Xfce vs KDE: Which Desktop Environment is The Best?

• 1 March 2023
• ThunderVM Team
• Information Technology, Linux

Choosing a desktop environment is a crucial decision for any Linux user. Xfce and KDE are two popular desktop environments that offer different features and functionality. In this post, we’ll compare Xfce and KDE and help you decide which one is right for you.

Gnome and Xfce are available on most linux distributions including centos, centos stream, ubuntu and debian, and can also be installed on a linux vps or on a linux dedicated server.

What is Xfce?

Xfce is a lightweight desktop environment that provides a fast and efficient interface. It has a classic look and feel with simple and clean design. Xfce is highly customizable, and you can configure it to match your preferences. It uses fewer system resources than KDE, making it a good choice for older hardware or low-end machines. Xfce doesn’t come with as many features as KDE, but it provides a stable and reliable environment.

Here are some of its notable features:

• Lightweight and Fast: Xfce is designed to be lightweight and fast, making it a great choice for older or less powerful hardware. It uses less system resources compared to other desktop environments, resulting in faster performance and snappier user experience.
• Customizable Interface: Xfce has a customizable interface that allows you to tailor the look and feel of your desktop to your liking. You can choose from a variety of themes, icons, and backgrounds to create a personalized desktop environment.
• Panel: Xfce features a panel that provides quick access to common applications, as well as system information such as battery life, network connectivity, and audio controls. The panel can be customized to include additional applets or to move to different locations on the screen.
• File Manager: Xfce’s default file manager, Thunar, is known for its simplicity and ease of use. It includes features like thumbnail previews, built-in search, and support for multiple tabs.
• Keyboard Shortcuts: Xfce provides a customizable set of keyboard shortcuts that allow you to quickly access common tasks or launch applications. You can easily configure these shortcuts to suit your workflow.
• Plugins: Xfce provides a set of plugins that allow you to extend the functionality of your desktop environment. These include things like weather applets, system monitors, and notification plugins.
• Session Manager: Xfce includes a session manager that allows you to save your desktop session when you log out, so that you can easily resume your work when you log back in.

What is KDE?

KDE is a modern desktop environment that provides a lot of features and functionality. It has a polished look and feel with a modern design. KDE offers many customization options, including themes, icons, and widgets. It is highly configurable, and you can adjust its behavior to fit your workflow. KDE uses more system resources than Xfce, so it might not be the best choice for older hardware or low-end machines.

Here are some of its notable features:

• Lightweight and Fast: Xfce is designed to be lightweight and fast, making it a great choice for older or less powerful hardware. It uses less system resources compared to other desktop environments, resulting in faster performance and snappier user experience.
• Customizable Interface: Xfce has a customizable interface that allows you to tailor the look and feel of your desktop to your liking. You can choose from a variety of themes, icons, and backgrounds to create a personalized desktop environment.
• Panel: Xfce features a panel that provides quick access to common applications, as well as system information such as battery life, network connectivity, and audio controls. The panel can be customized to include additional applets or to move to different locations on the screen.
• File Manager: Xfce’s default file manager, Thunar, is known for its simplicity and ease of use. It includes features like thumbnail previews, built-in search, and support for multiple tabs.
• Keyboard Shortcuts: Xfce provides a customizable set of keyboard shortcuts that allow you to quickly access common tasks or launch applications. You can easily configure these shortcuts to suit your workflow.
• Plugins: Xfce provides a set of plugins that allow you to extend the functionality of your desktop environment. These include things like weather applets, system monitors, and notification plugins.
• Session Manager: Xfce includes a session manager that allows you to save your desktop session when you log out, so that you can easily resume your work when you log back in.

Xfce vs KDE, which one is right for you?

Choosing between Xfce and KDE depends on your needs and preferences. If you have an older machine or prefer a simpler and faster interface, Xfce might be a better choice for you. On the other hand, if you have a modern machine and want a feature-rich environment with many customization options, KDE might be the right choice. Both desktop environments have their pros and cons, and it’s up to you to decide which one suits you best.

Conclusion

Xfce and KDE are both excellent desktop environments that offer different features and functionality. Xfce provides a fast and efficient interface with fewer system resources, while KDE offers a modern and feature-rich environment with many customization options. By understanding the differences between Xfce and KDE, you can choose the one that fits your needs and preferences.