Lubuntu vs. Xubuntu — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 21, 2023
Lubuntu uses the lightweight LXQt desktop environment, while Xubuntu employs the Xfce desktop environment; both are official Ubuntu flavors designed for lower-end hardware.
Difference Between Lubuntu and Xubuntu
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Lubuntu and Xubuntu are both official flavors of the popular Linux distribution, Ubuntu. While they share the core Ubuntu system, they differ in their desktop environments and targeted user experiences. Lubuntu employs the LXQt desktop, aiming for resource efficiency, while Xubuntu utilizes the Xfce desktop.
From a visual standpoint, Lubuntu's LXQt and Xubuntu's Xfce both aim for simplicity, but they showcase different aesthetics and user interface designs. Lubuntu provides a more modern look compared to Xubuntu, which has a classic and proven interface.
Performance-wise, both Lubuntu and Xubuntu are tailored for computers with limited resources. Lubuntu's LXQt is particularly lightweight, making it a favorite for very old machines. On the other hand, Xubuntu's Xfce strikes a balance between lightweight and functionality.
When considering software and applications, Lubuntu comes with a specific set of lightweight applications suitable for its LXQt desktop. Xubuntu, meanwhile, includes software that complements the Xfce environment. However, since both are built upon Ubuntu, additional software can be easily installed from the vast Ubuntu repositories.
In terms of community and support, both Lubuntu and Xubuntu have strong communities that contribute to their development and offer support to users. However, their individual forums, wikis, and channels may focus on issues specific to their respective desktop environments.
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Comparison Chart
Desktop Environment
LXQt
Xfce
Aesthetics
More modern look
Classic and proven interface
Target Performance
Especially lightweight
Lightweight with more functionality
Default Software
Tailored for LXQt
Tailored for Xfce
Community Focus
Specific to LXQt issues
Specific to Xfce issues
Compare with Definitions
Lubuntu
Modern aesthetics
Lubuntu provides a refreshing, contemporary interface for users.
Xubuntu
Classic interface
Xubuntu's design appeals to users who prefer a proven, traditional look.
Lubuntu
Designed for speed
Lubuntu ensures rapid performance even on outdated hardware.
Xubuntu
Ubuntu flavor with Xfce
Xubuntu offers a stable experience with its Xfce desktop environment.
Lubuntu
Tailored applications
Lubuntu's default software is carefully chosen for LXQt compatibility.
Xubuntu
Comprehensive software selection
Xubuntu comes with applications that perfectly complement the Xfce environment.
Lubuntu
Ubuntu flavor with LXQt
Lubuntu is a preferred choice for older computers because of its LXQt desktop.
Xubuntu
Robust community support
Xubuntu boasts a strong community backing its development and user support.
Lubuntu
Resource-efficient
For minimal system usage, Lubuntu is a top recommendation.
Xubuntu
Balancing performance and features
Xubuntu ensures a smooth operation without sacrificing essential functionalities.
Lubuntu
Lubuntu ( luu-BUUN-too) is a lightweight Linux distribution based on Ubuntu and uses the LXQt desktop environment in place of Ubuntu's GNOME desktop. Lubuntu was originally touted as being "lighter, less resource hungry and more energy-efficient", but now aims to be "a functional yet modular distribution focused on getting out of the way and letting users use their computer".Lubuntu originally used the LXDE desktop, but moved to the LXQt desktop with the release of Lubuntu 18.10 in October 2018, due to the slow development of LXDE, losing support for GTK 2 as well as the more active and stable LXQt development without Gnome dependencies.The name Lubuntu is a portmanteau of LXQt and Ubuntu.
Xubuntu
Xubuntu () is a Canonical Ltd.–recognized, community-maintained derivative of the Ubuntu operating system. The name Xubuntu is a portmanteau of Xfce and Ubuntu, as it uses the Xfce desktop environment, instead of Ubuntu's GNOME desktop.Xubuntu seeks to provide "a light, stable and configurable desktop environment with conservative workflows" using Xfce components.
Common Curiosities
Which has a more modern interface?
Lubuntu offers a more modern look with its LXQt desktop.
Which is lighter, Lubuntu or Xubuntu?
Lubuntu's LXQt is especially lightweight, making it lighter than Xubuntu's Xfce.
How do their performances compare on newer machines?
Both run exceptionally well on newer hardware, but Lubuntu might feel snappier due to its especially lightweight design.
Are they both suitable for older computers?
Yes, both are tailored for machines with limited resources.
Which desktop environment does Lubuntu use?
Lubuntu uses the LXQt desktop environment.
What desktop environment is in Xubuntu?
Xubuntu employs the Xfce desktop environment.
Which has a larger user community?
Both have strong communities, but they focus on different desktop environment issues.
How often are Lubuntu and Xubuntu updated?
Being Ubuntu flavors, they follow the same release cycle as Ubuntu.
How customizable are Lubuntu and Xubuntu?
Both offer significant customization options, but they might differ based on their desktop environments.
What's the core system for Lubuntu and Xubuntu?
Both use the Ubuntu core system.
Can I install software from the Ubuntu repository on both?
Yes, both Lubuntu and Xubuntu support software from the Ubuntu repository.
Are there any cost differences between Lubuntu and Xubuntu?
Both are free to download and use.
Are Lubuntu and Xubuntu secure?
Both are based on Ubuntu and inherit its security features and updates.
Which is better for beginners?
Both are user-friendly, but the choice often depends on individual preference regarding look and feel.
Can I switch from Lubuntu to Xubuntu easily?
You can install one desktop environment over the other, but a fresh installation is often recommended.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
