Devuan vs Xubuntu
Devuan: Debian without systemd, with a choice of init. Xubuntu: Ubuntu with the light, steady Xfce desktop. Here is how they differ, and which one suits you.
Quick verdict
- BeginnersXubuntuXubuntu is rated beginner; Devuan is intermediate.
- GamingTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- Older hardwareTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- Latest softwareTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- Long-term stabilityDevuanDevuan changes less between upgrades.
Specs compared
| Feature | Devuan | Xubuntu |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity rank (30d) | #37 | #40 |
| Latest version | — | — |
| Based on | Debian | Ubuntu |
| Release model | Stable | Stable |
| Desktop | Xfce, KDE Plasma, more | Xfce |
| Package management | APT | APT · Snap |
| Init system | sysVinit, OpenRC or runit | systemd |
| Experience level | Intermediate | Beginner |
| Suggested RAM | 2 GB+ | 2 GB+ |
| Architectures | x86_64 | x86_64 |
| First released | 2014 | 2006 |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Good for | Servers, Everyday use, Older hardware | Everyday use, Older hardware |
Key differences
- Devuan is based on Debian, while Xubuntu is based on Ubuntu.
- Devuan ships Xfce, KDE Plasma, more; Xubuntu ships Xfce.
- Software comes from APT on Devuan and APT · Snap on Xubuntu.
- Devuan uses sysVinit, OpenRC or runit as its init system; Xubuntu uses systemd.
- Devuan is best for intermediate users; Xubuntu for beginner users.
Choose Devuan if…
- choice of init system
- debian-compatible packages
- suitable for servers and desktops
Some software expects systemd
Full Devuan profileChoose Xubuntu if…
- lighter than Ubuntu’s default desktop
- ubuntu compatibility and documentation
- conservative, predictable interface
Flavour LTS support is shorter than Ubuntu’s
Full Xubuntu profileDevuan vs Xubuntu: FAQ
Is Devuan better than Xubuntu?
Neither is better for everyone. Devuan is the stronger pick for long-term stability; Xubuntu for beginners.
Which uses less RAM, Devuan or Xubuntu?
Both need about 2 GB of RAM for a comfortable desktop. The desktop environment affects memory use more than the distribution.
Is Devuan based on Xubuntu?
No. Devuan is based on Debian; Xubuntu is based on Ubuntu.
Can I switch from Devuan to Xubuntu without losing files?
Back up your home folder first. If /home is on a separate partition you can reinstall without formatting it, but a clean install with restored backups is safest.