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Operating Systems · head to head

Linux Mint vs Notepad++

Linux Mint logo

Linux Mint

Operating Systems

Ubuntu-based Linux distribution built for familiarity

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Notepad++ logo

Notepad++

Developer Tools

Free, lightweight source code and text editor for Windows

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Linux Mint based on Ubuntu LTS, so packages are deliberately older than rolling distributions; Notepad++ windows-only, with no official native macOS or Linux build.
  • They diverge on capability: Linux Mint covers Cinnamon desktop, Notepad++ covers Syntax Highlighting.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 29 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Linux Mint and Notepad++ actually diverge.

Attributes where Linux Mint and Notepad++ differ
AttributeLinux MintNotepad++
Pricing modelOpen source, no licence feeopen-source
PlatformsLinux, Desktopwindows
CategoryOperating SystemsDeveloper Tools
FoundedUnknown2003

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Linux Mint

  • Cinnamon desktop
  • Codecs included
  • Ubuntu package base
  • Update manager

Only in Notepad++

  • Syntax Highlighting
  • Tabbed Editing
  • Plugin System
  • Regular Expression Search
  • Function List

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Linux Mint

  • Moving a desktop or laptop off Windows with minimal retrainingnot Notepad++
  • Reviving older hardware that struggles with current Windows releasesnot Notepad++
  • Everyday desktop use where stability matters more than the newest packagesnot Notepad++

Notepad++

  • Quick editing of code and config files on Windowsnot Linux Mint
  • Batch find-and-replace across multiple files with regexnot Linux Mint
  • Lightweight alternative to a full IDE for scriptingnot Linux Mint
  • Viewing and editing logs or large text filesnot Linux Mint

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Linux Mint

  • Based on Ubuntu LTS, so packages are deliberately older than rolling distributions
  • Cinnamon is less polished on fractional scaling and multi-monitor setups than GNOME or KDE
  • Smaller team than Ubuntu or Fedora, which shows in the pace of security response for its own components
  • Wayland support has lagged behind the major desktops

Notepad++

  • Windows-only, with no official native macOS or Linux build.
  • Lacks built-in debugging or project/build management found in full IDEs.
  • Plugin quality and maintenance varies since they are community-contributed.
  • No built-in version control integration beyond what plugins provide.

Pricing, plan by plan

Linux Mint

Free
  • Linux MintFree
    • Full operating system
    • All updates
    • Community support

Notepad++

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full editor and plugin ecosystem, no paid tiers

Which should you pick?

Choose Linux Mint if

  • You need cinnamon desktop.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, Desktop.
  • You also want codecs included.
Linux Mint review

Choose Notepad++ if

  • You need syntax highlighting.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on windows.
  • You also want tabbed editing.
Notepad++ review

Questions people ask

Is Linux Mint or Notepad++ better?
Neither clearly leads. Linux Mint starts at Free and Notepad++ at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Linux Mint or Notepad++?
Linux Mint starts at Free and Notepad++ at Free.
Does Linux Mint or Notepad++ run on more platforms?
Linux Mint runs on Linux, Desktop. Notepad++ runs on windows.
Can I use Linux Mint for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Linux Mint best used for?
Linux Mint is most often used for moving a desktop or laptop off windows with minimal retraining, reviving older hardware that struggles with current windows releases, everyday desktop use where stability matters more than the newest packages. Of those, moving a desktop or laptop off windows with minimal retraining and reviving older hardware that struggles with current windows releases are not what Notepad++ is typically brought in for.
What can Linux Mint do that Notepad++ cannot?
Linux Mint covers Cinnamon desktop, Codecs included, Ubuntu package base, Update manager. Notepad++ covers Syntax Highlighting, Tabbed Editing, Plugin System, Regular Expression Search.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Linux Mint: Is Linux Mint free?

Yes, entirely free and open source, funded by donations and sponsors.

Notepad++: Is Notepad++ free?

Yes, Notepad++ is free and open-source software distributed under the GNU General Public License, with no paid tiers.

Source
Linux Mint: Is Linux Mint good for beginners?

It is one of the most commonly recommended distributions for people leaving Windows, because the desktop layout is conventional and media codecs are installed by default.

Notepad++: What license does Notepad++ use?

Notepad++ is licensed under the GNU General Public License v2.0 (GPLv2), meaning its source code is freely available and modifiable under GPL terms.

Source
Linux Mint: Can I run Ubuntu software on Linux Mint?

Yes. Mint is built on Ubuntu and uses its repositories, so nearly all Ubuntu packages and instructions apply.

Notepad++: Which operating systems does Notepad++ support?

Notepad++ runs exclusively on Microsoft Windows; there is no official native build for macOS or Linux.

Source
Notepad++: How do I install plugins in Notepad++?

Plugins are installed and managed through the built-in Plugins Admin (plugin manager), which lists community plugins available for download and update.

Source
Notepad++: Where can I get help or documentation for Notepad++?

Official documentation is at the User Manual site, and community support is available through the Notepad++ community forum and GitHub issue tracker.

Source
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