Link copied to clipboard # Chrome OS vs Ubuntu Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/chrome-os/ubuntu/export.csv) Chrome OSUbuntu[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **Chrome OS** No pricing available **Ubuntu** Free Trial No pricing available **Pricing Insights** from reviews Perceived Cost **Chrome OS** $$$$$ **Ubuntu** $$$$$ Average Discount **Chrome OS** 11% **Ubuntu** 14%3% more Uncover valuable pricing insights from real user feedback to improve your shopping experience. See it for free Time to Implement **Chrome OS** 6 months Based on 100 responses **Ubuntu** 6 months Based on 100 responses Return on Investment **Chrome OS** 6 months Based on 100 responses **Ubuntu** 6 months Based on 100 responses **Pros & Cons** from reviews **Chrome OS** [ Speed/Performance (113) ](https://www.g2.com/products/chrome-os/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1104989&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Ease of Use (108) ](https://www.g2.com/products/chrome-os/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1103762&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Limited Software (58) ](https://www.g2.com/products/chrome-os/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1104766&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Limited Apps/Store (46) ](https://www.g2.com/products/chrome-os/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1104243&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) **Ubuntu** [ Ease of Use (337) ](https://www.g2.com/products/ubuntu/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1072988&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Linux/Ubuntu OS (299) ](https://www.g2.com/products/ubuntu/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1071828&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Compatibility Issues (141) ](https://www.g2.com/products/ubuntu/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1072885&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Driver Issues (104) ](https://www.g2.com/products/ubuntu/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1072259&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Integrations **Chrome OS** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_7777b3dffcf633e3b8b328a0f135c7c5/adobe-premiere-pro.png "Product Avatar Image") Premiere Pro ](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-premiere-pro/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_9829252c9c29076e06dcc7d264436584/android-enterprise-management.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Android ](https://www.g2.com/products/android-enterprise-management/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_92678e42a1cad1b80e7d257e3636e25e/android-studio.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Android Studio ](https://www.g2.com/products/android-studio/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_45ce5c46f731f1d2864a4c31dc672b07/business-hangouts-for-g-suite.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Business Hangouts for G Suite ](https://www.g2.com/products/business-hangouts-for-g-suite/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/chrome-os/integrations) **Ubuntu** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_809aa88d3571ee805a47d8fb156ba412/apache-kafka.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Apache Kafka ](https://www.g2.com/products/apache-kafka/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_9d00048205a466c174da3c77093a1336/apache-maven.png "Product Avatar Image") Apache Maven ](https://www.g2.com/products/apache-maven/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_c6bfab1d2650fe8be0e5aec2c46900e6/audacity.png "Product Avatar Image") Audacity ](https://www.g2.com/products/audacity/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_1651718cccc95df24af2423a690c4a17/aws-cloud.jpg "Product Avatar Image") AWS Cloud ](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-cloud/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/ubuntu/integrations) Screenshots **Chrome OS** No screenshot available **Ubuntu** ![Ubuntu screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/1477518/Screenshot-2025-06-25-at-11.38.51.png) **Ratings** from reviews Meets Requirements **Chrome OS** **8.9** /10 Based on 546 responses **Ubuntu** **9.0** /10 Based on 1,897 responses Ease of Use **Chrome OS** **9.3** /10 Based on 559 responses **Ubuntu** **8.7** /10 Based on 1,917 responses Ease of Setup **Chrome OS** **9.2** /10 Based on 298 responses **Ubuntu** **9.0** /10 Based on 934 responses Ease of Admin **Chrome OS** **8.8** /10 Based on 89 responses **Ubuntu** **8.7** /10 Based on 655 responses Quality of Support **Chrome OS** **8.7** /10 Based on 507 responses **Ubuntu** **8.3** /10 Based on 1,740 responses Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **Chrome OS** **8.6** /10 Based on 89 responses **Ubuntu** **8.7** /10 Based on 574 responses Product Direction (% positive) **Chrome OS** **9.0** /10 Based on 527 responses **Ubuntu** **9.1** /10 Based on 1,792 responses **Features** ratings from reviews Operating System **9.1** /10 Based on 201 responses **9.0** /10 Based on 303 responses Cloud Management Platforms Not enough data **8.7** /10 Based on 53 responses Server Virtualization Not enough data **8.9** /10 Based on 97 responses Uncover more feature rated insights from real users to improve your shopping experience. See it for free Container Engine Not enough data **9.1** /10 Based on 62 responses IoT Operating Systems Not enough data **9.0** /10 Based on 43 responses Security Compliance Not enough data **8.4** /10 Based on 52 responses User Insights **Reviewers' Company Size** Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 48.7% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 33.6% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 17.7% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 48.7% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 33.6% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 17.7% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 47.5% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 33.0% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 19.5% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 47.5% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 33.0% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 19.5% **Reviewers' Industry** [![Chrome OS](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_875175039c275eab2eed735a56ad8cee/chrome-os.jpeg "Chrome OS")](https://www.g2.com/products/chrome-os/reviews) Chrome OS Information Technology and Services 15.0% Computer Software 11.8% Education Management 3.9% Computer & Network Security 3.6% Marketing and Advertising 3.5% Other 62.2% [![Ubuntu](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/4b0cb18835a92aa4bb723c4d488c6400/ubuntu.svg "Ubuntu")](https://www.g2.com/products/ubuntu/reviews) Ubuntu Information Technology and Services 26.3% Computer Software 25.0% Computer & Network Security 5.6% Higher Education 3.4% Internet 2.8% Other 36.8% Alternatives **Chrome OS Alternatives** ![Windows 11](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_13aba37ae908d9cf29a2452925257ccc/windows-11.jpeg "Windows 11") [ Windows 11 ](/products/windows-11/reviews) ![Linux Mint](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_3146bdd0defa39278b58727400f0a807/linux-mint.jpg "Linux Mint") [ Linux Mint ](/products/linux-mint/reviews) ![Windows 7](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487565509/windows-7.svg "Windows 7") [ Windows 7 ](/products/windows-7/reviews) ![Apple iOS](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487565505/apple-ios.svg "Apple iOS") [ iOS ](/products/apple-ios/reviews) **Ubuntu Alternatives** ![Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_3042cb71cbf8ba9820007715c12aea60/red-hat-enterprise-linux.jpg "Red Hat Enterprise Linux") [ Red Hat Enterprise Linux ](/products/red-hat-enterprise-linux/reviews) ![Windows 11](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_13aba37ae908d9cf29a2452925257ccc/windows-11.jpeg "Windows 11") [ Windows 11 ](/products/windows-11/reviews) ![Apple iOS](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487565505/apple-ios.svg "Apple iOS") [ iOS ](/products/apple-ios/reviews) ![Android Enterprise Management](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/60d6239cc2ae2c88f467f7a3d7b59ff6/android-enterprise-management.svg "Android Enterprise Management") [ Android ](/products/android-enterprise-management/reviews) ## Chrome OS vs Ubuntu FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 15, 2026 ### What is the difference between Ubuntu vs Chrome OS? Ubuntu and Chrome OS differ most clearly in their flexibility and integration focus, with Ubuntu excelling in customization and Chrome OS in ease of use and Google ecosystem integration. | [Ubuntu](https://www.g2.com/products/ubuntu/reviews) | [Chrome OS](https://www.g2.com/products/chrome-os/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.5/5 (2,400 reviews) | 4.5/5 (739 reviews) | | Small-Business | Small-Business | | 9.0 | 9.2 | | 8.3 | 8.7 | | Open Source (213 all-time mentions) | Ease of Use (98 all-time mentions) | ### How do the pricing models of Ubuntu and Chrome OS compare? Chrome OS is rated higher for value, with reviewers expressing greater satisfaction with its pricing and cost structure. - **Ubuntu:** Reviewers consistently highlight Ubuntu as a free, open-source operating system that eliminates licensing costs and provides strong value for development and server use. - **Chrome OS:** Reviewers praise Chrome OS for its affordability, high ROI, and the inclusion of a 90-day free trial for startups, noting its cost-effectiveness for both individuals and organizations. - **Switching reasons:** Recent reviews mention switching to Ubuntu to avoid paid licenses and to Chrome OS for its lower total cost of ownership and reduced maintenance expenses. ### What are the best alternatives to Ubuntu and Chrome OS? The top 3 alternatives to Ubuntu and Chrome OS are Windows 11, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and iOS. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Ubuntu](https://www.g2.com/products/ubuntu/reviews) | 4.5/5 (2,400 reviews) | Small-Business | Free, open-source, no license fees | Open Source (213 all-time mentions) | | [Chrome OS](https://www.g2.com/products/chrome-os/reviews) | 4.5/5 (739 reviews) | Small-Business | Affordable, high ROI, 90-day free trial | Ease of Use (98 all-time mentions) | | [Windows 11](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-11/reviews) | 4.5/5 (4,322 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Broad software compatibility | | [Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://www.g2.com/products/red-hat-enterprise-linux/reviews) | 4.6/5 (977 reviews) | Enterprise | — | Enterprise-grade stability | | [iOS](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-ios/reviews) | 4.6/5 (1,585 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Mobile ecosystem integration | ### Which Operating System features should I prioritize when comparing Ubuntu and Chrome OS? Buyers comparing Ubuntu and Chrome OS should prioritize customization, integration capabilities, security features, ease of use, and performance. - **Customization:** Ubuntu is cited for Customization/Personalization in 104 all-time reviews, while Chrome OS is noted for its simplicity but less flexibility. - **Integration capabilities:** Chrome OS is mentioned in 110 all-time reviews for Android integration and 29 for Google Workspace, while Ubuntu is cited for GIMP (13), GitHub (5), and Wireshark (3). - **Security features:** Ubuntu has 76 all-time mentions for Security Features, and Chrome OS is frequently praised for built-in security and automatic updates in recent reviews. - **Ease of use:** Chrome OS scores 9.3 on Ease of Use, with 98 all-time mentions, while Ubuntu scores 8.7. - **Performance:** Ubuntu is cited for Speed/Performance in 179 all-time reviews, and Chrome OS is consistently praised for fast boot times and lightweight operation. ### What are the pros and cons of Ubuntu vs Chrome OS? Ubuntu's headline strength is its open-source flexibility, while Chrome OS stands out for ease of use and integration with Google services. - **Ubuntu strengths:** Open Source (213 all-time mentions), Speed/Performance (179), Reliability (135), Customization/Personalization (104), Security Features (76), Regular Updates (96). - **Ubuntu trade-offs:** Limited Software (104), Update Issues (63), Installation Difficulties (53), Limited Gaming (42), Poor UI/UX (30), App Incompatibility (22). - **Chrome OS strengths:** Ease of Use (98 all-time mentions), Powerful Features (6), praised for fast boot times, automatic updates, and strong Google ecosystem integration in recent reviews. - **Chrome OS trade-offs:** Reviewers note limited compatibility with desktop applications, reliance on internet connectivity, and less flexibility for advanced customization or gaming. ### Is Ubuntu or Chrome OS better for small businesses? Both Ubuntu and Chrome OS are primarily used by small businesses, but Chrome OS is favored for its ease of management and onboarding in small-business settings. - **Ubuntu:** Small-Business segment; reviewers highlight its cost savings, open-source flexibility, and suitability for development and server tasks in small-business environments. - **Chrome OS:** Small-Business segment; reviewers emphasize its fast setup, low maintenance, and centralized management as key benefits for small-business teams. ### Which Operating System platform has better integrations? Chrome OS is favored for integrations, especially with Google and Android ecosystems. - **Ubuntu:** Integrates with GIMP (13 all-time mentions), GitHub (5), and Wireshark (3), with reviewers noting its compatibility with development and security tools. - **Chrome OS:** Integrates with Android (110 all-time mentions) and Google Workspace (29), with reviewers consistently highlighting its strong connectivity with Google services and Android devices. ### How do Ubuntu and Chrome OS compare on customer support? Chrome OS and Ubuntu are rated within 0.4 points on Quality of Support, indicating near parity with scores of 8.7 and 8.3 respectively. - **Ubuntu:** Reviewers describe strong community support, extensive documentation, and helpful forums, with many citing reliable assistance for troubleshooting and setup. - **Chrome OS:** Reviewers highlight responsive support, easy onboarding, and effective help resources, especially for device management and Google Workspace integration. ### Which is easier to implement, Ubuntu or Chrome OS? Chrome OS and Ubuntu score within 0.2 points on Ease of Setup, with Chrome OS at 9.2 and Ubuntu at 9.0, indicating near parity in implementation experience. - **Ubuntu:** Reviewers report straightforward installation, especially for those with technical backgrounds, and value the availability of community guides and support for setup. - **Chrome OS:** Reviewers consistently praise its quick, easy setup process, minimal configuration requirements, and rapid onboarding, particularly for users familiar with Google accounts.