Mate vs xfce. 2, comparing two mighty desktop environments - MATE and XFCE! Whether you're a Linux connoisseur or a newcomer Aug 2, 2022 · Linux Mint Cinnamon vs MATE vs Xfce: Which One to Use? Confused with the available choices of Cinnamon, MATE and Xfce variants in Linux Mint? Let me help you with which Linux Mint version should you use. Jan 4, 2025 · Cinnamon vs. From Xfce's perfect balance to LXDE's extreme efficiency and MATE's polished traditional interface, we cover everything you need to know to make the right choice for your machine. In this video will check the RAM comparison Between Linux Mint Feb 18, 2024 · I am looking for a comprehensive table/documentation regarding the differences between the three main editions (cinnamon, mate, xfce), but I am struggling to find one. For example. MATE MATE is a fork of GNOME 2 created when GNOME 3 was announced and some users wanted to keep the traditional GNOME 2 interface going Cinnamon Oct 3, 2021 · Linux Mint Cinnamon vs MATE vs Xfce: Which One Should You Use? Editor 10/03/2021 Linux Mint is undoubtedly one of the best Linux distributions for beginners. MATE vs Xfce Vs KDE in terms of resource usage and performance. It’s up to you to decide which one you would like to prefer. It's also significantly heavier (thanks to GTK3). For me its the simple things that are included in cinnamon. eu , in the thread usb key and partitioning, it made me think Linux Mint Cinnamon vs MATE vs Xfce: Which One to Use? Linux Mint is one of the most popular Linux distributions available today, appreciated for its user-friendly interface and versatile features. I did run the MATE edition of Linux Mint 21 in the past but found it buggy - the start menu icons disappeared or did not work properly. This is especially true for Windows users that walking their first steps to Linux world. A year ago, Mate hadn’t even reached general release. Jun 12, 2019 · XFCE definitely will, MATE probably will (I would be hesitant to run MATE on anything older than a 4xxx series i3, but mostly because the older iGPU's were frankly crap). XFCE: The Best Linux Mint Edition Linux Mint has emerged as one of the most popular Linux distributions, known for its user-friendly interface and strong stability. XFCE is less resource hungry than MATE in most cases, but that difference is narrowing over time. Mate vs. MATE supports animations. Personally I suggest using Xfce over Cinnamon straight up, especially if your hardware is older. Nov 10, 2023 · LXDE and XFCE are two of the most popular lightweight desktop environments for Linux. May 16, 2024 · GNOME vs. Some improvements on how windows are drawn. Sep 20, 2025 · GNOME vs Xfce vs KDE are among the most popular desktop environments, each offering unique features, advantages, and trade-offs. Xfce is a fast and lightweight open source desktop environment for unix-like systems like Linux and BSD. It has 3 editions Cinnamon, MATE, and Feb 6, 2014 · XFCE and MATE will both run well on your machine, and neither are big on eye candy (though it can be added, if desired). " What are the /specific/ few features that MATE lacks Aug 2, 2022 · Linux Mint is one of the Most popular Linux Distro. See full list on itsfoss. But at the end of the day, I wouldn't really care if Mint decided to go exclusively XFCE or MATE. Is this referring to both CPU and RAM resources, or only RAM resources? If it is referring to CPU resources, what contributes to different CPU demands between the 3 editions? Aug 22, 2022 · KDE Vs GNOME Vs Xfce; Which is the best Linux Desktop Environment? Choosing a winner between KDE vs GNOME vs Xfce is hard because all of them are popular desktop environments for Linux-based operating systems. Apr 5, 2024 · Learn about all the best Linux desktop environments for various use cases that you can install today on any distro you use. from what I know though, Linux is customizable so the above Jun 1, 2022 · KDE and XFCE are two impressive desktop environments known for their resource efficiency and performance. Topics in this forum are automatically closed 6 months after creation. . Xfce is an environment you can scale up or down to fit your taste. html, Cinnamon is "slick, beautiful, and full of new features. Compare the speeds of each DE (Desktop Environments) and find out what works for your. Cinnamon: A Windows-like interface that feels familiar and easy to use. Feb 9, 2025 · It’s a lean desktop environment that can be molded to fit your exact needs. But, if you want something functioning pretty well, MATE will do it. Cinnamon uses just 200MB ram more, and its panel is bit better designed. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Each Oct 31, 2012 · Xfce vs. What's the Difference? Mate and Xfce are both lightweight desktop environments that are popular choices for users looking for a simple and efficient user interface. LXDE (Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment) LXDE is Jul 31, 2023 · Linux Mint has many distributions like Cinnamon, MATE, Xfce, Edge, and LMDE; all offer different desktop environments. Before you post read the forum rules. I'm of the opinion that Cinnamon, XFCE and MATE are too similar to each other to warrant the hassle of maintenance, and the confusion for new users. XUbuntu comes with Xfce as a the default yet you can easily switch to KDE Plasma or LxQt or something else once your Welcome to our in-depth comparison of Linux Mint's three popular desktop environments: Cinnamon, MATE, and XFCE! In this video, we’ll explore the unique features, performance metrics, and user Nov 26, 2024 · MATE, the fork of the older GNOME desktop, offers most of the robust graphical options of Cinnamon while not requiring the graphical resources of Cinnamon. It aims to be fast and low on system resources. I had a little experience with lxde too. Compared to that, XFCE is a much better choice if ram usage is all you care. Spread the loveWhen it comes to lightweight Linux desktop environments, there are three top contenders: LXDE, Xfce, and MATE. It will breathe new life into aging PCs better than heavier Cinnamon or MATE. re hoose. It started as an open-source clone of CDE or, Common Desktop Environment, a desktop environment that was popular on Unix workstations from HP, Digital Equipment Corporation, and Sun Microsystems. However, since then, it has been influential in making Linux Mint the distribution of choice among experienced users. You won't find animations here, but if you like transparent windows, shadows, and similar nuances, you have the option. Oct 26, 2020 · MATE is also a desktop environment. But there is next to Tbh I use cinnamon on my core 2 duo desktop from 2009 with an ssd. For workflow efficiency – Again Xfce excels here, though power users may like Cinnamon with customizations. […] Personally i am cinnamon all the way i have tried mate and Xfce and i just prefer cinnamon . Mate: Based on GNOME 2, offering a traditional desktop feel. Jul 6, 2023 · This post introduces 7 popular Linux desktop environments and shows their pros and cons, including Cinnamon vs MATE vs XFCE. IceWM is significantly less RAM intensive (just as a generic metric) than is MATE, which is already light in that regard. com I find the default MATE desktop looks more finished than the default Xfce desktop, basic customization is easier under MATE than Xfce, and updates are more frequent than Xfce. How light is MATE compared to Xfce and how does KDE fare in this regard as well? Also, is MATE customizable or do you have to install a tweaks software? If yes, then does it impact performance? Archived post. Apr 24, 2017 · Gnome looks different but MATE, KDE Plasma, LXDE, Cinnamon all looks almost the same. However they are built by 3 different teams (with similiar ideas). There's plenty of other desktop environments available which can be installed and used regardless of which distribution and spin you used for your initial install. Whats the differences between XFCE, MATE, LXDE And LXQT? I've used xfce in linux mint back in early 2018 and loved it. This is especially true for Windows users that walking their first steps to the Sep 2, 2024 · Linux Mint 22 Xfce edition - 840 MB as reported by htop I did not test the MATE edition of Linux Mint 22 but it should be slightly more than Xfce but less than Cinnamon. Subscribe XFCE, LXQT, or LXDE… Which one to choose? note: i am running a Lenovo Thinkpad T520 - and i use EnedavourOS: Has anybody tried all three? By watching youtube reviews I have clear idea of what to expect from XFCE. there was one specific choppy video playback issue (using hardware acceleration with Celluloid+MPV) that was a problem on Cinnamon (and even MATE (although I don't care for MATE in general)) but worked perfect on Xfce on at least 2 out of the 3 computers I have which is ultimately why I sided with Dive into the ultimate showdown between Linux Mint's Cinnamon, Mate, and XFCE desktop environments! Discover how each interface enhances user experience with Dec 27, 2023 · No matter your final choice between Cinnamon vs MATE, Linux Mint offers an elegant path to experience the Linux desktop on your terms. XFCE feels much better than Mate, IMO. Selecting among these two is very difficult. I've tried: Pop OS (gnome) Steam OS (KDE, from the deck) and so far the main difference I note is how PopOS visually feels better than KDE. Aug 28, 2025 · We thoroughly evaluated LXDE and XFCE before going on to a short comparison of MATE with the other two. Similarly, after years of being the […] Aug 4, 2022 · Linux Mint MATE vs Xfce: which one is more lightweight? Forum rules There are no such things as "stupid" questions. Cinammon is good on Linux Mint, XFCE is good, but MATE to be honest, is better implemented with Ubuntu Mate. It's far more feature-full than XFCE, and has better theme options thanks to GTK3. 1 "Xia"? This video provides a comprehensive comparison of Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce, highlighting their key Feb 5, 2023 · Comparison Table Here is a comparison of Cinnamon, Mate, and Xfce desktop environments: Note: The resource usage and popularity may vary depending on the system and user preferences. You might like distros that use one of the other DEs as it's default better than or as much as Mint. MATE is somewhat similar to XFCE, but I find it's start menu bit cluttered. See detailed metrics and analysis to help you choose the best lightweight Linux desktop for your needs. Cinnamon eats more ram than xfce, sure, but imo is the most polished, and runs just fine. ) What Is Linux Mint Cinnamon? XFCE. XFCE: Which is the best for you? Linux offers a variety of graphical environments, each with its own features and characteristics. KDE, GNOME, and XFCE? Somewhat of a Linux beginner here. Its simplicity makes it a reliable choice. Mate & Xfce are said to be lighter on resources than Cinnamon (according to the Linux Mint download page). This was some python dependency issue. Whether you prioritize modern aesthetics or system resource efficiency, this comparison has you covered. Dec 27, 2023 · From the moment they boot up their machine, a Linux user‘s productivity and enjoyment hinges greatly on their choice of desktop environment (DE). Then whats the difference? Xfce Xfce is a lightweight desktop environment for UNIX-like operating systems. And at best there is a difference of mere hundreds of mb's of ram. Has anybody tried all three? By watching youtube reviews I have clear idea of what to expect from XFCE. So, which is better? In what situations should you use each? Find out! Apr 27, 2021 · Xfce is the oldest of the popular lightweight Linux desktop environments. I'd personally recommend Xfce. However if you think your question is a bit stupid, then this is the right place for you to post it. Learn which of its three editions: Cinnamon, Mate, and XFCE is the right one for you. MATE is often pushed for noobs because: a) it's one of the two main Mint desktop environments (MATE and Cinnamon) b) it's more "familiar" in the default look and feel to Windows, especially XP, than XFCE is IMO, you should burn a DVD of each and test them live without lxqt is designed to be lightweight, menwhile xfce is designed to be a nice balance between being powerful and lightweight in a (non fresh) debian installation lxqt uses about 300mb less than xfce Are you trying to decide which desktop environment is right for you in Linux Mint 22. With that computer, I don't think performance is going to make any significant difference for either, but I think XFCE is slightly lighter than Mate. May 5, 2020 · We compare the five leading Linux desktop environments, including KDE, Gnome and Cinnamon, in a 7-round face-off to help you find the one that’s right for you. XFCE is significantly lighter, but still tied to GTK2. For enterprise use – MATE‘s rock solid stability makes it a good choice for business systems. El propósito de esta comparativa es ayudar a los principiantes a decidir qué escritorio usar, teniendo en cuenta requisitos de hardware, aspecto visual, características generales y facilidad de uso. It uses the GTK+ toolkit, just like the more popular GNOME interface that serves as the default for Ubuntu and Fedora. XFCE vs MATE? Which is better for an old low end laptop (4Gb ram, HDD, weak CPU)? I've also been hearing about MXLinux, any thoughts? Mate is battle-tested: it was forked from Gnome 2, which was the default desktop on nearly every major distro in the 2000s. It is the continuation of GNOME 2, which was Linux Mint’s default desktop between 2006 and 2011. Don't see any preference compared to XFCE. What would you pick? Dec 4, 2023 · Cinnamon vs MATE vs XFCE Forum rules Do not post support questions here. Dec 7, 2023 · Cinnamon vs MATE vs XFCE Forum rules Do not post support questions here. To install Mate sudo apt install mate-desktop. Archived post. Both desktops deliver a robust, user-friendly foundation for productivity, creativity, and fun. Learn which is better between LXDE vs XFCE today. " More importantly, MATE "misses a few features. But I do love the default layout of mate (that pre-gnome 3 era). Mar 25, 2024 · Learn how MATE and Xfce differ in performance, customization, community, release cycles and more. The three main editions offered by Linux Mint are Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce. Xfce, and mate work probably a bit better on lower spec machines, and their panels are probably a bit more costumizable then cinnamon, but that's kinda it in broadstrokes. Xfce makes use of lesser resources, but its benefits come to light when you will be download and run the apps which depend on GNOME. The Linux Mint site describes Xfce as "extremely stable and very light on resource usage," while MATE is described as "runs faster, uses fewer resources and is more stable than Cinnamon. I've used both and struggle to recommend Xfce to a Mint user. Mar 6, 2013 · Mate es muy maduro, muy estable, en cuanto a consumo de recursos está parejo con Xfce (creo que Xfce consume menos recursos, aunque por poco margen). Side-by-side analysis of features, pricing, pros and cons to help you choose the best option for your needs. If you want performance, use something that liberally uses your hardware. Probably not your cup of tea but I make a Slackware-64current gnome live system which is here and updated quite frequently. 简单来说，可供选择的有以下几种： Cinnamon 桌面：具有现代感的传统桌面。 MATE 桌面：类似 GNOME 2 时代的传统外观桌面。 Xfce 桌面：一个流行的轻量级桌面环境。 我们来逐一看看 Mint 的各个变种。 Linux Mint Cinnamon 版 Cinnamon 桌面是由 Linux Mint 团队开发的，显然它是 Linux Mint 的主力版本。 早在近十年 Linux Mint is undoubtedly one of the best Linux distributions for beginners. Both environments are designed to run smoothly on older We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. It is used in distributions like Xubuntu, Linux Mint, Manjaro, MX Linux, Debian, and FreeBSD. It is made available in multiple desktop environments, among which Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce are the most commonly used. For power users and tinkerers, XFCE provides a playground of possibilities. So thats how i found manjaro and im right now downloading xfce version for test. by winxpwasgreat » Mon Apr 16, 2018 9:03 am I will have to reinstall linux again as a result of a few upgrades which unrevertably consta-crashed the system. I don't know much about MATE, but Xfce should be lighter than cinnamon. MATE - Another Gnome variant, which I've never tried. In this video will check the RAM comparison Between Linux Mint Nov 28, 2023 · Originally posted by catbox: cinnamon and mate use gtk both cinnamon and mate are forks of gnome2 xfce does not use gtk by default but you can still run gtk applications xfce is widely a more minimalistic lightweight desktop enviornment but there are lighter, and with much less features out of the box. I stayed on Cinnamon because I had it already installed, but if resources were reason, I'd with pleasure use XFCE. mate vs cinnamon vs xfce for ryzen 3 3200u, 4gb ram? Hi, I'm new here. Should I keep Linux Mint Cinnamon or move to MATE, XFCE? Hey I have a Dell Inspiron 11 3147, 4gb, 500gb hdd. Oct 10, 2018 · In this post, and the associated video, I test Linux Mint 19 MATE and XFCE against each other on my laptop to see which is faster and uses the least RAM. I always find ram usage on mate on a slightly higher side (debian and fedora), even though its based on gtk3. This article will delve into Aug 7, 2025 · Linux Mint: Cinnamon vs Mate vs Xfce Linux Mint is a popular Linux distribution known for its user-friendly interface and a wide range of features. Dec 4, 2023 · Cinnamon vs MATE vs XFCE Forum rules Do not post support questions here. Paul’s response @callpaul. I heavily recommenced Cinnamon as a 1st time linux user. Stick to easy to-the-point questions that you feel people can answer fast. Dec 3, 2023 · Linux Mint is undoubtedly one of the best Linux distributions for beginners. Apr 16, 2018 · Cinnamon VS Mate VS KDE VS XFCE. Linux Mint is one of the most popular distros today. I've been using Cinnamon so will give a go to one of the other 3 main desktop environments. Try the live usbs out, if cinnamon is slow then try mate then xfce. XFCE - A lightweight and more trimmed down desktop environment that's good for people wanting minimum bloat and don't care that much about features or for people who use a lot of desktop-independent applications and don't need much from the desktop Feb 18, 2024 · I am looking for a comprehensive table/documentation regarding the differences between the three main editions (cinnamon, mate, xfce), but I am struggling to find one. Dec 15, 2024 · Xfce is the older of the two lightweight desktops. For those who are new to the world of Linux, the selection among available desktop environments can be a bit bewildering. It offers different desktop environments, namely Cinnamon, Mate, and Xfce, each with its own characteristics, advantages, and use - cases. So if you‘re weighing KDE vs. 7K subscribers Subscribed Aug 19, 2022 · Cinnamon vs XFCE vs MATE. KDE Plasma vs. It has 3 editions Cinnamon, MATE, and XFCE. For xfce run sudo apt install xfce4 xfce4-goodies and install that DE Jan 15, 2025 · Other Desktop Environments XFCE: Lightweight and perfect for older systems. On the surface, both KDE and MATE DEs enable creating documents, browsing the web, enjoying media – but under the hood they take vastly different approaches. 1 (Cinnamon version, since i liked its looks out of them all) However, I feel like I should move down to MATE or XFCE, since bootup time is long, and firefox lags a lot. Cinnamon is definitely the most polished of the three, and the 50 megs or so more RAM usage are meaningless in 2022. Mate feels like Gnome 2 feels: old. Cómo completo y funcional, también les diria que Mate es mas completo y funcional que los otros dos. However, MATE is also less customizable than Xfce. Mate: Ubuntu-Centric vs Universal Few desktop environments have benefited from the recent diversity of interfaces more than Mate and Xfce. If you like Xfce or MATE, they are excellent DE's, but they are available with many distros. In this article, we will compare and contrast each desktop environment, so you can make an informed decision. Resource Usage: Cinnamon vs MATE vs XFCE When it comes to resource usage, there are notable differences between Cinnamon, MATE, and XFCE. Xfce is the slimmest resources option, certainly, but MATE will get the job done with far less resources than Cinnamon, and still look better than Xfce doing it. Xfce was first developed in 1996 by Olivier Forudan. Well now i don't wanna go back to ubuntu, i was already thinking to move to a better lightweight distro and i think linux mint is the one. from what I know though, Linux is customizable so the above KDE, GNOME, and XFCE? Somewhat of a Linux beginner here. Nov 4, 2016 · XFCE vs MATE vs KDE , Linux Vidcast with Rocco & Rob Linux Quest (Rob Collins) 11. Here’s a very general and simplified comparison: Sep 19, 2021 · Xfce vs MATE MATE comes with more features than Xfce. Unsurprisingly, XFCE and Mate, with their overall dated code base, will have a stronger performance impact, especially seen on the framerate of 3D games. Conclusion: Cinnamon Desktop is a modern and user-friendly desktop environment that provides a traditional desktop experience with a number of modern features. Decided to use Linux Mint but confused with the available choices of Cinnamon, MATE and Xfce variants? Let me help you with which Linux Mint version should you use. Jul 5, 2024 · Linux Mint 是一个基于 Ubuntu 的 Linux 发行版，以其用户友好的界面和丰富的功能著称。它有多个桌面环境版本，其中最流行的包括 Cinnamon、MATE 和 Xfce。每个版本都有其独特的特点和优势，适合不同类型的用户和硬件配置。本文将详细介绍这三个版本的差异，帮助用户选择最适合自己的版本。 Cinnamon Mar 22, 2017 · Enfrentamos a los cuatros escritorios que se ofrecen por defecto en Linux Mint: KDE, MATE, XFCE, y Cinnamon. Jun 13, 2024 · Comparing Linux Mint Cinnamon vs MATE vs Xfce, Cinnamon has a modern look, MATE is like Windows 7, and Xfce is lightest and the fastest edition among three. The question is. Oct 31, 2023 · For older hardware – Xfce no question. Sep 1, 2024 · When deciding on a Linux Mint edition, users are often faced with the choice between Cinnamon, MATE, and XFCE, each offering unique features and resource requirements. Sep 18, 2020 · This article delves into the differences between Linux Mint's Cinnamon and MATE desktop environments, helping you choose the right one based on your needs for performance, customization, and ease of use. If you're already used to older GNOME, MATE will be easier for you to work with. A list of comments I found around. Mate is a fork of the now-discontinued GNOME 2 desktop environment, while Xfce is a standalone desktop environment that is known for its customization options and flexibility. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, making it difficult to determine which one is the “best”. OR, install all DEs, you can select your DEs from the login screen. This desktop Jun 16, 2023 · Xfce is pretty clunky for a DE with roots in 1993, and it's not really significantly lighter than Mate anymore. But I'm curious as to what other Compare MATE vs Xfce. But there is next to zero info on LXQT or LXDE versions. Xfce is also a desktop environment, and is quick, sleek, and easy on less powerful machinery. While that's ideal for many advanced people, it can be tricky for newcomers to choose the right desktop environment for their needs. Back in the day it could run well with Gnome 2 applets, apps, and plugins, but now 🌐 Get ready for the ultimate showdown as we delve into the heart of Linux Mint 21. Today we match up Linux Mint 21 - The Latest Release - against it's different and varying official release desktop environments. i like like being able to right click in a folder to show hidden folders and files instead of having to go to the settings menu at the top. The recent ubuntu update kind of broke my system, I'm stuck on terminal. GNU/Linux distributions typically provide one desktop environment as the only option when you install. Sep 18, 2025 · MATE Material Shell Maynard Mezzo Kiran Desktop LXDE Onyx Desktop (Crystal Linux) Pantheon (elementaryOS) Pearl DE (Pearl Linux Phosh (PureOS) PIXEL Desktop (Raspberry Pi OS) Regolith Desktop (Regolith Linux) ROX Desktop Sugar Unicorn Desktop (Rhino Linux) UnityX (Ubuntu Unity) Vera XFast Xfce Iced toolkit COSMIC (Pop_OS!) Motif toolkit CDE Jun 18, 2024 · Hi, my friends, First of all, let me remind you that Duda knows the difference between the Linux Mint editions: Linux Mint MATE, Cinnamon and Xfce editions Linux Mints Debian Edition I created this thread because many of us, including myself, often recommend that users who are new to Linux try Linux Mint. I'm curious what thr difference between the above 3 are? I know they're kind of like the basis of distros, but it feels blurry to me. This video will show you how much memory (RAM) is consumed by GNOME vs KDE Plasma vs Xfce vs LXDE vs LXQt vs MATE vs Cinnamon on Debian 11 Bullseye. (In this article, we will focus on Linux Mint Cinnamon vs MATE vs Xfce. Mar 3, 2025 · MATE and Xfce are head to head for lean Linux desktop environments. If you have 4 or more, then it doesn't matter that much. Comprised from a bunch of work from myself and others, it’s a nice GNOME 43 system which is also installable from the live iso or usable with persistence on usb once converted with the iso2usb script there. " Download New Features Release Notes Classic, traditional MATE Edition MATE is a classic desktop environment. Xfce can be customized a lot further than MATE, but it takes a bit of effort. In this article, we will look at which lightweight desktop environment is the best. Jul 27, 2024 · Linux Mint 22 "Wilma" | Cinnamon vs MATE vs XFCE (RAM Consumption)Linux Mint is one of the most popular Linux Distro. This is especially true for Windows users that walking their first steps to the Jun 5, 2025 · Ubuntu Mate and XFCE are two popular lightweight desktop environments that offer a minimalist and resource-efficient experience for users. I installed Linux Mint after ditching windows 8. It is less resource-intensive than Cinnamon and is often used as a compromise between Cinnamon and Xfce by some people, though it used by others because they just like it. Anyway Thanks. According to https://linuxmint-installation-guide. imc6j cih4j 5ptpsl1t 3ii3 txw9 qz7b5o ni kdh o9njso qzij