Mageia vs Xubuntu
Mageia: A community fork of Mandriva with its own control center. Xubuntu: Ubuntu with the light, steady Xfce desktop. Here is how they differ, and which one suits you.
Quick verdict
- BeginnersTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- GamingTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- Older hardwareXubuntuXubuntu needs about 2 GB of RAM versus 4 GB.
- Latest softwareTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- Long-term stabilityTieBoth are a similar fit here.
Specs compared
| Feature | Mageia | Xubuntu |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity rank (30d) | #46 | #40 |
| Latest version | — | — |
| Based on | Independent (Mandriva fork) | Ubuntu |
| Release model | Stable | Stable |
| Desktop | KDE Plasma, GNOME, Xfce | Xfce |
| Package management | urpmi · DNF | APT · Snap |
| Init system | systemd | systemd |
| Experience level | Beginner | Beginner |
| Suggested RAM | 4 GB+ | 2 GB+ |
| Architectures | x86_64 | x86_64 |
| First released | 2011 | 2006 |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Good for | Everyday use | Everyday use, Older hardware |
Key differences
- Mageia is based on Independent (Mandriva fork), while Xubuntu is based on Ubuntu.
- Mageia ships KDE Plasma, GNOME, Xfce; Xubuntu ships Xfce.
- Software comes from urpmi · DNF on Mageia and APT · Snap on Xubuntu.
- We suggest about 4 GB of RAM for Mageia and 2 GB for Xubuntu.
Choose Mageia if…
- central graphical control center
- community governance
- fixed, predictable releases
Release gaps can be long
Full Mageia 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 profileMageia vs Xubuntu: FAQ
Is Mageia better than Xubuntu?
Neither is better for everyone. Mageia is the stronger pick for a different set of needs; Xubuntu for older hardware.
Which uses less RAM, Mageia or Xubuntu?
Xubuntu is lighter: we suggest about 2 GB versus 4 GB. The desktop you choose affects memory use more than the distribution itself.
Is Mageia based on Xubuntu?
No. Mageia is based on Independent (Mandriva fork); Xubuntu is based on Ubuntu.
Can I switch from Mageia 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.