KDE vs XFCE: Which Desktop Environment is Right for You

Desktop environments are the visual interfaces that users interact with when operating a Linux-based system. Two popular options for Linux users are KDE and XFCE, which comes by default in a few distributions. KDE comes by default in Kubuntu, while the XFCE interface can be adopted with Linux Mint by default. 

This article will compare these two desktop environments, highlighting their similarities and differences that will help you make an informed decision about which is best for you in 2023. 

A Brief Overview of the KDE Desktop Environment

KDE (K Desktop Environment) is known for its highly customizable interface, a wide range of features, and high configurability, making it more resource intensive. It has more advanced features and a more modern and polished look, but this comes at the cost of higher system requirements The default file manager of KDE is Dolphin.

KDE System Requirement:

Following is the system requirement for the KDE desktop environment as mentioned below:

CPU:  2 GHz Intel x86 processors or AMD with the same specifications.

GPU: OpenGL 2.0 with DirectX 9 or more. 

RAM: At least 4 GB is recommended.

Storage: 15 GB recommended

A Brief Overview of the XFCE Desktop Environment

XFCE is a widely-used option for Linux and Unix-based systems because it is a free and open-source desktop environment that is efficient and speedy, making it well-suited for older or less powerful computers. XFCE has a traditional desktop layout with a taskbar, desktop icons, and a menu. Unlike KDE, it is less resource-intensive and aims to be simple and easy to use, and the default file manager of XFCE is Thunar. 

XFCE System Requirement:

Following is the system requirement for the XFCE desktop environment as mentioned below:

CPU:  1 GHz Intel x86 processors or AMD with the same specifications.

GPU: Any graphic card that should handle 800 X 600 resolution. 

RAM: At least 512 MB is recommended.

Hard Disk: 7.5 GB recommended.

Similarities Between KDE and XFCE

They both provide a traditional desktop layout with a taskbar, desktop icons, and a menu. Both also offer a wide range of customization options, allowing users to tailor the interface to their specific needs and preferences.

Some shared features and functionality between KDE and XFCE include:

Support for Multiple Workspaces: Both desktop environments allow users to organize their open windows across multiple virtual workspaces, making it easier to multitask and separate different types of work.

Support for Different Themes and Icon Sets: Both desktop environments allow users to change the look and feel of the interface by applying different themes and icon sets.

Support for Different Widgets and Applets: Both desktop environments provide a wide range of widgets and applets that can be added to the desktop or taskbar, providing quick access to frequently used features and information.

Support for Different File Managers: Both desktop environments support different file managers, allowing users to choose the best suits their needs.

Strong Community: KDE and XFCE are actively developed and have a strong community of users and developers, which means they are constantly updated and improved. This also means that users have access to a wide range of third-party software and plugins, which can further enhance the functionality of the desktop environments.

Compatibility: Additionally, Both KDE and XFCE are also compatible with a wide range of hardware, including laptops, desktops, and older computers, making them suitable for a wide range of users and use cases.

Differences Between KDE and XFCE

While KDE and XFCE share some similarities, they also have some distinct differences in terms of their unique features and capabilities, which are mentioned below:

Configurable Interface: KDE is recognized for its customizable interface that permits users to adjust the interface to match their preferences and requirements. It offers a vast selection of options for modifying the desktop’s layout, appearance, functionality, and components. 

While XFCE is known for its low resource usage, it is a good choice for older or less powerful computers or users who want to conserve system resources.

Wide Range of Built-in Applications: KDE comes with a wide range of built-in applications, including a web browser, email client, media player, and office suite, which provides a complete and integrated desktop experience. 

While XFCE is designed to be lightweight and fast, making it a popular choice for older or less powerful computers. It aims to provide a simple and easy-to-use interface without sacrificing performance.

Powerful Widgets and Applets: KDE provides a wide range of widgets and applets that can be added to the desktop or taskbar, providing quick access to frequently used features and information. 

While XFCE allows users to customize the interface to their liking, it is less configurable than KDE.

Advanced Features: KDE offers advanced features such as KRunner and KWin, which allow users to quickly access and launch applications, search for files and content, and customize the behavior of the windows. 

While XFCE allows users to use different applications, such as file managers, browsers, email clients, and media players, which gives users more flexibility in terms of the software they use.

Which One to Choose in 2023?

If your system is equipped with better hardware or likes advanced features and customization, you should go for KDE. It also has a wide range of built-in applications and a large user community, which can help troubleshoot and find answers to questions.

If you are using an older CPU version or are more interested in simplicity and speed, then you should select XFCE. It is a lightweight desktop environment that is well-suited for older or less powerful computers and for users who prefer a more minimalistic interface.

Conclusion

Both have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice will depend on the user’s needs and preferences. This article has provided a detailed comparison of the KDE and XFCE desktop environments, highlighting their similarities and differences. With this information, you should be better equipped to decide which environment best suits your needs and preferences.