If you’ve been exploring Linux, particularly Arch-based distributions, you’ve likely encountered Manjaro and EndeavourOS. Both of these distributions are built on the powerful Arch Linux foundation, known for its rolling release model, cutting-edge software, and deep customizability. However, despite their common base, Manjaro and EndeavourOS offer very different user experiences. In this post, we’ll break down their features, philosophies, and strengths to help you choose the right one for your needs.
The Basics: Manjaro and EndeavourOS Overview
Before diving into the details, let’s take a quick look at each distribution:
- Manjaro: Aimed at beginner to intermediate users who want to enjoy the power of Arch Linux without the complex setup process. It offers more polish, stability, and a variety of pre-configured desktop environments.
- EndeavourOS: Aimed at users who want an Arch-like experience but with an easier installation process. It stays closer to Arch’s vanilla system, offering flexibility but requiring more manual customization.
While both are Arch-based, their approach to user experience and system design is where they differ most.
1. Installation Experience: Ease vs Customization
One of the first things you’ll notice when comparing Manjaro and EndeavourOS is how they handle installation.
Manjaro: User-Friendly and Ready-to-Go
Manjaro’s installation process is straightforward, thanks to its Calamares installer. The graphical installer walks you through partitioning, user setup, and package selection with minimal hassle. Manjaro also offers a range of pre-configured desktop environments, including XFCE, KDE Plasma, and GNOME, making it a great option for users who prefer an “out-of-the-box” experience without having to spend hours setting up.
With Manjaro, you’re not just getting an OS—you’re getting a pre-packaged desktop experience, complete with a curated set of tools, drivers, and software. It’s perfect for those who don’t want to spend too much time configuring their system and just want to get up and running quickly.
EndeavourOS: Minimalistic and Arch-Inspired
EndeavourOS takes a different approach. While it still uses the Calamares installer, it offers a more minimal installation. After installation, you’re left with a base system, and you’ll need to manually select and install your preferred desktop environment and software. This setup allows you to start with a lean system, giving you complete control over the packages and applications you install.
For users who are familiar with the Arch philosophy of DIY customization, EndeavourOS is the perfect starting point. It’s a great choice for users who prefer to build their system from scratch, installing only what they need.
2. System Updates and Stability: Fast vs Stable
Manjaro: Curated Stability
One of the biggest differences between Manjaro and EndeavourOS lies in their update mechanisms. Manjaro is more stable because it curates packages in its own repositories. This means that while you get access to Arch’s rolling release model, Manjaro delays updates slightly to test packages for compatibility and stability. As a result, Manjaro users tend to face fewer issues with broken packages after updates.
Manjaro’s curated updates make it a safer choice for users who prioritize stability over getting the latest cutting-edge features. If you’re someone who wants to keep your system running smoothly without risking breakages, Manjaro’s slower release cycle will suit you well.
EndeavourOS: True Arch Experience
EndeavourOS, on the other hand, follows the Arch philosophy more closely, meaning you get the latest software as soon as it hits the official Arch repositories. While this is a great advantage for those who want the latest features, it can also introduce risks—Arch’s rolling release model means things can break more frequently.
If you prefer a true Arch experience, where you get access to the cutting-edge software and don’t mind troubleshooting occasional update issues, EndeavourOS is a good fit. It’s a more “hands-on” approach to Arch, where the user takes on more responsibility for system maintenance.
3. Community and Support: Official vs Community-Driven
Both distributions boast vibrant communities, but the type of support you’ll get varies.
Manjaro: Large, Established, and Official
Manjaro has been around for a while and has built a large, active user base. It’s backed by the official Manjaro GmbH, which provides official support, documentation, and resources. The Manjaro community is also very helpful, with forums, official chat channels, and even a dedicated Discord server. If you run into problems, chances are you’ll find a solution quickly thanks to the vast amount of support available.
EndeavourOS: Community-Focused and Arch-Like
EndeavourOS, while smaller, still boasts an active and passionate community. It doesn’t have official corporate backing, but it does have a strong focus on Arch Linux. Users of EndeavourOS can rely on Arch’s official documentation, forums, and resources for support. The EndeavourOS forums and subreddit are great places to get help, and the community is more closely aligned with the DIY approach that Arch users are known for.
If you’re familiar with Arch or want to learn more about it, EndeavourOS is a good way to dive deeper into the Arch ecosystem.
4. Desktop Experience: Ready-to-Use vs DIY
Manjaro: A Polished Desktop Experience
Manjaro stands out for its polished and feature-rich desktop environment. With a wide selection of pre-configured desktop environments, it offers a ready-to-use, out-of-the-box experience. Manjaro even includes tools like Manjaro Settings Manager, which helps manage system settings, drivers, and kernel versions. It also has a graphical package manager (Pamac) that makes installing software from both the official repositories and AUR a breeze.
For users who prefer not to spend time fine-tuning their system, Manjaro offers a seamless and polished experience with minimal effort.
EndeavourOS: Minimal but Flexible
EndeavourOS, in contrast, provides a more bare-bones experience. After installation, you’ll have to manually install your desktop environment and configure your system. It’s not as polished or pre-configured as Manjaro, but that’s part of the appeal for experienced users or those who enjoy tinkering with their system.
If you’re someone who likes complete control over the look and feel of your desktop, EndeavourOS provides a great starting point without any unnecessary bloat. You’re free to install only what you need and tweak your setup to your heart’s content.
5. Performance: Lightweight vs Comprehensive
Both distributions are relatively lightweight, but their differences in pre-installed software can impact system performance.
Manjaro: More Features, Slightly Heavier
Manjaro comes with more pre-installed software, which can make it feel a bit heavier compared to EndeavourOS. While it’s still more lightweight than many mainstream distros, the extra tools, settings managers, and desktop environments can take up more resources.
EndeavourOS: Lean and Mean
EndeavourOS is designed to be a leaner system. Without a lot of additional software pre-installed, it takes up fewer resources right from the start. This makes it a great choice for users who want to optimize their system for performance, especially on older hardware.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose Manjaro if:
- You want a user-friendly system that is easy to set up and use without a lot of manual configuration.
- You prefer a more stable experience with curated updates.
- You want a polished, ready-to-go desktop environment with a focus on ease of use.
- Choose EndeavourOS if:
- You prefer a minimal, Arch-like experience where you have full control over your system.
- You enjoy DIY customization and want to build your system from the ground up.
- You’re looking for a more cutting-edge system with access to the latest Arch packages.
Final Thoughts
Both Manjaro and EndeavourOS are excellent choices for users who want the power of Arch Linux with a more approachable installation and user experience. Manjaro is ideal for those who want something more polished and stable, while EndeavourOS is perfect for those who enjoy a minimal setup with full control over their system. Regardless of which you choose, both distributions provide the power of Arch, and you’re in for a great experience!
I hope this helps in making a decision between the two! Let me know if you have any other questions.
