Choose Pop OS or Xubuntu based on your needs.
Choose Pop OS or Xubuntu based on your needs.
Choosing between the two Linux distributions for your dual-boot setup depends on your priorities. Both are solid options and share similar partition configurations. Consider what features matter most to you—such as software compatibility, user interface, or performance—and pick the one that aligns best with those needs.
It really comes down to personal taste. Since both are built around Ubuntu, their setup and package handling are quite alike. Xubuntu runs Xfce, which is lighter than Gnome used by Pop OS, though you probably won’t notice the difference on today’s computers. You also have the option to pick a Desktop Environment (DE) for either system, meaning Pop OS could work with Xfce if you like.
For Pop OS, the LTS version (20.04) is recommended for stability and longer support.
I’d likely choose Pop_OS because it tends to be newer than Ubuntu, and the Ubuntu community has made some unusual decisions lately (like using Firefox as a snap). Still, both would work well for a dual-boot setup. To be honest, the distributions I’m currently using are Fedora and Arch, so I prefer more recent versions. For everyday desktop use, the latest release usually makes sense, while LTS versions are better if you want long-term stability and minimal updates.