Best LXQt distros in 2026
LXQt is a lightweight Qt-based desktop suited to low-memory machines. Below: our top pick for each need, the full ranking of distributions that ship LXQt as a default or official edition, and a guide to choosing one.
Top picks at a glance
| Best for | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | Debian | #1 LXQt distro in the live ranking |
| Beginners | Lubuntu | Highest-ranked LXQt distro on our list of Linux distros for beginners |
| Gaming | CachyOS | Highest-ranked LXQt distro on our list of Linux distros for gaming |
| Rolling release | CachyOS | Highest-ranked LXQt distro on our list of rolling release Linux distros |
Full ranking
- 1
Debian13.7
A dependable foundation that takes its time.
IndependentGNOME, KDE Plasma, Xfce, moreStableIntermediate2 GB+ RAM
Conservative and predictable updates
#3 overallProfile - 2
CachyOS
An Arch-based system tuned for speed.
Arch LinuxKDE Plasma, GNOME, COSMIC, Hyprland, niri, moreRollingIntermediate4 GB+ RAM
Optimized package builds for newer CPUs
#4 overallProfile - 3
EndeavourOS
An approachable installer for an Arch-based system.
Arch LinuxKDE Plasma, moreRollingIntermediate4 GB+ RAM
Accessible setup for an Arch-based environment
#17 overallProfile - 4
Artix Linux
Arch Linux without systemd.
Arch LinuxKDE Plasma, Xfce, moreRollingAdvanced2 GB+ RAM
Choice of four init systems
#29 overallProfile - 5#34 overallProfile
- 6
Devuan
Debian without systemd, with a choice of init.
DebianXfce, KDE Plasma, moreStableIntermediate2 GB+ RAM
Choice of init system
#37 overallProfile - 7
SparkyLinux
Debian stable or testing, with many desktop choices.
Debian Stable / TestingLXQt, KDE Plasma, Xfce, MATEStableIntermediate2 GB+ RAM
Stable and semi-rolling lines
#50 overallProfile
Order follows the live popularity ranking, which measures attention, not suitability. Test your own hardware with a live USB before installing.
How to choose a LXQt distro
Why LXQt
LXQt is a lightweight desktop built on the Qt toolkit, formed from the merger of LXDE and Razor-qt. It suits low-memory machines and pairs well with Qt applications from KDE.
How to choose
Lubuntu is the best-known LXQt distribution and the easiest start. Debian, SparkyLinux, and several Arch-based distros also offer LXQt.
LXQt distros: common questions
What is the best LXQt distro?
Lubuntu is the most popular LXQt distribution. See the ranking above for alternatives.