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Ubuntu VS Kubuntu

Compare Ubuntu VS Kubuntu 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
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  2. » Videos
  3. » Reviews
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Ubuntu logo Ubuntu

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

Kubuntu logo Kubuntu

Linux operating system distribution derived from Ubuntu but with KDE environment.
  • Ubuntu Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-12
  • Kubuntu Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-21

Ubuntu features and specs

  • Open Source
    Ubuntu is an open-source operating system, meaning it's free to use, distribute, and modify. This allows users to customize their system to their liking and contributes to a large community of developers constantly improving the system.
  • Security
    Ubuntu places significant emphasis on security, providing regular updates and including a built-in firewall and virus protection. Its Unix-based kernel design adds an additional layer of security.
  • User-Friendly
    Ubuntu is designed to be user-friendly with an intuitive interface, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced users. The Ubuntu Software Center simplifies the installation of applications.
  • Community Support
    An active and vast community of users and developers helps to solve issues and improve the OS. There are numerous forums, guides, and documentation available.
  • Performance
    Ubuntu tends to have better performance than some other operating systems on older hardware. It is less resource-intensive, leading to faster performance on a range of devices.

Possible disadvantages of Ubuntu

  • Software Compatibility
    Some software and applications, particularly those designed for Windows or macOS, may not be available or fully compatible with Ubuntu. Users might need to find alternatives or use compatibility layers like Wine.
  • Gaming
    While gaming on Linux, including Ubuntu, has improved, it still lags behind Windows in terms of the availability and performance of games. Many popular titles do not have native Linux support.
  • Learning Curve
    Although user-friendly, transitioning to Ubuntu from another OS can involve a learning curve, especially for users unfamiliar with Linux commands and terminal operations.
  • Driver Support
    Users might face issues with hardware compatibility, as some device manufacturers do not provide Linux drivers. This can affect peripherals like printers, graphics cards, and network adapters.
  • Professional Software
    Certain professional-grade software in fields like video editing, graphic design, or specialized industry applications may not have Linux versions or equivalents. Professionals might need to dual-boot or use another OS for specific tasks.

Kubuntu features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Kubuntu features the KDE Plasma desktop environment, known for its modern, intuitive, and highly customizable user interface.
  • Performance
    Kubuntu is generally lightweight and fast, providing good performance even on older hardware. KDE Plasma has been optimized for efficiency.
  • Wide Software Availability
    Being a flavor of Ubuntu, Kubuntu benefits from the extensive Ubuntu repositories, making it easy to find and install a wide range of software.
  • Strong Community Support
    Kubuntu enjoys robust community support with plenty of tutorials, forums, and documentation available online, thanks to its ties to Ubuntu.
  • Regular Updates
    Kubuntu receives regular updates and security patches, ensuring that the system remains stable and secure.
  • Good for Newcomers
    Its user-friendly design and ample support resources make Kubuntu a good choice for users new to Linux.

Possible disadvantages of Kubuntu

  • Resource Usage
    Although KDE Plasma is optimized, the graphical environment can still be more resource-intensive compared to other lightweight desktop environments.
  • Potential Bugs
    Users may occasionally encounter bugs or stability issues, particularly when using the latest, cutting-edge features of KDE Plasma.
  • Slower Software Updates
    Compared to rolling release distributions like Arch Linux, software packages in Kubuntu may not always be the most up-to-date.
  • Learning Curve
    While Kubuntu is user-friendly, new users might still face a learning curve, especially if they are coming from a different operating system like Windows or macOS.
  • Customization Overhead
    Although the customization options are a strength, they may be overwhelming to some users who prefer a simpler, more out-of-the-box experience.

Analysis of Ubuntu

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Ubuntu is generally considered a good operating system, particularly for those seeking a cost-effective, robust, and secure alternative to other operating systems like Windows or macOS.

Why this product is good

  • Ubuntu is a popular Linux distribution known for its user-friendliness, stability, and strong community support. It is a free open-source operating system that regularly receives updates and security patches, contributing to its reliability. Additionally, Ubuntu offers extensive documentation, making it accessible for beginners and versatile enough for advanced users.

Recommended for

  • Beginners looking to explore Linux due to its user-friendly graphical interface.
  • Developers and IT professionals preferring a stable and open-source environment.
  • Individuals and organizations seeking a secure OS for servers and cloud computing.
  • Users who require software tools available on a Linux platform and prefer regular updates.
  • Students and researchers needing access to scientific and development tools.

Analysis of Kubuntu

Overall verdict

  • Kubuntu is generally considered a good distribution due to its balance of performance, usability, and visual appeal. It is especially praised for the flexibility and features offered by the KDE Plasma environment.

Why this product is good

  • Kubuntu is a popular Linux distribution that combines the KDE Plasma desktop environment with the underlying Ubuntu operating system. It offers the stability and reliability of Ubuntu, along with the customizability and aesthetic appeal of KDE Plasma. Users appreciate its user-friendly interface, comprehensive software support, and large community, making it a suitable choice for both beginners and advanced Linux users.

Recommended for

  • Users who prefer a visually appealing and highly customizable desktop.
  • Those who want the robustness and support of Ubuntu's ecosystem.
  • Individuals looking for a Linux distribution that balances ease of use with power features.
  • Users transitioning from other operating systems seeking a familiar and intuitive interface.

Ubuntu videos

+ Add

Ubuntu 19.10 Review | The Best GNOME Desktop, Yet?

More videos:

  • Review - Review: Ubuntu 19.10 "Eoan Ermine"
  • Review - Ubuntu 19.04, My Review (And Why Most Users Should Avoid It)
  • Review - Ubuntu 24.04: An Excellent Linux Distro
  • Review - Ubuntu's Decline
  • Review - Ubuntu 24.04 Review: Why It's Time to Change Ubuntu's Release Cycle

Kubuntu videos

+ Add

Kubuntu 20.04 Review - LTS all round

More videos:

  • Review - Kubuntu 20.04 LTS Review - An iterative and solid upgrade
  • Review - Kubuntu 19.10 Review - A little late to the party.

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Ubuntu and Kubuntu)

Ubuntu

Kubuntu

Linux
83 83%
Linux
17% 17
Operating Systems
83 83%
Operating Systems
17% 17
Linux Distribution
83 83%
Linux Distribution
17% 17
Security & Privacy
100 100%
Security & Privacy
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 and Kubuntu

Ubuntu Reviews

Top 9 Fastest Linux Distros in 2024
Ubuntu and Mint are both based on Debian and share many similarities. However, some differences may impact performances in certain use cases. For example, Ubuntu tends to be more resource-heavy than Mint, especially the GNOME desktop environment, on the other hand, is known for its lightweight Cinnamon desktop environment, which can be more responsive & faster.
Source: linuxsimply.com
10 Most Popular Linux Distros of the Year 2023
Ubuntu also has some lightweight games like chess and Sudoku. GNOME Files, formerly known as Nautilus, is the default file manager. It is recognized for its strong community support, regular releases, and focus on user experience. There are several Ubuntu flavors available as well per the demand of users such as Ubuntu Studio for users who need the best multimedia-supported...
Source: linux.how2shout.com
12 Best Linux Distros You Should Use
Ubuntu uses Snaps for package management, and the latter is the reason the Linux community has started repelling it. They completely dropped out-of-the-box support for Flatpaks, as we mentioned in our Ubuntu 23.04 features list. Although it’s a good starting point for a complete beginner, we would argue there are better Linux distros to try than Ubuntu.
Source: beebom.com
Finding the Best Linux Distro for Your Organization
Based on the open source Ubuntu community, Canonical provides commercial support and services for Ubuntu Enterprise deployments. Ubuntu Enterprise is known for its ease of use, regular updates, and compatibility with cloud environments. Commercial versions include Ubuntu Desktop, Ubuntu Server, Ubuntu for IoT, and Ubuntu Cloud -- all optimized versions for their...
Source: www.openlogic.com
The best Linux distributions (operating systems)
Around since 2004, Ubuntu is a classic Linux distribution. The operating system is aimed at different user groups and simplifies the first steps for beginners. On the one hand, Ubuntu is customizable, but also offers numerous technical tools to simplify installation and configuration. Many programs are pre-installed, and additional packages can be conveniently added. Ubuntu...
Source: www.ionos.com

Kubuntu Reviews

The best Linux distributions (operating systems)
Kubuntu is another Ubuntu derivative, based on KDE Plasma as a desktop environment. The lightweight solution runs games smoothly. It is also customizable and thus optimized for gaming. Numerous programs are available for Kubuntu.
Source: www.ionos.com
Best Top 20 Ubuntu Linux Alternatives (Pros and Cons)
Kubuntu is an official Ubuntu flavor that uses the KDE Plasma Desktop instead of GNOME and shares the same underlying system as Ubuntu. Ubuntu’s repository is also used by Kubuntu and it releases packages on the same schedule.
Source: cloudinfrastructureservices.co.uk
13 Best Linux distros for gaming in 2022
Not just limited to our forums (itsfoss.community) but also some Reddit threads pointed at Kubuntu as their preferred choice just because they feel KDE desktop environment is easy on their system resources which improves their gaming experience.
Source: edumotivation.com
9 Best Linux Gaming Distributions in 2021
Linux Mint also offers LTS releases similar to Ubuntu. Unlike some Ubuntu flavors (like Kubuntu & Lubuntu), which provides 3 years of system updates, Linux Mint offers 5 years of updates no matter what desktop environment you go for. You get the option to choose Xfce, MATE, or Cinnamon edition.
Source: itsfoss.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Ubuntu should be more popular than Kubuntu. It has been mentiond 237 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 mentions (237)

  • I Installed Omakub Five Times So You Can Do It Just Once
    Linux is a great system. Ubuntu is a fantastic distribution to start with because of its ease to install and setup. It's also intuitive and easy to use, especially when coming from Windows or MacOS. It is a free (as in speech) and open-source system that keeps you out of the grips of Microsoft or Apple. In particular, it's great for developers and especially for web development -- since your web app is likely also... - Source: dev.to / 22 days ago
  • How to Check PC Specs without Logging into Windows 11?
    For a quick and easy process, I am using Puppy Linux, an extremely light-weight Linux Distribution. I will download the latest Puppy Linux ISO File (I am going with Slackware Base S15Pup64 as it is lighter) and then create a bootable USB using Rufus. If you want a safe and hassle-free process, you can stick with Ubuntu Distribution. - Source: dev.to / 3 months ago
  • Top 33 Ubuntu Linux Commands Every User Should Know (with Outputs)
    User@ubuntu:~ $ curl http://ubuntu.com User@ubuntu:~ $ curl -X POST -H "Content-Type: application/json" -d '{"name": "user", "age": 30}' http://example.com/api # -X POST: Specifies the request type as POST. # -H: Sets the request header, here specifying JSON content. # -d: Sends data with the request. User@ubuntu:~ $ curl -u username:password -O http://example.com/protectedfile.zip. - Source: dev.to / 5 months ago
  • How to Get Started with Bash Scripting for Automation
    Install a Linux distribution: Ubuntu, CentOS, or any preferred distro. - Source: dev.to / 5 months ago
  • How to use WSL 2 to Install Ubuntu on Windows 11?
    The system will list all the available Linux Distros. Popular Distros including but not limited to Ubuntu, Debian, openSUSE, SUSE Linux Enterprise and more will be displayed. Choose your distro accordingly. In this article, I am going to Install Ubuntu 20.04 LTS (Long Term Support). - Source: dev.to / 6 months ago
View more

Kubuntu mentions (73)

  • Issues updating multiple flavors of Debian on one computer
    I got the .iso from kubuntu.org for Kubuntu 23.10, and tried installing it. I was then greeted with a new error before I could get to the disk partitioning screen:. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Is setting up and dealing with WSL worth it if you don't NEED it?
    To those reading his comment: He tried to say Kubuntu. Seriously, head over to here and keep your sanity lol: https://kubuntu.org/. Source: almost 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
  • Linux - what flavor?
    Kubuntu - based on Ubuntu. Uses the KDE desktop environment. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Wanting to ditch windows 10 in favor of linux
    I recommend using Ventoy, and drag in the top general distro (Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora, Zorin, Manjaro) and the top distro for gaming (Nobara, PopOS, Garuda). If you want to have a user experience similar to SteamOS Desktop Mode, use the KDE version of the distro (Kubuntu, Nobara KDE, Manjaro KDE, Garuda Dragonfire). Source: about 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Ubuntu and Kubuntu, 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.

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.

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.

Debian - Debian is a free distribution of the GNU/Linux operating system.

Windows 10 - Windows 10 unveils new innovations & is better than ever. Shop for Windows 10 laptops, PCs, tablets, apps & more. Learn about new upcoming features.

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