Compare software

Budgie vs GNOME: catalog facts
Budgie	GNOME
Best for: Linux users who want a simple, tidy desktop environment	Best for: Use a Linux desktop organized around an activities overview and workspaces
Free Free and open source.	Free Free and open source. Hosting, hardware and any external services are separate.
Linux	Linux
Complete desktop with its own panel and application menu Designed to stay out of the way while remaining customisable All 3 strengths for Budgie Complete desktop with its own panel and application menu Designed to stay out of the way while remaining customisable Active development with regular releases and progress posts	Integrates application launching and workspace navigation Provides a consistent suite of desktop settings
Linux only Usually installed through a distribution rather than as a standalone app	Shell extensions must match the installed GNOME version.
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License not stated	License not stated
No account needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Offline features available	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Budgie buddiesofbudgie.org Catalog checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for GNOME gnome.org Catalog checked September 22, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.