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Compiz vs Xfce

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs.

Compiz icon
Compiz
Xfce icon
Xfce

Compiz vs Xfce: The Verdict

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature Compiz Xfce
Sugggest Score
Category Os & Utilities Os & Utilities
Pricing Open Source Free

Product Overview

Compiz
Compiz

Description: Compiz is an open source compositing window manager for Linux Desktops. It provides desktop visual effects and window management functionality, and allows for plugins to provide additional features.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

Xfce
Xfce

Description: Xfce is a lightweight desktop environment for Linux and UNIX-like operating systems. It aims to be fast and low on system resources, while still being visually appealing and user friendly.

Type: software

Pricing: Free

Key Features Comparison

Compiz
Compiz Features
  • 3D desktop cube
  • Exposé-like workspace previews
  • Animated window switching
  • Desktop wallpaper plugins
  • Window decoration plugins
Xfce
Xfce Features
  • Lightweight and modular
  • Customizable user interface
  • Good performance
  • Supports multiple platforms
  • Plugin architecture

Pros & Cons Analysis

Compiz
Compiz
Pros
  • Highly customizable visual effects
  • Lightweight and fast
  • Supports many plugins
  • Open source and free
Cons
  • Steep learning curve
  • Can cause graphics issues
  • Not actively maintained anymore
Xfce
Xfce
Pros
  • Very lightweight and fast
  • Low resource usage
  • Highly customizable
  • Easy to use
  • Good community support
Cons
  • Limited default applications
  • Less features than full DEs like GNOME/KDE
  • Less modern look than newer DEs
  • Less configurability than tiling WMs

Pricing Comparison

Compiz
Compiz
  • Open Source
Xfce
Xfce
  • Free

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