Ubuntu Flavors: Which one is for you in 2025?

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat) comes with 10 official flavors, each offering a unique desktop environment and set of applications.

Whether you’re a developer, designer, or everyday user, there’s an Ubuntu flavor that’s perfect for you. All flavors share the same core system, repositories, and regular security updates.

In this post will help you decide which official Ubuntu flavor you to download including links to wallpapers and a guide on how to upgrade to the latest version of each flavor.

Feel free to leave a comment below or contact us if you need any help.

Table of Contents

Best Ubuntu Flavors To Download

Ubuntu

The standard Ubuntu experience features the modern GNOME desktop environment, offering a clean and intuitive interface with excellent touch support and seamless integration with online accounts. This is the flagship Ubuntu experience that balances modernity with functionality, featuring a workflow centered around activities and applications.

Ideal for: General users, developers, and anyone who wants the official Ubuntu experience with a modern desktop environment.

Kubuntu

Kubuntu delivers the powerful KDE Plasma desktop environment, renowned for its incredible flexibility, visual appeal, and virtually limitless customization options. With its sleek design and comprehensive suite of KDE applications, Kubuntu offers a polished desktop experience that can be tailored to match any workflow or aesthetic preference.

Ideal for: Users who want a highly customizable desktop, Windows migrants, and those who prefer Qt-based applications.

Xubuntu

Xubuntu utilizes the Xfce desktop environment, creating a fast, stable, and lightweight computing experience that remains visually appealing and highly functional. While being resource-efficient, Xubuntu doesn’t sacrifice usability, offering a traditional desktop metaphor that’s both familiar and efficient for daily computing tasks.

Ideal for: Users with older hardware, those who prefer a traditional desktop interface, and anyone seeking a balance between features and performance.

Lubuntu

Lubuntu employs the LXQt desktop environment to create one of the lightest official Ubuntu flavors available, designed specifically for efficiency and speed. This distribution is perfect for breathing new life into older computers or running smoothly on modern low-spec hardware without compromising on essential functionality.

Ideal for: Users with very old or low-spec hardware, those who prioritize speed and efficiency over visual effects, and minimalist desktop enthusiasts.

Ubuntu MATE

Ubuntu MATE provides a classic desktop experience using the MATE desktop environment, which continues the GNOME 2 tradition that many users know and love. This flavor offers a traditional, intuitive interface that’s highly configurable while remaining simple to use, making it accessible to users of all experience levels.

Ideal for: Users who prefer a traditional desktop layout, those transitioning from Windows or older Ubuntu versions, and Raspberry Pi enthusiasts.

Ubuntu Budgie

Ubuntu Budgie features the modern and elegant Budgie desktop environment, which focuses on simplicity, elegance, and user-friendliness. With its clean layout and macOS-like aesthetic, Budgie offers a contemporary computing experience that’s both beautiful and highly functional out of the box.

Ideal for: Users who appreciate a modern, elegant desktop, macOS migrants, and those who want a balance between simplicity and functionality.

Ubuntu Studio

Ubuntu Studio is specifically tailored for multimedia creation, featuring a comprehensive suite of audio, video, and graphic editing tools right out of the box. Using the KDE Plasma desktop for maximum customization, this flavor is optimized for low-latency audio performance and includes specialized applications for content creators.

Ideal for: Audio engineers, video editors, graphic designers, photographers, and anyone involved in multimedia production.

Ubuntu Cinnamon

Ubuntu Cinnamon brings the popular Cinnamon desktop to Ubuntu, offering a modern, elegant interface with traditional desktop metaphors that will feel familiar to Windows users. This flavor combines contemporary aesthetics with a layout that emphasizes productivity and ease of use.

Ideal for: Windows migrants, users who prefer a traditional layout with modern aesthetics, and Linux Mint Cinnamon users wanting Ubuntu base.

Ubuntu Unity

Ubuntu Unity continues the legacy of the original Unity desktop, offering a unique, convergent interface that works well on both desktop and touch devices. With its distinctive global menu, HUD (Head-Up Display), and launcher interface, Unity provides a workflow that’s both efficient and distinctive.

Ideal for: Fans of the classic Unity interface, users who want a unique desktop experience, and those who appreciate HUD and global menu features.

Edubuntu

Edubuntu is designed specifically for educational environments, featuring a wide range of educational software and tools suitable for students of all ages and teachers in classroom settings. This flavor makes it easy to set up computer labs and learning environments with appropriate educational applications.

Ideal for: Students, teachers, educational institutions, and parents looking for educational software for their children.

Ubuntu Kylin

Ubuntu Kylin is optimized specifically for Chinese users, featuring a customized UKUI desktop environment and Chinese-specific applications and input methods. This flavor includes localized features and services that cater to the needs of Chinese-speaking users while maintaining full compatibility with the Ubuntu ecosystem.

Ideal for: Chinese-speaking users, those needing Chinese language support, and users who prefer an interface optimized for Chinese input and applications.

Quick Comparison Table

Flavor	Desktop Environment	Resource Usage	Best For
Ubuntu	GNOME	Medium	General Use, Developers, Gaming
Kubuntu	KDE Plasma	Medium	Customization, Windows Migrants
Xubuntu	Xfce	Light	Older Hardware, Traditional UI
Lubuntu	LXQt	Very Light	Very Old Hardware, Minimalists
Ubuntu MATE	MATE	Light	Traditional Layout, Raspberry Pi
Ubuntu Budgie	Budgie	Medium	Elegant UI, macOS Migrants
Ubuntu Studio	KDE Plasma	High	Multimedia Production
Ubuntu Cinnamon	Cinnamon	Medium	Windows-like, Traditional Layout
Ubuntu Unity	Unity	Medium	Unique Workflow, Touch Devices
Edubuntu	GNOME	Medium	Education, Schools
Ubuntu Kylin	UKUI	Medium	Chinese-speaking Users, Windows-like

Each Ubuntu 24.04 LTS flavor offers a unique approach to the desktop computing experience while maintaining the stability and security of the Ubuntu foundation. Choose the one that best matches your hardware, workflow preferences, and aesthetic tastes.

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Ubuntu Flavors: Which one is for you in 2025?