Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups
Register | Login

KDE Plasma Desktop VS Fluxbox

Compare KDE Plasma Desktop VS Fluxbox and see what are their differences

LibHunt
LibHunt tracks mentions of software libraries on relevant social networks. Based on that data, you can find the most popular projects and their alternatives. featured
Contents:
  1. » Base Details
  2. » Videos
  3. » Reviews
  4. » Alternatives

KDE Plasma Desktop logo KDE Plasma Desktop

Plasma Workspaces is the umbrella term for all graphical environments provided by KDE.

Fluxbox logo Fluxbox

Fluxbox is a window manager for X that was based on the Blackbox 0.61.1 code.
  • KDE Plasma Desktop Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-06
  • Fluxbox Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-18

KDE Plasma Desktop features and specs

  • Customizability
    KDE Plasma Desktop offers an extensive range of customization options, allowing users to tweak almost every aspect of the user interface including widgets, themes, and layout.
  • Performance
    Despite its rich feature set, KDE Plasma is known for being lightweight and efficient, performing well even on older or less powerful hardware.
  • Feature-Rich
    Out of the box, KDE Plasma provides a wide array of built-in applications and tools, from productivity applications to utilities, catering to a variety of needs.
  • Active Community
    KDE has an active and supportive community that constantly contributes to its development, ensuring the desktop environment is continuously improved and updated.
  • Frequent Updates
    KDE Plasma receives regular updates, which bring not only security patches but also new features and improvements, keeping the desktop environment modern and secure.

Possible disadvantages of KDE Plasma Desktop

  • Complexity
    While the high level of customizability is a strength, it can be overwhelming for new or less tech-savvy users who might find the vast array of options difficult to navigate.
  • Resource Usage
    Although efficient, KDE Plasma might still consume more system resources compared to very minimalistic desktop environments, potentially posing an issue on extremely limited hardware.
  • Initial Stability
    Sometimes new updates or features can introduce stability issues or bugs, which might impact the user experience until they are patched in future updates.
  • Application UI Variability
    Depending on the application, user interface design can vary significantly, leading to an inconsistent look and feel across different applications.
  • Steeper Learning Curve
    The extensive feature set, while advantageous for power users, can lead to a steeper learning curve for beginners or those transitioning from simpler desktop environments.

Fluxbox features and specs

  • Lightweight
    Fluxbox is a minimalist window manager that uses very little system resources, making it ideal for older or less powerful hardware.
  • Customization
    Offers extensive customization options, allowing users to tailor the desktop environment to their preferences with themes, styles, and configurable keyboard shortcuts.
  • Speed
    Due to its minimalist design, Fluxbox is very fast and responsive, providing a smooth user experience.
  • Stability
    Fluxbox is known for its stability and reliability, with fewer crashes or performance issues compared to more feature-rich desktop environments.
  • Low Dependencies
    Requires fewer dependencies compared to full-fledged desktop environments, simplifying the installation and maintenance process.
  • Scriptability
    Highly scriptable using shell scripting, providing advanced users with powerful tools to automate and configure their environment.
  • Multiple Desktops
    Supports multiple desktop configurations, allowing users to organize their workspace more efficiently.

Possible disadvantages of Fluxbox

  • Learning Curve
    The minimalist design may be difficult for new users to learn and configure effectively, especially those used to more feature-rich desktop environments.
  • Limited Features
    Lacks many built-in features and utilities that are standard in other desktop environments, requiring users to manually install additional software.
  • Aesthetic
    May not be as visually appealing out-of-the-box compared to other desktop environments, requiring more effort to achieve a polished look.
  • Community Support
    Smaller user community compared to larger desktop environments, potentially making it harder to find help and resources.
  • Compatibility
    Some applications designed for more comprehensive desktop environments may not integrate smoothly with Fluxbox, requiring additional tweaks.
  • Advanced Configuration
    Requires editing text files for certain configurations, which can be intimidating and inconvenient for users who prefer graphical configuration tools.

Analysis of KDE Plasma Desktop

Overall verdict

  • KDE Plasma Desktop is generally regarded as a highly customizable, resource-efficient, and visually appealing desktop environment, making it a good choice for many users.

Why this product is good

  • KDE Plasma is known for its flexibility and extensive customization options, allowing users to tailor their desktop environment to their specific needs. It also provides a sleek, modern interface with a wide range of built-in features and applications. Additionally, Plasma is designed to be lightweight, ensuring smooth performance even on older hardware.

Recommended for

  • Users who enjoy customizing their desktop environment
  • Those seeking a lightweight and efficient DE
  • Individuals looking for a modern and intuitive interface
  • Users who want a desktop environment with a vast array of native applications
  • People with older hardware

Analysis of Fluxbox

Overall verdict

  • Fluxbox is generally well-regarded among users who prioritize performance and customization over extensive features found in more comprehensive desktop environments. It is particularly appreciated by Linux enthusiasts and those who enjoy tweaking their interfaces to suit personal preferences. However, newcomers to Linux or those who prefer a more out-of-the-box, feature-rich environment might find Fluxbox's initial setup and configuration process challenging.

Why this product is good

  • Fluxbox is a lightweight window manager for the X Window System, known for its speed and simplicity. It is highly customizable, allowing users to modify the look and feel extensively through configuration files. This makes it an attractive choice for users who prefer a minimalist and resource-efficient desktop environment. Its low memory footprint and fast performance are particularly useful for older hardware or systems where resource usage needs to be minimized. Additionally, Fluxbox provides robust window management features, such as tabbed windows and virtual desktops, which can enhance productivity.

Recommended for

  • Users with older or resource-limited hardware.
  • Enthusiasts who enjoy customizing their desktop environment.
  • Linux users looking for a fast and minimalistic window manager.
  • Advanced users comfortable with manual configuration.

KDE Plasma Desktop videos

+ Add

KDE Plasma Workspaces

More videos:

  • Review - KDE Plasma 5 Deep Dive (Late 2019) | Linux Desktop Reviews
  • Review - Trying Out KDE Plasma 5.15
  • Review - Kubuntu 18.04 Review: KDE Plasma at its Best

Fluxbox videos

+ Add

Openbox, Fluxbox or JWM which one do you like?

More videos:

  • Review - Salix OS 13.1.2 Fluxbox Review - Linux Distro Reviews
  • Review - Manjaro's New Fluxbox 15.10 Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to KDE Plasma Desktop and Fluxbox)

KDE Plasma Desktop

Fluxbox

Linux
72 72%
Linux
28% 28
Window Manager
35 35%
Window Manager
65% 65
Operating Systems
100 100%
Operating Systems
0% 0
Desktop Environments
100 100%
Desktop Environments
0% 0

User comments

Share your experience with using KDE Plasma Desktop and Fluxbox. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare KDE Plasma Desktop and Fluxbox

KDE Plasma Desktop Reviews

9 Best Linux Desktop Environments to Use in 2023
After GNOME, the most widely used Linux desktop environment is KDE Plasma. This KDE Plasma desktop environment comes with various tools and services to fulfill almost any demand. It includes applications like Dolphin, the default and most powerful file system manager, and KGeoTag, a photo Photo geotagging program. It features Oxygen icons by default, which have a pleasing...
Source: geekflare.com
The 8 Best Ubuntu Desktop Environments (22.04 Jammy Jellyfish Linux)
KDE Plasma desktop is a widget-based environment which makes it very adaptable. You can move, add or remove anything you like to make it suit your style as well as possible. Plasma is fast and efficient. It uses only few resources and is full of well designed features.
Source: linuxconfig.org

Fluxbox Reviews

We have no reviews of Fluxbox yet.
Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, KDE Plasma Desktop seems to be a lot more popular than Fluxbox. While we know about 66 links to KDE Plasma Desktop, we've tracked only 6 mentions of Fluxbox. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

KDE Plasma Desktop mentions (66)

  • Unlocking the Cutting Edge: Exploring Plasma 6 Beta, Secure Knowledge Management, and the Latest Tools for Linux Enthusiasts
    Plasma 6 - Beta 1 is the latest iteration of the KDE desktop environment, known for its flexibility and customization options. Beta releases are crucial for ironing out bugs and streamlining new features before the final release. - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • Apps cannot read files from Google Drive on KDE Neon
    Recently I installed KDE Plasma. I was pleased to see the KDE-KIO integration for Google Drive. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Should i switch?
    I'm glad to hear that you use Krita (and I may assume you use Blender for animations). Both are free and open source software that is available on Linux (even better, Krita is made by the KDE project, makers of all sorts of open source projects, including Plasma, one of the most complete user interfaces for Linux out there). Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Gamer migrating to Linux
    Because of this, I recommend using Fedora (either the default edition, which uses the GNOME desktop, or Fedora KDE, which uses the KDE Plasma desktop, like the Steam Deck). It ships up-to-date software, and it's very polished. (Note that, due to the US software patents, support/hardware acceleration for some media codecs isn't included by default. You should add the RPMFusion repo and set up the codecs after... Source: about 2 years ago
  • Questions I have about Linux, from someone who wants to switch from Windows 10
    KDE Plasma is developed by KDE, another international group of developers that make all sorts of cool software for Linux, macOS, Windows, and mobile platforms. Plasma is their flagship project. Their motto is "simple by default, powerful when needed". At first glance it may seem a copy of Windows, with a bottom panel sporting a start menu on the left and a system tray with a clock on the right, but don't get... Source: about 2 years ago
View more

Fluxbox mentions (6)

View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing KDE Plasma Desktop and Fluxbox, you can also consider the following products

Xfce - Xfce is a lightweight desktop environment for UNIX-like operating systems. It aims to be fast and low on system resources, while still being visually appealing and user friendly.

IceWM - icewm home page . Bug Tracking. If you have a patch, a bug report or a feature request to submit, please do so at the icewm project page at SourceForge.

LXQt - The LXQt team is proud to announce the release of qtermwidget and qterminal, both in version 0. 8. 0. Read more..

Openbox - Openbox is a highly configurable, next generation window manager with extensive standards support.

GNOME - An easy and elegant way to use your computer, GNOME is designed to put you in control and get things done.

i3 - A dynamic tiling window manager designed for X11, inspired by wmii, and written in C.

Loading...