Lubuntu
Official Ubuntu on featherweight LXQt — keeps old hardware quick.
Lubuntu is the featherweight of the official Ubuntu family. It ships LXQt, a Qt-based desktop engineered to sip resources, and the result runs comfortably where most modern desktops will not start: think 2GB of RAM, aging netbooks, or that drawer laptop you almost recycled. Since it draws from Ubuntu's repositories, light hardware does not mean a light software catalog.
Modern Lubuntu is more polished than its reputation suggests. LXQt replaced the old LXDE years ago, bringing a cleaner look and active development while keeping the tiny footprint. It makes no attempt to dazzle; the mission is to boot fast, run cool, and let ancient silicon do useful work. At that mission it is one of the best in the business.
Strengths
- One of the lightest full desktops with official Ubuntu backing.
- Runs usably on hardware most distros abandoned years ago.
- Complete Ubuntu repository access despite the tiny footprint.
- LXQt is actively developed, clean, and surprisingly modern-looking.
- Official flavor status: same LTS lifecycle and security updates as Ubuntu.
Watch-outs
- Minimal visual flair; function beats form everywhere.
- LXQt is X11-only for now, though Wayland work is underway upstream.
- On modern hardware there is little reason to pick it over Xubuntu or Kubuntu.
Standout features
- The go-to official flavor for genuinely low-spec machines.
- Boots to a usable desktop in a fraction of the RAM of stock Ubuntu.
- Qt-based stack keeps it consistent and light without GTK baggage.
- A practical rescue option: reviving one old laptop pays for the install time.
Who it's for
Best for
Genuinely old or low-RAM machines that need a supported, mainstream-based system that stays quick.Maybe not for
Modern hardware, eye-candy seekers, or anyone who wants a showcase desktop; its whole point is austerity.The Lubuntu player profile
In Distro Fighter, Lubuntu tends to win for people who…
▶ Play a round and see if you match with Lubuntu →
Signature moves
Is Lubuntu right for you?
Answer eight quick questions and watch 32 distros brawl to your pick — no signup, ~60 seconds.
▶ Play Distro Fighter Visit the official Lubuntu site →