Zorin OS Compared: Stylish, but Not Always the Best Choice for Beginners

Zorin OS is known as a sleek, modern Linux distribution designed to help Windows or macOS users transition smoothly to Linux. However, the video highlights why this strong visual impression doesn't automatically make Zorin OS the best choice for beginners—especially when compared to Linux Mint.

Where Zorin OS shines:

• Very appealing design: The interface, animations, and workspace view look more modern than many other Linux systems.
• Strong start menu search: It not only shows installed apps but also applications available for installation.
• No Snap requirement: Like Linux Mint, Zorin OS avoids installing Snap packages by default.
• Solid basic features: Batch renaming, modern default apps, and an overall simple user experience.

Where Zorin OS falls short:

• Outdated base system: The current release is built on a two-year-old Ubuntu LTS base. This can lead to compatibility or update issues in the long run.
• Fewer features than Linux Mint: This is especially noticeable in the file manager, system settings, and productivity features (e.g., hot corners, dual-pane view, editor options).
• Weak performance in virtual machines: VirtualBox guest additions did not function reliably during testing.
• Less mature ecosystem: Linux Mint offers deeper system integration, its own tools, a larger user base, and typically a more stable long-term development track.

Conclusion:
Zorin OS is beautiful and user-friendly, but not as feature-rich or mature as Linux Mint. For absolute beginners or users who want to be productive right away without configuration, Linux Mint is usually the more dependable choice.
If modern design is a priority and you don’t mind a few limitations, Zorin OS is still worth trying—ideally side-by-side with Mint.