Lubuntu
Lightweight simplicity
- Lightweight and fast
- Ideal for older hardware
- Simple and minimalistic interface
- Low resource usage
- Limited customization options
- Basic out-of-the-box experience
Best for
Older hardware
Lubuntu vs Ubuntu Budgie
Lubuntu and Ubuntu Budgie are two popular choices for users seeking either a lightweight or modern desktop environment. This page breaks down their features, performance, and ideal use cases to help you choose the best fit for your needs.
Ubuntu Budgie
Elegant and modern
- Stylish interface
- Rich in features
- Good customization options
- Strong community support
- Higher resource usage
- Requires more powerful hardware
Best for
Modern desktops
TL;DR: Pick Lubuntu for lightweight efficiency. Choose Ubuntu Budgie for a stylish, feature-rich experience.
Side-by-side comparison
How they stack up across key categories.
Ease of use
Lubuntu
Lubuntu offers a straightforward, minimalistic interface that is easy to navigate, particularly for new users.
Budgie
Ubuntu Budgie provides a user-friendly experience with a modern touch, suitable for those who appreciate aesthetics.
Desktop feel
Lubuntu
Lubuntu's LXQt desktop is simple and functional, focusing on performance over appearance.
Budgie
The Budgie desktop offers a sleek, cohesive look with intuitive design elements.
Stability
Lubuntu
Based on Ubuntu LTS releases, Lubuntu is stable and reliable for everyday use.
Budgie
Ubuntu Budgie also benefits from Ubuntu's stability, with additional polish from the Budgie team.
Updates
Lubuntu
Lubuntu follows the Ubuntu release cycle, providing regular updates and long-term support options.
Budgie
Similarly, Ubuntu Budgie adheres to the Ubuntu release schedule, ensuring timely updates and support.
Software access
Lubuntu
Access to the Ubuntu repositories allows Lubuntu users to install a wide range of software easily.
Budgie
Ubuntu Budgie users benefit from the same extensive software repository, with additional Budgie-specific packages.
Privacy
Lubuntu
Lubuntu offers basic privacy features, with a focus on simplicity over advanced privacy settings.
Budgie
Ubuntu Budgie provides typical Ubuntu-level privacy, with additional controls through its settings.
Community & docs
Lubuntu
Lubuntu has a dedicated community with ample documentation available for troubleshooting and support.
Budgie
Ubuntu Budgie enjoys strong community support and comprehensive documentation, thanks to its Ubuntu roots.
Gaming
Lubuntu
Lubuntu's lightweight nature might not cater to resource-intensive gaming, but it can handle simpler games well.
Budgie
Ubuntu Budgie, with its more robust system requirements, is better suited for gaming, particularly with Steam and Proton support.
Pros & cons summary
Lubuntu
Pros
- Lubuntu is known for its lightweight nature, making it a great choice for older computers or those with less powerful hardware.
- The LXQt desktop environment provides a clean and simple user interface that is easy to navigate.
- With minimal system requirements, Lubuntu runs efficiently on systems with as little as 1GB of RAM.
- The simplicity of Lubuntu means fewer background processes and less resource consumption.
- It offers a straightforward installation process, suitable for users looking for a no-frills operating system.
Cons
- Lubuntu's focus on simplicity means it lacks some of the more advanced features and customization options found in other distros.
- The default application selection is basic, requiring users to manually install additional software for more functionality.
- Users looking for a visually appealing desktop might find Lubuntu's minimalistic interface too plain.
Ubuntu Budgie
Pros
- Ubuntu Budgie offers a sleek and modern interface, thanks to the Budgie desktop environment.
- It includes a wide range of features and applications, providing a comprehensive out-of-the-box experience.
- The desktop environment allows for significant customization, enabling users to tailor the interface to their liking.
- With its popularity, Ubuntu Budgie benefits from strong community support and extensive documentation.
- The integration with the Ubuntu ecosystem ensures access to a wide array of software and updates.
Cons
- The Budgie desktop environment, while beautiful, requires more system resources compared to lighter alternatives like LXQt.
- Users with older or less powerful hardware might experience slower performance or lag.
- The wide range of features and options can be overwhelming for users seeking a minimalistic experience.
Which should you pick?
Quick recommendations for common scenarios.
Switching from Windows
Pick: Ubuntu Budgie
Its modern interface and comprehensive features offer a familiar yet enhanced experience.
Following tutorials
Pick: Either
Both distros offer access to the Ubuntu package ecosystem, making them suitable for tutorials.
Older hardware
Pick: Lubuntu
Its lightweight design ensures it runs smoothly on older systems.
Gaming
Pick: Ubuntu Budgie
Better suited due to its support for modern hardware and gaming platforms.
Work/professional use
Pick: Either
Both provide a stable environment, depending on your hardware capabilities.
Simple daily desktop
Pick: Lubuntu
Its simplicity and low resource usage make it ideal for everyday tasks.
FAQ
Quick answers to common questions.
How are Lubuntu and Ubuntu Budgie related?
Both are official flavors of Ubuntu, sharing the same base system but with different desktop environments.
Which is more beginner-friendly?
Ubuntu Budgie is generally considered more beginner-friendly due to its polished interface and comprehensive features.
Which distro offers better performance?
Lubuntu offers better performance on older hardware, while Ubuntu Budgie performs well on more modern systems.
Can I try them before installing?
Yes, both distros can be tried as live sessions from a USB stick before committing to an installation.
How is software compatibility across these distros?
Both have access to Ubuntu's extensive repositories, ensuring high software compatibility.
What about hardware support?
Ubuntu Budgie might have better support for modern hardware, but Lubuntu is excellent for older systems.
What are their release cycles?
Both follow Ubuntu's release cycle, with regular updates and long-term support versions available.
Is it easy to switch between them?
Switching between them involves reinstalling the OS, but both use familiar Ubuntu tools and repositories.
Compare another pair?
Generate a clean "vs" page for any two distros.