Lubuntu vs. Xubuntu: Know the Difference
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By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Lubuntu is a lightweight Ubuntu variant using LXQt, while Xubuntu is a Ubuntu variant using the XFCE desktop, both offering different user experiences and performance.
![Lubuntu vs. Xubuntu](/images/lubuntu-vs-xubuntu-44836.webp)
Key Differences
Lubuntu is designed to be a lightweight and energy-efficient version of Ubuntu, using the LXQt desktop environment, which is known for its minimal resource usage. Xubuntu, on the other hand, uses the XFCE desktop environment, offering a balance between functionality and resource efficiency, making it suitable for older hardware but with more features than Lubuntu.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 15, 2023
The primary goal of Lubuntu is to provide a very fast and energy-saving desktop experience, making it ideal for users with older or less powerful hardware. Xubuntu also targets older systems but focuses more on providing a robust and visually appealing user experience with a degree of customization and functionality closer to standard Ubuntu.
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Dec 15, 2023
Lubuntu's user interface is simpler and more streamlined than Xubuntu's, offering a more basic but also more responsive environment. Xubuntu, while still being lightweight, provides a more traditional desktop experience with additional built-in customizability and functionality.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 15, 2023
In terms of software, Lubuntu comes with lightweight applications suited for less powerful computers, emphasizing speed and efficiency. Xubuntu includes slightly more feature-rich applications than Lubuntu, offering a compromise between functionality and performance.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 15, 2023
Overall, Lubuntu is an excellent choice for users who need a very light system or have older hardware, prioritizing speed over features. Xubuntu is better suited for those who want a lightweight yet more feature-complete desktop experience, especially on moderately old or resource-constrained machines.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 15, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Desktop Environment
LXQt, known for minimal resource usage
XFCE, balances performance and features
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Dec 15, 2023
Target Hardware
Older or less powerful hardware
Older, moderately powerful hardware
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Dec 15, 2023
User Interface
Simpler, more streamlined
More traditional with extra customizability
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Dec 15, 2023
Default Applications
Very lightweight and basic applications
More feature-rich than Lubuntu
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Dec 15, 2023
Primary Focus
Speed and energy efficiency
Balance between functionality and efficiency
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 15, 2023
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Lubuntu and Xubuntu Definitions
Lubuntu
A lightweight Linux distribution based on Ubuntu using LXQt.
I installed Lubuntu on my old laptop, and it runs much faster now.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Xubuntu
An Ubuntu variant that is light but more feature-complete than Lubuntu.
Xubuntu is my go-to for a lightweight yet comprehensive Linux experience.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Lubuntu
A Linux distribution offering a simple and fast desktop experience.
For a clutter-free and quick desktop, I prefer Lubuntu.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Xubuntu
A moderate-weight operating system suitable for slightly older hardware.
Xubuntu runs smoothly on my five-year-old desktop.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Lubuntu
Ubuntu variant focusing on minimal resource usage.
Lubuntu's low memory footprint makes it ideal for my netbook.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
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Xubuntu
A version of Ubuntu using the XFCE desktop environment.
Xubuntu's XFCE desktop strikes the perfect balance between speed and usability.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Lubuntu
An energy-saving version of Ubuntu with LXQt.
Lubuntu helps prolong my laptop's battery life.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Xubuntu
Ubuntu-based OS offering a traditional and customizable desktop.
Xubuntu allows me to customize my desktop extensively.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Lubuntu
An operating system designed for speed and efficiency on older hardware.
Lubuntu is perfect for reviving my ten-year-old computer.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Xubuntu
Linux distribution aimed at efficient performance with more features.
I chose Xubuntu for its efficient yet feature-rich experience.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is Lubuntu?
A lightweight Linux distribution based on Ubuntu using LXQt.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 15, 2023
What is Xubuntu?
A version of Ubuntu that uses the XFCE desktop environment.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 15, 2023
Is Lubuntu faster than Xubuntu?
Generally, yes, due to its more minimalistic design.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 15, 2023
Is Lubuntu easy to use for beginners?
Yes, its simplicity makes it user-friendly.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 15, 2023
What's the main difference between Lubuntu and Xubuntu?
Lubuntu is lighter, using LXQt for minimal resource use; Xubuntu is slightly heavier but more feature-rich with XFCE.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 15, 2023
Can I customize Xubuntu like Ubuntu?
Yes, Xubuntu offers a high degree of customization.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 15, 2023
Is Xubuntu suitable for daily use?
Absolutely, it's versatile for everyday tasks.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 15, 2023
Does Lubuntu offer the same applications as Ubuntu?
It has different, more lightweight applications than standard Ubuntu.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 15, 2023
Is Lubuntu good for old computers?
Yes, it's ideal for older, less powerful hardware.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 15, 2023
Can Xubuntu run on older hardware?
Yes, especially on moderately old or resource-constrained machines.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 15, 2023
What makes Xubuntu different from standard Ubuntu?
It uses XFCE, offering a lighter and more customizable experience.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 15, 2023
Can I install Lubuntu on a new computer?
Yes, though it's more beneficial for older hardware.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 15, 2023
Can I run Windows applications on Lubuntu or Xubuntu?
Not natively, but you can use compatibility layers like Wine.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 15, 2023
How does Xubuntu perform on a new computer?
It performs well, offering a balance between functionality and speed.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 15, 2023
Does Lubuntu have a high system requirement?
No, it has very low system requirements.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 15, 2023
What are the system requirements for Xubuntu?
Slightly higher than Lubuntu but still lower than standard Ubuntu.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 15, 2023
How often do Lubuntu and Xubuntu get updated?
They follow Ubuntu's LTS and regular release cycles.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 15, 2023
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About Author
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Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.