CentOS Stream vs EndeavourOS

CentOS Stream and EndeavourOS represent two distinct philosophies in the Linux ecosystem. This page explores their differences, strengths, and ideal use cases, helping you choose the right distro for your needs.

Centos Icon

CentOS Stream

The rolling choice

  • Continuous updates for enterprise
  • Strong community support
  • Stability with innovation
  • Wide adoption in servers
  • Limited desktop environment options
  • Not ideal for beginners
Best for Enterprise environments
Endeavouros Icon

EndeavourOS

Arch made simple

  • Easy Arch installation
  • Lightweight and customizable
  • Access to AUR
  • Active community forum
  • Requires more manual setup
  • Rolling release may lead to instability
Best for DIY enthusiasts

TL;DR: Pick CentOS Stream for enterprise stability. Pick EndeavourOS for Arch's flexibility with ease.

Side-by-side comparison

How they stack up across key categories.

Ease of use

Stream

CentOS Stream is geared towards experienced users familiar with enterprise environments.

EndeavourOS

EndeavourOS offers an easier Arch Linux experience, suitable for users willing to learn.

Desktop feel

Stream

CentOS Stream offers a minimalistic setup focused more on servers than desktop aesthetics.

EndeavourOS

EndeavourOS provides a customizable experience with multiple desktop environments.

Stability

Stream

CentOS Stream balances stability with new features, ideal for testing future RHEL updates.

EndeavourOS

EndeavourOS, being a rolling release, requires careful management to maintain stability.

Updates

Stream

Continuous updates provide a preview of the next RHEL release, offering early access to innovations.

EndeavourOS

Frequent updates via a rolling release model keep the system cutting-edge but require attentiveness.

Software access

Stream

Access to stable, enterprise-grade software packages tailored for server use.

EndeavourOS

Extensive software access through official repositories and the AUR, ideal for desktop users.

Privacy

Stream

CentOS Stream inherits privacy practices from RHEL, prioritizing enterprise security.

EndeavourOS

EndeavourOS benefits from Arch's strong privacy ethos and user empowerment.

Community & docs

Stream

Supported by a strong community with extensive documentation and Red Hat resources.

EndeavourOS

Active community with helpful forums, aided by Arch's comprehensive wiki.

Gaming

Stream

Gaming is not a primary focus, but can be configured with third-party repositories.

EndeavourOS

Excellent for gaming, with access to the latest drivers and software through AUR.

Pros & cons summary

CentOS Stream

Pros

  • CentOS Stream serves as a rolling preview of the next RHEL minor release, allowing for early access to features.
  • The community provides robust support, benefiting from Red Hat's ecosystem.
  • Combines the stability CentOS is known for with a more frequent update system.
  • Widely used in enterprise server environments, offering a reliable testbed for future RHEL features.

Cons

  • CentOS Stream does not offer the variety of desktop environments that some other distros do, focusing more on enterprise needs.
  • The learning curve can be steep for new Linux users due to its enterprise-focused nature.
  • Some traditional CentOS users may find the shift to a rolling release model challenging.

EndeavourOS

Pros

  • EndeavourOS simplifies the Arch Linux installation process, making it accessible to more users.
  • The distribution remains lightweight, allowing users to build a system tailored to their needs.
  • Access to the Arch User Repository (AUR) provides a vast collection of software packages.
  • A supportive and active community helps users troubleshoot and customize their installation.

Cons

  • EndeavourOS requires users to engage in more manual configuration compared to other beginner-friendly distros.
  • The rolling release model can introduce instability, requiring users to manage updates carefully.
  • Not as polished out-of-the-box compared to more traditional desktop-focused distributions.

Which should you pick?

Quick recommendations for common scenarios.

💻

Switching from Windows

Pick: EndeavourOS

Its Arch base allows users to explore Linux deeply, while offering an easier transition.

📚

Following tutorials

Pick: EndeavourOS

The Arch community provides extensive tutorials and support, making it ideal for learners.

🖥️

Older hardware

Pick: EndeavourOS

Lightweight and customizable, it can be tailored to run efficiently on older systems.

🎮

Gaming

Pick: EndeavourOS

Access to the latest drivers and gaming software makes it a better choice for gamers.

🏢

Work or professional use

Pick: CentOS Stream

Its enterprise-grade stability and preview of RHEL make it suitable for professional environments.

💼

Simple daily desktop

Pick: Either

Both distros can be configured for daily use, though EndeavourOS might require more setup.

FAQ

Quick answers to common questions.

How are CentOS Stream and EndeavourOS related?

They are not directly related; CentOS Stream is a RHEL downstream project, while EndeavourOS is based on Arch Linux.

Which is more beginner-friendly?

EndeavourOS is more approachable for beginners due to its simplified Arch installation process.

Which offers better performance?

Performance depends on use case; EndeavourOS is lighter for desktops, while CentOS Stream excels in server environments.

Can I try these distros without installing?

Yes, both offer live environments that allow you to test the system before installing.

Are both distros compatible with most software?

EndeavourOS, with access to AUR, supports a wider range of software, while CentOS Stream focuses on enterprise applications.

How is hardware support for these distros?

EndeavourOS typically has broader hardware support due to its rolling release nature, while CentOS Stream focuses on certified enterprise hardware.

What are their release cycles like?

CentOS Stream offers continuous updates previewing RHEL, while EndeavourOS uses a rolling release model.

Is it easy to switch between them?

Switching requires a reinstallation as they are fundamentally different, catering to different audiences and use cases.

Compare another pair?

Generate a clean "vs" page for any two distros.