Arch Linux
The customizer's dream
- Rolling release - always up-to-date
- Extensive Wiki documentation
- Highly customizable
- Lightweight and minimal
- Steep learning curve
- Manual installation process
Best for
Power users
Arch Linux vs Pop!_OS
Arch Linux and Pop!_OS are two popular Linux distributions, each with its own unique strengths. This page explores their differences, from user experience to customization, to help you choose the right distro for your needs.
Pop!_OS
The developer's delight
- User-friendly GNOME desktop
- Optimized for hardware
- Great out-of-the-box experience
- Strong focus on productivity
- Limited customization compared to Arch
- Less community documentation compared to Arch
Best for
Developers and gamers
TL;DR: Pick Arch Linux for high customization and control. Pick Pop!_OS for a user-friendly experience with great performance.
Side-by-side comparison
How they stack up across key categories.
Ease of use
Linux
Arch Linux requires considerable setup and knowledge, making it best suited for experienced users.
Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS offers a smooth and intuitive interface, making it accessible to beginners and experienced users alike.
Desktop feel
Linux
Arch allows users to choose their preferred desktop environment, offering flexibility in UI design.
Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS uses a modified GNOME desktop that is sleek, modern, and productivity-focused.
Stability
Linux
Being a rolling release, Arch might occasionally face instability, but offers up-to-date software.
Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS is based on Ubuntu LTS, providing a stable and reliable environment with periodic updates.
Updates
Linux
Updates in Arch are continuous, providing the latest packages as soon as they're available.
Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS follows Ubuntu's release cycle, providing new versions every six months with long-term support releases.
Software access
Linux
Arch Linux provides access to a vast repository and the AUR, offering a wide range of software.
Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS offers access to the Ubuntu repositories and its own additions, covering the needs of most users.
Privacy
Linux
Arch Linux respects user privacy by default, with minimal telemetry.
Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS also respects privacy, with a focus on open-source principles and no data collection.
Community & docs
Linux
Arch has a very active community and extensive documentation, especially the Arch Wiki.
Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS has a supportive community and good documentation, though not as expansive as Arch's.
Gaming
Linux
Arch can be configured for gaming with additional effort, using resources like the AUR.
Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS comes with gaming support out of the box, including drivers and optimizations for Steam.
Pros & cons summary
Arch Linux
Pros
- Arch Linux employs a rolling release model, ensuring the latest software updates and features are always available.
- The Arch Wiki is renowned for its comprehensive and detailed documentation, aiding both new and experienced users.
- With Arch, you build your system from the ground up, allowing for unparalleled customization and control.
- It is designed to be lightweight, with a minimal base installation, giving users the freedom to add only what they need.
- The community is active and vibrant, often providing quick support and advice.
Cons
- The learning curve for Arch is significant, requiring users to have a good understanding of Linux systems.
- Installation is manual and can be complex, particularly for those unfamiliar with Linux.
- Occasional system breakages can occur due to the rolling release nature, requiring manual intervention.
Pop!_OS
Pros
- Pop!_OS provides a polished and user-friendly GNOME desktop environment, making it easy for new users to navigate.
- It's optimized for System76 hardware but works well on other machines, providing excellent performance.
- Pop!_OS offers an intuitive out-of-the-box experience with pre-installed tools for productivity and development.
- The distro has built-in support for gaming, including native support for Steam and other gaming platforms.
- Pop!_OS focuses on productivity with features like window tiling and workspace management.
Cons
- Customization options are more limited than on Arch, as Pop!_OS is designed to provide a consistent user experience.
- While documentation is good, it is not as extensive as the Arch Wiki.
- It follows a more traditional release cycle which may not always have the latest software versions.
Which should you pick?
Quick recommendations for common scenarios.
Switching from Windows
Pick: Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS provides a familiar and user-friendly interface, easing the transition.
Following tutorials
Pick: Arch Linux
Arch's extensive documentation and community support make it ideal for learning and experimentation.
Older hardware
Pick: Arch Linux
Arch's lightweight nature allows you to customize installations for minimal resource use.
Gaming
Pick: Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS is optimized for gaming, providing a smooth experience with minimal setup.
Work/professional use
Pick: Pop!_OS
Its productivity features and stability make Pop!_OS a great choice for professional environments.
Simple daily desktop
Pick: Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS offers a ready-to-use experience with a polished interface for everyday tasks.
FAQ
Quick answers to common questions.
How are Arch Linux and Pop!_OS related?
Arch Linux and Pop!_OS are not directly related, as Arch is independently developed while Pop!_OS is based on Ubuntu.
Which is more beginner-friendly?
Pop!_OS is more beginner-friendly due to its user-centric design and pre-configured setup, unlike Arch which requires more technical knowledge.
Which offers better performance?
Both can offer excellent performance; however, Arch can be optimized to be very lightweight, while Pop!_OS provides optimized performance especially on System76 hardware.
Can I try them before installing?
Yes, Pop!_OS offers a live session for testing, while Arch requires installation but can be tested in a virtual machine.
What about software compatibility?
Both distros offer extensive software repositories, with Arch utilizing the AUR for additional packages, while Pop!_OS includes Ubuntu's repositories.
How is hardware support?
Pop!_OS is optimized for System76 hardware but supports a wide range of devices. Arch can support many devices but may require additional configuration.
What are their release cycles?
Arch uses a rolling release model, updating continuously, while Pop!_OS follows Ubuntu's six-month release cycle with LTS versions.
How easy is switching between them?
Switching requires reinstallation and data migration; Pop!_OS offers an easier transition from other systems, while Arch requires more setup.
Compare another pair?
Generate a clean "vs" page for any two distros.