CentOS Stream
Continuous Enterprise Updates
- Rolling-release model
- Strong Red Hat affiliation
- Enterprise-grade stability
- Robust server use
- Not ideal for beginners
- Less focus on desktop
Best for
Enterprise environments
CentOS Stream vs Manjaro
CentOS Stream and Manjaro offer distinct Linux experiences, catering to different user needs. This page compares their features, strengths, and ideal use cases to help you choose the right one.
Manjaro
Arch Made Accessible
- User-friendly Arch
- Frequent updates
- Great hardware support
- Rich software repository
- Rolling release can be unstable
- Less enterprise focus
Best for
Desktop enthusiasts
TL;DR: Pick CentOS Stream for enterprise-grade stability. Choose Manjaro for a user-friendly desktop experience.
Side-by-side comparison
How they stack up across key categories.
Ease of use
Stream
CentOS Stream, with its focus on enterprise environments, may present a steeper learning curve for new users.
Manjaro
Manjaro is designed to be user-friendly, providing an easy transition for newcomers to Linux.
Desktop feel
Stream
CentOS Stream is primarily server-focused, offering fewer desktop enhancements.
Manjaro
Manjaro offers a polished desktop experience with multiple environments to choose from.
Stability
Stream
CentOS Stream offers enterprise-level stability, making it suitable for production environments.
Manjaro
While generally stable, Manjaro's rolling-release model can occasionally lead to instability after updates.
Updates
Stream
CentOS Stream provides continuous, enterprise-focused updates that are vetted for stability.
Manjaro
Manjaro delivers frequent updates, ensuring access to the latest software and features.
Software access
Stream
CentOS Stream has a robust repository but is more limited in desktop software compared to Manjaro.
Manjaro
Manjaro offers access to Arch's extensive repositories and the AUR, providing a vast software selection.
Privacy
Stream
CentOS Stream, with its enterprise roots, follows stringent privacy standards but is less flexible for personal customization.
Manjaro
Manjaro, being community-driven, emphasizes user privacy and customization options.
Community & docs
Stream
CentOS Stream benefits from the Red Hat community, offering extensive documentation and professional support.
Manjaro
Manjaro boasts a vibrant community with abundant user-generated documentation and support.
Gaming
Stream
CentOS Stream is not optimized for gaming, focusing more on server and enterprise applications.
Manjaro
Manjaro supports gaming well, with access to the latest drivers and gaming software.
Pros & cons summary
CentOS Stream
Pros
- CentOS Stream uses a rolling-release model, offering continuous updates and access to the latest technology.
- Its strong affiliation with Red Hat means it benefits from enterprise-level support and resources.
- Maintains enterprise-grade stability, making it a reliable choice for production environments.
- Designed with server use in mind, providing tools and features that cater to enterprise needs.
- Access to Red Hat's ecosystem provides streamlined integration with commercial software.
Cons
- CentOS Stream's continuous updates may not be ideal for beginners unfamiliar with rolling-release systems.
- The focus on server environments means less optimization for desktop users.
- Fewer desktop-ready features compared to distros focused on home use.
Manjaro
Pros
- Manjaro brings the power and flexibility of Arch Linux in a more user-friendly package.
- Frequent updates ensure you have access to the latest software and features.
- Offers excellent hardware support, making it compatible with a wide range of devices.
- Rich software repository and access to the Arch User Repository (AUR) provide extensive software options.
- The community-driven nature ensures a rich and varied set of available applications.
Cons
- Being a rolling release, Manjaro can sometimes face stability issues after updates.
- Less focus on enterprise environments, making it more suited to individual users and home setups.
- The pace of updates may overwhelm users not used to frequent changes.
Which should you pick?
Quick recommendations for common scenarios.
Switching from Windows
Pick: Manjaro
Its user-friendly design makes it easy for Windows users to transition.
Following Tutorials
Pick: Either
Both have strong communities and documentation to support learning.
Older Hardware
Pick: Manjaro
Manjaro offers lightweight desktop environments suitable for older machines.
Gaming
Pick: Manjaro
It provides better support for gaming with newer drivers and software.
Work/Professional Use
Pick: CentOS Stream
Its enterprise-grade stability is ideal for professional environments.
Simple Daily Desktop
Pick: Manjaro
Offers a smooth and easy-to-use desktop experience for daily tasks.
FAQ
Quick answers to common questions.
What is the relationship between CentOS Stream and Manjaro?
CentOS Stream and Manjaro are both Linux distributions but serve different audiences. CentOS Stream is closely related to Red Hat Enterprise Linux, while Manjaro is based on Arch Linux.
Which is more beginner-friendly?
Manjaro is more beginner-friendly due to its user-centric approach and ease of use, whereas CentOS Stream is better suited for experienced users.
How does performance compare between the two?
Both distros offer solid performance. However, Manjaro may provide a more responsive desktop experience due to its design, whereas CentOS Stream excels in server performance.
Can I try these distros before installing?
Yes, both CentOS Stream and Manjaro offer live versions that allow you to try the system without installing it on your hardware.
How does software compatibility differ?
Manjaro offers access to a wide range of software due to the Arch User Repository, while CentOS Stream focuses on stability and enterprise-level software.
What about hardware support?
Manjaro typically has better hardware support out of the box, whereas CentOS Stream may require additional configuration for some desktop hardware.
What are the release cycles like?
CentOS Stream follows a rolling-release model aligned with Red Hat's development, while Manjaro also follows a rolling release, providing frequent updates.
How difficult is it to switch between these distros?
Switching between distros requires reinstalling the operating system. Backup your data and prepare for some learning on the new system.
Compare another pair?
Generate a clean "vs" page for any two distros.