Ubuntu Budgie
Elegant simplicity
- Modern and sleek interface
- Highly customizable
- Community support
- Light on system resources
- Less mature than other flavors
- Fewer built-in utilities
Best for
Modern desktops
Ubuntu Budgie vs Ubuntu MATE
Both Ubuntu Budgie and Ubuntu MATE offer unique takes on the Ubuntu experience. This page compares their ease of use, desktop environments, and more to help you choose the best fit for your needs.
Ubuntu MATE
Traditional yet modern
- Familiar GNOME 2 layout
- Stable and reliable
- Rich set of tools
- Resource-efficient
- Less visually modern
- Can feel dated to some users
Best for
Classic desktop users
TL;DR: Pick Ubuntu Budgie for modern simplicity. Pick Ubuntu MATE for classic stability.
Side-by-side comparison
How they stack up across key categories.
Ease of use
Budgie
Ubuntu Budgie is straightforward for beginners, with a simple and intuitive interface.
MATE
Ubuntu MATE's traditional interface is familiar to users of older desktop environments, making it easy to navigate.
Desktop feel
Budgie
Features a modern, sleek design with refined aesthetics, ideal for users who value style.
MATE
Offers a classic, traditional desktop feel, appealing to those who prefer a conventional layout.
Stability
Budgie
Stable, but as a newer flavor, it may have occasional minor bugs.
MATE
Renowned for its stability, Ubuntu MATE is a reliable choice for everyday use.
Updates
Budgie
Receives updates in line with Ubuntu's release cycle, ensuring access to the latest features.
MATE
Follows Ubuntu's release cycle, providing consistent updates and long-term support.
Software access
Budgie
Access to Ubuntu repositories ensures a wide range of software is available.
MATE
Also benefits from Ubuntu's extensive software repositories, ensuring compatibility.
Privacy
Budgie
Includes standard Ubuntu privacy settings, with options for customization.
MATE
Offers robust privacy settings within the MATE interface, similar to other Ubuntu flavors.
Community & docs
Budgie
Has an active community with growing documentation and support.
MATE
Long-standing support and extensive documentation are strengths of the MATE community.
Gaming
Budgie
Capable of running games thanks to Ubuntu's compatibility and support for gaming tools.
MATE
Equally capable, with access to the same gaming tools and software as other Ubuntu flavors.
Pros & cons summary
Ubuntu Budgie
Pros
- Ubuntu Budgie offers a sleek and modern interface using the Budgie desktop environment, which is both visually appealing and intuitive.
- Customization options are plentiful, allowing users to tailor the desktop experience to their liking with ease.
- The community provides strong support, with forums and documentation readily available for troubleshooting and tips.
- Budgie is relatively light on system resources, making it suitable for older hardware or systems with limited resources.
Cons
- As a newer flavor compared to others like Ubuntu MATE, it may lack some polish and features found in more established desktops.
- Fewer pre-installed utilities might require users to install additional software to meet their needs.
Ubuntu MATE
Pros
- Ubuntu MATE provides a familiar GNOME 2 layout that appeals to users seeking a classic desktop experience.
- The distro is known for its stability and reliability, making it a solid choice for work and daily use.
- A rich set of tools and utilities are included out of the box, reducing the need for additional software installations.
- MATE desktop is resource-efficient, making it an excellent choice for older hardware or systems with limited capabilities.
Cons
- Its traditional look might not appeal to users seeking a more modern aesthetic, compared to newer desktop environments.
- For users accustomed to the latest design trends, the MATE desktop can feel somewhat dated.
Which should you pick?
Quick recommendations for common scenarios.
Switching from Windows
Pick: Either
Both offer a smooth transition with familiar interfaces and strong support.
Following tutorials
Pick: Ubuntu MATE
Its stable and predictable environment makes it ideal for learning and following tutorials.
Older hardware
Pick: Ubuntu MATE
Resource-efficient and lightweight, perfect for breathing new life into older machines.
Gaming
Pick: Either
Both support gaming tools like Steam and Proton, thanks to Ubuntu's repository.
Work/professional use
Pick: Ubuntu MATE
Offers a stable and reliable environment, essential for professional tasks.
Simple daily desktop
Pick: Ubuntu Budgie
Its modern interface and ease of use make daily tasks straightforward.
FAQ
Quick answers to common questions.
Are Ubuntu Budgie and Ubuntu MATE related?
Both are official Ubuntu flavors, meaning they share the same base system but differ in their desktop environments and some default applications.
Which is more beginner-friendly?
Both are beginner-friendly, but Ubuntu Budgie's modern interface might appeal more to users familiar with contemporary operating systems.
How do their performance and speed compare?
Both are optimized for performance and can run well on older hardware, with MATE being slightly lighter due to its traditional desktop environment.
Can I try them before installing?
Yes, both offer Live USB options, allowing you to test them out before committing to an installation.
Is software compatibility an issue?
No, both have access to Ubuntu's extensive repositories, ensuring wide compatibility with most Linux software.
What about hardware support?
Both distros benefit from Ubuntu's robust hardware support, covering a wide range of devices and components.
How often do they receive updates?
Both follow Ubuntu's release cycle, with Long-Term Support (LTS) versions offering updates for five years.
Can I switch between them easily?
Yes, since they are both Ubuntu-based, you can switch by installing the other desktop environment or performing a fresh installation.
Compare another pair?
Generate a clean "vs" page for any two distros.