10 Best and Most Popular Linux Desktop Environments

Linux is an open-source operating system that has been gaining popularity over the years. One of the key features of Linux is the ability to customize and choose from a wide range of desktop environments. Desktop environments are a collection of software applications and user interface elements that make it easy to interact with the operating system. In this article, we will explore some of the best and most popular Linux desktop environments.

GNOME

GNOME is a popular desktop environment that is used by many Linux distributions. It is known for its simplicity and modern design. GNOME has a clean and intuitive interface that makes it easy to navigate. The desktop environment is designed with a focus on productivity and usability, making it an excellent choice for those who need to get work done. Some popular Linux distributions that use GNOME include Fedora, Debian, and Ubuntu.

KDE

KDE is another popular desktop environment that is widely used in the Linux community. It is known for its customizability and flexibility. KDE offers a wide range of customization options, including the ability to change the appearance and behavior of the desktop environment. KDE also has a large collection of applications that are specifically designed for the desktop environment. Some popular Linux distributions that use KDE include OpenSUSE, Kubuntu, and Manjaro.

Xfce

Xfce is a lightweight and fast desktop environment that is designed for older hardware or low-end machines. It is known for its speed and simplicity. Xfce offers a simple and intuitive interface that is easy to use. It also has a low resource footprint, making it an excellent choice for those who have limited resources. Some popular Linux distributions that use Xfce include Xubuntu, Mint XFCE, and Manjaro XFCE.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a desktop environment that is based on GNOME. It is known for its classic and traditional desktop interface. Cinnamon offers a familiar interface that is similar to what you might find on a traditional desktop computer. It also has a modern design that makes it easy to navigate. Some popular Linux distributions that use Cinnamon include Linux Mint, Fedora, and Arch Linux.

Mate

Mate is a desktop environment that is based on the classic GNOME 2 desktop. It is known for its simplicity and ease of use. Mate offers a clean and intuitive interface that is easy to navigate. It also has a wide range of customization options, making it easy to tailor the desktop environment to your needs. Some popular Linux distributions that use Mate include Ubuntu Mate, Fedora, and Arch Linux.

LXQt

LXQt is a lightweight and fast desktop environment that is designed for older hardware or low-end machines. It is known for its speed and simplicity. LXQt offers a simple and intuitive interface that is easy to use. It also has a low resource footprint, making it an excellent choice for those who have limited resources. Some popular Linux distributions that use LXQt include Lubuntu, Fedora, and Manjaro.

Unity

Unity is a desktop environment that is developed by Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu. It is known for its modern design and features. Unity offers a clean and intuitive interface that is easy to navigate. It also has a wide range of features, including a global menu, launcher, and dash. Some popular Linux distributions that use Unity include Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Debian.

Budgie

Budgie is a desktop environment that is developed by the Solus Linux distribution. It is known for its modern design and simplicity. Budgie offers a clean and intuitive interface that is easy to navigate. It also has a unique feature called the Raven sidebar, which provides quick access to notifications, system settings, and applets. Some popular Linux distributions that use Budgie include Solus, Ubuntu Budgie, and Arch Linux.

Deepin

Deepin is a desktop environment that is developed by the Deepin Linux distribution. It is known for its sleek and elegant design. Deepin offers a clean and intuitive interface that is easy to navigate. It also has a wide range of features, including a control center, launcher, and dock. Deepin also has its own set of applications that are designed specifically for the desktop environment. Some popular Linux distributions that use Deepin include Deepin, Manjaro Deepin, and Arch Linux.

Enlightenment

Enlightenment is a desktop environment that is known for its unique and customizable design. It is a lightweight desktop environment that offers a high level of customization. Enlightenment offers a unique user interface that is easy to navigate. It also has a wide range of features, including a compositor, virtual desktops, and a file manager. Some popular Linux distributions that use Enlightenment include Bodhi Linux, SparkyLinux, and Arch Linux.

Pantheon

Pantheon is a desktop environment that is developed by the elementary OS distribution. It is known for its sleek and modern design. Pantheon offers a clean and intuitive interface that is easy to navigate. It also has a wide range of features, including a dock, app launcher, and system settings. Pantheon also has its own set of applications that are designed specifically for the desktop environment. Some popular Linux distributions that use Pantheon include elementary OS, Ubuntu, and Fedora.

Openbox

Openbox is a lightweight and fast window manager that can be used as a standalone desktop environment or combined with other software to create a complete desktop environment. It is known for its simplicity and customizability. Openbox offers a minimalistic interface that is easy to customize. It also has a wide range of features, including a window manager, desktop panel, and menu. Some popular Linux distributions that use Openbox include CrunchBang, Arch Linux, and Gentoo.

Fluxbox

Fluxbox is a lightweight and customizable window manager that can be used as a standalone desktop environment or combined with other software to create a complete desktop environment. It is known for its speed and simplicity. Fluxbox offers a minimalistic interface that is easy to customize. It also has a wide range of features, including a window manager, desktop panel, and menu. Some popular Linux distributions that use Fluxbox include Puppy Linux, Damn Small Linux, and Salix.

MATE Compiz

MATE Compiz is a desktop environment that combines the MATE desktop with the Compiz compositing window manager. It is known for its classic and traditional desktop interface with modern features. MATE Compiz offers a familiar interface that is similar to what you might find on a traditional desktop computer. It also has a modern design that includes 3D effects, animations, and a window manager that supports compositing. Some popular Linux distributions that use MATE Compiz include Ubuntu MATE, Fedora, and Manjaro.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Linux offers a wide range of desktop environments that are tailored to meet the needs of different users. Each desktop environment has its strengths and weaknesses, and choosing the right one depends on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you are looking for a modern and feature-rich desktop environment or a lightweight and fast one, Linux has something to offer.