Alternatives to BunsenLabs Linux
A Debian-based distribution with a preconfigured, lightweight Openbox desktop, continuing CrunchBang Linux. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
BunsenLabs Linux
A Debian-based distribution with a preconfigured, lightweight Openbox desktop, continuing CrunchBang Linux.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as BunsenLabs Linux.
antiX
A fast, lightweight live Linux distribution based on Debian Stable, without systemd or elogind.
antiX is a lightweight Debian Stable live distribution without systemd or elogind, using lightweight window managers with strong live-USB support and several editions to choose from.
MX Linux
A midweight desktop Linux distribution based on Debian Stable, built with antiX components and MX tools.
MX Linux keeps a Debian Stable base but offers a midweight desktop with antiX components and MX tools rather than a preconfigured Openbox setup.
Peppermint OS
A minimal Xfce Linux distribution based on Debian or Devuan that lets you choose your own applications.
Peppermint OS swaps Openbox for a minimal Xfce desktop on a Debian or Devuan base, with a very small default package set for you to fill.
SparkyLinux
A fast, customizable Debian-based Linux distribution offered in several versions for different uses.
SparkyLinux is a Debian-based distribution offered in several editions with quarterly and monthly updates, suiting older hardware but with a smaller community.
Q4OS
A lightweight Debian-based desktop Linux distribution aimed at ease of use and less powerful hardware.
Q4OS is a Debian-based desktop aimed at ease of use on less powerful hardware, with tools to remove unneeded components and an ARM edition.
Bodhi Linux
A lightweight Ubuntu-based Linux distribution with the Moksha desktop, derived from Enlightenment.
Bodhi Linux moves to an Ubuntu base with the themeable Moksha desktop derived from Enlightenment, and offers a 32-bit non-PAE build for old hardware.
Lubuntu
An official Ubuntu flavour with the LXQt desktop, designed to be fast and lightweight.
Lubuntu moves to an Ubuntu base with the LXQt desktop and everyday apps included out of the box, giving access to the full Ubuntu software ecosystem.
Damn Small Linux
A revived compact Linux distribution for low-spec x86 computers, based on antiX.
Damn Small Linux is an antiX-based compact distribution for low-spec x86 computers using Fluxbox or JWM, with many terminal tools for TTY use.
Also worth comparing
These listings name BunsenLabs Linux as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.
Xfce
Use a modular desktop environment built around traditional panels and windows.
BunsenLabs Linux is a whole Debian-based distribution with a preconfigured Openbox, tint2 and conky desktop, so switching means changing distribution rather than just the desktop.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
Void Linux
An independent rolling-release Linux distribution with its own XBPS package manager and the runit init system.
Linux Lite
A lightweight, beginner-friendly Linux distribution for older computers and people moving from Windows.
Xubuntu
A community-developed Ubuntu flavour with the lightweight Xfce desktop for everyday use.
Puppy Linux
A family of small Linux distributions for home computers, sharing the same Puppy tools.
