Desktop Environments for Ubuntu (with Installation Guide + Descriptions + Comparison)
There are different desktop environments available for Ubuntu. Due to the flexibility of being open source, any one can create desktop environment and let everyone use it. Meanwhile, In this blog post you can find the stable and tested desktop environment for Ubuntu that you can use without being worried.
8 Best Desktop Environments for Ubuntu
1. GNOME (Default in Ubuntu)
GNOME is the default desktop environment for Ubuntu. It offers a modern, clean, and simple interface with productivity in mind. It uses the GNOME Shell and emphasizes ease of use.
How to install GNOME in Ubuntu:
Run the following command in your terminal to install GNOME in Ubuntu.
sudo apt update sudo apt install ubuntu-desktop -y
RAM Usage by GNOME: 1.2–1.5 GB
2. KDE Plasma (Kubuntu)
Another popular DE is KDE Plasma. KDE Plasma is a highly customizable and feature-rich desktop environment.KDE Plasma is a graphical shell developed by the KDE community for Unix-like operating systems. It provides a modern look, plenty of widgets, and resembles Windows in workflow.
How to install KDE Plasma in Ubuntu
Run the following command in Ubuntu to install KDE Plasma desktop environment.
sudo apt update sudo apt install kde-standard -y
Run the following command if you want to install full KDE suite:
sudo apt install kubuntu-desktop -y
RAM usage by KDE: ~800 MB – 1 GB
3. XFCE (Xubuntu)
XFCE is lightweight and fast, making it ideal for older hardware or users who want a snappy desktop. Despite being light, it is still very user-friendly and stable. XFCE is default desktop envinronment in Xubuntu.
How to Install XFCE in Ubuntu:
Run the following commands:
sudo apt update sudo apt install xubuntu-desktop -y
RAM usage by XFCE: ~500–600 MB
4. LXQt / LXDE (Lubuntu)
LXQt (successor of LXDE) is extremely lightweight, focusing on minimal resource usage. It is designed for low-end systems while still offering a functional UI. LXQt is default desktop environment in Lubuntu.
How to install LXQt in Ubuntu
Run the following command to install LXQt in Ubuntu
sudo apt update sudo apt install lubuntu-desktop -y
RAM usage by LXQt: ~400 MB or less
5. MATE (Ubuntu MATE)
MATE is the default desktop environment in Ubuntu Mate. It is based on classic GNOME 2 desktop. It offers a traditional desktop experience with menus, panels, and a familiar layout.
How to install MATE desktop environment in Ubuntu
Run the following command to install MATE desktop environment on Ubuntu
sudo apt update sudo apt install ubuntu-mate-desktop -y
RAM usage by Mate: 600–700 MB
6. Cinnamon (From Linux Mint)
Cinnamon is a modern, sleek, and user-friendly desktop environment. It is default desktop environment in Linux Mint.
How to install Cinnamon in Ubuntu
Run the following command to install Cinnamon in Ubuntu
sudo apt update sudo apt install cinnamon-desktop-environment -y
RAM usage by Cinnamon: 800 MB – 1 GB
7. Budgie (Ubuntu Budgie)
Budgie is elegant, simple, and lightweight desktop environment. It provides a clean and modern design, focusing on usability and minimalism, with strong GNOME integration. It is default desktop environment in Ubuntu Budgie.
Run the following command to install Budgie on Ubuntu.
sudo apt update sudo apt install ubuntu-budgie-desktop -y
RAM usage by Budgie: 700–900 MB
8. Deepin Desktop (DDE)
Deepin Desktop Environment is visually stunning, with an elegant and polished UI. It is heavier on resources but provides a macOS-like experience with smooth animations.
Run the following command to install Deepin Desktop in Ubuntu:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntudde-dev/stable sudo apt update sudo apt install ubuntudde-dde -y
