EndeavourOS
The Arch Gateway
- Arch-based simplicity
- Minimal pre-installed software
- Active community
- Rolling release
- Less beginner-friendly
- Requires manual setup
Best for
Arch enthusiasts
EndeavourOS vs Nobara
EndeavourOS and Nobara represent two unique flavors of Linux, each tailored to different audiences. This page dives into their core features, strengths, and ideal use cases, helping you decide which distro best matches your needs.
Nobara
Gaming Ready Linux
- Out-of-the-box gaming support
- Fedora-based stability
- User-centric enhancements
- Frequent updates
- Less flexibility in customization
- Heavier resource usage
Best for
Gaming enthusiasts
TL;DR: Pick EndeavourOS for a minimal, Arch-based experience. Choose Nobara for gaming-ready convenience.
Side-by-side comparison
How they stack up across key categories.
Ease of use
EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS offers a guided installation but requires some manual configuration post-install.
Nobara
Nobara is designed for ease of use, with pre-configured settings for gaming and a polished user experience.
Desktop feel
EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS provides a choice of several desktop environments, focusing on simplicity and customization.
Nobara
Nobara provides a sleek and modern desktop experience, heavily geared towards gaming performance.
Stability
EndeavourOS
As a rolling release, EndeavourOS offers cutting-edge packages but may require more maintenance for stability.
Nobara
Nobara, based on Fedora, offers a stable release with regular updates, balancing new features with reliability.
Updates
EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS uses a rolling release model, so updates are frequent and incremental.
Nobara
Nobara follows Fedora's update cycle, providing stable yet frequent updates.
Software access
EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS users have access to the Arch User Repository (AUR), offering a vast range of software.
Nobara
Nobara provides access to Fedora's repositories, along with additional packages for gaming.
Privacy
EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS, being Arch-based, respects user privacy with minimal telemetry.
Nobara
Nobara, based on Fedora, also respects privacy and includes open-source gaming enhancements.
Community & docs
EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS has a vibrant community with extensive forums and documentation.
Nobara
Nobara benefits from Fedora's strong community support and additional resources for gaming.
Gaming
EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS can be configured for gaming but requires manual setup of tools like Steam.
Nobara
Nobara is optimized for gaming out-of-the-box, with pre-installed tools and configurations.
Pros & cons summary
EndeavourOS
Pros
- Offers a clean and minimal installation with the option to choose from multiple desktop environments.
- Provides a rolling release model, ensuring you always have the latest software updates.
- Has a very active and helpful community, with forums and resources for troubleshooting.
- Great for users who want to learn more about Linux internals, as it encourages manual configuration.
Cons
- The installation process, although guided, still requires some manual setup which can be daunting for newcomers.
- Being a rolling release, it can sometimes lead to stability issues if updates are not managed carefully.
- Lacks some of the out-of-the-box convenience features that other beginner-friendly distros offer.
Nobara
Pros
- Comes with pre-installed tools and configurations optimized for gaming, like Steam and Proton.
- Built on Fedora, providing a stable base with access to the latest software via regular updates.
- Includes several user experience enhancements, making it more accessible for those who prefer not to tweak settings manually.
- Offers a curated set of apps and functionalities specifically tailored for performance-oriented tasks.
Cons
- The focus on gaming and performance can lead to higher resource usage, which may not be ideal for all systems.
- Due to its Fedora base, it may not have as much flexibility as Arch-based distributions in terms of custom software configurations.
- Being specialized for gaming, it might not cater well to users looking for a more general-purpose desktop environment.
Which should you pick?
Quick recommendations for common scenarios.
Switching from Windows
Pick: Nobara
Nobara offers a more familiar gaming experience and out-of-the-box ease.
Following tutorials
Pick: EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS provides a closer experience to Arch, which is often used in tutorials.
Older hardware
Pick: EndeavourOS
Its minimal installation allows users to choose lightweight desktop environments.
Gaming
Pick: Nobara
Nobara is optimized for gaming with pre-configured settings and tools.
Work/professional use
Pick: EndeavourOS
Its flexibility and access to the AUR allow for a highly customizable work environment.
Simple daily desktop
Pick: Either
Both provide a smooth daily desktop experience with different strengths.
FAQ
Quick answers to common questions.
Are EndeavourOS and Nobara related?
No, EndeavourOS is based on Arch Linux, while Nobara is based on Fedora, each catering to different user needs.
Which is more beginner-friendly?
Nobara is more beginner-friendly due to its pre-configured settings and focus on gaming, while EndeavourOS requires more setup.
How do they compare in terms of performance?
EndeavourOS can be lighter and faster on older hardware, while Nobara might be more resource-intensive due to its gaming optimizations.
Can I try them before installing?
Yes, both EndeavourOS and Nobara offer live environments that you can boot from a USB to try before installing.
What about software compatibility?
EndeavourOS has access to the AUR, providing extensive software options, while Nobara includes gaming-focused enhancements.
How is hardware support?
Both distros offer good hardware support, but Nobara includes specific tweaks for gaming hardware and peripherals.
How often are updates released?
EndeavourOS follows a rolling release model, while Nobara follows Fedora's scheduled updates, both providing frequent updates.
Is it easy to switch between them?
Switching requires a fresh installation, as they have different bases (Arch vs Fedora) and package management systems.
Compare another pair?
Generate a clean "vs" page for any two distros.