Compare software

MATE vs Cinnamon: catalog facts
MATE	Cinnamon
Best for: Linux users who prefer a classic GNOME 2 style desktop	Best for: Use a Linux desktop with a traditional application menu, panel and system tray
Free Free to use; the project accepts donations.	Free Free and open source. Hosting, hardware and any external services are separate.
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	Provides familiar desktop navigation Supports applets, desklets and extensions
Full releases arrive every few years Linux and Unix-like systems only	Third-party desktop extensions may need updates for new Cinnamon releases.
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License not stated	License: GPL-2.0
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 MATE mate-desktop.org Catalog checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Cinnamon github.com/linuxmint/cinnamon Catalog checked September 22, 2026

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