Linux Mint vs. RefreshOS: I compared the two best distros for new users – this one is better

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Highlights taken by ZDNET

• Both Linux Mint and RefreshOS are good for all users.
• Each distro takes a different route, but arrives at the same destination.
• Only one can claim the title of the best distro for new Linux users.

For years, Linux Mint has been one of the most popular Linux distributions for those considering an open source operating system. There are good reasons for this: Linux Mint is incredibly easy to use, very secure and stable — and has a friendly and welcoming community.

Although I have never adopted Mint as my default, I have used it many times over the years and regularly test it on its own (previous releases) and other Linux distributions. I’m familiar with Linux Mint, and I get why many are adamant that it’s the best distro for new users.

Also: 7 things every Linux beginner should know before downloading their first distro

However, I reviewed RefreshOS recently and called it a top contender for new Linux users. Shortly after that review, I decided to pit a new contender against the undisputed leader of Linux distributions for new users. How does RefreshOS stack up against Linux Mint? Read on to find out.

Linux Mint: Whose?

To say that Linux Mint is for new Linux users would be a huge mistake. After all, if Mint is good for my esteemed colleague, Steven Vaughan-Nichols (who says the latest release is a master class in polishing and quality-of-life refinement), it’s good for anyone.

For that, it is easy to conclude that Linux Mint is the best. For anyone who wants to use an operating system that not only “works” but “works better than most,” Linux Mint is the way to go.

Also: You can try Linux without giving up Windows first – here’s how

But what makes Linux Mint so special? One might say that the distro’s success starts with its Ubuntu-based foundation. Or maybe a Cinnamon desktop, which sticks to the standard desktop metaphor of a panel, start menu, system tray, and clickable icons. Cinnamon is instantly familiar, no matter what desktop you’ve used before.

I would argue, however, that Linx Mint’s uniqueness starts with the welcome app. The Mint Welcome app walks users through the first steps of choosing desktop colors, setting up system shortcuts, installing any additional drivers, launching update manager and system settings, quick access to software manager, and even setting up a firewall. The same app also gives you quick access to documents, help, and how to donate. It is one of the best riding apps available. Time.

Linux Mint is not surprising in its own way. It’s as straightforward as it gets. That simplicity extends to every OS, meaning Linux Mint is a viable option for everyone, regardless of Linux experience. Linux Mint has been like this for years.

Also: Best Linux distribution for beginners: Expert tested and reviewed

Linux Mint also includes all the software you need to get up and running, including LibreOffice, Firefox, multimedia players, a fingerprint scanner, and more. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, open Software Manager and search for it. And because Flatpak’s package manager is included, you can install one of thousands of apps, including proprietary software like Spotify and Slack.

Although Mint does not install the latest Linux kernel, it works fine. This ability can be attributed in part to Cinnamon’s lightweight desktop environment. Whatever the reason, you’ll enjoy the zippy experience, even if you’re running Linux Mint on older hardware.

Also: 6 Linux distros I expect to dominate 2026 – and why

Simply put: Linux Mint is for everyone.

RefreshOS: Who is it for?

And now we have a new relative in the Linux world: RefreshOS. This Debian-based distribution recently released version 3.0, which added some serious polish while keeping the KDE Plasma desktop (version 6.3.6).

That polish gives the RefreshOS desktop one of the best looks I’ve used in a long time. This beauty is especially strong when using the RefreshOS Light theme. In fact, the developer even included a very nice hybrid theme that combines dark (for panel, menu, and window decorations) and light (for apps).

Also: The latest KDE Plasma 6.7 surprised me with features I didn’t expect from a point release

I’ve declared KDE Plasma one of the best desktop environments in all of computing a few times over the years, and I still stand by that claim. When you combine the stylish global themes from RefreshOS with KDE Plasma 6.3.6, you get the most toe-resistant desktop with some of the best features on the market.

But it’s pretty enough to elevate RefreshOS over Linux Mint. A distro should be as easy to use as it is beautiful. Does RefreshOS remove such an action? For the most part, yes. My slight doubt stems from the lack of a specific application.

Although RefreshOS introduces the KDE Plasma Welcome app, the distro does not have a welcome app of its own. That omission shouldn’t deter anyone, as the desktop is designed in such a way that anyone can see it. It might be nice, in a future release, if an easy-to-use welcome app is created to give new users a little grip on the first steps. But the lack of this application does not interfere with ease of use.

As I mentioned in my last update, RefreshOS changes the KDE Plasma desktop menu to the Reload Menu, so you can pin the menu to keep it open. This is a useful feature if you need to open multiple apps and don’t want to go through extra clicks. Just open the menu, click the pin icon to the right of the search, and the menu stays open until you remove it.

Don’t be fooled, the Reload Menu has categories for your apps, and all you have to do is click All Apps to see them. You can also pin apps to the Favorites section, which greets you when you first open the menu.

Also: My 11 favorite Linux distributions of all time, limited

You get the usual mix of pre-installed apps, with little change. Instead of Firefox as the default browser, you get Brave. If you’re a privacy enthusiast, you’ll welcome this change. You also get LibreOffice, GIMP, Thunderbird, multimedia viewers, audio and video editors, and more. Like Linux Mint, you also get Flatpak pre-installed and optimized for KDE Plasma, so installing apps is as easy as point-and-click.

In other words, you get more pre-installed apps with RefreshOS than you do with Linux Mint.

RefreshOS functionality is compatible with Linux Mint, thanks to KDE Plasma. And because RefreshOS is based on Debian, you get a level of stability that most operating systems can’t match.

Big question: Which distro is best for new users?

So, which distro is winning the battle for new users? I’m going to make a bold claim here that many in the Linux community will balk at: RefreshOS gets the nod, if only slightly.

Trust me, this was a tough call because Linux Mint is hard to beat. The reason I give RefreshOS the win is KDE Plasma’s ability to be all things to all people. If you’re new to Linux, KDE Plasma makes it easy to use the open source OS. If you’re a seasoned Linux user, KDE Plasma lets you customize it to your heart’s content.

Also: I tried AnduinOS 2.0, and it would be an easy way to ditch Windows for Linux.

Other than that, RefreshOS is just great. And while some would argue that aesthetics shouldn’t be a consideration for the best distro for new users, I’d say, “Why?” Both Microsoft and Apple go out of their way to create modern and functional desktop interfaces, so why can’t Linux developers?

The choice was very close, but I didn’t want to rely on my reputation. Yes, Linux Mint has been everyone’s top choice for a long time. But in the Linux world, there’s always something new on the horizon, and I believe RefreshOS is a big one.