Two famous Linux operating system (OS) variants are Lubuntu and Xubuntu. Regarding Lubuntu vs Xubuntu, both are good options for the Linux distro for those looking to experience something unique other than the usual Vanilla Ubuntu.
If you are searching for an OS for your old computer that runs smoothly and functions without lagging, these are your best options. Let us discuss the differences between these two operating systems.
Lubuntu and Xubuntu fall under the same group of desktop operating systems – Linux. If you are searching for a lightweight OS, both these operating systems are the best.
For example, if you have an old computer that has to be replaced with something like Windows XP, you have a few alternatives for giving it a new lease of life. For your apps and workloads, these two variants are widely advocated. It’s because they both help conserve your desktop energy.
These two variants are also official Ubuntu editions. They are responsible for Ubuntu’s stability and popularity.
Lubuntu OS incorporates applications that are light enough to boost the speed between the two distros. This makes it easier to operate than the Xubuntu OS. However, some features of Xubuntu are worth paying attention to.
For a better understanding, let’s go through these operating systems individually and then compare them before concluding.
Lubuntu vs Xubuntu – Detailed Differences
The following detailed differences will help you choose an OS that fits your requirements:
1. Desktop Environment
Lubuntu leverages the LXQt desktop environment from the release of Ubuntu 18.10 in 2018, unlike Ubuntu’s GNOME desktop. LXQt stands for Lightweight Qt Desktop Environment. It aims to provide a lightweight, user-friendly desktop environment using the Qt framework.
On the other hand, Xubuntu leverages the XFCE desktop environment, which is also lightweight, user-friendly, and easily configurable. Ideally, it balances resource usage and functionality and is the best low-end hardware choice.
2. Leanness Achievement
Lubuntu achieves more leanness compared to Xubuntu. There are two reasons for this. The primary reason is it leverages the LXQt environment, which is exceptionally lightweight and resource-efficient. However, it compromises many modern computers’ features, making it a perfect choice for low-end hardware and older desktops.
Another reason is Lubuntu uses a minimal set of software packages. This helps in maintaining the system footprint minimal and lowers resource usage.
Conversely, Xubuntu leverages the XFCE desktop environment, which is less lightweight than LXQt.
3. Most Lightweight System
Lubuntu is a lightweight system, leveraging a few system resources and having fewer hardware requirements. Additionally, it uses less memory, i.e., 256 MB.
Conversely, Xubuntu offers more polished features than Lubuntu and is lighter than other GNOME desktop environments. Also, it provides a more modern look than Lubuntu.
Lubuntu vs Xubuntu – A Head-to-Head Comparison
The following table highlights the head-to-head comparison between Lubuntu and Xubuntu.
| Lubuntu | Xubuntu | |
| Ecosystem | Uses LxQt and LXDE ecosystem | Uses XFCE desktop ecosystem |
| RAM | Operates perfectly on a desktop with as small RAM as 256 MB | Operates on a computer with up to 512 MB of RAM |
| Customizations | Lubuntu does not include any extra features. Therefore, it is stripped down. It only allows for minor customizations. | When compared to Lubuntu, Xubuntu has greater functionality. Because of the advanced customizations, it stands out as unique and user-friendly. |
| Design | Lubuntu looks like an obsolete and old design of the Linux distro. | Xubuntu has a more modern design. |
| Desktop | It is a lean desktop since it only employs a few apps, programs, and hardware packages, making it look like a skeleton desktop. Its desktop environment (LxQt) contributes significantly to its lightweight. | Thanks to the XFCE ecosystem desktop, it is plumper. However, it is lighter than Unity or GNOME. |
| Weight | Lighter in weight than Xubuntu | Lighter in weight compared to the GNOME desktop but not LxQt |
| LibreOffice | Lubuntu employs Abiword and Gnumeric as upgraded office alternatives to LibreOffice. Rather than the original program, this comes with various default apps. | Xubuntu contains the original LibreOffice. |
| Developing toolkit | The Qt programming toolkit, which is used to build a graphical interface, is employed by Lubuntu’s creators. | The OS of Xubuntu is built on the GTK toolkit. |
Lubuntu vs Xubuntu – Which One to Choose?
Now, you know all the significant differences between these two operating systems. You can choose any one of them based on your system requirements.
Lubuntu for Sheer Leanness
It is recommended to use Lubuntu if you wish to achieve sheer leanness. With the help of the LxQt desktop environment, this Ubuntu edition helps you do so. It provides a basic desktop skeleton without the features of a modern computer and works on any low-spec system. In addition, you do not get any desktop effects and animations. Hence, you cannot personalize the desktop.
Xubuntu for Better Performance and Modularity
As discussed earlier, this Ubuntu edition leverages the preconfigured XFCE desktop, which is more lightweight than GNOME, Unity, and KDE but not as compared to LxQt. It offers more advanced features and provides better performance and modularity than Lubuntu.
What is Lubuntu?
Lubuntu is a Linux kernel-based OS. Since the system came up as an open-source solution under the GNU license, users can alter the original code to suit their needs. Also, it is freely available.
The Lubuntu OS is user-friendly because it has a convenient interface. Also, the LxQt desktop ecosystem ensures the OS stays light. This improves the system’s stability and dependability, especially using older PCs or laptops. Hence, it is classified as a fast operating system.
Compared to other lightweight Linux distributions, the ecosystem of Lubuntu makes it easier to operate. It provides user interface interactivity by allowing users to drag icons to their preferred location using the right-click option. This improves the OS’s user experience and restricts system requirements.
However, it provides no desktop motion effects, leaving little room for modifications. Lubuntu, unlike Xubuntu, employs Gnumeric and Abiword instead of LibreOffice. Without any lag, the operating system can support an outdated desktop with entry-level RAM.
Features
The salient features of Lubuntu are:
- It is lightweight, quick, and energy-saving.
- It is built on the Ubuntu Linux platform.
- Processors, RAM, hard disc space, graphics cards, and other infrastructure components are used less when compared to others.
- It runs on low-end computer systems, used around 20 years ago.
- There are no cinematic sequences to make the desktop environment engaging.
Advantages
The advantages of Lubuntu can be highlighted as follows:
- Lubuntu is very light and compact.
- Its compactness saves a lot of energy.
- It operates well on vintage computers.
Disadvantages
The disadvantages of Lubuntu are.
- The OS is not ideal for modern computers.
- The graphics are very plain and simple.
- It needs to be updated with modern features.
What is Xubuntu?
Xubuntu is a desktop ecosystem that is relatively light, reliable, and simple compared to GNOME and Unity. The preinstalled Xfce enhances its lightweight. This Linux distribution is widespread among users because of its effectiveness and increased working performance for sluggish laptops and PCs.
This OS provides customers a beautiful, functional user interface (UI) system with few system resources. One thing to remember is that Xubuntu offers a few innovative features and a better user interface.
Compared to KDE or GNOME, the desktop ecosystem of Xubuntu is lighter. Also, Xfce is not as bare-bones as Lubuntu’s current desktop ecosystem (LxQT), as it has several software programs. It is unique and runs on 512 MB of RAM. For effective operation, this should be the RAM’s smallest size. As such, Xubuntu’s system requirements are bare and minimal.
Features
The salient features of Xubuntu are as follows:
- The OS comes pre-configured with enough programs to handle daily chores without additional downloads.
- It is free of charge and is built by the society for the society.
- The OS is customizable, stable, and lightweight.
- It offers a stable platform for other software to operate on.
Advantages
Here are the advantages of Xubuntu:
- It is a very cost-effective OS.
- It is free for users.
- The OS environment is stable for other software to run.
- It is comparatively faster to operate as compared to its rivals.
Disadvantages
The following are the significant disadvantages of Xubuntu:
- Being a free OS poses a risk to its security as it is open to cyber attacks.
- It is very difficult to operate with Linux commands.
- It is not a suitable game platform due to its graphics and compatibility issues.
Conclusion
This was all about Lubuntu vs Xubuntu. If you’re looking for a lightweight operating system, Lubuntu is the best option. We prefer it because it limits the use of system resources. It also has fewer installed applications than Xubuntu.
Conversely, Xubuntu has many more unfiltered programs and features. This indicates that a lot more resources are being used. Hence, Lubuntu is the lighter one. However, people who want more features and can afford more resources should consider Xubuntu.
Regarding appearance and feel, Xubuntu is more sleek and appealing. The system is remarkable because it has more functionality. Conversely, Lubuntu has an obsolete and sparse system display with few customization options. This makes personalizing the OS difficult.
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