Pop!_OS and elementary OS

In short: Pop!_OS (System76) and elementary OS are Ubuntu-based distributions with their own desktop: Pop!_OS with COSMIC, elementary with Pantheon.

In more detail: Both value a tidy, thoughtful look.

In detail

• Pop!_OS: from System76 (laptops and desktops from the USA). Good NVIDIA support (own ISO), tiling features, recovery partition. Based on Ubuntu LTS.
• elementary OS: Pantheon desktop, similar to macOS in style, own store “AppCenter” with a pay-what-you-want model. Based on Ubuntu LTS. Programs: Files, Epiphany browser, Mail, Music.
• Target group: switchers from macOS (elementary), developers and gamers (Pop!_OS).
• Related: Ubuntu, Linux distributions: family tree.

See also: COSMIC, GNOME