Top MATE Alternatives: Discover Your Perfect Desktop Environment
Many users of GNOME 2 disliked the transition to GNOME 3, leading to the creation of MATE – a fork of the classic GNOME 2. MATE provides an intuitive and attractive desktop environment that upholds traditional metaphors for Linux and other Unix-like operating systems. It's actively developed to incorporate new technologies while preserving that familiar, traditional desktop experience. However, even with its strengths, users may seek a MATE alternative for various reasons, whether it's for lighter resource usage, different customization options, or a more modern aesthetic. This guide explores the best alternatives to MATE to help you find your ideal desktop.
Top MATE Alternatives
Whether you're looking for a performance boost, a fresh new look, or a specific set of features, there's a desktop environment out there that can serve as an excellent MATE alternative. Here are some of the top contenders:
Xfce
Xfce is a popular free and open-source desktop environment for Unix and Unix-like platforms, including Linux and BSD. It aims to be fast and low on system resources while still being visually appealing and user-friendly. Its lightweight nature makes it an excellent MATE alternative for older hardware or users prioritizing performance, offering features like a modular system and extensibility by plugins.
GNOME
GNOME 3 offers an easy and elegant way to use your computer, designed to put you in control and help you get things done. As a free and open-source desktop environment available on Linux and BSD, it's a significant departure from GNOME 2 (and thus MATE's traditional approach). It's a strong MATE alternative for users seeking a more modern, activity-centric workflow, featuring optimal performance and extensibility via extensions.
KDE Plasma
Plasma, developed by the KDE Community, is a cross-device work environment that emphasizes user customization and control over workflow. This free and open-source desktop is available for Linux, BSD, and postmarketOS. It stands out as a highly customizable MATE alternative, offering features like blurry transparency, full-text search, and a lightweight design optimized for fast boot times.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a Linux desktop environment that balances advanced innovative features with a traditional user experience, similar to MATE in its layout. As a free and open-source option for Linux and BSD, it provides a familiar feel for users accustomed to MATE but with its own set of modern advancements, making it a comfortable yet fresh MATE alternative.
LXDE
The "Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment" (LXDE) is renowned for its extremely fast performance and energy efficiency. As a free and open-source desktop environment available on Linux and BSD, it's an excellent MATE alternative for those who need to maximize resources on low-spec hardware or prefer a truly minimal experience while still having a complete desktop environment.
Budgie
Budgie is the flagship desktop of Solus OS and is part of the Solus Project. Designed with the modern user in mind, it focuses on simplicity and elegance. As a free and open-source desktop environment for Linux, Budgie offers a clean and modern aesthetic, making it a compelling MATE alternative for users looking for something straightforward yet visually appealing.
LXQt
LXQt is the Qt port and the successor to LXDE, aiming to be the Lightweight Desktop Environment. It's a free and open-source option for Linux and BSD. Merging the strengths of LXDE with the Qt toolkit, LXQt provides a modern yet lightweight experience, serving as an excellent MATE alternative for those who prioritize both performance and contemporary design.
Enlightenment
Enlightenment is more than just a window manager; it's a comprehensive suite of libraries for creating beautiful user interfaces with less effort. Available as free and open-source software for Mac, Linux, and BSD, Enlightenment is a highly customizable and lightweight desktop environment. It's a unique MATE alternative for users who appreciate advanced visual effects and a highly optimized system.
CDE (Common Desktop Environment)
The Common Desktop Environment (CDE) was created through a collaboration of major tech companies and was widely used on commercial UNIX systems. Now free and open-source for Linux and BSD, CDE offers a truly traditional desktop environment. It's a compelling MATE alternative for users who seek a classic, robust, and no-frills Unix-like experience, perhaps for historical or specific workflow reasons.
GNUstep
GNUstep is a mature framework for both advanced GUI desktop applications and server applications, providing a robust Free and open-source API. Available on Windows, Linux, and BSD, GNUstep can serve as a desktop environment that adheres to a Unix-like philosophy. While perhaps less of a direct drop-in replacement for MATE's traditional metaphors, it's an intriguing alternative for developers or users interested in a powerful, object-oriented desktop foundation.
Choosing the right desktop environment ultimately depends on your personal preferences, hardware capabilities, and workflow. Whether you prioritize performance, modern aesthetics, or deep customization, there’s a MATE alternative on this list that can perfectly fit your needs. Explore these options to find the one that feels just right for you.