elementary OS vs EndeavourOS

elementary OS and EndeavourOS both offer unique experiences for Linux users, from elegant design to extensive customization. This page explores their differences, strengths, and ideal use cases to help you choose the right distro.

Elementary Os Icon

elementary OS

The elegant choice

  • Visually appealing design
  • Beginner-friendly UI
  • Curated app ecosystem
  • Strong focus on privacy
  • Limited software compared to Arch-based distros
  • Less customizable than some other options
Best for Desktop simplicity
Endeavouros Icon

EndeavourOS

The Arch gateway

  • Access to Arch User Repository (AUR)
  • Rolling release model
  • Highly customizable
  • Strong community support
  • Steeper learning curve for beginners
  • Less stable than fixed-release distros
Best for Linux enthusiasts

TL;DR: Pick elementary OS for a sleek, user-friendly experience. Choose EndeavourOS for customization and Arch flexibility.

Side-by-side comparison

How they stack up across key categories.

Ease of use

OS

elementary OS is designed with beginners in mind, offering a straightforward and intuitive user interface.

EndeavourOS

EndeavourOS requires more user knowledge, especially regarding Arch, but provides helpful tools and community support.

Desktop feel

OS

Pantheon provides a clean, Mac-like experience focused on simplicity and elegance.

EndeavourOS

EndeavourOS allows for multiple desktop environments, giving users flexibility in their desktop experience.

Stability

OS

elementary OS uses a fixed release model, generally offering more stability.

EndeavourOS

As a rolling release, EndeavourOS might face occasional stability issues but keeps software up to date.

Updates

OS

elementary OS offers periodic updates with a focus on stability and security.

EndeavourOS

EndeavourOS provides continuous updates, ensuring users have the latest software and features.

Software access

OS

Offers a curated set of applications, ensuring quality and consistency with the OS design.

EndeavourOS

Provides access to AUR, enabling a vast array of software options for users.

Privacy

OS

Prioritizes user privacy with built-in features and settings.

EndeavourOS

While privacy is respected, EndeavourOS lacks the specific focus found in elementary OS.

Community & docs

OS

Provides comprehensive documentation and a supportive community for newcomers.

EndeavourOS

Has a robust community and extensive Arch-related resources for learning and support.

Gaming

OS

Supports gaming through Steam and other platforms but isn't specifically optimized for it.

EndeavourOS

With access to AUR, users can easily find and install gaming tools and drivers.

Pros & cons summary

elementary OS

Pros

  • elementary OS offers a visually appealing, Mac-like design that is intuitive and easy to navigate.
  • The Pantheon desktop environment is designed for newcomers, making it an excellent choice for users switching from other operating systems.
  • It features a curated app ecosystem that ensures quality and compatibility with the system's design ethos.
  • There is a strong focus on user privacy, with built-in features to protect user data.

Cons

  • The software repository is limited due to its focus on curated apps, which may require users to seek additional software from other sources.
  • Customization options are limited, keeping the system's design consistent but potentially restricting advanced users.

EndeavourOS

Pros

  • EndeavourOS provides access to the vast Arch User Repository (AUR), offering a wide range of software.
  • The rolling release model ensures users have the latest software and updates continuously.
  • Highly customizable, allowing users to tailor the system to their specific needs and preferences.
  • Backed by a strong community offering extensive support and resources for troubleshooting.

Cons

  • The learning curve can be steep for users unfamiliar with the Arch ecosystem.
  • As a rolling release distro, it may experience occasional stability issues compared to fixed-release distributions.

Which should you pick?

Quick recommendations for common scenarios.

💻

Switching from Windows

Pick: elementary OS

Its user-friendly interface makes it easier for Windows users to adapt.

📚

Following tutorials

Pick: EndeavourOS

The flexibility and community support make it ideal for learning and exploring Linux.

🖥️

Older hardware

Pick: EndeavourOS

Allows for lightweight setups that can be optimized for performance on older systems.

🎮

Gaming

Pick: EndeavourOS

Offers better access to gaming tools and updates through the Arch ecosystem.

💼

Work/professional use

Pick: elementary OS

Its stable and distraction-free environment is ideal for professional tasks.

🖱️

Simple daily desktop

Pick: Either

Both provide efficient environments for daily tasks, depending on user preference.

FAQ

Quick answers to common questions.

Are elementary OS and EndeavourOS related?

No, they are not directly related. elementary OS is based on Ubuntu, while EndeavourOS is based on Arch Linux.

Which is more beginner-friendly?

elementary OS is more beginner-friendly due to its intuitive interface, whereas EndeavourOS requires more Linux knowledge.

Which distro offers better performance?

Performance can vary based on configuration, but EndeavourOS may offer better performance due to its customizable nature.

Can I try these distros before installing?

Yes, both distros offer live sessions that let you try the system without installation.

What about software compatibility?

EndeavourOS, with access to AUR, offers more software options, but elementary OS provides quality curated apps.

How is hardware support?

elementary OS benefits from Ubuntu's extensive hardware support, while EndeavourOS can be more flexible with configuration.

How often do these distros release updates?

elementary OS follows a stable release model, while EndeavourOS uses a rolling release for continuous updates.

Is switching between these distros difficult?

Switching involves adjusting to different ecosystems; however, both have active communities to assist in the transition.

Compare another pair?

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