True to its name, Desktop environment is composed of a bundle of programs that runs on an operating system.
Variety of components are packaged into a Desktop Environment (DE) to provide the regular Graphical User Interface (GUI) with elements such as icons, wallpapers, toolbars and widgets. Even several DE comes with a useful set of applications and utilities.
Top 10 Linux Desktop Environments
Curious to give your Linux interface a complete makeover? Here’s is the list of most popular and preferred Linux desktop environments. Download them now!
1. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a perfect combination of traditional & modern desktop layouts. Originally built for Linux Mint, it has now entered into other Linux distros as well like fedora, Debian etc. It is best for the users who loved older Linux desktop environments and users who preferred the traditional windows. It comes with a good-looking DE with great graphical effects and a rethought application menu.
Want to try Linux with Cinnamon, click here!
2. Unity
Unity is Ubuntu’s default desktop environment, designed by Canonical and the Ayantana community. Replacing the traditional menu bar, it brings vertical launcher with drop-down heads-up display search screen. Though it’s very subtle feature to mention, but many people don’t notice it that Unity has chameleonic tendencies. Unity’s dashboard & notification bubbles changes hue, based on the color of the background.
You can have this desktop environment here!
3. KDE
KDE aka ‘K Desktop Environment’. KDE rather than only being a desktop environment, it’s a collection of several utilities and applications one of which is the desktop environment. The most flexible and customizable of all, it offers a fine collection of apps by default. Including, file manager, calculator, video editor, image viewer, RSS reader, web browser, text editor, messenger and much more. Has similar looks like Windows 7, coming with a single taskbar, quick launch buttons, notification area etc.
Try KDE here!
4. Budgie
Budgie can be best defined as a fast, lightweight desktop environment with added functionalities. It can be configured to imitate the interface of GNOME 2 desktop. As far as usability is concerned, Budgie is simple to use, and user don’t have to spend a lot of time in order to understand how everything works. And best part for gamers, Budgie is supported by Steam platform, therefore more than thousands of games on your Linux.
5. LXDE
LXDE refers to Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment. One of the most configurable and powerful desktop environments available at the moment, LXDE features several handy features including a window manager, file manager, text editor, terminal emulator, calculator, task manager, theme switcher, screen manager, configuration toolkit, and easy-mode app launcher. Unlike other Linux desktop environments, LXDE doesn’t require more RAM, CPU time and graphics hardware to run smoothly.
6. Pantheon
The youngest of all, Pantheon is an independent DE based on GTK3. If you want to experience the feel of using Mac OS X desktop, then download Patheon. A default environment originally released for elementary OS distribution, Patheon features everything that defines simplicity and clean aesthetics. Similar to macOS, Patheon has a panel and dock placed at the top & bottom of the screen, respectively. This desktop environment follows the design that minimize the need for command line.
7. Enlightenment
Came in 1996 as a project for building a Window manager for X11. This desktop environment provides users with diverse & refreshing experience. Enlightenment is on its E17 version i.e. incredibly fast, even runs on low-end hardware and looks quite modern and stylish. Even it gives feel like it was created by some sort of ultra-classy alien race from a star system far off.
8. Deepin
An open-source DE, developed by Chinese company. Deepin is one of the most popular Linux desktop environment that most Ubuntu users must be familiar with. It offers a pop-out panel that allows easy configuration and personalization settings. The desktop docks come with three modes: Fashion, Efficient and Classic. Available for other Linux distros as well including Manjaro & Arch. Deepin is A solid desktop environment which is best suited for the people who wants lots of configuration options.
9. Sugar
With the initiative to turn laptop screens into a fun & easy-to-use social experience that promotes learning. Sugar is a free and open-source learning environment, that can be installed on variety of operating systems. This DE is focused to help kids with learning. Even the UI is designed in a very simple & clear way, so that kids can easily use it. Compatible with number of Linux distros such as Fedora, Debian, Ubuntu etc. This DE simply modernize the use of computers for education purpose.
10. Trinity
A lightweight and beautiful environment among all, Trinity has a fresh, modern and stylish user interface. A fork of K Desktop Environment (KDE) that aims to keep KDE 3.5 alive, Trinity comes with several improvisations and making it available for variety of operating systems in a lighter weight version. Also, it’s the default & only graphical desktop environment in various Linux distros at the moment.
Bottom Line: Top 10 Linux Desktop Environments
These were some of the best choices for Linux Desktop Environments in 2019, none of these are better than another as every DE has different aesthetics, features, and functionalities. Yeah, the performance may differ but that depends on different hardware. Consequently, you have to pick the ideal one according to your needs!
So, which suits you the best? Share your desktop screenshots in the comment section.
