Best Xfce distros in 2026
Xfce is a light, traditional desktop that changes slowly and uses few resources, which makes it a favorite for older hardware. Below: our top pick for each need, the full ranking of distributions that ship Xfce as a default or official edition, and a guide to choosing one.
Top picks at a glance
| Best for | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | Linux Mint | #1 Xfce distro in the live ranking |
| Beginners | Linux Mint | Highest-ranked Xfce distro on our list of Linux distros for beginners |
| Gaming | CachyOS | Highest-ranked Xfce distro on our list of Linux distros for gaming |
| Rolling release | CachyOS | Highest-ranked Xfce distro on our list of rolling release Linux distros |
| Privacy | Qubes OS | Highest-ranked Xfce distro on our list of Linux distros for privacy and security |
Full ranking
- 1
Linux Mint22.3
A familiar desktop. A comfortable place to start.
Ubuntu LTSCinnamon, MATE, XfceStableBeginner4 GB+ RAM
Familiar desktop layout with useful defaults
#2 overallProfile - 2
Debian13.7
A dependable foundation that takes its time.
IndependentGNOME, KDE Plasma, Xfce, moreStableIntermediate2 GB+ RAM
Conservative and predictable updates
#3 overallProfile - 3
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 - 4
Zorin OS
A gentle switch from the desktop you know.
Ubuntu LTSGNOME-based (Xfce in Lite)StableBeginner4 GB+ RAM
Familiar desktop layouts
#7 overallProfile - 5
Kali Linux
A toolkit for penetration testing and security research.
Debian TestingXfce, KDE Plasma, GNOMERollingAdvanced4 GB+ RAM
Large, maintained collection of security tools
#10 overallProfile - 6
Manjaro
Arch packages with a slower, tested rollout.
Arch LinuxKDE Plasma, GNOME, XfceRollingIntermediate4 GB+ RAM
Graphical kernel and driver management
#12 overallProfile - 7
openSUSE Tumbleweed
Rolling releases with tested snapshots.
openSUSEKDE Plasma, GNOME, XfceRollingIntermediate4 GB+ RAM
Automated testing of rolling snapshots
#15 overallProfile - 8
MX Linux25.3
Debian Stable with a toolbox of helpful utilities.
Debian StableXfce, KDE Plasma, FluxboxStableBeginner2 GB+ RAM
MX Tools cover common admin tasks graphically
#16 overallProfile - 9
EndeavourOS
An approachable installer for an Arch-based system.
Arch LinuxKDE Plasma, moreRollingIntermediate4 GB+ RAM
Accessible setup for an Arch-based environment
#17 overallProfile - 10
Garuda Linux
A striking Arch-based desktop with snapshots.
Arch LinuxKDE Plasma (Dr460nized, Mokka), moreRollingIntermediate8 GB+ RAM
Btrfs snapshots before system updates
#19 overallProfile - 11
Slackware15.0
The oldest maintained distribution, simple by design.
IndependentKDE Plasma, XfceStableAdvanced2 GB+ RAM
Simple, transparent system design
#24 overallProfile - 12
Alpine Linux3.24.2
Small, simple, security-minded, and container-friendly.
IndependentNone by default (Xfce, GNOME, KDE available)StableAdvanced1 GB+ RAM
Very small base image
#26 overallProfile - 13
Artix Linux
Arch Linux without systemd.
Arch LinuxKDE Plasma, Xfce, moreRollingAdvanced2 GB+ RAM
Choice of four init systems
#29 overallProfile - 14
Void Linux
An independent rolling system with runit.
IndependentXfce (live image) or your choiceRollingAdvanced2 GB+ RAM
Fast boot with runit
#30 overallProfile - 15
Qubes OS
Security through isolation in separate virtual machines.
Xen with Fedora and Debian templatesXfceStableAdvanced16 GB+ RAM
Strong compartmentalization between tasks
#31 overallProfile - 16
Devuan
Debian without systemd, with a choice of init.
DebianXfce, KDE Plasma, moreStableIntermediate2 GB+ RAM
Choice of init system
#37 overallProfile - 17
Xubuntu
Ubuntu with the light, steady Xfce desktop.
UbuntuXfceStableBeginner2 GB+ RAM
Lighter than Ubuntu’s default desktop
#40 overallProfile - 18
Solus
An independent desktop with a curated rolling model.
IndependentBudgie, KDE Plasma, GNOME, XfceRollingBeginner4 GB+ RAM
Weekly, curated rolling updates
#43 overallProfile - 19
PCLinuxOS
A long-running independent rolling desktop.
Independent (Mandriva heritage)KDE Plasma, MATE, XfceRollingBeginner4 GB+ RAM
Rolling without reinstalling
#44 overallProfile - 20
Peppermint OS
A light Debian-based desktop with minimal defaults.
Debian StableXfceStableBeginner2 GB+ RAM
Lean install with Debian underneath
#45 overallProfile - 21
Mageia
A community fork of Mandriva with its own control center.
Independent (Mandriva fork)KDE Plasma, GNOME, XfceStableBeginner4 GB+ RAM
Central graphical control center
#46 overallProfile - 22
Linux Lite
A lightweight Windows-style desktop for newcomers.
Ubuntu LTSXfceStableBeginner2 GB+ RAM
Beginner-friendly help manual
#47 overallProfile - 23
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 - 24
openSUSE Leap16.0
A stable openSUSE for workstations and servers.
SUSE Linux EnterpriseKDE Plasma, GNOME, XfceStableIntermediate4 GB+ RAM
Enterprise-derived base with community releases
UnrankedProfile
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 Xfce distro
Why Xfce
Xfce is a light, traditional desktop that changes slowly and uses few resources. It gives you a panel, an application menu, and a desktop with icons, and it stays out of your way. That makes it a favorite for older laptops and for people who want a desktop that behaves the same year after year.
Xfce still runs primarily on X11; Wayland support is being developed.
How to choose
Easiest start: Linux Mint Xfce, Xubuntu, or MX Linux. For very old or low-memory PCs: Linux Lite, antiX, or Peppermint OS. For a minimal system you build yourself: Debian or Void Linux with Xfce.
Xfce distros: common questions
What is the best Xfce distro?
MX Linux, Xubuntu, and Linux Mint Xfce are the most common choices; Linux Lite targets older hardware. See the ranking above for current popularity.
Is Xfce good for old computers?
Yes. Xfce uses far less memory than GNOME or KDE Plasma and runs well on machines with 2 to 4 GB of RAM.