Best Xubuntu alternatives
Distributions that share Xubuntu’s purpose, family, release model, or desktop, ordered by how closely they match. Each one lists what it has in common and a link to a full side-by-side comparison.
- 1Xubuntu vs Linux Lite
Linux Lite#47 in rankings
A lightweight Windows-style desktop for newcomers. Linux Lite pairs an Ubuntu LTS base with a customized Xfce desktop and its own Lite tools for updates, tweaks, and help.
- Also suited to everyday use and older hardware
- Also Ubuntu-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: based on Ubuntu LTS.
- 2Xubuntu vs Linux Mint
Linux Mint#2 in rankings
A familiar desktop. A comfortable place to start. Linux Mint puts a traditional desktop, graphical update tools, and a straightforward software manager at the center of the experience.
- Also suited to everyday use and older hardware
- Also Ubuntu-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: based on Ubuntu LTS.
- 3Xubuntu vs Zorin OS
Zorin OS#7 in rankings
A gentle switch from the desktop you know. Zorin OS adapts an Ubuntu-based desktop for people switching from other operating systems.
- Also suited to everyday use and older hardware
- Also Ubuntu-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: based on Ubuntu LTS.
- 4Xubuntu vs Lubuntu
Lubuntu#34 in rankings
A lightweight Ubuntu flavour with LXQt. Lubuntu is the official Ubuntu flavour using the LXQt desktop.
- Also suited to everyday use and older hardware
- Also Ubuntu-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: LXQt desktop, beginner level.
- 5Xubuntu vs MX Linux
MX Linux#16 in rankings
Debian Stable with a toolbox of helpful utilities. MX Linux is a collaboration between the antiX and former MEPIS communities.
- Also suited to everyday use and older hardware
- Same stable release model
- Same beginner experience level
Key difference: based on Debian Stable.
- 6Xubuntu vs Peppermint OS
Peppermint OS#45 in rankings
A light Debian-based desktop with minimal defaults. Peppermint OS is a lightweight distribution built on Debian, with a Devuan variant for those avoiding systemd.
- Also suited to everyday use and older hardware
- Same stable release model
- Same beginner experience level
Key difference: based on Debian Stable.
- 7Xubuntu vs Bodhi Linux
Bodhi Linux#48 in rankings
A minimal Ubuntu base with the elegant Moksha desktop. Bodhi Linux ships a minimal selection of applications on an Ubuntu LTS base and uses Moksha, a continuation of the Enlightenment 17 desktop.
- Also suited to everyday use and older hardware
- Also Ubuntu-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: based on Ubuntu LTS.
- 8Xubuntu vs Q4OS
Q4OS#42 in rankings
A classic desktop on Debian, with a Trinity edition for old PCs. Q4OS is a Debian Stable-based desktop with two editions: KDE Plasma for current hardware and Trinity, a continuation of the KDE 3 desktop, for older machines.
- Also suited to everyday use and older hardware
- Same stable release model
- Same beginner experience level
Key difference: based on Debian Stable.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Xubuntu?
Linux Lite is the closest match: also suited to everyday use and older hardware; also ubuntu-based. Linux Mint and Zorin OS are also strong options.
Why switch from Xubuntu?
Common reasons are its tradeoffs: flavour lts support is shorter than ubuntu’s; xfce looks plainer than modern desktops. An alternative can keep what you like while avoiding these.