EndeavourOS vs Linux Mint

EndeavourOS and Linux Mint are popular choices among Linux users, both offering unique experiences. This comparison delves into their strengths, weaknesses, and best use cases, helping you decide which distro aligns with your requirements.

Endeavouros Icon

EndeavourOS

Arch-based Made Easy

  • Access to Arch's vast repositories
  • Minimal, customizable installation
  • Active and supportive community
  • Rolling release for latest updates
  • Requires some manual setup
  • Can be overwhelming for beginners
Best for Enthusiast power users
Linux Mint Icon

Linux Mint

Beginner-Friendly Elegance

  • User-friendly interface
  • Comes with essential software pre-installed
  • Strong focus on stability
  • Excellent multimedia support
  • Less cutting-edge software
  • Limited flexibility compared to Arch-based systems
Best for Newcomers and casual users

TL;DR: Pick EndeavourOS for a customizable, cutting-edge experience. Choose Linux Mint for user-friendliness and stability.

Side-by-side comparison

How they stack up across key categories.

Ease of use

EndeavourOS

EndeavourOS requires more initial setup, which may not be ideal for users new to Linux.

Mint

Linux Mint offers a polished, easy-to-use interface, perfect for beginners.

Desktop feel

EndeavourOS

EndeavourOS provides a minimalistic base, allowing users to choose their preferred desktop environment.

Mint

Linux Mint offers a cohesive desktop experience with Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce editions.

Stability

EndeavourOS

As a rolling release, EndeavourOS sacrifices some stability for the latest features.

Mint

Linux Mint focuses on long-term stability, making it ideal for those who prioritize reliability.

Updates

EndeavourOS

EndeavourOS delivers continuous updates, keeping the system always up-to-date.

Mint

Linux Mint uses a point release model, ensuring stability with periodic updates.

Software access

EndeavourOS

EndeavourOS offers access to the Arch User Repository (AUR), providing a vast selection of software.

Mint

Linux Mint provides a curated selection of software through its Software Manager.

Privacy

EndeavourOS

EndeavourOS doesn't include telemetry by default, respecting user privacy.

Mint

Linux Mint also respects user privacy with no mandatory data collection.

Community & docs

EndeavourOS

EndeavourOS benefits from both its community and Arch's extensive documentation.

Mint

Linux Mint has a large, active community and comprehensive documentation for support.

Gaming

EndeavourOS

EndeavourOS, with its access to the latest kernels and drivers, can be optimized for gaming.

Mint

Linux Mint, while stable, may not offer the latest gaming technologies as quickly.

Pros & cons summary

EndeavourOS

Pros

  • EndeavourOS offers access to Arch Linux's extensive repositories, giving users a wide range of software choices.
  • The installation process is minimal, allowing users to customize their system to their liking from the start.
  • An active community provides support and a wealth of knowledge for troubleshooting and tips.
  • Being a rolling release distribution, users receive the latest software updates without needing to reinstall.

Cons

  • Initial setup requires some manual intervention which might be challenging for users unfamiliar with Linux.
  • The abundance of choices and configurations can be overwhelming for beginners who prefer simplicity.

Linux Mint

Pros

  • Linux Mint provides a user-friendly interface that is intuitive for users coming from other operating systems.
  • It comes with a comprehensive suite of pre-installed software, making it ready to use out of the box.
  • The distribution focuses on stability, ensuring a hassle-free experience with less frequent updates.
  • Multimedia codecs are included, allowing users to play various media formats without additional setup.

Cons

  • Linux Mint doesn't always include the latest software versions, as it prioritizes stability over bleeding-edge features.
  • While customizable, it doesn't offer the same level of flexibility as Arch-based systems like EndeavourOS.

Which should you pick?

Quick recommendations for common scenarios.

💻

Switching from Windows

Pick: Linux Mint

Linux Mint's intuitive interface is more familiar to Windows users.

🔧

Following Tutorials

Pick: EndeavourOS

EndeavourOS's alignment with Arch makes it easier to follow Arch-based tutorials.

🖥️

Older Hardware

Pick: Linux Mint

Linux Mint's Xfce edition is lightweight and suitable for older machines.

🎮

Gaming

Pick: EndeavourOS

Access to the latest drivers and kernels benefits gamers seeking performance.

💼

Work/Professional Use

Pick: Linux Mint

Linux Mint's stability is ideal for professional environments.

🖱️

Simple Daily Desktop

Pick: Either

Both distros can be configured for a straightforward daily desktop experience.

FAQ

Quick answers to common questions.

Are EndeavourOS and Linux Mint related?

EndeavourOS is based on Arch Linux, while Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu. They are not directly related.

Which is more beginner-friendly?

Linux Mint is generally considered more beginner-friendly due to its intuitive interface and pre-installed software.

Which performs better in terms of speed?

Performance can vary, but EndeavourOS may offer faster updates and a more lightweight base, which can enhance speed.

Can I try these distros before installing?

Yes, both EndeavourOS and Linux Mint offer live sessions that allow you to test the system before installing.

What about software compatibility?

Both distributions offer a wide range of software, but EndeavourOS has access to the AUR, potentially offering more variety.

How is hardware support on these distros?

Linux Mint typically offers better out-of-the-box hardware support, while EndeavourOS may require manual driver installations.

How do their release cycles differ?

EndeavourOS is a rolling release, providing continuous updates, while Linux Mint follows a point release model for stability.

Is it easy to switch between them?

Switching between distros involves backing up data and performing a fresh installation, which can be straightforward with proper preparation.

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