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MATE vs Budgie: catalog facts
MATE	Budgie
Best for: Linux users who prefer a classic GNOME 2 style desktop	Best for: Linux users who want a simple, tidy desktop environment
Free Free to use; the project accepts donations.	Free Free and open source.
Linux	Linux
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	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
Full releases arrive every few years Linux and Unix-like systems only	Linux only Usually installed through a distribution rather than as a standalone app
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 MATE mate-desktop.org Catalog checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Budgie buddiesofbudgie.org Catalog checked September 23, 2026

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