Arch Linux is known for being an operating system that prioritizes user customization over pre-built solutions. This characteristic is both a significant strength and a major drawback; users have the flexibility to create a highly personalized system but must possess the knowledge to construct and manage it effectively. Not all Arch-based distributions (distros) are created equal, however, with some requiring more attention than others. Here’s a rundown of the top five Arch options and related distros, ranked from the most demanding to the least.
1
Arch Linux
Maximum control, maximum responsibility
This is the classic choice for a reason. Referred to as vanilla Arch, this base distribution is one of the more challenging Linux options available. Users often proudly announce, “I use Arch, by the way,” though this can come off as rather pretentious. The learning curve is steep, demanding a considerable amount of technical skill.
The installation process, which relies heavily on the terminal, is a key factor in Arch’s daunting reputation. Users are tasked with executing a series of commands in a specific order while making critical decisions on various elements such as the filesystem and bootloader—details that most casual computer users may not be familiar with. Although the new archinstall script offers a guided approach, users still need to make substantial decisions.
Furthermore, the technical requirements don’t end once you’ve installed the system. As a rolling-release distro, Arch requires frequent updates—ideally every two weeks, or at least once a month—to ensure everything is current. Simply clicking an update button won’t suffice; it’s advisable to first check Arch News to see if there are any known issues with the updates. Occasionally, Arch may move away from certain drivers or components, necessitating adjustments on your end.
Therefore, using vanilla Arch is an active management experience rather than a set-it-and-forget-it solution. Although it can be rewarding and allows for deep personalization, it does require ongoing attention.
2
EndeavourOS
A simplified take on vanilla Arch
EndeavourOS is designed to make the experience of using Arch more approachable—falling under the category of “Arch-made-easy” distros. Despite its streamlined approach, it still offers a close approximation of the base Arch experience.
The main improvement lies in its installation process. EndeavourOS uses a graphical installer based on Calamares, significantly easing the setup compared to the terminal-based method. It also helps make key system decisions for users, eliminating the need for extensive web searches to understand every configuration option. You can have the system installed in approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
However, once you reach the desktop environment, the assistance becomes limited. It’s perfect for those who prefer to avoid the finer technical details but want control over the applications and packages they use. Expect to utilize the terminal for most installations and workflow setups. Maintenance practices remain fairly consistent with vanilla Arch.
That said, the EndeavourOS community is welcoming and beginner-friendly. If you find yourself stuck, asking questions on the forums can lead to prompt and helpful responses, relieving some of the initial overwhelm often experienced when navigating the Arch Wiki alone.
3
Manjaro
The Ubuntu equivalent for Arch
Manjaro represents the more straightforward side of Arch-based distributions. Often likened to how Ubuntu relates to Debian, it takes a powerful and hands-on system and adds layers of user-friendliness to make it accessible as a regular desktop operating system.
The installation process is user-friendly, with hardware detection doing the majority of the heavy lifting. Additionally, it comes with a variety of graphical tools for tasks that would normally necessitate command-line interaction.
A standout feature is Manjaro’s approach to updates. Instead of providing new packages as soon as they’re available in Arch’s repositories, it delays updates for several days or weeks. This cushion allows potential issues to be identified and resolved before they reach the user.
Although no rolling-release distro can guarantee bug-free updates, this curation means you aren’t glued to the rapid pace of the Arch ecosystem. The inclusion of Timeshift allows for automatic system backups prior to updates, making it easier to revert back in case of any issues—lessening the need to constantly monitor Arch News for impending updates.
4
CachyOS
Possibly the most favored Arch-based distro
CachyOS is another user-friendly Arch solution that brings a wealth of features designed for enhanced usability and performance. It is particularly opinionated about how the operating system should operate, with a focus on delivering an optimal user experience.
The custom CachyOS kernel aims to squeeze maximum performance from contemporary processors, supporting advanced instruction sets. It also offers a tailored repository of applications optimized to work efficiently with the kernel.
Thanks to its robust performance capabilities, CachyOS is making waves in the Linux gaming community, attracting power users looking to optimize their setups. Its popularity is reflected in its ranking on DistroWatch, sitting atop even well-known distributions like Ubuntu and Linux Mint.
Beyond peak performance, CachyOS simplifies daily maintenance with the CachyOS Hello app, which provides a straightforward graphical interface for routine tasks like installing gaming packages, managing DNS settings, cleaning orphaned packages, and updating the system.
By default, CachyOS uses the Btrfs filesystem with Snapper support, allowing you to create system snapshots before updates, which can be a lifesaver if any new updates introduce issues.
5
Garuda Linux
The most user-friendly option for Arch
After weighing the merits of CachyOS and Garuda Linux, the latter earns the title for being the most accessible Arch-dedicated distro with minimal maintenance needs. It offers a host of pre-configured settings that alleviate many of the common technical challenges associated with managing an Arch-based system.
One of the standout features is the Garuda Toolbox, a graphical application that organizes almost all routine maintenance tasks for users. It includes user-friendly shortcuts for updates, cache cleans, and refreshing the mirror list. The toolbox also offers insights into system health, logs, and diagnostic reports that can be shared in forums for assistance.
The installation process is exceptionally thorough, automatically updating your system post-installation and providing a graphical interface to select from a wide array of software across various categories. A simple click on your desired applications does the trick, resulting in a fully operational system upon first boot.
Much like CachyOS, Garuda utilizes the Btrfs and Snapper combination to protect against problematic updates. Users can also select the CachyOS kernel for enhanced performance, while the default installation features the Zen kernel and preconfigured ZRAM to bolster overall efficiency.
While Garuda is designed with strong opinions about defaults, those seeking a cutting-edge, performance-centric Linux experience will likely appreciate its design choices. The only potential criticism may be its bold visual style, although users can easily revert to a more understated KDE Plasma theme through the settings.
