elementary OS
The Elegant Choice
- Beautiful and intuitive design
- Strong focus on privacy
- Curated app store
- Consistent user experience
- Limited software availability
- Not ideal for advanced users
Best for
Desktop simplicity
elementary OS vs Manjaro
elementary OS and Manjaro are two popular Linux distributions, each catering to different user preferences. This page explores their key differences, helping you decide which one is right for your computing needs.
Manjaro
User-Friendly Arch
- Access to Arch User Repository (AUR)
- Rolling release model
- Excellent hardware support
- Multiple desktop environments
- Can be complex for new users
- Rolling updates may introduce instability
Best for
Advanced customization
TL;DR: Pick elementary OS for a sleek, simple desktop. Choose Manjaro for flexibility and cutting-edge software.
Side-by-side comparison
How they stack up across key categories.
Ease of use
OS
elementary OS provides a straightforward, macOS-like experience ideal for newcomers to Linux.
Manjaro
Manjaro, while user-friendly, may require more familiarity with Linux concepts, especially due to its Arch foundations.
Desktop feel
OS
Offers a polished and cohesive desktop environment with Pantheon, focusing on aesthetics and simplicity.
Manjaro
Provides a choice among several desktop environments, allowing users to tailor the experience to their liking.
Stability
OS
elementary OS uses a stable release model, ensuring that updates are thoroughly tested before deployment.
Manjaro
Manjaro's rolling release model can occasionally lead to stability issues but generally balances cutting-edge software with reliability.
Updates
OS
Features stable, periodic updates with a focus on maintaining system stability.
Manjaro
Offers rolling updates, providing the latest software and features continuously.
Software access
OS
Uses a curated app store, which limits software availability but ensures quality and integration.
Manjaro
Access to the AUR provides a vast selection of software, including the latest versions and niche applications.
Privacy
OS
Prioritizes user privacy with minimal data collection and built-in privacy features.
Manjaro
Privacy features depend on user configuration, as Manjaro offers extensive customization options.
Community & docs
OS
Has a smaller, dedicated community with focused documentation and support resources.
Manjaro
Boasts a large community with extensive Arch-based documentation and support forums.
Gaming
OS
Not specifically optimized for gaming but can run games available through Linux-compatible platforms.
Manjaro
Supports gaming well with access to the latest drivers and gaming software via the AUR.
Pros & cons summary
elementary OS
Pros
- elementary OS is renowned for its visually appealing and user-friendly interface, inspired by macOS.
- The operating system emphasizes user privacy with minimal data collection.
- The AppCenter provides a curated selection of applications that integrate well with the OS.
- User interface consistency and design coherence are maintained across all system applications.
- Offers a distraction-free experience by omitting unnecessary features.
Cons
- The availability of software is restricted compared to more mainstream distros, potentially necessitating workarounds.
- Its simplified approach may not cater to the needs of power users who require more customization.
- Community support and documentation can be less comprehensive than those of larger distributions.
Manjaro
Pros
- Manjaro gives users access to the AUR, allowing installation of a vast range of software.
- The rolling release model ensures users always have access to the latest software.
- It provides excellent out-of-the-box hardware detection and driver support.
- Manjaro offers various desktop environments such as KDE, GNOME, and XFCE, catering to different user preferences.
- Provides a balance between cutting-edge features and a stable user experience.
Cons
- The rich feature set and advanced tools can be overwhelming for beginners.
- Rolling updates, while providing the latest features, can occasionally lead to stability issues if not managed carefully.
- The need for frequent updates can be a hurdle for users seeking a more hands-off experience.
Which should you pick?
Quick recommendations for common scenarios.
Switching from Windows
Pick: elementary OS
Provides a familiar, intuitive interface similar to macOS, easing the transition.
Following Tutorials
Pick: Manjaro
Offers extensive documentation and community support for troubleshooting and learning.
Older Hardware
Pick: Manjaro
Manjaro's XFCE version is lightweight and can breathe new life into older machines.
Gaming
Pick: Manjaro
Access to the latest drivers and libraries through the AUR enhances gaming performance.
Work/Professional Use
Pick: elementary OS
Its stability and polished interface make it suitable for professional environments.
Simple Daily Desktop
Pick: Either
Both distros provide a refined user experience for everyday tasks.
FAQ
Quick answers to common questions.
What is the relationship between elementary OS and Manjaro?
elementary OS is based on Ubuntu, focusing on design and simplicity, while Manjaro is based on Arch Linux, known for its flexibility and cutting-edge software.
Which distro is more beginner-friendly?
elementary OS is generally more beginner-friendly due to its simple, intuitive interface, while Manjaro offers more features for users willing to explore.
How does performance compare between these distros?
Manjaro can be optimized for better performance, especially on older hardware, while elementary OS focuses on delivering a smooth and consistent experience.
Can I try these distros before installing?
Yes, both elementary OS and Manjaro offer live sessions via bootable USB or DVD, allowing you to test them without installation.
How is software compatibility handled?
elementary OS uses a curated store for quality applications, whereas Manjaro offers broader software access through the AUR and its repositories.
What about hardware support?
Manjaro generally provides better hardware support out of the box, thanks to its rolling updates and access to the latest drivers.
How do their release cycles differ?
elementary OS follows a stable release cycle with periodic updates, while Manjaro uses a rolling release model for continuous updates.
Is it easy to switch between these distros?
Switching between them involves backing up data and reinstalling the operating system, as their base systems and package management differ significantly.
Compare another pair?
Generate a clean "vs" page for any two distros.