The Best Arch Linux AlternativesTop Linux Distros & Operating Systems like Arch Linux

Arch Linux is described as 'Independently developed, x86_64 optimized GNU/Linux distribution targeted at competent Linux users. It uses pacman, its home-grown package manager, to provide updates to the latest software applications with full dependency tracking' and is a leading Linux Distro in the os & utilities category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Arch Linux for a variety of platforms, including Linux, Windows, BSD, Self-Hosted and Fedora apps. The best Arch Linux alternative is Manjaro Linux, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Arch Linux are Linux Mint, Ubuntu, Debian and Fedora.

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Arch Linux alternatives are mainly Linux Distros but may also be Operating Systems or Package Managers.  Filter by these or use the filter bar below if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Arch Linux.
Arch Linux iconArch Linux
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Arch Linux is an independently developed, x86_64 optimized GNU/Linux distribution targeted at competent Linux users. It uses pacman, its home-grown package manager, to provide updates to the latest software applications...

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Arch Linux alternatives page was last updated Feb 18, 2025
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Alternatives
  1. Manjaro Linux icon

    Manjaro Linux

     327 likes
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    Manjaro is a user-friendly Linux distribution based on the independently developed Arch operating system. Within the Linux community, Arch itself is renowned for being an exceptionally fast, powerful, and lightweight distribution that provides access to the very latest cutting...

    176 Manjaro Linux alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Arch Linux
    Manjaro 19.0 Kyria (Xfce)

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  User friendly
    4.  Clean design
    5.  Configurable

    Features

    1.  Rolling Release
    2.  Based on Arch Linux
    3.  Arch User Repository
    4.  Community-based
    5.  Linux-based
    6.  Simple installation
    7.  Out Of The Box
    8.  No Tracking
    9.  Support for Nvidia drivers
    10.  Live booting from usb
    11.  Ad-free
    12.  Wiki documentation

    Manjaro Linux VS Arch Linux

     
    Comments about Manjaro Linux as an Alternative to Arch Linux
    Top Positive Comment
    spectrumsss
    Apr 18, 2018
    4

    It's minimalist and modern looking, I like using it

    Top Negative Comment
    benni347
    Sep 27, 2023
    1

    Manjaro, is a distro which is run by begginers for begginers, since they can not setup an automatically renewing ssl cert.

    Most Recent Comment
    veddev
    Positive •Oct 7, 2024
    1

    Manjaro looks beginner friendly, however ive never used it at all. Im sticking to EndeavourOS.

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    3 of 8 comments
    Arch Linux Icon
    Manjaro Linux icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Manjaro Linux is a great Arch Linux alternative.

    • Manjaro Linux is the most popular Linux alternative to Arch Linux.

    • Manjaro Linux is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Arch Linux.

    • Manjaro Linux is Free and Open SourceArch Linux is also Free and Open Source
    • Manjaro Linux is Customizable and LightweightArch Linux is not according to our users
  2. Linux Mint icon

    Linux Mint

     1108 likes
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    Linux Mint is one of the most popular desktop Linux distributions and used by millions of people. The purpose of Linux Mint is to produce a modern, elegant and comfortable operating system which is both powerful and easy to use. Latest: Wilma (22).

    177 Linux Mint alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • IE flagIreland
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Linux Mint screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  User friendly
    3.  Lightweight
    4.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Windows-like
    2.  Based on Ubuntu
    3.  Support for Nvidia drivers
    4.  Cinnamon Desktop
    5.  Debian package compatible
    6.  Linux-based
    7.  Ad-free
    8.  Out Of The Box
    9.  No Tracking
    10.  Dark Mode
    11.  Community-based
    12.  Built-in File Manager

    Linux Mint VS Arch Linux

     
    Comments about Linux Mint as an Alternative to Arch Linux
    madpetro
    •Aug 1, 2021
    2

    A bit of an unfair comparison: Arch Linux is for techies who want to be able to customize every bit of their OS. Linux Mint is for people who just wanna grill using FOSS.

    ab1
    Negative •Apr 27, 2022
    0

    You need to switch between LTS versions in order to have lastest packages. Not good for my usage. Might be good for you...

    Arch Linux Icon
    Linux Mint icon

    • Most users think Linux Mint is a great Arch Linux alternative.

    • Linux Mint is Free and Open SourceArch Linux is also Free and Open Source
    • Linux Mint is Customizable, Lightweight and Privacy focusedArch Linux is not according to our users
  4. Ubuntu icon

    Ubuntu

     2348 likes
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    Ubuntu is a community developed, Linux-based operating system that is perfect for laptops, desktops and servers. It contains all the applications you need - a web browser, presentation, document and spreadsheet software, instant messaging and much more.

    157 Ubuntu alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • GB flagUnited Kingdom

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Ubuntu
    Ubuntu 24.04 with Gnome 46

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  User friendly
    3.  Lightweight
    4.  Support for Themes

    Features

    1.  Linux-based
    2.  Based on Debian
    3.  APT package manager
    4.  Support for Unicode
    5.  No registration required
    6.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    7.  Kde support
    8.  Support for .deb files
    9.  Works Offline
    10.  Ad-free
    11.  OTA Updates
    12.  Debian package compatible

    Ubuntu VS Arch Linux

     
    Comments about Ubuntu as an Alternative to Arch Linux
    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    Mar 27, 2020
    3

    As someone who uses Kubuntu, I don't think it's a good alternative to Arch. The appeal for Arch users is to have more control of your system, while Ubuntu and its flavors are more appealing options if you want something up and running fast. I imagine people who enjoy using Arch regularly would not want to bother with Ubuntu.

    Most Recent Comment
    veddev
    Negative •Oct 7, 2024
    0

    Unstable, clunky, glitchy. It was unstable for me when trying linux for the first time. The ubuntu appstore or whatever its called did not launch aswell. I totally do NOT recommend using ubuntu.

    KariLHegg
    Negative •May 24, 2019
    -2

    Ubuntu is about as far as you can get from Arch. The opposite of minimal, free, pro-user choice, power user oriented.

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    3 of 6 comments
    Arch Linux Icon
    Ubuntu icon

    • This alternative is disputed. Ubuntu is a legitimate Arch Linux alternative, but it might have issues that some users think are important.

    • Ubuntu is Free and Open SourceArch Linux is also Free and Open Source
    • Ubuntu is Customizable and LightweightArch Linux is not according to our users
  5. Debian icon

    Debian

     1121 likes
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    The Debian Project is an association of individuals who have made common cause to create a free operating system. This operating system that we have created is called Debian.

    190 Debian alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • CH flagSwitzerland

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    Debian 9 gnome.

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Low memory usage
    2.  No Tracking
    3.  Package Control
    4.  Based on Debian
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  No registration required
    7.  Command line interface
    8.  Dark Mode
    9.  Works Offline
    10.  Portable

    Debian VS Arch Linux

     
    Comments about Debian as an Alternative to Arch Linux
    Most Recent Comment
    ab1
    Negative •Apr 26, 2022
    3

    Debian is quite slow in updating even the most important packages. Not good for my usage. Might be good for you...

    DogeReviewsStuff
    •Nov 1, 2023
    2

    Debian is not a rolling release and doesn't have the latest packages. However, it is more stable.

    veddev
    •Oct 7, 2024
    0

    Not so complicated as Arch Linux, but older packages and slow (very slow) updates.

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    3 of 4 comments
    Arch Linux Icon
    Debian icon

    • Most users think Debian is a great Arch Linux alternative.

    • Debian is the most popular Windows & Self-Hosted alternative to Arch Linux.

    • Debian is Free and Open SourceArch Linux is also Free and Open Source
    • Debian is Customizable, Lightweight and Privacy focusedArch Linux is not according to our users
  6. Fedora icon

    Fedora

     565 likes
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    Fedora creates an innovative, free, and open source platform for hardware, clouds, and containers that enables software developers and community members to build tailored solutions for their users.

    178 Fedora alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Fedora 38

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  Privacy focused
    3.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Out Of The Box
    2.  Linux-based
    3.  Wayland Support
    4.  Desktop Environment
    5.  No Tracking
    6.  Support for BTRFS
    7.  Ad-free
    8.  Unix-like
    9.  Dark Mode
    10.  Multiple languages
    11.  Separated workspaces
    12.  Rolling Release

    Fedora VS Arch Linux

     
    Comments about Fedora as an Alternative to Arch Linux
    ab1
    Positive •Apr 27, 2022
    0

    Reasonably fast with updates

    germanwtb
    Positive •Apr 15, 2020
    0

    Like Arch Linux Fedora provides more up to date software all around (base system and UI), while not requiring as much user know how.

    Arch Linux Icon
    Fedora icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Fedora is a great Arch Linux alternative.

    • Fedora is Free and Open SourceArch Linux is also Free and Open Source
    • Fedora is Customizable and Privacy focusedArch Linux is not according to our users
  7. openSUSE icon

    openSUSE

     334 likes
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    openSUSE is a free and Linux-based operating system for your PC, Laptop or Server.

    185 openSUSE alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • DE flagGermany
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Linux
    GNOME desktop in openSUSE Leap 15.2.

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  User friendly
    3.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Kde support
    2.  Linux-based
    3.  Rolling Release
    4.  Ad-free
    5.  No Tracking
    6.  No registration required
    7.  Dark Mode
    8.  Community-based

    openSUSE VS Arch Linux

     
    Comments about openSUSE as an Alternative to Arch Linux
    RemovedUser
    Positive •May 20, 2024
    0

    A perfect mix of Debian and Arch. (if your using tumbleweed)

    Arch Linux Icon
    openSUSE icon

    • Almost everyone thinks openSUSE is a great Arch Linux alternative.

    • openSUSE is Free and Open SourceArch Linux is also Free and Open Source
    • openSUSE is Customizable and Privacy focusedArch Linux is not according to our users
  9. elementary OS icon

    elementary OS

     346 likes
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    elementary OS is a free, fast and aesthetically pleasing operating system based on Ubuntu .

    193 elementary OS alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Boot Screen

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Configurable
    3.  Distraction-free

    Features

    1.  macOS-like
    2.  Based on Ubuntu
    3.  Debian package compatible
    4.  Flatpak
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  Consistent UI
    7.  Out Of The Box
    8.  App center
    9.  No Tracking
    10.  No registration required
    11.  Dark Mode
    12.  Works Offline

    elementary OS VS Arch Linux

     
    Comments about elementary OS as an Alternative to Arch Linux
    ab1
    Negative •Apr 27, 2022
    0

    You need to switch between LTS versions in order to have lastest packages. Not good for my usage. Might be good for you...

    Daltro Auguso Campanher de Souza
    Positive •Sep 27, 2022
    0

    Arch, even with its lots of packages to maintain, is stabler than Elementary!!!

    Arch Linux Icon
    elementary OS icon

    • Most users think elementary OS is a great Arch Linux alternative.

    • elementary OS is Free and Open SourceArch Linux is also Free and Open Source
    • elementary OS is LightweightArch Linux is not according to our users
  10. Kubuntu icon

    Kubuntu

     274 likes
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    Kubuntu is an official "flavor" of Ubuntu that uses the KDE Plasma desktop environment. This gives it a completely different look and feel.

    196 Kubuntu alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • GB flagUnited Kingdom

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Kubuntu 19.10 "Eoan Ermine"

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  Customizable
    4.  User friendly

    Features

    1.  Based on Ubuntu
    2.  KDE
    3.  Based on Debian
    4.  No Tracking
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  Rolling Release
    7.  Desktop Application

    Kubuntu VS Arch Linux

     
    Comments about Kubuntu as an Alternative to Arch Linux
    ab1
    Negative •Apr 27, 2022
    0

    You need to switch between LTS versions in order to have lastest packages. Not good for my usage. Might be good for you...

    Arch Linux Icon
    Kubuntu icon

    • Some users think Kubuntu is a great Arch Linux alternative, some don't.

    • Kubuntu is Free and Open SourceArch Linux is also Free and Open Source
    • Kubuntu is Privacy focused and LightweightArch Linux is not according to our users
8 of 190 Arch Linux alternatives