13 Best Lightweight Desktop Environments for Linux in 2023

Lightweight Desktop Environments for Linux – Introduction

In the context of Linux, a desktop environment (DE) is a comprehensive graphical user interface (GUI) package that contains several different elements, including a window manager, a file manager, a panel or taskbar, system settings, and other necessary tools and programs. For interfacing with the Linux operating system, it offers a uniform and user-friendly interface.

There are several desktop environments available for Linux, each with its distinct features, design aesthetic, and design philosophies. The desktop environment you choose will primarily rely on your tastes, available hardware, and desired workflow. Let’s examine a few well-known Linux desktop configurations.

XFCE

A variety of Linux distributions are compatible with XFCE. Even though it does not support sophisticated modifications, Xfce is the most performance-focused desktop environment. It is a compact desktop environment with a thorough user interface. XFCE can be installed on a variety of UNIX systems. It has been claimed to compile on the x86, PPC, Sparc, and Alpha architectures as well as NetBSD, Solaris, Cygwin, OpenBSD, and macOS X.

The XFCE tool consists of a variety of features that when combined, fully realize the potential of a contemporary desktop environment. You may select from a variety of alternatives to create your distinctive office atmosphere because they are packaged separately.

A few of Xfce‘s components are as follows:

Xfwm: Managing window for composition.
Thunar: File manager that is faster and more effective than Nautilus.
Orage: Xfce’s default calendar program.
Mousepad: It is a file editor that was originally forked from Leafpad but has recently been actively developed and maintained from scratch.
Parole: For Xfce, a media player built on the GStreamer foundation.
Xfburn: CD/DVD burner for Xfce.

GNOME

GNOME is the most used Lightweight Desktop Environments for Linux. Numerous systems, including Fedora, use GNOME by default. GNOME design is compatible with both touch-based devices and conventional PCs. The screen has a single board attached to the top of it that resembles a mobile device. These overviews operate over the Activities View rather than a dock or window list and show several desktops, open applications, and programs.

Many people mistakenly think that Linux includes the GNOME work environment due to its growing popularity. Additionally, systems like Debian and Fedora utilize GNOME as the default environment by default.

The components of GNOME are shown below.

Metacity: Default Window Manager.
Nautilus: Default File Manager.
Gedit: Default text editor.
Eye of GNOME: Default Image Viewer.
GNOME Videos: Default Video Player.
Epiphany: Web Browser.

KDE Plasma 5

KDE Plasma 5 is the latest version of the KDE desktop environment for Linux-based computers. Since its development it has migrated to QML and uses OpenGL for hardware acceleration, which leads to reduced CPU usage and better performance even on low-end devices.

The GNU LGPL is used to publish most of its code. Based on the X Window System, Plasma 5 will support Wayland. It has successfully replaced Plasma 4 on many Linux distributions, including Fedora, Kubuntu, and openSUSE Tumbleweed.

In addition to the move to Qt5, Plasma 5 adds HiDPI support. Qt5 moves CPU-intensive graphics rendering to GPU and increases CPU speed. Also, Plasma 5 includes a new theme called Breeze.

Key features of KDE Plasma 5 include:

Customization: KDE Plasma 5 is renowned for its extensive customizability. Users may customize the look, feel, and behavior of their desktops to fit their tastes.
Activities: Users may create several virtual desktops with unique backdrops, widgets, and programs using activities, which help them to organize their workflow. This is helpful, for instance, in separating work-related chores from personal tasks.
Widgets: There are several widgets (referred to as “Plasmoids”) supported by Plasma that may be placed on the desktop or panels to offer rapid access to data, programs, and system controls.
Breeze Theme: A clean and enjoyable user experience is offered by the default Breeze theme, which is meant to be aesthetically consistent and contemporary.
Wayland Support: Plasma 5 offers an alternative to the established X Window System by supporting the Wayland display server protocol.

KDE Plasma 5 is widely used in various Linux distributions, including KDE neon, Kubuntu, openSUSE, Fedora KDE Spin, and more. It’s appreciated by users who value a versatile and customizable desktop environment with a range of features and tools for efficient productivity and personalization.

Top of Form

LXDE

Another well-liked desktop environment for Unix-like computers, LXDE was created using C (GTK+) and C++ (Qt). LXDE stands for Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment.

The main benefit of choosing it as your desktop environment is that it uses less RAM than the most widely used desktop environments, such as GNOME, KDE, and Xfce. It contains code that is GPL and LGPL licensed.

Key features of LXDE include:

Low Resource Usage: Because of how little memory and CPU it uses, LXDE is a great option for computers with constrained hardware.
Modularity: The modular design of LXDE enables users to select and install only the components they require. This aids in keeping the system flexible and suited to certain needs.
File Manager: PCManFM, a straightforward and user-friendly file manager that works perfectly with the desktop environment, is included with LXDE. It offers fundamental file management features and enables several file actions.
LXMusic: Default Music Player for XMMS2.

Lubuntu, Knoppix, LXLE Linux, Artix, and Peppermint Linux OS are just a few of the distributions that use LXDE as their primary desktop environment.

MATE

MATE is the GNOME 2 extension, and it has a likable and intuitive desktop experience. In addition to running on Linux, MATE supports a wide range of Unix-like platforms. The default programs in MATE include the Caja file manager, Mate terminal, and others. Applications for the MATE environment were built entirely from scratch by the MATE developers. However, like Linux Mint, MATE’s creators cloned several of GNOME’s flagship programs to make them work properly with MATE. One of the programs utilized in MATE is X-Apps.

The MATE desktop environment is made up of the following elements:

The default file manager is caja.
Pluma is the standard text editor.
Window manager Marco.
Document viewer
The picture viewer’s Eye of MATE.

It has served as Linux Mint, Sabayon Linux, Fedora, etc.’s default desktop environment ever since its debut. In addition, it is accessible through several repositories, including those for PC Linux OS, Ubuntu, Arch, Debian, and Gentoo. Despite everything, Ubuntu MATE was given the status of the original Ubuntu flavor.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is the version of Linux and Linuxmint that is most often used. Cinnamon started as a derivative of GNOME at a time when the interface was going through significant modifications. The familiar touch of Cinnamon, which puts seasoned Windows users at ease, is its most enticing feature. The user interface’s familiarity and friendliness draw consumers in. As a result, Cinnamon combines current concepts with traditional configurations to make it easy for people to use while yet having modern amenities.

Features:

All of the most recent features for conventional Pcs.
The interface is fast, lovely, and reliable.
Extremely adaptable and simple to customize
On many screens, Cinnamon lets you customize the placement of icons.
The pre-installed themes and plugins are excellent.
Cinnamon can execute applications created for any other desktop environment.

LXQT

Another desktop environment for Unix-like operating systems, LXQt (Lightweight Qt Desktop Environment), places a significant focus on being small, quick, and energy-efficient. In contrast to certain other desktop environments, it is intended to offer a clear and understandable user interface while consuming fewer system resources.

Main Features:

It can support a variety of languages.
It is a straightforward desktop environment that is open-source.
Speedy and light.
Offers a variety of keyboard shortcuts as well as integrated energy-saving components.

Pantheon

The Elementary OS operating system’s default desktop environment is Pantheon. The Pantheon desktop environment is key to attaining this aim for Elementary OS, a Linux distribution that focuses on offering a simple and attractive computing experience. Pantheon is intended to be aesthetically pleasing, simple to use, and closely aligned with the general design ethos of Elementary OS.

The elements of this desktop environment are as follows:

The default window manager is Gala.
The default file manager is Pantheon files.
Text editor by default: Scratch.
An image viewer by default is Shotwell.
The default video player in GNOME videos.
Web browser by default

Deepin

Deepin is a Linux desktop environment that is understated but stylish. The good news is that it is compatible with a wide range of Linux line distributions, including Arch Linux, Manjaro, and many more. Additionally, it has a properly thought-out and user-friendly layout that makes it extremely productive. Additionally, the standard system is the most user-friendly system possible because it requires less setup. Major settings are made via an external pop-up panel. However, users may also launch their programs from the dock, which is located at the bottom of the screen, just as in the Pantheon desktop environment.

Key features of the Deepin Desktop Environment (DDE) include:

Modern and Elegant Design: DDE has a cutting-edge, graphically pleasing user interface. It emphasizes minimalism, fluid animations, and careful attention to design components.

Dock and Launcher: In DDE, the dock offers convenient access to commonly used programs as well as a place to keep track of open applications. Users may simply search for and run programs using the launcher.

Desktop Widgets: Desktop widgets that offer information like weather updates, system resource consumption, and more are supported by DDE.

Notifications: Users may be updated about system and app activities thanks to DDE’s notification center, which shows notifications from multiple apps.

Budgie

For Linux distributions, there is a contemporary desktop environment called Budgie. It was created by the Solus project, a free Linux distribution that prioritizes beauty, simplicity, and use. Budgie strives to deliver a user-centric, lightweight desktop experience with an emphasis on efficiency and simplicity.

Main Features:

Its user interface is sleek and contemporary.
Easily organizes windows
Effective completion of activities in general
Decreased memory usage.

Enlightenment

A highly customizable and eye-catching desktop environment for Unix-like operating systems is called Enlightenment, or simply E. It is intended to be portable, adaptable, and capable of offering a distinct and eye-catching user experience. Advanced graphical effects, animations, and the degree of control Enlightenment gives users over the look and behavior of their desktop are some of its most notable features.

This Enlightenment Desktop Environment is made up of the following elements:

Graphical Effects and Animations: Enlightenment is famous for its advanced graphical effects, animations, and transitions. These effects can range from window animations to complex visual elements like animated backgrounds.

Highly Configurable: Enlightenment offers an extensive range of customization options, allowing users to tailor the desktop environment to their preferences. Users can modify themes, fonts, window behavior, and more.

Module System: Enlightenment features a modular architecture that allows users to add or remove components as “modules.” These modules can provide additional functionality, such as system monitors, applets, virtual desktops, and more.

Virtual Desktops: Enlightenment supports multiple virtual desktops (workspaces) that users can use to organize their open applications and tasks.

Composite Manager: Enlightenment includes its composite manager, which enables desktop effects, transparency, and other graphical enhancements.

Common Desktop Environment

For Unix and Unix-like operating systems, the Common Desktop Environment (CDE) is a graphical desktop environment. A group of computer firms, including IBM, Sun Microsystems, HP, and others, created it in the 1990s to create a standardized graphical user interface for various Unix platforms.

Key features of the Common Desktop Environment (CDE) include:

Drag-and-Drop Support: CDE supported drag-and-drop functionality, allowing users to easily move files and objects between applications and the desktop.

Internationalization: CDE was designed with internationalization in mind, supporting multiple languages, character encodings, and keyboard layouts.

Accessibility: CDE included accessibility features to make the desktop environment usable by individuals with disabilities, including support for screen readers and keyboard navigation.

Commercial Focus: CDE was largely intended for commercial Unix systems and was commonly found on proprietary Unix workstations and servers.

Sugar

For the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) initiative, a special and kid-friendly graphical user interface called the Sugar Desktop Environment was created. The OLPC initiative aims to empower students in impoverished nations with accessible computers with an emphasis on education and learning. To give kids a collaborative, intuitive environment in which to explore and learn about technology, Sugar was created.

The following elements make up the Sugar Desktop Environment:

The default window manager is Metacity.
File manager by default Sugar Journal.
Write is the standard text editor.
The default picture viewer is called Sugar-activity-imageviewer.
Jukebox for sugar activities by default is a video player.

Wrapping Up

Here I give a summary of the best Lightweight Desktop Environments for Linux. The list is not yet complete, but I will continue to add to it based on the comments made below this post.

Regardless of your level of Linux experience, you may choose a desktop environment that meets your needs. The further benefit is that you have a sizable network to support you without cost.

Please share your favorite Lightweight Desktop Environments for Linux with us as well. We’ll take into account your preferred desktop setting on the list. You may also join the Linux And Ubuntu Discord server to talk to our expanding community directly and express your opinions.

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