizes privacy
    ZorinOS[0] is fantastic! I switched from Ubuntu too and it was surprising how polished ZorinOS was. Everything was super stable and in the last 2 years, it didn't break by itself, which I can't say the same for Ubuntu sadly. Linux Mint too is cool but the outdated UI is the only deal breaker for me. [0] - https://zorin.com/os. - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Ubuntu MATE and Zorin OS, you can also consider the following products

Linux Mint - Linux Mint is one of the most popular desktop Linux distributions and used by millions of people.

Xubuntu - Xubuntu – Xubuntu is an elegant and easy-to-use operating system. Download XubuntuXubuntu – Xubuntu is an elegant and easy-to-use operating system. Feature Tour.

Ubuntu - Ubuntu is a Debian Linux-based open source operating system for desktop computers.

Arch Linux - You've reached the website for Arch Linux, a lightweight and flexible Linux® distribution that tries to Keep It Simple. Currently we have official packages optimized for the x86-64 architecture.

Manjaro - Manjaro Linux is a linux distribution which is based on arch linux. It uses the PACMAN package manager.

Fedora - Fedora creates an innovative, free, and open source platform for hardware, clouds, and containers that enables software developers and community members to build tailored solutions for their users.