Top Enlightenment Alternatives: Discover Your Ideal Desktop Environment
Enlightenment is a unique and powerful suite of libraries and a window manager designed to help create beautiful user interfaces with less traditional hassle. It spans from small mobile devices to powerful multi-core desktops. However, for various reasons – perhaps you're seeking a different aesthetic, more extensive features, or a lighter footprint – exploring an Enlightenment alternative can unlock new possibilities for your computing experience.
Top Enlightenment Alternatives
Whether you're looking for a feature-rich desktop environment or a lightweight option, there are many excellent alternatives to Enlightenment worth considering. Here's a look at some of the best:
Xfce
Xfce is a free and open-source desktop environment for Unix and Unix-like platforms such as Linux and BSD. It aims to be lightweight and extensible by plugins, making it an excellent Enlightenment alternative for users who prioritize performance and modularity without sacrificing a full desktop experience.
GNOME
GNOME 3 offers an easy and elegant way to use your computer, designed to put you in control and get things done. As a free and open-source desktop environment for Linux and BSD, GNOME is a robust Enlightenment alternative, known for its optimal performance and extensive extensibility via plugins and extensions.
KDE Plasma
Plasma, developed by the KDE Community, is a versatile cross-device work environment. It's a free and open-source desktop environment available on Linux, BSD, and postmarketOS. As an Enlightenment alternative, KDE Plasma stands out for its deep customizability, blurry transparency, lightweight design, and features like full-text search and optimization for fastboot mode.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a Linux desktop environment that merges innovative features with a traditional user experience, boasting a layout similar to classic desktops. This free and open-source option for Linux and BSD makes a compelling Enlightenment alternative for users seeking a familiar yet modern interface.
MATE
MATE is a free and open-source fork of GNOME 2, catering to users who prefer the classic GNOME experience over GNOME 3. Available on Linux, BSD, FreeBSD, OpenIndiana, and GhostBSD, MATE is a solid Enlightenment alternative for those seeking a stable and traditional desktop environment.
LXDE
The "Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment" (LXDE) is renowned for its extremely fast performance and energy-saving design. This free and open-source desktop environment for Linux and BSD is an excellent Enlightenment alternative for users prioritizing minimal resource usage and speed.
Budgie
Budgie is the flagship desktop of the Solus OS, focusing on simplicity and elegance for the modern user. This free and open-source desktop environment for Linux offers a clean and intuitive experience, making it a compelling Enlightenment alternative for those who appreciate a streamlined and visually appealing interface.
LXQt
LXQt is the Qt port and the successor to LXDE, combining lightweight performance with a modern Qt-based interface. As a free and open-source desktop environment for Linux and BSD, LXQt serves as a powerful Enlightenment alternative for users desiring a fast, energy-efficient, and contemporary desktop experience.
Cairo Shell
Cairo Shell is a desktop environment for Windows that aims to enhance productivity and advance current technology standards. This free and open-source Enlightenment alternative offers customizable features and support for multiple desktops, providing a unique and modern take on the Windows user interface.
CDE (Common Desktop Environment)
The Common Desktop Environment (CDE) was a collaborative effort by major tech companies and was widely used on commercial UNIX systems. Now free and open-source for Linux and BSD, CDE is a classic Enlightenment alternative that offers a robust and traditional desktop environment experience.
Exploring these Enlightenment alternatives can help you find the perfect desktop environment or window manager that aligns with your specific needs, whether you prioritize lightweight performance, extensive customization, or a familiar user interface. Dive in and discover the best fit for your system!