My top 5 Linux desktops of 2026 (so far) – and I've tried them all

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ZDNET key takeaways

• Linux has quite a few desktops to choose from.
• Each of these can be found on specific distributions.
• Some of these desktops can be installed on your current distro.

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One of the best things about Linux (besides its reliability, security, and stability) is the vast array of choices you have for nearly every aspect of the OS. Those options don’t mean you’ll have to go full à la carte with your operating system, because you can always go with whatever choices your distribution uses. But the good thing is that your options aren’t limited when you use Linux.

One area where that flexibility stands out is the choice of desktop. You could select a distribution with a specific desktop environment, or you could decide to install a different desktop environment (or window manager) on the distribution you’re using. So, which desktop should you choose? 

Also: The best Linux distros for beginners

Well, if you want my advice, there are five truly standout options for 2026. These desktops are all brilliant options and emphasize beauty, performance, and simplicity. I’m confident that if you choose any of these desktops, you’ll find that it elevates your efficiency and the fun you experience when using your computer.

With that said, let’s get to the desktops.

1. COSMIC

COSMIC desktop is the brainchild of System76 and was built from the ground up, using the Rust programming language. By using Rust, COSMIC not only gains speed but also security. 

Even though COSMIC is in its first release (Epoch 1), I’ve been using it since its beta days. I’ve found the desktop to be remarkably stable. Sure, there are some small things I notice now and then (like pop-up windows that need resizing and oddities with GIMP), but COSMIC is rock solid. 

Also: 5 reasons why Pop!_OS is my favorite Linux distro

COSMIC is the default desktop on Pop!_OS. The desktop is also highly configurable — much more than GNOME (which was the previous default desktop for Pop!_OS). You can use COSMIC as is, or you can tweak the desktop to look exactly how you want.

I’ve said several times that I believe COSMIC is the future of the Linux desktop, and I stand by that claim.

2. KDE Plasma

KDE Plasma needs very little introduction, as it has been one of the most popular Linux desktops for a long, long time. Part of the reason for this success is that KDE Plasma is remarkably fast and stable. Given that I remember the earlier days, when KDE Plasma felt as if it was about to crash at any minute, I’ve not experienced so much as a hiccup since the first release of version 6.0. Yep, KDE Plasma is as stable as they come.

KDE Plasma is also beautiful. It’s one of the few Linux desktop environments that sticks with the old desktop metaphor (panel, start menu, system tray, quick launchers) that I would use as my default. This desktop is also highly customizable, so if you don’t like the default layout, you can change it. You can also download and install themes to give the desktop an aesthetic appeal you’ve longed for.

Also: 10 things I always do immediately after installing Linux – and why

It was also recently announced that KDE Plasma would bring back two popular themes (that were removed a few years ago). Those decisions mean that when the next release arrives, we’ll have both Oxygen and Air to choose from in the Global Themes section of Settings.

KDE Plasma is the default desktop environment for several distributions, such as KDE Neon, Garuda Dr460nized, and many more.

3. Hyprland

Hyprland is different from other desktops on this list. This particular desktop is called a tiling window manager, which means that you control pretty much everything from the keyboard. When you open an app, Hyprland automatically decides where to place it. Open a second app, and Hyprland will do its thing again, placing the new window next to the first app (splitting the screen 50/50). Open a third app, and Hyrpland will do its thing again.

The beauty of this approach is that you don’t have to worry about manually resizing and placing app windows, as Hyrpland does that work for you. If you want to move to a different window, you use a keyboard shortcut. If you want to move a window, it’s a keyboard shortcut. Nearly everything done on tiling window managers is done via the keyboard.

Also: How to choose the right Linux desktop distribution for you

Not only is Hyrpland very efficient, but it’s also capable of some crazy customizations. Look no further than StratOS to see how beautiful this tiling window manager can be.

The best way to use Hyprland is to choose a Linux distribution that uses it by default (as installation can be a bit tricky). The best distributions for Hyprland are StratOS, Garuda Hyprland, CachyOS, and Omarchy.

4. Enlightenment

I’m not gonna lie, Enlightenment isn’t for everyone. However, if you want a blazing-fast, customizable desktop with features to make it stand out as highly efficient, then you need to try Enlightenment.

Enlightenment is an old-school Linux window manager that is still in active development. Enlightenment was the second Linux desktop that I used seriously, and I would spend hours tweaking it so I had a desktop that was the envy of anyone who saw it.

Today’s Enlightenment still includes several features from day one, such as the virtual desktop pager, the desktop menu, shading windows, and some fun themes.

Also: I tried Peppermint Linux: How this bare-bones distro lets you build your ideal OS

People best-suited to using Enlightenment are those who’d like a desktop unlike anything they’ve used, without the learning curve of desktops like Hyrpland. If you’re interested in speed and efficiency and still like using your mouse, Enlightenment is a great option.

Enlightenment is the default desktop on Elive, and you can also use Bodhi Linux, which uses the Enlightenment-based Moksha desktop.

5. Budgie

Budgie was the last desktop I used before adopting Pop!_OS and COSMIC, which means it holds a special place in my heart.

The thing I like about Budgie is its ability to transform into whatever desktop you need. If you want a Windows-like desktop, Budgie has you covered. If you prefer MacOS, Budgie has your back. Or maybe you want to create something unique; with Budgie, you can do that as well.

Budgie can also run on lesser-powered hardware, without missing a beat. Although Budgie isn’t considered a lightweight distribution, it feels like it. To me, Budgie is almost a perfect amalgam of Linux, MacOS, and Windows, without seeming as if it’s copied anything. 

Also: How much RAM does Linux really need in 2026? My sweet spot after decades of use

For those who like to tinker with themes, there’s the ocs-url utility, which can download themes from sites like Gnome-look.org and automatically install them. If you want a beautiful desktop that’s fast and flexible, Budgie is a great option. 

The best distribution for Budgie is Ubuntu Budgie, which I believe is the perfect introduction to Linux.