Ubuntu vs. Kubuntu: Discover the Difference in 3 Minutes! ⚡🐧
Ubuntu and Kubuntu differ greatly in look and feel due to their GNOME and KDE Plasma desktop environments. 🖥️ Although they share the same software foundation, they have different default applications and are developed by different organizations. The best way to understand their differences is to try them out for yourself, using methods that don't affect your current operating system.
When talking about distributions Linux For desktops, two names consistently appear: Ubuntu and Kubuntu. 🚀 Although they sound similar and share a common foundation, the user experience is significantly different.
I've been using both Ubuntu and Kubuntu as my primary operating system for months, totaling almost two years. I prefer Kubuntu, but both are excellent alternatives to Windows or macOS, the most common operating systems. 🔄
How do you decide which one to use? Here's how. 💡
Visible differences: very different appearance and experience
If you install Ubuntu on one computer and Kubuntu on another, you'll immediately notice differences. This is because they use different desktop environments, the software that defines how the desktop looks and interacts.
Ubuntu uses GNOME, an environment that stands out from others, offering a minimalist and intuitive experience, ideal if you're coming from tablets or 2-in-1 devices. On the main screen, the menu displays colorful icons with rounded edges to access applications.
Default appearance of the Ubuntu 25.04 desktop.
On the other hand, Kubuntu uses KDE Plasma, an environment reminiscent of the Windows 8 or 10 experience. It features a taskbar at the bottom with an application launcher on the left, pinned and active icons, and a notification area with a clock and settings on the right.
Default appearance of the Kubuntu 25.04 desktop.
Why not install KDE Plasma directly on Ubuntu?
A common question is, "If they share a common foundation and the software is free, why not install KDE Plasma on Ubuntu and call it Kubuntu?" The answer is that it's not recommended. My experience tells me that this generates a lot of bloatware.
Both environments require their own libraries and components that coexist on the disk, taking up space and increasing the risk of conflicts or bugs due to lack of optimization. My desktop became unstable and inconsistent when switching between GTK and Qt applications.
If you want to try KDE on an Ubuntu system, it's safest to do a clean install of Kubuntu after backing up your data to avoid any errors. 🔄
They share the same database and software repositories
A big advantage is that Ubuntu and Kubuntu use the same official repositories. Therefore, with the same version (e.g., 25.04), the programs you install will be the exact same versions on both systems.
This is important because each distribution decides which software versions to package and offer based on stability and functionality. Having a common foundation ensures consistency and compatible versions between both systems.
For example, I use KDE Spectacle on both Kubuntu 24.04 and Garuda Linux. On Garuda, the latest version (May 2025) includes screen recording and advanced annotations, but on Kubuntu, it's still the more stable and tested February 2024 version.
You won't notice this difference between Ubuntu and Kubuntu, as both systems keep software versions synchronized thanks to their shared repositories.
Different default applications for each system
Both systems come with pre-installed programs to cover basic functions. Despite sharing a common foundation, the default graphical applications are different and reflect the philosophy of their environment.
Ubuntu includes apps from the GNOME core suite, such as Nautilus for file management, Music for audio, and GNOME Terminal for commands. They're simple, clean, and work well within the GNOME environment.
Kubuntu, on the other hand, offers software developed by KDE: Dolphin (file explorer), Elisa (music player), and Konsole (terminal). Although they perform the same functions, they have unique interfaces and are independent.
Both systems include LibreOffice for productivity and Mozilla Firefox for browsing, renowned open source applications that are independent of Ubuntu or KDE and are essential for any business.
If you prefer an app from the other environment, like Nautilus on Kubuntu, it's easy to install. Both distributions share repositories, so you'll find the same software in both stores. 🔍
Development and support differences: Ubuntu vs. Kubuntu
The team behind each distribution impacts the experience, even if it isn't always directly visible.
Ubuntu is developed by Canonical, a privately held company that promotes open source and offers professional support for businesses, contributing secure, reliable, and scalable software.
Kubuntu is created by the KDE community, organized under the German non-profit association KDE eV, whose goal is to provide an open, stable, and monopoly-free ecosystem for ordinary users. Most support comes from volunteers, although paid support is available (here).
Both entities collaborate closely, with Canonical as an official sponsor of KDE, and Kubuntu being listed as an official "flavor" within the Ubuntu ecosystem (more info).
In short, although Kubuntu and Ubuntu share a common foundation, their daily use offers very different and personalized experiences depending on the environment.
The ideal way to understand this difference is to try them yourself:
- You can experiment online using web emulators, although the experience is limited.
- Create a bootable USB to test them without affecting your current system.
- If you are technically savvy, use Ventoy for a USB drive with multiple systems for dual booting.
- Finally, when you've decided, fully install the system you prefer. Check out our complete guide to installing Linux.
Download Ubuntu or Kubuntu and start your Linux adventure today! 🌟
