Jack Wallen/ZDNET\nFollow ZDNET:\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google.\n\nZDNET’s Essential Insights\nOver the years, Solus has undergone a remarkable evolution from its modest beginnings into one of the most polished and accessible Linux distributions available. The operating system now strikes an impressive balance by offering precisely the right quantity of preinstalled applications along with the flexibility for users to select the desktop environment that best aligns with their workflow and personal aesthetic preferences. Although Solus shares many similarities with Zorin OS—another distribution celebrated for its elegance and ease of use—there remain two distinct areas where Zorin OS retains a subtle yet definitive advantage.\n\nRecently, after conducting a comprehensive evaluation of Zorin OS 18.1, I declared it not merely the most approachable Linux distribution for newcomers, but arguably one of the finest operating systems, across all platforms, that I have ever used. Coincidentally, on the very same day, news arrived that Solus had released its latest version, 4.9. With curiosity and analytical intent, I downloaded the Budgie edition—a desktop environment I have experimented with countless times—to pit it directly against Zorin OS in a fair and detailed comparison.\n\nThe motivation behind this comparison is straightforward yet important. I am frequently asked which Linux distribution I would recommend for individuals taking their first steps into the open-source world. To remain confident in my guidance, I believe in conducting hands-on evaluations; previously, I performed a similar head-to-head comparison between Linux Mint and Zorin OS. This method ensures that any recommendation is grounded in practical experience rather than reputation or bias.\n\nAs I immersed myself in testing Solus 4.9, it quickly became clear that this operating system possesses qualities that make it a strong contender for users with no prior Linux experience. The more deeply I explored its functionality and design, the more convinced I became that Solus could very well serve as a top-tier introduction to Linux. Yet, the question remained: can Solus genuinely stand up to the refined excellence of Zorin OS 18.1? Considering the bar set by Zorin OS is impressively high, the comparison demanded a deep dive into usability, software availability, customization, and performance.\n\nPreinstalled Software\nIn the realm of bundled software, Solus mirrors Zorin OS by equipping users with everything necessary to begin productive work immediately after installation. The roster includes core tools such as Firefox for web browsing, Thunderbird for email management, LibreOffice for comprehensive document editing, Rhythmbox for music playback, Celluloid for video viewing, and the gedit text editor. These selections together form a solid foundation for general computing tasks. Just as importantly, Solus integrates a graphical software center—in the Budgie variant, this is KDE’s Discover—that supports Flatpak packages. This inclusion means users can conveniently install a wide variety of additional applications, both open-source and proprietary, from productivity tools like Slack to entertainment options such as Spotify. The user experience is made simple and intuitive, allowing even those unfamiliar with Linux package management to expand their system with confidence.\n\nNevertheless, Zorin OS holds one clever advantage. When a user attempts to install a Windows application (for example, by double-clicking a .exe file), Zorin OS automatically presents open-source alternatives. If someone tries to install Microsoft Office, the system promptly recommends LibreOffice as a compatible counterpart. This small but meaningful feature helps newcomers navigate the Linux ecosystem without confusion and empowers them to discover native solutions that work seamlessly. In this aspect, the advantage decidedly tilts toward Zorin OS.\n\nEase of Use\nOnce the conversation moves beyond software, usability takes center stage. During testing, I compared the Budgie desktop environment on Solus with the highly customized GNOME interface used in Zorin OS. Both proved exceptionally approachable and intuitive. With familiar layouts, clearly organized menus, robust notifications, and the ability to install new applications through graphical tools without ever issuing a terminal command, each system emulates the comfort and convenience that users expect from a modern desktop. From drag-and-drop functionality to right-click context menus and desktop shortcuts, everything operates as fluently as it would on any mainstream commercial OS.\n\nThat said, ease of use is a subjective concept. What feels intuitive to one user might not resonate the same way with another. What complicates the comparison is that Solus offers multiple desktop variants—including Budgie, KDE Plasma, and Xfce—while Zorin OS restricts itself to a single desktop environment but compensates by providing several layout options (ranging from Windows-like to macOS-inspired). For a brand-new Linux user, this distinction is crucial. Downloading Zorin OS involves choosing a single, unified image, whereas installing Solus requires selecting among several desktop versions—a decision that might pose initial confusion. For this reason, the edge in overall accessibility once again goes to Zorin OS.\n\nAesthetics and Customization\nIn terms of visual design, Zorin OS excels immediately upon installation. Its default presentation exudes elegance and professionalism across all available layouts. Each element—from icons to animations—is curated to deliver a cohesive, modern aesthetic that feels both familiar and refined. By contrast, the look and feel of Solus depend significantly on which desktop environment is chosen. While Budgie and Plasma offer tasteful, streamlined designs, the defaults do not quite match the polish of Zorin’s theming. Yet, this does not necessarily detract from Solus’s appeal; some users prefer its understated, minimalistic interface and darker themes that promote focus and reduce visual strain.\n\nPersonally, I gravitate toward lighter, airy interfaces, yet I know many who champion dark modes for both comfort and style. With Solus, customization options are abundant—its Budgie, Plasma, and Xfce editions all enable straightforward theming and fine-tuning. Particularly noteworthy, Xfce stands among the most customizable desktop environments available, capable of mimicking nearly any graphical style the user desires. Thus, while Zorin OS dominates in default aesthetics, Solus counters effectively through flexibility and adaptability, leading to a fair and balanced draw in this category.\n\nPerformance\nPerformance is where the comparison becomes more clear-cut. Although Zorin OS delivers smooth and responsive operation, it remains tied to the GNOME desktop, which is known to consume more system resources. Solus, conversely, allows users to choose environments that are markedly lighter, such as Xfce, offering snappier performance especially on older or less powerful hardware. Even the Budgie edition, with its modern appearance, manages to feel somewhat faster and more responsive than Zorin OS in day-to-day use. From my own tests across all versions of Solus—including GNOME, Budgie, Plasma, and Xfce—the difference was evident: while GNOME puts Solus on par with Zorin OS, the Xfce variant clearly outpaces it, making Solus the winner when it comes to resource efficiency and overall speed.\n\nFinal Verdict\nUltimately, while Solus stands as an impressive and well-balanced operating system offering versatility, thoughtful design, and strong performance, Zorin OS maintains a slight edge thanks to its carefully tuned out-of-the-box configuration, extensive preinstalled software, and beautiful visual coherence. For those seeking the most intuitive and beginner-friendly introduction to Linux, Zorin OS remains the premier choice. However, users who desire a distribution that approaches Zorin’s user experience while adding deeper customization options and faster performance would find Solus to be an excellent—and perhaps more flexible—alternative.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/solus-vs-zorin-best-distro-depends-on-your-linux-priorities/
