Linux Mint offers two popular desktop environments: MATE and Xfce. Both are designed to be lightweight and efficient, but they cater to slightly different user preferences. This page compares their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases to help you choose the right one.
The comfortable choice
Efficient and effective
TL;DR: Pick Linux Mint MATE for a traditional experience. Pick Linux Mint Xfce for efficiency.
How they stack up across key categories.
Linux Mint MATE provides a user-friendly interface that resembles classic Windows, making it easy for new users to adapt.
Linux Mint Xfce offers a straightforward and efficient user experience, though it may require some initial setup for optimal use.
MATE offers a classic GNOME 2 feel, which is familiar and comforting to many users.
Xfce provides a minimalistic and efficient desktop environment, focusing on speed and performance.
MATE is stable and reliable, with a focus on providing a bug-free experience.
Xfce is well-regarded for its stability and minimal resource usage, contributing to its reliable performance.
Linux Mint MATE receives regular updates in line with Mint's release cycle, ensuring security and functionality.
Linux Mint Xfce also follows Mint's update schedule, benefiting from timely security patches and improvements.
Both distros provide access to the same vast repository of software through the Linux Mint Software Manager.
Software access is identical to MATE, with easy installation of both open-source and proprietary applications.
Linux Mint MATE prioritizes user privacy, offering settings to control data sharing and telemetry.
Linux Mint Xfce shares the same privacy focus, with options to manage privacy settings effectively.
MATE benefits from a robust community with extensive documentation and support resources.
Xfce also enjoys strong community support and comprehensive documentation, making troubleshooting easier.
MATE can handle casual gaming well, though performance is hardware-dependent.
Xfce is slightly more efficient for gaming due to its lighter resource usage, but overall performance is similar.
Quick recommendations for common scenarios.
Pick: Linux Mint MATE
Its traditional desktop layout is familiar to Windows users.
Pick: Either
Both provide a similar Linux Mint base, making them equally good for learning.
Pick: Linux Mint Xfce
Xfce's resource efficiency makes it ideal for older machines.
Pick: Linux Mint Xfce
Xfce's lightweight nature can slightly improve gaming performance.
Pick: Linux Mint MATE
Its stable and traditional interface is well-suited for professional environments.
Pick: Either
Both distros are excellent for everyday computing tasks.
Quick answers to common questions.
Both are editions of Linux Mint, sharing the same base system but offering different desktop environments.
Linux Mint MATE is slightly more beginner-friendly due to its traditional desktop layout.
Xfce is generally more resource-efficient, making it faster on older hardware, while MATE provides a smoother experience on modern systems.
Yes, both MATE and Xfce versions of Linux Mint can be tried via a live USB session before installation.
Yes, both editions access the same software repositories, ensuring identical compatibility.
Both offer excellent hardware support, with MATE being slightly better for more diverse hardware compatibility.
Linux Mint follows a regular release cycle for all its editions, including MATE and Xfce, ensuring timely updates.
Yes, you can install both desktop environments and switch between them, but it's generally recommended to choose one to avoid conflicts.
Generate a clean "vs" page for any two distros.
