Kubuntu vs. Fedora: Which Linux distro is right for your KDE Plasma desktop?

Observe ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• Each Kubuntu and Fedora KDE Plasma are nice distributions.
• One is predicated on Ubuntu, and one is predicated on Fedora.
• There are delicate explanation why you would possibly gravitate towards one or the opposite.

KDE Plasma has turn into one in all my favourite Linux desktop environments. Not solely is it stunning, however it’s additionally extremely versatile, quick, and dependable.

As soon as you’ve got selected the desktop atmosphere that is best for you, that you must select a distribution that enhances your atmosphere. With KDE Plasma, there are a variety of choices. Two of those will go head-to-head right here: Kubuntu and Fedora KDE Plasma.

Additionally: The best Linux distros for beginners

You would possibly marvel, “Is not KDE Plasma all the time KDE Plasma, irrespective of the distribution?” Which may be a logical assumption, however it’s not all the time true. Even delicate variations will be sport changers.

Between these two distributions, there is no such thing as a proper or incorrect alternative — they’re each implausible. Nonetheless, likelihood is that one in all them might be higher suited to your wants.

Let’s discover out.

Kubuntu

The very first thing to know is that Kubuntu is predicated on Ubuntu, which suggests it advantages from the user-friendliness of the APT package deal supervisor and the huge variety of purposes out there for set up. This is a pleasant little bit of trivia: You should purchase a Kubuntu laptop that performs incredibly well.

As Ubuntu (together with all distributions based mostly on Canonical’s OS) is among the most generally used open-source working programs, you will be sure that Kubuntu enjoys lots of the similar advantages, akin to a really massive group, intensive documentation, long-term assist (as much as 15 years), and rock-solid stability.

Additionally: I’ve tried nearly every Linux package manager – these remain my favorite

Kubuntu places forth a reasonably untouched KDE Plasma and, after all, ships with the darkish theme enabled (why that is all the time the case, I am going to by no means know). All the same old KDE Plasma bits are there, unchanged by the event staff. It is stunning, and it is quick.

However that is par for the course with KDE Plasma.

What distinguishes Kubuntu from Fedora? Subtlety. One factor that does set Kubuntu aside is the regularity of Ubuntu and Ubuntu spin releases. You may depend on two releases per 12 months: a .04 and a .10, and it is like clockwork. Even higher, the upgrades from one launch to the subsequent are as seamless because it will get.

One other big-ticket merchandise that units them aside is the default repositories. With Kubuntu, you get a large quantity of obtainable apps, all from the usual repositories. You additionally get Snap packages, that are Canonical’s tackle the common package deal supervisor. Though Snap won’t be the Linux group’s favourite common package deal supervisor, it is nonetheless a fantastic possibility for putting in all types of purposes (together with proprietary software program).

Additionally: Want to save your old computer? Try one of these 9 Linux distros – for free

Snap packages do are typically somewhat slower to open than Flatpak apps, however they take pleasure in the identical sandboxing. Snap packages are additionally pulled from a centralized repository (which is maintained by Canonical), whereas Flatpak is distributed. Due to this, some think about Snap packages a bit extra reliable. I’ve by no means had a problem with both Snap or Flatpak, so for me, it is a wash.

The model of KDE Plasma you get (out of the field) with Kubuntu is 6.5.3 working on Wayland. I instantly ran a full replace and located the Kubuntu improve was a bit slower than the Fedora KDE Plasma replace. Nonetheless, the Fedora KDE Plasma required a reboot for the upgrades to use (which isn’t the case with Kubuntu — until the kernel can also be upgraded). 

Functions and kernels

By default, Kubuntu ships with the likes of LibreOffice (v 25.8.4), Firefox (146.0), Thunderbird, Elisa, Haruna, and the same old KDE Plasma apps. 

Additionally: Why people keep flocking to Linux 

One other bonus: Kubuntu ships with the {Hardware} Enablement Kernel, which provides you improved assist for contemporary {hardware}.

Is Kubuntu best for you?

It boils down to at least one easy query: Do you want Ubuntu and KDE Plasma? If that’s the case, Kubuntu is the perfect distribution for you. For those who choose the APT package deal supervisor over DNF, for those who’d reasonably use Snap packages over Flatpak, and for those who’d take pleasure in an everyday, well timed launch schedule, go together with Kubuntu.

Fedora KDE Plasma

Second verse, similar as the primary. 

Fedora KDE Plasma is clearly based mostly on Fedora, so it advantages from the identical underpinnings, together with the DNF package deal supervisor and the SELinux entry management system. Fedora KDE Plasma additionally leans in to the Flatpak common package deal supervisor, though it’s important to allow Flatpak assist for the KDE Uncover app retailer. To do this, go to Uncover > Settings and click on “Add Flathub” within the prime proper nook. 

As soon as you’ve got added Flatpak, you will discover a significantly bigger choice of apps out there to put in.

Additionally: Should you run Linux straight from a USB? I tried it, and here’s my expert advice

While you examine the default desktop settings between Fedora KDE Plasma and Kubuntu, the Fedora take seems to be a bit extra trendy, because it ships with the floating panel enabled. Aside from that, completely different wallpaper, and completely different icons for the beginning menu, these two desktops look nearly an identical. 

Additionally they behave the identical.

The one distinction I can persistently detect between these two is that Fedora KDE Plasma has a slight edge by way of efficiency. Over the previous 5 or so years, each Fedora and KDE Plasma have grown significantly sooner, and when these two come collectively, it is spectacular. That is to not say Kubuntu is a slouch, however Fedora KDE Plasma simply appears to be a bit extra performant.

As for software program, Fedora is thought for transport with more moderen releases. Nonetheless, I used to be shocked to find that Kubuntu and Fedora KDE Plasma shipped with the identical model of Firefox, and Kubuntu had a brand new model of LibreOffice. The place Fedora KDE Plasma ships with LibreOffice 25.8.3.2, Kubuntu contains 25.8.4.2. The distinction is minimal, however it took me without warning, as I am accustomed to Fedora transport with more moderen releases than Ubuntu.

Utility set up

That is the place Fedora KDE Plasma falls a bit behind Kubuntu. With Fedora KDE Plasma, you will discover some purposes out there in the usual repositories, whereas others are solely out there through COPR, a repository that incorporates user-created/maintained apps.

Additionally: Firefox just fixed my biggest annoyance with web browsers – and others should copy ASAP

On the similar time, Fedora makes use of Flatpak over Snap, however you do must allow Flathub inside KDE Uncover earlier than you’ll be able to set up Flatpak apps through the GUI.

Lastly, as I discussed earlier, generally Fedora updates go the best way of Home windows and require a reboot (even when the kernel is not upgraded). For me, that is form of a deal breaker.

Is Fedora KDE Plasma best for you?

If you would like a KDE Plasma-based distribution that is barely sooner than Kubuntu, shrugs off Snap packages for Flatpak, makes use of the DNF package deal supervisor, and provides you a bit extra trendy tackle the look of KDE Plasma out of the field, then Fedora KDE Plasma is the distribution for you.

Additionally: OpenSUSE vs. Manjaro: Which powerhouse Linux distro is best for you?

Actually, each of those distributions are excellent, and each ship with KDE Plasma 6.5.4. If I am pressured to advocate one over the opposite, I might say this: For those who’re new to Linux, go together with Kubuntu. If in case you have even a modicum of Linux expertise, go together with Fedora KDE Plasma.