Lubuntu vs Ubuntu Server
| Lubuntu | Ubuntu Server | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Free trial | No | Yes |
| Paid from | — | $2.08/mo |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | Linux | Linux, self-hosted |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Device types | Desktop PCs and laptops; project homepage also mentions Raspberry Pi | servers, virtual machines, cloud instances, IoT/edge devices |
| Support lifecycle | LTS releases are supported for three years; interim releases for nine months. Lubuntu 26.04 LTS is listed as supported until April 2029. | LTS: five years standard security maintenance; Ubuntu Pro extends coverage to 10 years, with Legacy add-on extending it to 15 years. |
| App compatibility | Discover Software Center for installing applications; supports common file formats including documents, images, audio, and video | Ubuntu package repositories (Main and Universe); cloud images; server ISO installation |
| Deployment models | Installable desktop operating system; downloadable desktop ISO image | physical server, virtual machine, public/private/hybrid cloud, cloud image, IoT/edge device |
| CPU architectures | — | amd64, arm64, armhf, ppc64el, riscv64, s390x |
| Built-in management | — | Landscape centralized estate management; Kernel Livepatch; security updates and hardening |
Both are listed in Best Operating Systems. On The Geeks Club, Ubuntu Server scores higher on our published basis.