Compare software

Enlightenment vs MATE: catalog facts
Enlightenment	MATE
Best for: Linux and BSD users who want a distinctive, lightweight desktop shell	Best for: Linux users who prefer a classic GNOME 2 style desktop
Free Free and open source.	Free Free to use; the project accepts donations.
Linux	Linux
Window manager, compositor and desktop shell in one Built on the portable EFL libraries All 3 strengths for Enlightenment Window manager, compositor and desktop shell in one Built on the portable EFL libraries Family of companion applications from the same project	Traditional desktop layout carried over from GNOME 2 Packaged in the official repositories of many distributions All 3 strengths for MATE Traditional desktop layout carried over from GNOME 2 Packaged in the official repositories of many distributions Interface translated into many languages
Wayland support is still experimental Official releases are source code only	Full releases arrive every few years Linux and Unix-like systems only
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License not stated	License not stated
No account needed	No account needed
Offline features available	Offline features available
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Enlightenment enlightenment.org Catalog checked September 24, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for MATE mate-desktop.org Catalog checked September 23, 2026

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