Pop!_OS vs Solus
| Pop!_OS | Solus | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Paid from | Free | — |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | Linux | Linux |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Device types | Computers, laptops, desktops, workstations; ARM computers | Personal computers (desktop and laptop hardware) |
| CPU architectures | 64-bit x86; ARM64 | x86-64 (64-bit) |
| Support lifecycle | LTS release; the vendor describes Pop!_OS updates as continuous but does not state a specific support duration on the cited product pages. | Rolling release; homepage describes weekly tested updates. No fixed support duration specified. |
| Built-in management | COSMIC Store app updates; OS Upgrade & Recovery; terminal package updates and upgrades; Repoman repository management | Software Center; eopkg command-line package manager supports package operations and rollback |
| App compatibility | Flatpak; .deb packages via apt/dpkg; Ubuntu-compatible software | Solus package repository; Flatpak preferred for third-party applications; Snap and AppImage also work |
| Deployment models | Install on physical computers from ISO/USB; live USB environment | Installable ISO images for physical computers; can be installed alongside another operating system |
Both are listed in Best Operating Systems. On Samsung Mobile US Press, Pop!_OS scores higher on our published basis.