Arch Linux is a lightweight and minimalist OS that requires approximately 2 to 4 GB of RAM. This Linux distro focuses significantly on precision, aesthetics, adaptability, and usability. Pacman is Arch’s package management utility.
Arch gives a do-it-yourself (DIY) aspect, allowing the users to work according to their needs and interests. Despite the user-friendly installation of Arch Linux, it is often used by Linux specialists due to its DIY approach. Arch’s distinguishing characteristic is its usage of “Rolling Release,” which allows the system to install new upgrades with a single command automatically.
Moreover, Arch offers numerous distributions, each with its unique set of pre-installed programs. Hence, whether you are a beginner or an expert, there is a huge range of Arch-based distros to meet your requirements. So, in this blog, we have listed the best Arch Linux-based distros of 2024.
Before getting on any Arch Linux-based OS, you must determine your needs and technical understanding. That’s why we have included both beginner and expert level Arch based operating systems:
Endeavor OS
Endeavour OS is one of the most renowned Arch Linux distros due to its simple installation process. Bryan Poerwoatmodjo, Johannes Kamprad, Fernando Omiechuk Frozi, and Manuel chose to continue the community that Antergos had started. They all produced new distributions based on the old core.
The Endeavour OS can be used with desktop environments like Cinnamon, GNOME, Budgie, and Plasma. It requires a minimum of 4GB RAM and includes eight desktop environments, one window manager, and a limited number of programs. EndeavourOS ‘Galileo’ is the most recent version, and significant improvements were made to the installation.
Pros
- Customization of your system to your liking.
- Handy installation process.
- Compatible with older computers.
- Frequent updates and new features with bloatware.
Cons
- Lack of pre-installed graphical interface
- It has a smaller community. Support is more professional but may take longer.
Manjaro
Manjaro was created in 2011 by Germany, Austria, and France for new users and full-time developers. It is a more durable, adaptable, and practical open-source operating system for its users.Manjaro is intended to be “groundbreaking” with its pre-installed apps.
As Manjaro is an Arch Linux-based OS, meaning it works on rolling releases. Hence, fresh updates are continually available to make it easy for users to maintain their computers efficiently.The most popular Manjaro versions are Manjaro GNOME, Manjaro Xfce, Manjaro Cinnamon, and Manjaro KDE Plasma.
Pros
- Easy Installation.
- New updates are available consistently.
- A strong security system is designed to remove antivirus, which can harm your data.
- Variety of inbuilt user interface.
Cons
- Weekly upgrades are required, which can make a user annoyed.
- Since it is an Arch-based Linux OS, some issues may arise related to installing Arch User Repository (AUR).
Garuda Linux
Shrinivas Vishnu Kumbhar created Garuda Linux on March 26th, 2020. The name “Garuda” honors a Hindu mythical bird. The installation of Artix uses Calamars and contains the Arch rolling release.Garuda Linux has both user-friendly and graphics-focused UI for being a beginner-friendly OS. It embodies performance enhancement, which includes custom kernels. Moreover, Garuda Linux simplifies the experience for gamers and designers alike. This Linux distro requires a minimum of 4GB of RAM with 30 GB storage, but you can go for 8GB of RAM if you want to use Garuda Linux for gaming purposes.
Pros
- Customization is available to make the desktop more attractive.
- Has a graphic installer to give a more pleasant experience.
- Garuda has pre-installed options for gamers to escalate their gaming skills.
- Continuous modification is available for free with a supportive team.
Cons
- Compared to other distros, Garuda Linux has a smaller community than new distros, so finding help might be difficult.
- As it is performance-based, the resource consumption is high compared to other distros.
Artix Linux
Developed in 2017, Artix Linux relies on rolling release distributions, which help keep the system current. It offers distinctive functions, allowing users to choose between two init systems, OpenRC, and systemd. Only the most basic functionality is available after installation, improving system performance and providing greater user control. Artix works nicely with Arch Linux repositories but has created its own. Moreover, Artix Linux is a community-driven OS with active community support. It helps beginners resolve common errors and difficulties while working on Artix Linux.
Pros
- It has a speedy boot time and reduces resource consumption efficiently for older computers.
- Provide complete freedom to customize the system.
- Freedom to choose between two init systems.
- It is completely free with open-source roots.
Cons
- The type of control and freedom Artix has can overpower a new user.
- With the latest updates, encountering bugs can make it slightly risky.
ArcoLinux
ArcoLinux, previously known as ArchMerge, is an Arch-based distribution divided into three sections: ArchoLinux, ArcoLinuxB, and ArcoLinuxD. It offers a user-friendly environment and a superb platform for all people who want to learn and understand Arch Linux better. As ArcoLinux is Arch-based, it features a continuous release that includes the most recent software updates. You can also choose from various pre-installed desktop visuals, including GNOME, Xfce, and KDE Plasma. It also allows you to customize your desktop by installing and uninstalling specific software.
Pros
- Easier for new users to install without any vast knowledge.
- It focuses on learning and providing ample resources to its users.
- Easy customization is available on the system and desktop.
- It is completely free with open-source roots.
Cons
- Due to continuous updates, bugs can enter your system.
- Smaller community, so finding help is difficult.
ArchCraft OS
ArchCraft is an Arch-based distribution known for its aesthetically pleasing and artistic minimalist aspects combined with efficient power, which is excellent for older computers. It just requires 500 MB of memory and includes pre-installed wallpapers and customizations.Since it has the rolling release from Arch, it enables simple access to the most recent updates, and the most recent version was released in 2023. ArchCraft has two highly customized pre-installed desktop environments, Openbox and Bspwm, but also allows for the modification and installation of a large variety of software.
Pros
- Provides aesthetic and gorgeous interfaces.
- It focuses on optimizing resources, making it easy for older desktops.
- Comes with a variety of pre-installed software.
- Great choice for gamers as it enhances the performance.
Cons
- The font size is small on desktops and in many Openbox themes.
- It comes with minimal pre-installed software, so you need to manually install additional software.
Rreborn OS
RebornOS is an Arch-based distro designed for novices who want to learn more about Arch Linux. However, it can be a little frightening due to the manual installation. This OS provides a variety of desktop environments, including GNOME, KDE Plasma, Xfce, LXQt, MATE, Cinnamon, Budgie, Deepin, i3, Enlightenment, and Openbox. These desktop environments allow you to select the best fit for your desktop. It also has a simple method to reinstall the previous system if the new system fails.
Pros
- Freedom to choose between a wide range of desktop environments.
- Has a good variety of preloaded software and applications.
- It has a rollback function that allows the user to switch to the previous system if the new version breaks down.
- Always keeps the system up-to-date with new versions.
Cons
- It requires some basic knowledge of Linux, and it is not suitable for an amateur.
- It’s possible to run into bugs with the most recent upgrades, which makes it quite dangerous.
ArchLabs Linux
ArchLabs Linux is built with a Featherlight Openbox window manager and the Calamares installer. Due to its design and appearance, ArchLabs is considered an imitation of BunsenLabs Linux. ArchLabs Linux has various pre-installed applications, allowing you to personalize your desktop environment. Hence, this includes 16 different desktop interfaces and window managers.
Pros
- Personalization of the desktop is available through a variety of amazing wallpapers.
- System customization is available in a variety of applications.
- Easy-to-use installation with pre-installed packages.
Cons
- It might be difficult for a new user.
- It is a small new project, so the community is very limited.
Conclusion
So this was all about the best Arch Linux-based distros available in 2024. Arch is designed to be simple, user-friendly, efficient, and flexible while catering to individual needs and interests. We have included the best Arch-based Linux operating systems for beginners and experts. Hence, you can check out and install any of the above Linux distros based on your skill set and requirements.
