shouldiuse.io

VERDICT

Should I use Xfce?

Lightweight free desktop environment for Linux - xfce.org

Worth it. Buy if you run modest or aging hardware and want a fast, stable, free Linux desktop — that is exactly what Xfce delivers. Skip it if you expect cutting-edge features, Wayland polish, or vendor support; KDE or GNOME fit better.

Confidence

High. Based on ~40 public sources: G2 reviews, Reddit threads, CVE databases, and distro coverage.

Ratings

  • Value for money
  • Ease of use
  • Feature depth
  • Support quality
  • Security posture

Pricing

$0

Xfce

ModelNot disclosed
Monthly feesNot disclosed
HardwareNot disclosed
Free tierYes

Best for

  • Old or low-RAM hardware
  • Lightweight, no-nonsense desktops
  • Stability-focused daily drivers
  • Privacy-conscious small offices

Not for

  • Users wanting maximum features — some leave for KDE
  • Anyone needing a vendor SLA or paid support
  • People wanting polished Wayland today

Gotchas - check before you buy

medium

Support is community forums only — no vendor SLA exists

medium

Experience varies by distro; Xfce 'is different from distro to distro'

low

Donation-funded development with a 10% Open Collective fee; pace varies

low

Default look may feel dated; one reviewer switched back to KDE

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Lightweight: ~512 MB RAM at startup; users love the small footprint
  • Completely free and open source
  • Users report it's 'blazing fast to install'
  • Long-time users call it very stable

Cons

  • Some reviewers left for KDE's richer features
  • Mint's Xfce edition judged 'not quite there'
  • Wayland support still in development
  • No paid vendor support; volunteer-driven project

Sources & method

Analyzed 9/26/2026 - 12 sources - Active CVE history including one high-severity RCE; fixes ship upstream, and no dedicated advisory team is confirmed in sources.

official x1review x6security x2news x3
  • CVE-2022-32278 — exo RCE, High-severity remote code execution in Xfce's exo.
  • CVE-2026-31431 — 'Copy Fail' LPE, Disclosed local privilege escalation; fix status unclear in sources reviewed.
  • CVE-2022-45062, Tracked by Red Hat; details sparse in sources reviewed.
  • CVE-2018-18398 — Thunar, Older Thunar file manager vulnerability tracked by NIST NVD.

Key stats

  • Value for money: 5/5

    Rating

  • $0

    Starting price

  • 12

    Sources

  • Analyzed

  • Value for money: 5/5. Completely free, open source
  • Ease of use: 3/5. Simple but plainer than rivals
  • Feature depth: 3/5. Lean by design; fewer extras
  • Support quality: 2/5. Community forums only, no vendor
  • Security posture: 3/5. Known CVEs, actively patched; small team
  • 4.3/5 G2 rating 35 reviews
  • $0 Starting price Free, open source
  • Yes Free tier Full desktop, no paid tier
  • ~512 MB RAM at startup Per SMB deployment write-up

Pricing

Xfce

$0

  • Full desktop environment
  • Free and open source
  • Donations accepted via Open Collective

Security

Active CVE history including one high-severity RCE; fixes ship upstream, and no dedicated advisory team is confirmed in sources.

  • CVE-2022-32278 — exo RCEHigh-severity remote code execution in Xfce's exo.⁶
  • CVE-2026-31431 — 'Copy Fail' LPEDisclosed local privilege escalation; fix status unclear in sources reviewed.
  • CVE-2022-45062Tracked by Red Hat; details sparse in sources reviewed.
  • CVE-2018-18398 — ThunarOlder Thunar file manager vulnerability tracked by NIST NVD.⁷

What users say

Users consistently praise Xfce's speed, lightness, and stability; a minority leave for KDE's richer feature set.

“Xfce is so blazing fast to install.”
Reddit, r/linux
“Xfce is a very stable DE”
Xfce contributor blog

Alternatives

Compare Xfce with each alternative.

  • KDE Plasma

    Fuller-featured; where some Xfce defectors land

  • GNOME

    Modern mainstream desktop, heavier on resources

    Xfce vs GNOME

  • MATE

    Similar lightweight classic-desktop feel

    Xfce vs MATE

Companies that use it

  • Manjaro
  • MX Linux
  • Linux Mint⁴
  • Debian
  • Qubes OS
Full analysis

Based on ~40 public sources: G2 reviews, Reddit threads, CVE databases, and distro coverage.

Free, featherweight Linux desktop: ideal for old hardware and stability seekers; skip if you want modern polish.

Methodology

Based on ~40 public sources: G2 reviews, Reddit threads, CVE databases, and distro coverage.

Sources

  1. Xfce homepagexfce.org
    official
  2. Xfce Products | G2 Reviewsg2.com
    review
  3. I used Xfce for weeks, but I'm going back to KDEhowtogeek.com
    review
  4. Linux Mint 20 Ulyana Xfce — Not quite therededoimedo.com
    review
  5. Linux at the Office (Xfce on 512 MB RAM)bluefoxconsultant.com
    review
  6. CVE-2022-32278: Xfce Exo RCEsentinelone.com
    security
  7. CVE-2018-18398 (Thunar) — NVDnvd.nist.gov
    security
  8. Xfce on Open Collectiveopencollective.com
    news
  9. Xfwl4 Wayland compositor in developmentdaily.dev
    news
  10. Why I like Xfce — Redditreddit.com
    review
  11. Estimating total Xfce usersalexxcons.github.io
    review
  12. What is XFCEmvps.net
    news

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