Linux GUI Options: 9 Best Linux Desktop Environments to Use

A Linux desktop environment is a graphical user interface (GUI) that provides a cohesive and user-friendly environment for users to interact with their Linux operating system. It consists of a collection of software components, including a window manager, desktop shell, panels, applets, file managers, and other tools that work together to create the desktop experience. A desktop environment is not a strict requirement for using a Linux operating system. However, a desktop environment can provide several benefits for Linux users:

User-Friendly Interface: A desktop environment offers a graphical user interface that makes it easier for users to interact with the operating system. It provides a visual representation of system resources, applications, and files, making it more intuitive for users who are accustomed to graphical interfaces.

Productivity and Efficiency: Desktop environments often include tools and features that enhance productivity. They provide easy access to applications, files, and system settings, allowing users to work efficiently. Features like multitasking, window management, and shortcuts can help users organize and navigate through their tasks more effectively.

Application Ecosystem: Desktop environments provide a framework for running and managing applications. They often include application launchers, file managers, and software centers that make it convenient to install, update, and manage software. Desktop environments also ensure compatibility and integration between different applications, creating a cohesive user experience.

Personalization: Linux desktop environments offer a high degree of customization. Users can change themes, icons, wallpapers, and customize the behavior and appearance of various desktop components. This allows users to tailor their desktop environment to their own preferences and create a personalized computing experience.

Accessibility Features: Many desktop environments include accessibility features that make it easier for users with disabilities to interact with the system. These features can include screen readers, high-contrast themes, keyboard shortcuts, and magnification tools, among others.

Familiarity and Interoperability: Desktop environments offer a consistent interface across different Linux distributions. This means that users can switch between distributions without having to learn a new interface. Additionally, desktop environments often provide interoperability with other platforms, allowing users to interact seamlessly with files, applications, and services from different operating systems.

While a desktop environment adds overhead in terms of system resources, it provides a user-friendly and familiar interface that can greatly enhance the user experience for Linux users. However, users who prefer minimalism, efficiency, or specific use cases may choose to run Linux without a desktop environment and opt for a lightweight window manager or a command-line interface. In this blog, we will look at 9 best Linux desktop environments to use on your Linux operating systems.

Key features of XFCE include:

Lightweight: XFCE is designed to be lightweight and has minimal system requirements, making it suitable for older hardware or systems with limited resources. It prioritizes efficient resource usage without sacrificing functionality.

Traditional Layout: XFCE offers a classic and familiar desktop layout with a panel at the top or bottom of the screen, an application menu, and a taskbar. This layout is reminiscent of older versions of Windows or other traditional desktop environments.

Customization: XFCE provides a high level of customization. Users can modify the appearance of the desktop by choosing different themes, icons, and window decorations. The desktop layout can also be adjusted to suit individual preferences.

Plugin System: XFCE features a modular plugin system that allows users to add additional functionality to the desktop. There are various plugins available, such as a terminal emulator, text editor, sound mixer, application finder, image viewer, iCal based calendar and a CD and DVD burning application. Users can customize their desktop by adding or removing these plugins as needed.

XFCE is a popular choice for users who prioritize speed, efficiency, and a traditional desktop experience. It is often favored by those seeking a lightweight desktop environment that conserves system resources while still offering customization options and a familiar interface.

You can refer to our guide on how to install Xfce desktop environment and XRDP service on your remote Ubuntu server.

Key features of GNOME include:

Shell Interface: GNOME introduces a shell interface that serves as the primary interaction point for users. The shell provides a clean and clutter-free desktop environment with a top bar that displays system information, notifications, and app indicators. It also includes an overview mode that allows users to quickly switch between applications and workspaces.

Personalizable: GNOME provides various customization options to tailor the desktop environment to individual preferences. Users can customize the appearance of GNOME by selecting different themes, icons, and shell extensions. Additionally, GNOME supports keyboard shortcuts and gestures for efficient navigation and task management.

Extensions: GNOME allows users to extend and customize their desktop environment using extensions. Extensions are add-ons that provide additional functionality or modify the behavior of the desktop. Users can install extensions to add features like weather information, system monitors, dock panels, and more.

Integration with Online Accounts: GNOME integrates with online accounts, allowing users to access and manage their online services and data directly from the desktop environment. It supports various online accounts, including Google, Microsoft, Nextcloud, and more.

GNOME provides a modern and polished desktop environment that appeals to users seeking a visually appealing interface, productivity tools, and a focus on usability. It continues to evolve through community-driven development and serves as the default desktop environment for several Linux distributions, including Ubuntu.

Key features of KDE include:

Flexibility: KDE Plasma offers extensive customization options, allowing users to personalize their desktop experience. Users can choose from various themes, icons, and widgets to adjust the appearance of their desktop. The flexibility of KDE Plasma enables users to create a desktop environment that suits their preferences and workflow.

KRunner: KRunner is a powerful and versatile tool in KDE Plasma that allows users to quickly launch applications, open files, perform calculations, and execute system commands. It provides a convenient way to access and search for various resources on the system.

KDE Applications: KDE Plasma integrates seamlessly with a wide range of KDE applications. These applications, developed by the KDE community, cover various categories such as office productivity, multimedia, graphics, development, and more. KDE applications are designed to have a consistent look and feel, offering a cohesive user experience.

Integration and Compatibility: KDE Plasma aims to ensure compatibility and interoperability with different technologies and standards. It supports various file formats, protocols, and frameworks, allowing seamless integration with other software and services.

KDE Plasma is known for its rich feature set, flexibility, and visual appeal. It is suitable for users who value customization options, productivity tools, and a modern desktop experience. KDE Plasma is the default desktop environment for the KDE community's flagship distribution, KDE neon, and is also available as an option on many other Linux distributions.

You can refer to our guide on how to install KDE Plasma desktop environment and XRDP service on your remote Ubuntu server.

Key features of MATE include:

Traditional Desktop Layout: MATE offers a traditional desktop layout with a panel at the top or bottom of the screen, an application menu, a taskbar, and desktop icons. This layout is reminiscent of older versions of GNOME and provides a familiar interface for users transitioning from GNOME 2.

Customizable: MATE provides customization options to personalize the desktop environment. Users can choose different themes, icons, and window decorations to customize the appearance of their desktop. MATE also supports different panel layouts and configurations, allowing users to adjust the desktop to their preferences.

Accessibility MATE includes accessibility features to make the desktop environment usable for individuals with disabilities. It supports features like high contrast themes, keyboard shortcuts, screen readers, and magnification tools to enhance accessibility and usability for all users.

Application Compatibility: MATE is compatible with a wide range of Linux applications and software. It can run applications from various desktop environments, allowing users to choose their preferred applications while benefiting from the MATE desktop environment.

MATE is a popular choice for users who prefer a traditional desktop experience similar to GNOME 2. It offers stability, customization options, and compatibility with a wide range of Linux applications. MATE is the default desktop environment for several Linux distributions, including Ubuntu MATE and Linux Mint MATE edition.

Key features of LXDE include:

Tailorable: While LXDE aims to be lightweight, it still offers a degree of customization. Users can customize the desktop appearance by choosing different themes, icons, and wallpapers. LXDE also allows users to configure keyboard shortcuts and personalize the panel layout and applets.

Modularity: LXDE follows a modular design approach, where individual components can be used independently or combined to create a complete desktop environment. This modular structure allows users to choose and configure only the components they need, reducing unnecessary resource consumption.

Compatible with Apps: LXDE is compatible with a wide range of applications and supports multiple file formats and protocols commonly used in Linux and Unix-like systems. Users can run applications from various desktop environments within LXDE, providing flexibility and choice in software selection.

Internationalization: LXDE supports various languages and provides tools for internationalization and localization. It offers multilingual support, allowing users to use the desktop environment in their preferred language.

LXDE is often chosen by users who prioritize a lightweight and efficient desktop environment, especially for older hardware or systems with limited resources. It is commonly used in lightweight Linux distributions, such as Lubuntu, which aims to provide a fast and energy-efficient operating system.

Key features of Enlightenment include:

Efficiency and Performance: Enlightenment is designed to be efficient and lightweight, making it suitable for systems with limited resources. It employs techniques like smart memory management and optimized rendering, resulting in a responsive and fast user experience.

EFL (Enlightenment Foundation Libraries): Enlightenment is built on the Enlightenment Foundation Libraries, a set of libraries developed alongside the desktop environment. These libraries provide the core functionality for Enlightenment and offer developers the ability to create applications that integrate seamlessly with the desktop environment.

Modules and Gadgets: Enlightenment features a modular design that allows users to add or remove functionality through modules and gadgets. Modules are small applications that provide additional features, such as system monitors, calendar, weather information, and more. Gadgets are small interactive elements that can be placed on the desktop or panels.

App Compatibility: Enlightenment is compatible with a wide range of applications and supports various file formats and protocols commonly used in Linux systems. It integrates well with different software and technologies, allowing users to run their preferred applications within the Enlightenment desktop environment.

Enlightenment offers a unique and visually appealing desktop environment that combines efficiency, customization options, and advanced visual effects. While it may not be as widely used as some other desktop environments, it has a dedicated user base and is particularly favored by users who value aesthetics and enjoy fine-tuning their desktop experience.

Key features of Deepin include:

Dock and Launcher: Deepin features a dock at the bottom of the screen that provides quick access to frequently used applications. It also includes a launcher that allows users to search for applications, files, and settings.

Deepin Store: Deepin includes its own software center called Deepin Store. It allows users to browse and install a wide range of applications, including both native Deepin applications and popular third-party software.

Multitasking and Workspaces: Deepin supports multitasking with a task switcher that displays thumbnails of open windows. It also allows users to create and switch between multiple workspaces, providing a convenient way to organize and switch between different sets of applications and tasks.

Deepin Control Center: Deepin Control Center is a centralized settings panel that allows users to customize various aspects of the desktop environment. It provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface for managing system settings, appearance, network configurations, power management, and more.

Deepin Desktop Environment is known for its sleek and visually appealing design, as well as its focus on user experience and ease of use. It integrates well with the Deepin ecosystem of applications and provides a cohesive and polished desktop experience. While originally designed for the Deepin Linux distribution, the Deepin Desktop Environment can also be installed and used on other Linux distributions.

Key features of Cinnamon include:

Classic Desktop Layout: Cinnamon offers a familiar and traditional desktop layout, similar to older versions of GNOME 2. It features a panel at the bottom of the screen that houses the menu, taskbar, system tray, and other applets. This layout provides a classic desktop experience for users who prefer a familiar interface.

Cinnamon Spices: Cinnamon Spices is a collection of applets, desklets, extensions, themes, and other add-ons that can be easily installed and used within Cinnamon. Users can browse and install these spices from the Cinnamon settings, expanding the functionality and visual options of their desktop environment.

Applets and Desklets: Cinnamon supports the use of applets and desklets, which are small applications or widgets that can be added to the panel or desktop for quick access to information or functionality. Users can choose from a range of applets and desklets to enhance their desktop experience.

Compatibility: Cinnamon is compatible with a wide range of Linux applications and software. It supports GTK-based applications and integrates well with various Linux distributions. Users can run their preferred applications within the Cinnamon desktop environment.

Cinnamon is popular among users who prefer a traditional and customizable desktop environment. It offers a balance between a classic desktop experience and modern features, providing a user-friendly interface with customization options. While it is developed by the Linux Mint team, Cinnamon can be installed and used on other Linux distributions as well.

You can refer to our guide on how to install Cinnamon desktop environment and XRDP service on your remote Ubuntu server.

Key features of Budgie include:

Simplicity and Minimalism: Budgie follows a minimalist design approach, offering a simple and uncluttered user interface. It focuses on providing essential features while avoiding unnecessary complexity, resulting in a streamlined and intuitive desktop experience.

Budgie Menu: Budgie features a straightforward and user-friendly menu that provides access to applications, system settings, and search functionality. The menu supports categorization and search, allowing users to quickly find and launch applications.

Budgie Applets: Budgie supports the use of applets, which are small widgets that can be added to the panel for additional functionality. Users can choose from a selection of applets or create their own to enhance their desktop experience.

Desktop Effects and Window Management: Budgie offers various desktop effects, such as window animations and transitions, to enhance the visual experience. It also provides intuitive window management features, including window snapping and tiling options.

Budgie is favored by users who prefer a clean and straightforward desktop environment. It combines simplicity with modern features, offering a user-friendly interface with customization options. While it is developed primarily for Solus, it can be installed and used on other Linux distributions as well.