Xfce vs. LXQt

In the world of Linux, desktop environments play a crucial role in shaping your user experience. For those who value simplicity, speed, and efficiency, lightweight desktops like Xfce and LXQt stand out. But what makes them different? Here’s a strategic breakdown:

1. The Minimalist Advantage:

Both Xfce and LXQt are designed for users who prefer a streamlined interface without unnecessary bloat. They help you make the most of your hardware, even on older systems.

2. Performance vs. Features:

While both environments are lightweight, they differ in how they balance resource efficiency and functionality. Xfce emphasizes stability and ease of use, while LXQt prioritizes speed and customization.

3. Customization and Aesthetics:

Whether you like a polished look or a more functional layout, Xfce and LXQt offer unique options to suit your workflow and preferences.

4. Who Are They For?

• Xfce is great for those who want a familiar, Windows-like experience with a focus on stability.
• LXQt appeals to users who crave minimal resource usage and advanced configuration.

 

This post dives deeper into how Xfce and LXQt compare in terms of performance, features, customization, and user experience, helping you choose the perfect desktop for your needs.

Project Origins: Xfce Is a Veteran, LXQt Is a Relative Newcomer

A Brief History of Xfce and LXQt

1. Xfce: The Veteran Lightweight Desktop

• Olivier Forudan developed Xfce in 1996 as an open-source clone of the Common Desktop Environment (CDE).
• CDE, popular on Unix workstations from HP, Digital Equipment Corporation, and Sun Microsystems, was proprietary at the time.
• Xfce evolved beyond its CDE inspiration, creating its unique aesthetic over the years.
• Built on the GTK toolkit, Xfce shares design philosophies with GNOME, particularly pre-GNOME 3.

 

2. LXQt: The Younger Contender

• Founded in 2013 by Hong Jen Lee, LXQt emerged as an offshoot of LXDE, another lightweight desktop environment.
• Unlike LXDE, LXQt adopted the Qt toolkit, which also powers the KDE desktop environment.
• LXQt targets ultra-lightweight performance, making it ideal for resource-constrained systems.

 

3. The Role of Toolkits

• Toolkits define a desktop’s “look and feel” by providing libraries for elements like buttons, window borders, and icons.
• Xfce uses GTK, aligning it with GNOME’s design.
• LXQt relies on Qt, creating a visual synergy with KDE.

 

4. Modular Design Philosophy

• Both Xfce and LXQt embrace modular design, breaking their environments into standalone programs that users can mix and match.
• Inspired by the Unix Philosophy, this modularity encourages flexibility and customization.
• Unlike monolithic environments like Windows and macOS, Xfce and LXQt rely on smaller components to create cohesive desktops.

 

5. Window Manager Flexibility

• Xfce includes its own window manager, xfwm, while LXQt supports multiple window managers, including xfwm.
• On some systems, such as Debian, LXQt users may unknowingly use components of Xfce, thanks to its compatibility and shared tools.

 

This rich history and flexible design make Xfce and LXQt standout choices for Linux users seeking lightweight and customizable desktop environments.

Desktop Layout: Xfce Looks Vaguely Mac-ish, LXQt Is More Windows-like

User Experience: Xfce vs. LXQt

1. Xfce: macOS-Inspired Default Layout

• When you launch Xfce, the default layout resembles macOS, featuring:
• A menu bar at the top for navigation and settings.

• A dock at the bottom for quick access to frequently used apps like the web browser.
• The Applications menu provides access to installed software and desktop settings.

• The top bar, or “panel,” includes:
• Components like a clock, calendar, and virtual desktop switcher.
• Easy customization by right-clicking on the panel.
• For those who prefer a modern approach, Xfce also offers the search-driven Whisker menu.

2. LXQt: Windows-Inspired Layout

• LXQt’s design mimics the traditional Windows experience, with:
• The application menu located in the bottom-left corner, resembling the Windows Start menu.
• A familiar interface that eases the transition for Windows users.
• One standout feature of LXQt is the Caps Lock, Num Lock, and Scroll Lock indicators. These visual cues are especially useful on laptops and keyboards without built-in indicator lights.
• LXQt also allows full customization of the panel’s position, a flexibility not yet available in Windows 11.

Both Xfce and LXQt balance user-friendly layouts with customization options, catering to macOS and Windows enthusiasts alike while offering unique features for Linux users.

Included Apps: Both Include Basic File Managers, Terminals

Xfce vs LXQt: A Comparison of Built-in Apps

1. File Managers

• Xfce: Comes with Thunar, a graphical file manager similar to Windows Explorer or macOS Finder.
• LXQt: Includes PCManFM, which serves the same purpose.
• Flexibility: You can install both Thunar and PCManFM on the same system via your package manager since they are available as standalone apps.

 

2. Terminal Applications

• Xfce: Features Xfce Terminal, offering modern tools like:

1. Transparent backgrounds
2. Tabbed terminal windows

• LXQt: Provides QTerminal, with similar capabilities.

 

3. Settings Management

• Both environments offer settings apps similar to Windows or macOS menus, enabling easy system configuration without editing files.
• Xfce: Allows adjustments like theme customization and screen resolution.
• LXQt: Provides similar settings functionalities in a clean interface.

 

4. Additional Applications

• Each desktop environment includes only essential system management programs.
• For additional apps (web browsers, office software, or games), you can install them separately.
• The specific apps preinstalled depend on your Linux distribution.

Which Distros Use These Desktops?

Both Desktops are widely supported on modern Linux and BSD distributions. Xfce and LXQt are two options that can be installed on Debian by default, and the Xubuntu and Lubuntu distros are based on the respective desktops based on Ubuntu. Xfce is also one of the options for Linux Mint. Both desktops are available on distros that don’t offer a default desktop, such as Arch. If you already have a Linux or BSD system installed, you can install them through the package manager as well.

Who Are These Desktops For?

Both desktops target users who want a full-featured desktop but might be constrained by memory or processor power, particularly on older hardware. Others might just want a no-fuss desktop. The choice of Xfce or LXQt will ultimately come down to your taste, but users accustomed to macOS or other Unix-like systems might prefer the former, while Windows users who prefer a more familiar layout might gravitate toward LXQt.

Since Xfce is broadly similar to older versions of GNOME and LXQt is closer to KDE, those who prefer those desktops but find themselves using lower-powered hardware might also like these alternate environments.

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