Linux Mint vs Linux Ubuntu is a debate that does not have an end. Yes, both Linux distros are great, but which is better? Can this answer even be provided? Both are mature OSes in their 20 version and have a great interface. The core is the same (kernel 5.4) with just small differences. Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu and can use everything made for it.
System requirements
Ubuntu is getting heavier, and it requires a bit more powerful computer.
Linux Mint 20 requirements: 64bit processor, 1GB RAM (recommended 2GB), 15GB of storage space (20GB recommended) and, 1024×768 resolution display.
Linux Ubuntu 20 requirements: 2GHz dual-core 64bit processor, 4GB RAM, 25GB of storage, 1024×768 resolution display.
Linux Mint is your choice for less powerful devices.
Performance
Both are working fine, but if you try both distros on the same configuration, you will notice that Ubuntu is using a bit more RAM than Linux Mint. Opening applications and using Linux Mint feels just a bit faster than Ubuntu.
Installation
The installation is almost identical, so both are equal here. They are easy to install, and you can install them as a second OS too.
Interface (GUI)
Linux comes with the Cinnamon desktop environment (DE). It feels like Windows and could be very easy for ex-Windows users. The taskbar is located down, the clock on the right, the start menu on the left, and nice green and grey colors. There are many options for customization.
Ubuntu has Gnome DE. It has brighter colors, the clock is up on top, and the apps are on the left.
If you want to customize it, you will need to install extra extensions.
For easy customization, choose Linux Mint.
Software
Linux Mint has a great software manager application. It is easy to use and has a good selection of applications. One big advantage is that Linux Mint comes with many applications pre-installed. You will get a browser, office suite, media player, VLC, and more.
Ubuntu comes with Ubuntu Software Center. It is a bit harder to use and orientate inside it. There is a good selection of applications.
It comes with pre-installed applications like office suite too.
Update of application of both distros is easy. On Mint, you can use the Update Manager and automatically or manually update the system and application. On Ubuntu, you can use the Software & Updates and update the application and system. It also supports Live patches, so you don’t need to reboot after installing them.
Support
Linux Mint and Ubuntu both provide 5-year support. You will get security updates, no matter which of these two distros you choose. Here it is good to say that Ubuntu has a strict update schedule (new version every 6 months), while Linux Mint is not so punctual.
Community support
Both already have strong community support. Ubuntu has been the most popular Linux distro for a while, so you can expect more people that can help with Ubuntu’s problems.
Linux Mint has less community support, but not by much. It also has many fans, and the community is quite helpful. The fact that it is based on Ubuntu helps a lot. If you can’t find the answer in a Linux Mint forum, you can go to Ubuntu’s and ask there.
Conclusion
If you are using an old device, Linux Mint is your choice. If you are using the computer for an office job or developing, both can be great. It is a matter of taste if you like the GUI of Mint or Ubuntu better. And last, Ubuntu and Mint are good for servers, but Ubuntu is still more popular, and you can find easier answers to your problems when they occur.
