Linux Desktop Environments
A desktop environment provides the graphical interface you use to interact with your Linux system. It includes the windows, icons, toolbars, folders, wallpapers, and desktop widgets. Each desktop environment has its own look and feel, resource requirements, and feature set. Choosing the right one can significantly enhance your Linux experience.
Below, we explore the most popular desktop environments, their features, and which distributions use them by default.
GNOME
Overview
GNOME is one of the most popular desktop environments in the Linux world. It offers a clean, minimalist interface with a focus on simplicity and reduced clutter. GNOME's design philosophy centers around helping users focus on their tasks with minimal distractions.
Key Features
- Activities overview for easy window management
- Dynamic workspaces
- Integrated search
- Modern, touch-friendly interface
- GNOME Extensions for customization
Default In
- Ubuntu
- Fedora Workstation
- Debian (optional)
- openSUSE (optional)
- Pop!_OS (customized)
KDE Plasma
Overview
KDE Plasma is a feature-rich, highly customizable desktop environment that follows a traditional desktop paradigm similar to Windows. It offers an extensive set of configuration options, allowing users to tailor almost every aspect of their desktop experience.
Key Features
- Extensive customization options
- Widget-based desktop
- KDE Connect for phone integration
- Powerful file manager (Dolphin)
- Advanced desktop effects
Default In
- Kubuntu
- KDE Neon
- openSUSE (primary)
- Manjaro KDE
- Fedora KDE Spin
Xfce
Overview
Xfce is a lightweight desktop environment that aims to be fast and resource-efficient while still being visually appealing and user-friendly. It follows a traditional desktop paradigm and is highly modular, allowing users to use only the components they need.
Key Features
- Lightweight and responsive
- Traditional desktop layout
- Modular design
- Good balance of features and performance
- Customizable panel and menu
Default In
- Xubuntu
- Manjaro Xfce
- MX Linux
- Linux Mint Xfce
- Debian (optional)
Cinnamon
Overview
Cinnamon was originally developed for Linux Mint as a response to GNOME 3's radical interface changes. It offers a traditional desktop experience with modern features and effects. Cinnamon combines the familiar desktop metaphor with advanced functionality.
Key Features
- Traditional taskbar and start menu
- Applets for panel customization
- Desktop effects and animations
- Desklets (desktop widgets)
- Convenient settings manager
Default In
- Linux Mint (main edition)
- Fedora Cinnamon Spin
- Manjaro Cinnamon
- Debian (optional)
- EndeavourOS (optional)
MATE
Overview
MATE is a continuation of the GNOME 2 desktop environment, which was popular before GNOME 3 introduced significant changes. MATE preserves the traditional desktop experience and is known for its stability and straightforward approach.
Key Features
- Classic, familiar interface
- Stable and reliable
- Low to medium resource usage
- Multiple panel layouts
- Customizable menus and panels
Default In
- Ubuntu MATE
- Linux Mint MATE
- Fedora MATE Spin
- Debian (optional)
- Manjaro MATE
LXQt
Overview
LXQt is the Qt-based successor to LXDE, designed to be a lightweight, modular desktop environment. It combines the lightweight nature of LXDE with the more modern Qt framework, offering good performance even on very low-end hardware.
Key Features
- Extremely lightweight
- Modern Qt-based interface
- Modular components
- Fast performance
- Low memory footprint
Default In
- Lubuntu
- Fedora LXQt Spin
- Debian (optional)
- Manjaro LXQt
- Arch Linux (optional)
Budgie
Overview
Budgie is a modern desktop environment developed by the Solus project. It focuses on simplicity and elegance, with a design that is clean and straightforward while incorporating modern features. Budgie aims to provide a polished experience without overwhelming users with options.
Key Features
- Sleek, minimalist design
- Raven sidebar for notifications and quick settings
- GNOME application compatibility
- Customizable panel
- Easy-to-use interface
Default In
- Solus (original)
- Ubuntu Budgie
- Manjaro Budgie
- Fedora Budgie Spin
- Debian (optional)
How to Choose a Desktop Environment
Selecting the right desktop environment is a personal choice that depends on several factors:
Consider Your Hardware
If you have an older or low-spec computer, lightweight options like Xfce, MATE, or LXQt will provide better performance. For modern hardware, any desktop environment should work well, though more resource-intensive ones like GNOME or KDE Plasma will take better advantage of your system's capabilities.
Think About Your Workflow
Different desktop environments are designed with different workflows in mind:
- If you like a traditional desktop with a start menu and taskbar, consider KDE Plasma, Cinnamon, MATE, or Xfce
- If you prefer a more modern, application-focused approach, GNOME or Budgie might suit you better
- If you want extensive customization, KDE Plasma offers the most options
Try Before You Commit
Many distributions allow you to install multiple desktop environments side by side, letting you switch between them at login. This is a great way to try different options without reinstalling your operating system.
Remember: It's All About Preference
There's no objectively "best" desktop environment—only the one that works best for your specific needs, preferences, and hardware. Don't be afraid to experiment until you find your perfect match.
Ready to find a distribution that uses your preferred desktop environment?
Browse Linux Distributions Take the Quiz