CachyOS
Efficient and Fast
- Optimized for performance
- Customizable installation
- Rolling release model
- Strong community support
- Steeper learning curve
- Limited official documentation
Best for
Performance enthusiasts
CachyOS vs EndeavourOS
CachyOS and EndeavourOS are both popular Arch-based distributions, each offering distinct features and benefits. This comparison explores their unique attributes to help you decide which one suits your needs best.
EndeavourOS
User-Friendly Arch
- Easy Arch-based setup
- Active community support
- Frequent updates
- Good hardware support
- Requires regular maintenance
- Not as beginner-friendly as some distros
Best for
Intermediate users
TL;DR: Pick CachyOS for performance and customization. Pick EndeavourOS for ease of use and community support.
Side-by-side comparison
How they stack up across key categories.
Ease of use
CachyOS
CachyOS provides a customizable setup, which can be challenging for new users.
EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS offers a user-friendly installer, making it more accessible to those new to Arch.
Desktop feel
CachyOS
CachyOS offers a lightweight and responsive desktop experience, focusing on performance.
EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS provides a clean and customizable desktop environment with various DE options.
Stability
CachyOS
As a rolling release, CachyOS requires careful maintenance to ensure stability.
EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS' rolling release model benefits from regular updates, but users need to manage stability.
Updates
CachyOS
CachyOS provides continuous updates, keeping software current but requiring user attention.
EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS also offers frequent updates, ensuring cutting-edge software availability.
Software access
CachyOS
CachyOS leverages the Arch User Repository (AUR) for extensive software options.
EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS provides easy access to the AUR and official Arch repositories.
Privacy
CachyOS
CachyOS places a strong emphasis on user privacy with minimal telemetry.
EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS respects user privacy and includes tools for managing personal data.
Community & docs
CachyOS
CachyOS has an active community but limited official documentation.
EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS benefits from a vibrant community and extensive online resources.
Gaming
CachyOS
CachyOS provides performance tweaks beneficial for gaming setups.
EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS offers good hardware support, making it suitable for gaming.
Pros & cons summary
CachyOS
Pros
- CachyOS is optimized for performance, focusing on delivering a fast and responsive user experience.
- The installation process is highly customizable, allowing users to tailor the system to their specific needs.
- As a rolling release, CachyOS provides the latest software updates without needing to upgrade to a new version.
- The community around CachyOS is active and provides strong support for users seeking help and guidance.
- The distribution includes performance tweaks and enhancements out of the box, ideal for power users.
Cons
- CachyOS has a steeper learning curve, particularly for users who are not familiar with Arch-based systems.
- The official documentation is limited, which may require users to rely more on community forums and resources.
- May not be the best choice for users who prefer a more traditional or stable release cycle.
EndeavourOS
Pros
- EndeavourOS offers an easy-to-use installer that simplifies the process of setting up an Arch-based system.
- The community is highly active, providing ample support and resources for troubleshooting and learning.
- Users benefit from frequent updates, ensuring access to the latest software and security patches.
- EndeavourOS generally offers good hardware support, making it compatible with a wide range of devices.
- The distribution provides a clean and minimal base, allowing users to build their system as needed.
Cons
- EndeavourOS requires regular maintenance to ensure the system remains stable and up-to-date.
- While more accessible than vanilla Arch, it may still pose challenges for complete beginners.
- Some users may find the rolling release model less stable compared to fixed-release distros.
Which should you pick?
Quick recommendations for common scenarios.
Switching from Windows
Pick: EndeavourOS
Its user-friendly installer eases the transition for Windows users.
Following tutorials
Pick: Either
Both distros offer access to Arch resources and community support.
Older hardware
Pick: CachyOS
Optimized for performance, making it suitable for lower-spec devices.
Gaming
Pick: CachyOS
Performance optimizations enhance gaming experiences.
Work/professional use
Pick: EndeavourOS
Frequent updates and broad software access support professional needs.
Simple daily desktop
Pick: EndeavourOS
Offers a straightforward setup with a focus on user-friendliness.
FAQ
Quick answers to common questions.
What is the relationship between CachyOS and EndeavourOS?
Both are Arch-based distributions, but they cater to different user needs. CachyOS focuses on performance, while EndeavourOS emphasizes user-friendliness.
Which distro is more beginner-friendly?
EndeavourOS is generally more beginner-friendly due to its easy installer and strong community support.
How do these distros perform in terms of speed?
CachyOS is optimized for speed, offering performance tweaks, while EndeavourOS provides a balanced experience with its lightweight setup.
Can I try these distros before installing?
Yes, both CachyOS and EndeavourOS provide live environments that allow you to test the distros before installation.
Is software compatibility an issue?
Both distros have access to the Arch User Repository (AUR), providing a wide range of software compatibility.
How well do these distros support different hardware?
EndeavourOS generally offers good hardware support, while CachyOS focuses on performance, benefiting older hardware.
What are the release cycles like?
Both CachyOS and EndeavourOS use a rolling release model, providing continuous updates for the latest software.
How easy is it to switch between these distros?
Switching between them is relatively straightforward, as both share an Arch base, but some configuration and adaptation will be necessary.
Compare another pair?
Generate a clean "vs" page for any two distros.