Lxqt vs. Xfce

Attribute	Lxqt	Xfce
Desktop Environment	Lxqt	Xfce
Resource Usage	Lightweight	Moderate
Customization	Highly customizable	Customizable
Default Applications	Minimal	More pre-installed apps
Development Language	C++	C

Introduction

When it comes to choosing a desktop environment for your Linux system, two popular options are LXQt and Xfce. Both of these desktop environments are known for their lightweight nature, customization options, and user-friendly interfaces. In this article, we will compare the attributes of LXQt and Xfce to help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs.

Customization

One of the key features of Xfce is its high level of customization. Xfce allows users to easily tweak the appearance of their desktop, including changing themes, icons, and fonts. Users can also customize the panel layout, add or remove applets, and configure keyboard shortcuts. LXQt, on the other hand, offers a more limited range of customization options. While users can still change themes and icons, the level of customization available in LXQt is not as extensive as in Xfce.

Resource Usage

Both LXQt and Xfce are known for their lightweight nature, making them ideal choices for older or less powerful hardware. However, LXQt is generally considered to be even lighter on system resources than Xfce. LXQt achieves this by using the Qt toolkit, which is known for its efficiency. Xfce, on the other hand, uses the GTK toolkit, which can be slightly heavier on resources. If you are looking for a desktop environment that will run smoothly on older hardware, LXQt may be the better choice.

Default Applications

When it comes to default applications, Xfce includes a more comprehensive set of tools out of the box. Xfce comes with a file manager, terminal emulator, text editor, and other essential applications pre-installed. LXQt, on the other hand, includes a more minimal set of default applications. While LXQt does come with a file manager and terminal emulator, users may need to install additional applications to meet their needs. If you prefer a desktop environment that includes a wide range of default applications, Xfce may be the better choice.

Community Support

Both LXQt and Xfce have active communities of developers and users who provide support and contribute to the ongoing development of the desktop environments. However, Xfce has been around for longer and has a larger user base, which can make it easier to find help and resources online. LXQt, on the other hand, is a newer desktop environment that is still growing its community. While LXQt has made significant progress in recent years, some users may prefer the larger community and established reputation of Xfce.

Performance

When it comes to performance, both LXQt and Xfce are known for their speed and responsiveness. However, some users may find that LXQt feels slightly snappier than Xfce, especially on lower-end hardware. LXQt's use of the Qt toolkit and its focus on efficiency contribute to its fast performance. Xfce, on the other hand, may feel slightly slower in comparison, particularly when running multiple applications simultaneously. If performance is a top priority for you, LXQt may be the better choice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both LXQt and Xfce are excellent choices for users looking for lightweight, customizable desktop environments for their Linux systems. Xfce offers a high level of customization and a comprehensive set of default applications, making it a great option for users who value flexibility and convenience. On the other hand, LXQt is even lighter on system resources and may offer slightly better performance, particularly on older hardware. Ultimately, the best choice between LXQt and Xfce will depend on your specific needs and preferences. We recommend trying out both desktop environments to see which one suits you best.