Raspberry Pi Imager vs Xubuntu
| Raspberry Pi Imager | Xubuntu | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Paid from | Free | Free |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | Linux, macOS, Windows | Linux |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Device types | Raspberry Pi computers; PC and Mac (Raspberry Pi Desktop) | desktop computers |
| CPU architectures | 32-bit and 64-bit | x86_64 (Intel or AMD 64-bit) |
| Support lifecycle | Regular free updates, including security patches; no fixed support duration stated | Regular releases: 9 months; LTS releases: 3 years |
| Built-in management | APT software and firmware updates; graphical Add / Remove Software; raspi-config / Control Centre | Software Updater; Software & Updates settings; Software Center |
| App compatibility | APT package manager; desktop Add / Remove Software; 64-bit edition can run 32-bit software | APT/DEB packages, Snap, Flatpak, AppImage, PPAs |
| Deployment models | Installable disk image on Raspberry Pi boot media; PC and Mac image via Raspberry Pi Desktop | Installed on compatible computers; live USB/DVD trial |
Both are listed in Best Operating Systems. On Specifiction, Xubuntu scores higher on our published basis.