antiX vs Lubuntu: how they differ
antiX and Lubuntu are often considered side by side. This page compares what each one is built on, how it looks, how software is installed, how updates arrive and what hardware it needs.
Key differences
- Foundation: antiX is built on Debian, while Lubuntu is built on Ubuntu.
- Desktop: antiX uses IceWM or Fluxbox; Lubuntu uses LXQt.
- Software tools: both use apt, so install commands are the same.
- Releases: antiX uses numbered releases on a fixed schedule; Lubuntu uses long-term releases that stay supported for years.
- Memory: about 512 MB for antiX against about 2 GB for Lubuntu is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Choose antiX if
You are among the people with very old or low-memory computers, since it runs without systemd.
Choose Lubuntu if
You are among the people who want an official Ubuntu flavour that runs well on older computers.
Quick answers
- Which is easier for a beginner? Lubuntu is generally the easier first step.
- Which suits older hardware? antiX asks for less memory.
- Can I try both? Yes. Start each from a live USB drive without installing, or put both on one drive with Ventoy.
Browse the antiX USB drive or the Lubuntu USB drive. Learn more: what is antiX and what is Lubuntu.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, antiX or Lubuntu?
Neither is better for everyone. Choose by what you need: antiX suits people with very old or low-memory computers, since it runs without systemd, while Lubuntu suits people who want an official Ubuntu flavour that runs well on older computers.
Can I install both antiX and Lubuntu?
Yes. Install each one on its own partition, or try both from a live USB drive first. See dual booting for the idea, which also works between two Linux systems.
Which gets updates faster, antiX or Lubuntu?
antiX uses numbered releases on a fixed schedule; Lubuntu uses long-term releases that stay supported for years.