Xebian is a sleek and lightweight Debian-based distribution that blends the stability and flexibility of Debian with the familiar desktop experience of Xubuntu. Designed for users who appreciate the speed and simplicity of Xfce, Xebian delivers a clean, modern, and functional desktop environment built on top of Debian Unstable (sid).
A Subtle Yet Powerful Debian Blend
Technically, Xebian is not a full Debian derivative but rather a Debian blend—a minimal layer of customization focused on theming and user experience. All core components remain fully in sync with Debian, with the primary changes being visual and user interface related.
Key features include:
- 💻 Based on Debian Unstable (sid) — for access to the most recent software.
- 🖥️ Xfce desktop environment, fine-tuned for performance and ease of use.
- 🎨 Greybird GTK theme and Elementary Xfce icon set from the Shimmer Project.
- 🧭 Traditional desktop layout with a modern, lightweight feel.
- 📦 No upstream packaging changes — developed in close coordination with the Xfce team.
- 🧪 Live ISO image with the Calamares installer.
- 🔐 Default live credentials: Username:
user| Password:live.
Why Choose Xebian?
For users who want a clean Xfce setup without the overhead of Ubuntu or its snaps, Xebian provides a well-balanced environment. It’s especially appealing to experienced Linux users who want a more bleeding-edge system but with the comfort and simplicity of a traditional desktop.
The switch to Calamares improves accessibility for newcomers, while the use of Debian sid ensures Xebian remains up to date with the latest software packages — though with the caveat that sid can occasionally introduce breaking changes.
Official Resources
- 🌐 Official website: https://xebian.org
- 📥 Direct ISO download (amd64)
- 💬 IRC support:
#xebianon Libera Chat
How Does Xebian Compare?
Here’s how Xebian stacks up against other lightweight Debian-based Xfce distributions:
| Distribution | Base | Desktop Env. | Installer | Stability Level | Live ISO | Target Users | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xebian | Debian sid | Xfce | Calamares | Rolling / Unstable | ✅ | Advanced users wanting the latest | xebian.org |
| MX Linux | Debian stable | Xfce | Custom Installer | Very Stable | ✅ | General users seeking stability | mxlinux.org |
| SparkyLinux | Debian stable / testing / sid | Xfce, others | Calamares / CLI | Stable to Rolling | ✅ | Users with various needs | sparkylinux.org |
| antiX | Debian stable | IceWM/Xfce | Custom Installer | Very Stable | ✅ | Low-resource systems | antixlinux.com |
| Debian Xfce | Debian stable | Xfce | Debian Installer | Very Stable | ✅ | Pure Debian experience | debian.org |
Final Thoughts
Xebian may be a niche project, but its careful balance of performance, minimalism, and aesthetic polish makes it stand out. It’s a perfect fit for users who are comfortable with Debian’s sid branch and want a system that “just works” out of the box — with style.
If you’re looking for a fresh take on Debian with an Xfce focus, Xebian deserves a spot on your USB stick.
