Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Ubuntu MATE VS Debian

Compare Ubuntu MATE VS Debian and see what are their differences

Ubuntu MATE logo Ubuntu MATE

We are delighted to provide a ready-to-run image for the Raspberry Pi 2 and Raspberry Pi 3.

Debian logo Debian

Debian is a free distribution of the GNU/Linux operating system.
  • Ubuntu MATE Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-12-18
  • Debian Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-09-12

Ubuntu MATE features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Ubuntu MATE provides a simple and intuitive desktop environment, making it accessible for both new and experienced users. The MATE Desktop Environment is well-organized, offering a traditional and familiar desktop layout.
  • Lightweight and Efficient
    The operating system is designed to be lightweight, which translates to lower resource usage compared to other desktop environments. This makes Ubuntu MATE an excellent choice for older hardware or systems with limited resources.
  • Customizability
    Users have a wide range of customization options for tweaking the appearance and behavior of the desktop environment. This includes changing themes, layouts, and panel configurations easily.
  • Active Community and Support
    Ubuntu MATE benefits from a vibrant community and a strong support network, offering numerous resources like forums, documentation, and tutorials. Users can easily find help and guidance for any issues they encounter.
  • Software Compatibility
    Being based on Ubuntu, Ubuntu MATE is compatible with a vast range of software and applications available through the Ubuntu repositories and PPAs (Personal Package Archives).
  • Regular Updates
    Ubuntu MATE receives regular updates and security patches, ensuring that the system remains secure and up-to-date with the latest features and improvements.
  • Long-Term Support (LTS) Versions
    LTS versions of Ubuntu MATE offer extended support and stability, making them an ideal choice for users who need a reliable and long-lasting operating system.

Possible disadvantages of Ubuntu MATE

  • Less Modern Appearance
    The MATE desktop environment, while functional, may seem outdated or less visually appealing compared to more modern desktop environments like GNOME or KDE Plasma.
  • Limited Advanced Features
    Being focused on simplicity and efficiency, Ubuntu MATE lacks some of the advanced features and eye-candy that are available in other desktop environments. Users looking for cutting-edge features may find it lacking.
  • Software Bloat
    Like other Ubuntu flavors, Ubuntu MATE comes with a pre-installed selection of applications that may not be necessary for all users. This can result in perceived software bloat.
  • Learning Curve for Customization
    While the desktop environment is customizable, new users might find the customization options overwhelming or difficult to navigate initially, requiring some time to learn how to effectively personalize the system.
  • Hardware Compatibility Issues
    Although rare, some users may experience hardware compatibility issues with certain devices or components, particularly with very new or niche hardware.
  • Default Applications
    The default selection of applications may not satisfy all users, requiring additional effort to install preferred alternatives. Some users might find the default applications less polished compared to alternatives.

Debian features and specs

  • Stability
    Debian is known for its rock-solid stability, making it a preferred choice for servers and critical systems that require long-term reliability.
  • Package Availability
    Debian offers a vast repository of packages, ensuring that you have access to a wide range of software and tools without needing third-party sources.
  • Security
    Debian has a strong focus on security with timely updates and a dedicated security team, providing a secure environment for users.
  • Community Support
    Debian has a large and active community, providing extensive support through forums, mailing lists, and comprehensive documentation.
  • Flexibility
    Debian is highly configurable and supports multiple architectures, allowing it to be used on various hardware platforms and for diverse use cases.
  • Free and Open Source
    Debian adheres strictly to the principles of free software, ensuring that users have freedom to use, modify, and distribute the software.
  • Long-Term Support (LTS)
    Debian provides long-term support for its stable releases, making it a suitable option for systems that require extended maintenance.

Possible disadvantages of Debian

  • Older Software Versions
    Due to its focus on stability, Debian tends to use older, well-tested versions of software, which may lack some of the latest features and updates.
  • Complex Installation Process
    The installation process for Debian can be complex and intimidating for new users compared to more user-friendly distributions like Ubuntu.
  • Slower Release Cycle
    Debian has a slower release cycle which may result in longer wait times for new features, updates, and support for newer hardware.
  • Resource-Intensive Configuration
    Setting up and configuring Debian can be resource-intensive and time-consuming, particularly for users who are not familiar with its system.
  • Less Focus on Desktop Experience
    Debian's strong focus on stability and server use means that desktop users might find it less polished and user-friendly compared to distributions specifically tailored for desktop environments.

Ubuntu MATE videos

Ubuntu MATE 20.04 Review - Best of the Ubuntu Derivatives

More videos:

  • Review - Ubuntu MATE 20.04 Review: MATE Has Never Been This Better
  • Review - Ubuntu MATE 19.10 Review - Fast, Functional & Fun?

Debian videos

Debian 10 "Buster" Full Review and My Thoughts

More videos:

  • Review - Debian 10 Review (GNOME)
  • Review - Debian 10 "Buster" Review! Excited for THIS

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Ubuntu MATE and Debian)
Linux
25 25%
75% 75
Operating Systems
24 24%
76% 76
Linux Distribution
22 22%
78% 78
OS & Utilities
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Ubuntu MATE and Debian

Ubuntu MATE Reviews

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Debian Reviews

10 Most Popular Linux Distros of the Year 2023
Currently, Debian runs the FreeBSD kernel or Linux kernel. Debian was developed by many volunteers who are managing this operating system amazingly. The significant advantage of Debian is its vast software support. Learn – Install Debian 12 Bullseye on VirtualBox
Top 5 Secure Operating Systems for Privacy and Anonymity
The Debian Project adheres to a rigorous set of principles, the Debian Social Contract. It outlines its relationship with the community and underlines its dedication to delivering a free and secure high-quality operating system. This contract and the Debian Free Software Guidelines ensure that the software within Debian's repositories respects your privacy and freedom.
Finding the Best Linux Distro for Your Organization
Debian has a Testing branch, similar to a beta version, it is an intermediary stage between Debian's unstable and stable branches. The Testing branch is intended for users who want a balance between access to newer software and a relatively stable system. Debian Testing gets new features and fixes before the stable Debian release, allowing users who are comfortable...
The best Linux distributions (operating systems)
Debian is what Ubuntu is based on, making it one of the oldest Linux distributions. It was released and developed in 1993. For a long time, the abundance of software packages for Debian was unsurpassed and it is still notable. Commercial programs are easy to install. Installation, maintenance and usage are intuitive and not particularly difficult for both Windows and Mac...
Source: www.ionos.com
6 Best Free Alternatives to Windows for Advanced Users
Debian OS also offers a different variant for users to choose from and made the rolling release option available.
Source: techcult.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Debian should be more popular than Ubuntu MATE. It has been mentiond 66 times since March 2021. 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.

Ubuntu MATE mentions (43)

  • best Distro for Noob
    When I started out, I used red hat, Suse linux, and then finally I jumped to Ubuntu, when they killed gnome and rolled out their new GUI later, I switched to Ubuntu Mate, with xfce alternatively installed. And then later came MINT. Which is based on ubuntu anyway. Source: over 1 year ago
  • New monitor and VGA cable smudges/ghosting
    Prepare a blank USB stick with a copy of Ubuntu (write the ISO to the USB stick with Rufus). Source: over 1 year ago
  • Reviving an old machine for gaming
    Ubuntu MATE (simple, well maintained, has the Ubuntu ecosystem support and should work well). Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Who needs Ubuntu when you have MATE
    Linux Mint has its advantages, but your title doesn't make sense when there's Ubuntu MATE. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Fail To Download on Old Windows Vista PC
    (btw: since the PC is older I would reccommend Ubuntu Mate or Xubuntu as those come with a lighter Desktop). Source: about 2 years ago
View more

Debian mentions (66)

  • Coding on a Chromebook
    The terminal is actually a Debian terminal. Debian is a version (distribution) of Linux, so if you've used it or Ubuntu before, you'll be very familiar with the commands. - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • Can I contribute to a redesign of the Debian website?
    Can't figure out debian.org? Then you probably won't figure out the distribution either. The website is perfectly fine, if you know how to read and think. They have mainly been focusing on making Debian stable, so it's more about reading manuals than expecting user-friendliness from it. There's loads of userfriendly-focused linux distributions out there. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Your guide to Debian iso downloads
    Https://debian.org/ has a huge DOWNLOAD button. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • where all the isos are? (broken links)
    Links on the debian.org doesn't work. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Debian 12 froze. How to diagnose ?
    Https://debian.org/ download the iso, dd to a pendrive and reinstall... Source: about 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Ubuntu MATE and Debian, you can also consider the following products

Linux Mint - Linux Mint is one of the most popular desktop Linux distributions and used by millions of people.

Ubuntu - Ubuntu is a Debian Linux-based open source operating system for desktop computers.

Xubuntu - Xubuntu – Xubuntu is an elegant and easy-to-use operating system. Download XubuntuXubuntu – Xubuntu is an elegant and easy-to-use operating system. Feature Tour.

Arch Linux - You've reached the website for Arch Linux, a lightweight and flexible Linux® distribution that tries to Keep It Simple. Currently we have official packages optimized for the x86-64 architecture.

Fedora - Fedora creates an innovative, free, and open source platform for hardware, clouds, and containers that enables software developers and community members to build tailored solutions for their users.

Manjaro - Manjaro Linux is a linux distribution which is based on arch linux. It uses the PACMAN package manager.