What are your thoughts on Zorin OS?
What are your thoughts on Zorin OS?
I'm reviewing the SomeOrdinaryGamers video about Zorin OS on Linux, which hit one million downloads—especially since Windows 10 is being phased out. I’d like your feedback if you’ve tried it. I’m considering installing it on my laptop but keeping Mint for now because of its reliability. The design is appealing and the built-in software is impressive. The only observation I made, along with the YouTuber’s note, was that a pro version costs around $80 for premium features, which you can usually get for free. Overall, it looks good and open source, though I think not every piece of code might be fully released yet. Any thoughts would be appreciated!
It's mainly a method for them to keep pushing forward. Paid Linux distributions have existed for years. If they provide support and ease friction, and users value it enough, then why not? Pop_os development is often backed by system76 sales, for instance. Besides that, users get the freedom to choose. This is quite uncommon nowadays. Zorin is just another Linux distro. You pick whether you want it or any of the many alternatives available.
Only you will judge if it matches Mint. Their main goal seems to trick Windows users into thinking they’re still on Windows. For someone like you who likes Mint and isn’t tied to Windows, the advantage fades. YMMV. Personally, I think Zorin tackles the wrong issue. Windows users generally don’t mind a slightly different appearance; their real challenge is that apps don’t work well or are missing on Linux, and simple tasks often require the terminal. Zorin doesn’t address these concerns compared to other beginner distros. I believe it’s built around Ubuntu LTS, so it will face similar ups and downs behind the scenes. A shameless endorsement for MX Linux KDE, because it offers GUI tools that reduce the need for the terminal. Yes, the Linux enthusiast Reddit threads are full of “million downloads” hype, which usually signals a big moment in the community. It’s adorable how cat forums get hyped over the same stories every time someone claims a major download or installation breakthrough. W10 EOL was supposed to be the turning point, but it won’t last long—especially after the W10 ESU expires in October 2026. And once Microsoft rolls out W12, things will change again. One million downloads would mean at least a dozen people sticking with it.
I've tried Zorin OS. It functions fairly well, but like many Linux distros it can be a bit tricky with NVidia cards. The wireless printer had drivers, but it didn't communicate properly—possibly the printer's issue. It's derived from Ubuntu and just has a different interface, though over time we might see more variations. I haven't found any features I value in Pro that are missing in Core; Pro usually gets better support and updates faster (Zorin 18 Pro was available for at least a month before Core was released).
It's a reliable distribution that stands out to me, even though it shares many similarities with Ubuntu. I appreciate the pre-installed Gnome themes in the appearance menu—it's a nice feature since the standard setup leans heavily toward a particular user base. Having a Windows-like layout available or defaulting to it is a plus. It prevents the need to install additional packages like Dash and Panel. While I wouldn't hesitate to suggest Zorin before Ubuntu, there aren't many strong reasons to pick one over the straightforward version. If it helps keep people from endorsing Mint, that's a win. Zorin Pro is completely fine. Paid Linux distros have been around for a while, and supporting their development makes sense. System76 funds PopOS through hardware sales, which aligns with Zorin's Pro offering. Personally, I have more complaints about Ubuntu displaying ads in its default login screen and using its own Snap management system.