Ubuntu vs Ubuntu Budgie: how they differ
Ubuntu and Ubuntu Budgie 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: Ubuntu is built on Debian, while Ubuntu Budgie is built on Ubuntu.
- Desktop: Ubuntu uses GNOME; Ubuntu Budgie uses Budgie.
- Software tools: Ubuntu uses apt and Snap; Ubuntu Budgie uses apt, so the commands you learn for one do not carry over.
- Releases: both follow long-term releases that stay supported for years.
- Memory: about 4 GB for Ubuntu against about 4 GB for Ubuntu Budgie is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Choose Ubuntu if
You are among the people who want the most widely supported desktop, with a new release every six months and a long-term release every two years.
Choose Ubuntu Budgie if
You are among the people who like a simple, modern and tidy desktop on Ubuntu's base.
Quick answers
- Which is easier for a beginner? Both suit beginners, so choose on look and feel.
- Which suits older hardware? They ask for a similar amount of 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 Ubuntu USB drive or the Ubuntu Budgie USB drive. Learn more: what is Ubuntu and what is Ubuntu Budgie.
Software commands compared
- Ubuntu:
sudo apt install name - Ubuntu Budgie:
sudo apt install name
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Ubuntu or Ubuntu Budgie?
Neither is better for everyone. Choose by what you need: Ubuntu suits people who want the most widely supported desktop, with a new release every six months and a long-term release every two years, while Ubuntu Budgie suits people who like a simple, modern and tidy desktop on Ubuntu's base.
Can I install both Ubuntu and Ubuntu Budgie?
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, Ubuntu or Ubuntu Budgie?
Ubuntu uses long-term releases that stay supported for years; Ubuntu Budgie uses long-term releases that stay supported for years.