Arch Linux Alternatives

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, BSD, Windows, Self-Hosted and Raspberry Pi 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 Operating Systems, but if you're looking for Linux Distros or Desktop Environments you can filter on that. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to 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...

More about Arch Linux
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Arch Linux alternatives page was last updated Apr 26, 2025
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  1. ReactOS icon

    ReactOS

     286 likes
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    ReactOS™ is an Open Source effort to develop a quality operating system that is compatible with applications and drivers written for the Microsoft® Windows™ NT family of operating systems (NT4, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, Seven).

    192 ReactOS alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application type

    Country of Origin

    • RU flagRussia

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • FreeDOS
    ReactOS screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Windows XP Compatibility
    2.  Run Windows software
    3.  Nt kernel
    4.  Windows-like
    5.  Support for BTRFS
    6.  Community-based

    ReactOS VS Arch Linux

     
    Comments about ReactOS as an Alternative to Arch Linux
    madpetro
    Negative •Aug 1, 2021
    1

    Not really a viable alternative to Arch in the day-to-day. ReactOS is more aimed at people who have ancient Windows software that they desperately need compatibility with.

    Arch Linux Icon
    ReactOS icon
    • ReactOS is Free and Open SourceArch Linux is also Free and Open Source
    • ReactOS is LightweightArch Linux is not according to our users
  2. Nobara Linux icon

    Nobara Linux

     23 likes
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    The Nobara Project, to put it simply, is a modified version of Fedora Linux with user-friendly fixes added to it. Fedora is a very good workstation OS, however, anything involving any kind of 3rd party or proprietary packages is usually...

    94 Nobara Linux alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Nobara Linux screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  Gaming-focused
    4.  User friendly

    Features

    1.  No Tracking
    2.  Ad-free
    3.  Rolling Release
    4.  Portable
    5.  Dark Mode
    6.  Based on Fedora
    7. KDE Plasma icon  KDE Plasma integration

    Nobara Linux VS Arch Linux

     
    Comments about Nobara Linux as an Alternative to Arch Linux
    Guest
    Positive •Aug 23, 2024
    0

    While it's based on another Linux distro (Fedora), it is actually a pretty good alternative for beginners; it just doesn't have as much customization liberty as Arch does.

    It purely depends on what you use it for.

    Arch Linux Icon
    Nobara Linux icon
    • Nobara Linux is Free and Open SourceArch Linux is also Free and Open Source
    • Nobara Linux is Privacy focused and LightweightArch Linux is not according to our users
  4. Raspberry Pi OS icon

    Raspberry Pi OS

     103 likes
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    Raspberry Pi OS (previously called Raspbian) is the Foundation’s official supported operating system. You can install it with NOOBS or download the image below and follow our installation guide.

    189 Raspberry Pi OS alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • GB flagUnited Kingdom

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Raspberry Pi
    Raspberry Pi OS screenshot 1

    Raspberry Pi OS Features

    1.  ARM support
    2.  Linux command line
    3.  Based on Debian

    Raspberry Pi OS VS Arch Linux

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

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

    Guest
    Negative •May 1, 2017
    1

    Mainly for ARM devices (Raspberry Pi)

    Arch Linux Icon
    Raspberry Pi OS icon

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

    • Raspberry Pi OS is Free and Open SourceArch Linux is also Free and Open Source
  5. Solus icon

    Solus

     70 likes
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    Solus Operating System is a Linux distribution built from scratch, exclusively for desktop systems. There is no scope-creep associated with generic platforms, and the project aims to provide a modern and focused desktop-centric solution, that is designed to keep out of the way...

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Solus screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Easy to use

    Features

    1.  Rolling Release
    2.  Linux-based
    3.  Ad-free
    4.  Dark Mode

    Solus VS Arch Linux

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

    Solus is quite good with updates!

    Arch Linux Icon
    Solus icon
    • Solus is Free and Open SourceArch Linux is also Free and Open Source
    • Solus is LightweightArch Linux is not according to our users
  6. Aurora OS icon

    Aurora OS

     13 likes
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    Aurora is a delightful KDE desktop experience for end-users that are looking for reliability and developers for the most-hassle free setup. Zero maintenance included.

    54 Aurora OS alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • International

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • KDE Plasma
    • Fedora
    Aurora OS screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Works Offline
    2.  Ad-free
    3.  Dark Mode
    4.  No registration required
    5.  No Tracking
    6.  Auto Update
    7.  KDE
    8. KDE Plasma icon  KDE Plasma integration
    9.  Kde support
    10.  Flatpak
    11.  Based on Fedora

    Aurora OS VS Arch Linux

     
  7. Ubuntu MATE icon

    Ubuntu MATE

     92 likes
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    Ubuntu Mate is a stable, easy-to-use operating system with a configurable desktop environment. Ideal for those who want the most out of their desktops, laptops and netbooks and prefer a traditional desktop metaphor.

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • GB flagUnited Kingdom

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Ubuntu MATE screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Works Offline
    2.  Ad-free
    3.  Based on Ubuntu
    4.  Linux-based
    5.  ARM support
    6.  Based on Debian

    Ubuntu MATE VS Arch Linux

     
    Comments about Ubuntu MATE 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
    Ubuntu MATE icon
    • Ubuntu MATE is Free and Open SourceArch Linux is also Free and Open Source
    • Ubuntu MATE is LightweightArch Linux is not according to our users
  9. Puppy Linux icon

    Puppy Linux

     100 likes
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    Puppy Linux is a unique family of Linux distributions meant for the home-user computers. It was originally created by Barry Kauler in 2003.

    190 Puppy Linux alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    Puppy Linux screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Works Offline
    2.  Portable
    3.  Linux-based
    4.  Persistent Storage

    Puppy Linux VS Arch Linux

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

    I can't find Arch-compatible distro among Puppy versions ATM... https://puppylinux-woof-ce.github.io https://puppylinux-woof-ce.github.io/family-tree.html

    Arch Linux Icon
    Puppy Linux icon
    • Puppy Linux is Free and Open SourceArch Linux is also Free and Open Source
    • Puppy Linux is LightweightArch Linux is not according to our users
  10. CachyOS icon

    CachyOS

     9 likes
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    CachyOS is designed to deliver lightning-fast speeds and stability, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable computing experience every time you use it. Whether you're a seasoned Linux user or just starting out, CachyOS is the ideal choice for those looking for a powerful...

    59 CachyOS alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • DE flagGermany
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Linux
    CachyOS screenshot 1

    CachyOS Features

    1.  Dark Mode
    2.  Based on Arch Linux

    CachyOS VS Arch Linux

     
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