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ZDNET Key Takeaways
- Linux has lots of desktops to choose from.
- Each of these can be found at specific distributions.
- Some of these desktops may be installed on your current distro.
One of the best things about Linux (besides its reliability, security, and stability) is the huge range of options you have for almost every aspect of the OS. Those options don’t mean you have to work perfectly with your operating system, as you can always go with whatever options your distribution uses. But the good thing is that your options are not limited when you use Linux.
One area where that flexibility comes into play is in the choice of desktop. You may select a distribution with a specific desktop environment, or you may decide to install a different desktop environment (or window manager) on the distribution you are using. So, which desktop should you choose?
Too: Best Linux Distros for Beginners
Well, if you want my advice, there are five really extraordinary options for 2026. These desktops are all great choices and emphasize beauty, performance, and simplicity. I am confident that if you choose any of these desktops, you will find that it increases your efficiency and the enjoyment you experience while using your computer.
With that being said, let’s get to the desktop.
1. secular
This is what the default COSMIC desktop looks like.
Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET
COSMIC Desktop is the brainchild of System76 and was built from the ground up using the Rust programming language. By using Rust, COSMIC not only achieves speed but also security.
Even though COSMIC is in its first release (Epoch 1), I have been using it since its beta days. I’ve found the desktop to be remarkably stable. Sure, there are some little things I occasionally notice (like pop-up windows that require resizing with GIMP and oddities), but Cosmic is pretty solid.
Also: 5 Reasons Why Pop!_OS Is My Favorite Linux Distro
COSMIC is the default desktop pop!_os. The desktop is also highly configurable – much more so than GNOME (which was the previous default desktop for Pop!_OS). You can use COSMIC as is, or you can change the desktop exactly how you want.
I have said many times that I believe COSMIC is the future of the Linux desktop, and I stand by my claim.
2. KDE Plasma
KDE Plasma needs little introduction, as it has long been one of the most popular Linux desktops. One reason for this success is that KDE Plasma is remarkably fast and stable. Given that I remember the earlier days when KDE Plasma felt like it would crash at any moment, I haven’t experienced so many hiccups since the first release of version 6.0. Yes, KDE Plasma is as stable as they come.
KDE Plasma is beautiful too. This is one of the few Linux desktop environments that sticks with the old desktop metaphor (panel, Start menu, system tray, quick launcher) that I would use as my default. This desktop is also highly customizable, so if you don’t like the default layout, you can change it. You can also download and install themes to give your desktop the aesthetic appeal you desire.
Also: 10 things I always do immediately after installing Linux – and why
It was also recently announced that KDE Plasma will bring back two popular themes (which were removed a few years ago). Those decisions mean that when the next release arrives, we’ll have both Oxygen and Air to choose from in the Global Themes section of Settings.
KDE Plasma is the default desktop environment for many distributions, such as kde neon, Garuda Dr460nizedand many more.
3. Hyperland
Hyperland is different from the other desktops on this list. This particular desktop is called Tiling Window Manager, which means you control almost everything with the keyboard. When you open an app, Hyperland automatically decides where to place it. Open the second app, and Hyperland will do its thing again, placing the new window next to the first app (split the screen 50/50). Open the third app, and Hyperland will do its thing again.
The beauty of this approach is that you don’t have to worry about manually resizing and placing the app window, because Hyperland does this work for you. If you want to go to a different window, you use a keyboard shortcut. If you want to move a window, this is a keyboard shortcut. Almost everything that can be done on tiling window managers is done through the keyboard.
Too: How to Choose the Right Linux Desktop Distribution for You
Hyperland is not only very efficient, but it is also capable of some amazing optimizations. Look no further than StratOS to see how beautiful this tiling window manager can be.
The best way to use Hyperland is to choose a Linux distribution that uses it by default (as installation can be a bit tricky). The best distributions for Hyperland are StratOS, Garuda Hyperland, CacheOS and OmarChi.
4. Enlightenment
Alive is as beautiful as it is functional.
Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET
I won’t lie, enlightenment isn’t for everyone. However, if you want a fast-paced, customizable desktop with features that make it highly efficient, then you need to try Enlightenment.
Enlightenment is an old-school Linux window manager that is still in active development. Enlightenment was the second Linux desktop I used seriously, and I spent hours modifying it so I had a desktop that anyone looking at would be jealous.
Today’s Enlightenment still includes many features from day one, like a virtual desktop pager, desktop menus, shading windows, and some fun themes.
Also: I Tried Peppermint Linux: How This Bare-Bones Distro Lets You Build Your Ideal OS
The people best suited to use Enlightenment are those who want a desktop different from any they’ve used before, that doesn’t have the learning curve of a desktop like Hypeland. If you’re interested in speed and efficiency and still prefer to use your mouse, the Enlightenment is a great choice.
Enlightenment is the default desktop on Alive, and you can also use Bodhi Linux, which uses the Enlightenment-based Moksha desktop.
5. Budgie
You’d be hard-pressed to find a prettier Linux desktop.
Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Budgie was the last desktop I used before adopting Pop!_OS and Cosmic, which means it holds a special place in my heart.
The thing I love about Budgie is its ability to transform into any desktop you need. If you want a Windows-like desktop, Budgie is there for you. If you prefer MacOS, Budgie is with you. Or maybe you want to create something unique; With Budgie, you can do that too.
Budgie can run even on low-powered hardware without missing a beat. Although Budgie is not considered a lightweight distribution, it feels like one. To me, Budgie is almost a perfect blend of Linux, macOS, and Windows, it doesn’t feel like it’s copied anything.
Too: How much RAM does Linux really need in 2026? My favorite spot after decades of use
For those who like to tinker with themes, there is the ocs-url utility, which can download themes from sites like Gnome-look.org And install them automatically. If you want a beautiful desktop that’s fast and flexible, Budgie is a great choice.
The best distribution for Budgie is Ubuntu Budgie, which I believe is the perfect introduction to Linux.
