See [Desktop environment](/index.php/Desktop_environment "Desktop environment") for the main article.

See also [Wikipedia:Comparison of X Window System desktop environments](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_X_Window_System_desktop_environments "wikipedia:Comparison of X Window System desktop environments").

<caption>Overview of [desktop environments](/index.php/Desktop_environment "Desktop environment")</caption>
| Desktop environment | Widget toolkit | Window manager | Taskbar | Terminal emulator | File manager | Calculator | Text editor | Image viewer | Media player | Document viewer | Web browser | Display manager |
| [Budgie](/index.php/Budgie "Budgie") | [gtk3](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=gtk3) | [budgie-desktop](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=budgie-desktop) | [budgie-desktop](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=budgie-desktop) | [gnome-terminal](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=gnome-terminal) | [nautilus](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=nautilus) | [gnome-calculator](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=gnome-calculator) | [gedit](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=gedit) | [eog](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=eog) | [totem](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=totem) | [evince](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=evince) | [epiphany](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=epiphany) | [gdm](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=gdm) |
| [Cinnamon](/index.php/Cinnamon "Cinnamon") | [gtk3](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=gtk3) | [muffin](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=muffin) | [cinnamon](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=cinnamon) | [gnome-terminal](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=gnome-terminal) | [nemo](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=nemo) | [gnome-calculator](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=gnome-calculator) | [gedit](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=gedit) | [eog](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=eog) | [totem](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=totem) | [evince](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=evince) | [Firefox](/index.php/Firefox "Firefox") | [lightdm-gtk-greeter](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=lightdm-gtk-greeter) |
| [Deepin](/index.php/Deepin "Deepin") | [gtk2](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=gtk2) [gtk3](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=gtk3) [qt5-base](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=qt5-base) | [deepin-wm](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=deepin-wm) | [deepin-dock](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=deepin-dock) | [deepin-terminal](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=deepin-terminal) | [deepin-file-manager](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=deepin-file-manager) | [deepin-calculator](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=deepin-calculator) | [deepin-editor](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=deepin-editor) | [deepin-image-viewer](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=deepin-image-viewer) | [deepin-movie](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=deepin-movie) | [evince](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=evince) | [Chromium](/index.php/Chromium "Chromium") | [deepin-session-ui](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=deepin-session-ui) |
| [EDE](/index.php/Equinox_Desktop_Environment "Equinox Desktop Environment") | [fltk](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=fltk) | [pekwm](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=pekwm) | [ede](https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/ede/) | [xterm](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=xterm) | [fluff](https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/fluff/) | [zalc](https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/zalc/) | [fltk-editor](https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/fltk-editor/) | [ede](https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/ede/) | [flmusic](https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/flmusic/) | [flaxpdf-git](https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/flaxpdf-git/) | [dillo](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=dillo) | [xorg-xdm](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=xorg-xdm) |
| [Enlightenment](/index.php/Enlightenment "Enlightenment") | [efl](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=efl) | [enlightenment](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=enlightenment) | [enlightenment](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=enlightenment) | [terminology](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=terminology) | [enlightenment](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=enlightenment) | [equate-git](https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/equate-git/) | [ecrire-git](https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/ecrire-git/) | [ephoto-git](https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/ephoto-git/) | [rage](https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/rage/) | eevee | [links](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=links) | [xorg-xdm](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=xorg-xdm) |
| [GNOME](/index.php/GNOME "GNOME") | [gtk3](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=gtk3) | [mutter](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=mutter) | [gnome-shell](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=gnome-shell) | [gnome-terminal](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=gnome-terminal) | [nautilus](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=nautilus) | [gnome-calculator](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=gnome-calculator) | [gedit](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=gedit) | [eog](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=eog) | [totem](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=totem) | [evince](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=evince) | [epiphany](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=epiphany) | [gdm](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=gdm) |
| [GNOME Flashback](/index.php/GNOME_Flashback "GNOME Flashback") | [gtk3](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=gtk3) | [metacity](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=metacity) | [gnome-panel](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=gnome-panel) | [gnome-terminal](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=gnome-terminal) | [nautilus](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=nautilus) | [gnome-calculator](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=gnome-calculator) | [gedit](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=gedit) | [eog](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=eog) | [totem](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=totem) | [evince](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=evince) | [epiphany](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=epiphany) | [gdm](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=gdm) |
| [KDE Plasma](/index.php/KDE_Plasma "KDE Plasma") | [qt5-base](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=qt5-base) | [kwin](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=kwin) | [plasma-desktop](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=plasma-desktop) | [konsole](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=konsole) | [dolphin](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=dolphin) | [kcalc](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=kcalc) | [kwrite](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=kwrite) [kate](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=kate) | [gwenview](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=gwenview) | [dragon](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=dragon) | [okular](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=okular) | [konqueror](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=konqueror) | [sddm](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=sddm) |
| [Liri](/index.php/Liri "Liri") | [qt5-base](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=qt5-base) | [greenisland](https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/greenisland/) | [liri-shell-git](https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/liri-shell-git/) | [liri-terminal](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=liri-terminal) | [liri-files](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=liri-files) | [liri-calculator](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=liri-calculator) | [liri-text](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=liri-text) | [eyesight](https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/eyesight/) | liri-player | [qpdfview](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=qpdfview) | [liri-browser-git](https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/liri-browser-git/) | [sddm](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=sddm) |
| [LXDE](/index.php/LXDE "LXDE") GTK+ 2 | [gtk2](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=gtk2) | [Openbox](/index.php/Openbox "Openbox") | [lxpanel](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=lxpanel) | [lxterminal](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=lxterminal) | [pcmanfm](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=pcmanfm) | [galculator-gtk2](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=galculator-gtk2) | [leafpad](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=leafpad) | [gpicview](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=gpicview) | [lxmusic](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=lxmusic) | [epdfview](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=epdfview) | [midori](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=midori) | [lxdm](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=lxdm) |
| [LXDE](/index.php/LXDE "LXDE") GTK+ 3 | [gtk3](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=gtk3) | [Openbox](/index.php/Openbox "Openbox") | [lxpanel-gtk3](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=lxpanel-gtk3) | [lxterminal](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=lxterminal) | [pcmanfm-gtk3](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=pcmanfm-gtk3) | [galculator](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=galculator) | [l3afpad](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=l3afpad) | [gpicview-gtk3](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=gpicview-gtk3) | [lxmusic-gtk3](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=lxmusic-gtk3) | [atril](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=atril) | [midori](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=midori) | [lxdm-gtk3](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=lxdm-gtk3) |
| [LXQt](/index.php/LXQt "LXQt") | [qt5-base](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=qt5-base) | [Openbox](/index.php/Openbox "Openbox") | [lxqt-panel](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=lxqt-panel) | [qterminal](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=qterminal) | [pcmanfm-qt](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=pcmanfm-qt) | [speedcrunch](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=speedcrunch) | [notepadqq](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=notepadqq) | [lximage-qt](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=lximage-qt) | [smplayer](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=smplayer) | [qpdfview](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=qpdfview) | [falkon](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=falkon) | [sddm](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=sddm) |
| [MATE](/index.php/MATE "MATE") | [gtk3](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=gtk3) | [marco](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=marco) | [mate-panel](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=mate-panel) | [mate-terminal](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=mate-terminal) | [caja](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=caja) | [mate-calc](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=mate-calc) | [pluma](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=pluma) | [eom](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=eom) | [parole](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=parole) | [atril](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=atril) | [midori](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=midori) | [lightdm-gtk-greeter](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=lightdm-gtk-greeter) |
| [Pantheon](/index.php/Pantheon "Pantheon") | [gtk3](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=gtk3) | [gala-git](https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/gala-git/) | [plank](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=plank) [wingpanel](https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/wingpanel/) | [pantheon-terminal](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=pantheon-terminal) | [pantheon-files](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=pantheon-files) | [pantheon-calculator](https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/pantheon-calculator/) | [pantheon-code](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=pantheon-code) | [pantheon-photos](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=pantheon-photos) | [pantheon-videos](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=pantheon-videos) | [evince](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=evince) | [epiphany](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=epiphany) | 

[lightdm-pantheon-greeter](https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/lightdm-pantheon-greeter/)

 |
| [Sugar](/index.php/Sugar "Sugar") | [gtk3](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=gtk3) | [metacity](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=metacity) | [sugar](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=sugar) | [sugar-activity-terminal](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=sugar-activity-terminal) | [sugar](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=sugar) | [sugar-activity-calculate](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=sugar-activity-calculate) | [sugar-activity-write](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=sugar-activity-write) | [sugar-activity-imageviewer](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=sugar-activity-imageviewer) | [sugar-activity-jukebox](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=sugar-activity-jukebox) | [sugar-activity-read](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=sugar-activity-read) | [sugar-activity-browse](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=sugar-activity-browse) | [lightdm-gtk-greeter](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=lightdm-gtk-greeter) |
| theShell | [qt5-base](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=qt5-base) | [kwin](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=kwin) | [theshell](https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/theshell/) | [theterminal](https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/theterminal/) | [thefile](https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/thefile/) | [thecalculator](https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/thecalculator/) | [kwrite](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=kwrite) [kate](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=kate) | [gwenview](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=gwenview) | [themedia](https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/themedia/) | [okular](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=okular) | [konqueror](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=konqueror) | [lightdm-webkit-theme-contemporary](https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/lightdm-webkit-theme-contemporary/) |
| [Trinity](/index.php/Trinity "Trinity") | TQt | TWin | Kicker | Konsole | Konqueror | KCalc | Kwrite Kate | Kuickshow | Kaffeine | KPDF | Konqueror | TDM |
| [Xfce](/index.php/Xfce "Xfce") | [gtk2](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=gtk2) [gtk3](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=gtk3) | [xfwm4](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=xfwm4) | [xfce4-panel](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=xfce4-panel) | [xfce4-terminal](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=xfce4-terminal) | [thunar](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=thunar) | [galculator](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=galculator) | [mousepad](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=mousepad) | [ristretto](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=ristretto) | [parole](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=parole) | [epdfview](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=epdfview) | [midori](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=midori) | [lightdm-gtk-greeter](https://www.archlinux.org/packages/?name=lightdm-gtk-greeter) |

## Resource use

In terms of system resources, GNOME and KDE are *expensive* desktop environments. Not only do complete installations consume more disk space than lightweight alternatives (LXDE, LXQt and Xfce) but also more CPU and memory resources while in use. This is because GNOME and KDE are relatively *full-featured*: they provide the most complete and well-integrated environments.

LXDE, LXQt and Xfce, on the other hand, are *lightweight* desktop environments. They are designed to work well on older or lower-power hardware and generally consume fewer system resources while in use. This is achieved by cutting back on *extra* features (which some would term *bloat*).