Arch Linux is a rolling release, bleeding edge operating system used mainly by advanced Linux users. Arch Linux lets you handle everything from installing to managing, giving you all the power and control you’ll ever need.
This is probably one of the reasons why Arch has a cult following in the Linux community.
Unfortunately, Arch comes with its drawbacks in the complicated installation procedure, for example. You will also need to use the command line more than any other distribution.
So you want to use Arch Linux, but you are a bit scared about its complexity? Well, then give Arch a try from a different angle.
While Arch Linux isn’t a good pick for beginners, many distributions based on it are very user-friendly.
Here is a list of the three best Arch-based distributions to check out.
1. EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS is a user-friendly Arch Linux-based distribution with some handy new features that improve the user experience. It fits into a similar-but-different niche as Manjaro. EandeavourOS, being based on Arch, is a rolling release.
One of the first things that will strike you about EndeavourOS is that even though they claim it’s a terminal-focused distribution, they still have excellent GUI tools that make managing an Arch Linux system easy for new users.
Installing EndeavourOS is a simple process. The distribution comes with a Calamares installer, where you get an option to select one of their installation methods, offline or online.
The offline installer installs EndeavourOS with a customized Xfce, and the online installer lets you pick and install packages as per your requirements.
It is an ideal starting point to explore what makes Arch-based distributions different from the rest of the Linux world. Certainly, EndeavourOS is not relatively as minimal as Arch Linux, but it’s more minimal than many other distributions.
It’s important to note that if you have a system with NVIDIA GPU, you have all the reasons to fall in love with EndeavorOS because it ships with non-free NVIDIA drivers preloaded into the kernel.
Combining the features of easy installation, multiple-desktops support, additional drivers support, and good default eye-candy makes EndeavourOS one of the best Arch-based Linux distributions for users who would like to start their journey in the Arch Linux world.
Pros
- It’s about as close to vanilla Arch Linux as you can get without installing Arch itself.
- Ships with only the software that is necessary, and the software provided by your desktop environment.
- Rather than using separate repositories like Manjaro, EndeavourOS uses the Arch repos and includes very few packages of their own.
- The project’s focus is on its community.
Cons
- I don’t find any cons yet.
To learn more about EndeavourOS, visit the project’s website.
2. Manjaro
Manjaro is the most popular Arch-based Linux distribution. It provides all the benefits of an Arch operating system but emphasizes stability, user-friendliness, and accessibility for newcomers and experienced users alike.
The distribution is perfect for Arch beginners, all of who have used Ubuntu, Linux Mint, or Fedora and now wish to experience Arch’s power without sacrificing the comfort of the GUI.
The distribution depends on the number of beneficial, pre-installed applications, tools, and best package management.
The installation process is easy and smooth. As with EndeavourOS, Manjaro comes with a graphical installer (Calamares), where you can easily customize it as you want. While installation, Manjaro Linux gives an option to choose the desktop environment. The distribution officially supports KDE, Xfce, and GNOME.
Manjaro has its repositories. It does not have all the applications you may need, but it also has compatibility with the AUR (Arch User Repository). Remember that Manjaro is always a little behind Arch Linux in its official repositories.
This release schedule gives the more advanced users a chance to bug test the release before it is released to the Manjaro community at large.
By default, Manjaro comes packed with a solid selection of software. Moreover, it pre-loads almost all necessary applications. So, you do not need to install anything else additionally.
Pros
- A complete desktop out of the box.
- Superior development and user base.
- Manjaro has the best package management for Snaps, Flatpaks, and AUR called Pamac.
Cons
- It uses a little bit older Arch Linux packages to try and find more stability.
- The dev team doesn’t always listen to the community.
- It uses its repositories, and if you are using some more from AUR after every update, there is a risk of breaking your system due to unmatched dependencies.
- Manjaro is succumbing to the business model than focusing on the community itself.
To learn more about Manjaro, visit the project’s website.
3. Garuda Linux
Garuda Linux is a relatively new Linux distribution based on Arch. But unlike the numerous other Arch-based distributions, Garuda Linux offers much more, such as installing on a Btrfs filesystem with a fully configured system snapshot and rollback capability.
Furthermore, Garuda uses the Zen kernel’s performance-optimized features ZRAM and CPU scheduler.
Like EndeavourOS and Manjaro, you get the widely used Calamares installer.
While installing Garuda Linux, the first thing you will notice is how visually stunning it looks. In addition, the users get polished themes that make the system different from other Linux distributions.
Garuda Linux gives the user tons of desktop environments, including KDE, GNOME, Xfce, Cinnamon, Deepin, i3wm, etc. All of them are designed very impressively.
Installing software packages on Garuda Linux is as simple as it can get. But default, it uses the Pacman installer and imports the Pamac installer from Manjaro Linux, allowing you to install software packages without touching the terminal.
In addition, Garuda Linux also offers support for Snap and Flatpack and comes with the AUR enabled by default.
Pros
- Use Btrfs as the only file system, utilizing the filesystem’s snapshot capability.
- It has a beautiful and customizable look and offers nine unique desktop environments.
Cons
- All Garuda Linux editions are bloated with software.
- It needs a lot of RAM – the minimum is 4GB; for most Linux distributions, it’s 2GB or less.
To learn more about Garuda Linux, visit the project’s website.
Conclusion
Arch Linux is a bit difficult for the new users, but I hope these best Arch-based Linux distributions will be able to fulfill your needs throughout your Linux journey.
They are for people who want Arch’s stability, security, and simplicity yet do not have the time nor the patience to build one on their own
It’s to be noted that there are tons of other excellent distributions based on Arch like Arch Labs, ArcoLinux, Chakra, Artix, etc.
So, have you concluded your Arch-based distro of choice? Feel free to share your experience with us in the comments section below.
