EndeavourOS vs Parrot OS

EndeavourOS and Parrot OS both offer unique advantages tailored to different audiences. Whether you're seeking a customizable Arch experience or a secure OS with privacy features, this page has you covered.

Endeavouros Icon

EndeavourOS

The Arch Gateway

  • Arch-based with easy setup
  • Rolling release model for up-to-date software
  • Strong community support
  • Minimal initial install with customization options
  • Requires some Linux experience
  • Less beginner-friendly than some distros
Best for Arch enthusiasts
Parrot Os Icon

Parrot OS

Security and Privacy Focused

  • Built-in security tools
  • Privacy-focused features
  • Lightweight and fast
  • Multiple editions for different needs
  • May be overkill for general use
  • Security tools can be overwhelming for new users
Best for Security professionals

TL;DR: Pick EndeavourOS for Arch simplicity. Pick Parrot OS for security and privacy.

Side-by-side comparison

How they stack up across key categories.

Ease of use

EndeavourOS

EndeavourOS simplifies the Arch experience with a guided installer, making it more accessible.

OS

Parrot OS requires more technical knowledge, especially with its security toolset, posing a steeper learning curve.

Desktop feel

EndeavourOS

Offers a vanilla desktop experience that users can tailor to their liking, often using Xfce.

OS

Provides a polished MATE desktop environment, focused on efficiency and usability.

Stability

EndeavourOS

Rolling release model means stability depends on timely updates and user maintenance.

OS

Stable with regular updates, though the inclusion of numerous security tools can introduce complexity.

Updates

EndeavourOS

Frequent updates typical of a rolling release, ensuring the latest software availability.

OS

Regular updates that include security patches and new tool enhancements.

Software access

EndeavourOS

Access to the extensive Arch User Repository (AUR) for a wide range of software packages.

OS

Comes with pre-installed security tools and access to Debian repositories for additional software.

Privacy

EndeavourOS

Does not focus specifically on privacy features but benefits from the broader Linux ecosystem's privacy options.

OS

Designed with privacy in mind, featuring tools for anonymous browsing and secure communication.

Community & docs

EndeavourOS

Strong community support and extensive documentation derived from Arch Linux.

OS

Active community focused on security expertise, with comprehensive guides and forums.

Gaming

EndeavourOS

Arch base allows for easy access to gaming tools and libraries like Steam.

OS

Not specifically optimized for gaming, though general Linux gaming support is available.

Pros & cons summary

EndeavourOS

Pros

  • EndeavourOS provides an Arch Linux base with a more user-friendly setup process, making it easier for users to get started.
  • The rolling release model ensures users have access to the latest software and updates without waiting for new distro versions.
  • A vibrant and helpful community offers support through forums and documentation, easing the learning curve.
  • The initial installation is minimal, allowing users to customize their environment to their own preferences.

Cons

  • While easier than vanilla Arch, EndeavourOS still requires some familiarity with Linux to troubleshoot issues effectively.
  • The learning curve can be steep for beginners, as the distro assumes some prior knowledge of Linux systems.

Parrot OS

Pros

  • Parrot OS includes a comprehensive suite of security tools tailored for ethical hacking and penetration testing.
  • Privacy is a core focus, with features like anonymous browsing and secure communication tools integrated by default.
  • Its lightweight nature ensures it runs efficiently even on less powerful hardware.
  • Parrot OS is available in multiple editions, including Security, Home, and Cloud, catering to various user needs.

Cons

  • For users seeking a regular desktop experience, the focus on security might be excessive and unnecessary.
  • The extensive range of security tools can be daunting for users not familiar with cybersecurity concepts.

Which should you pick?

Quick recommendations for common scenarios.

💻

Switching from Windows

Pick: EndeavourOS

Provides a familiar desktop environment and access to a wide range of software.

📚

Following tutorials

Pick: EndeavourOS

Arch-based system aligns well with many online Linux tutorials and guides.

🖥️

Older hardware

Pick: Parrot OS

Its lightweight design ensures smooth performance on older machines.

🎮

Gaming

Pick: EndeavourOS

Access to the AUR and Arch's latest packages makes it a great choice for gamers.

💼

Work/professional use

Pick: Parrot OS

Security tools and privacy features are ideal for work environments requiring confidentiality.

🖱️

Simple daily desktop

Pick: Either

Both offer stable environments for everyday use with distinct features suited to different needs.

FAQ

Quick answers to common questions.

What is the relationship between these distros?

EndeavourOS is based on Arch Linux, while Parrot OS is based on Debian. They serve different user bases with their unique focuses.

Which distro is more beginner-friendly?

EndeavourOS is somewhat more beginner-friendly due to its easier installation process, although both require some Linux knowledge.

How do these distros compare in terms of performance?

Both distros perform well, but Parrot OS is more lightweight, making it suitable for older hardware or resource-constrained environments.

Can I try these distros before installing?

Yes, both EndeavourOS and Parrot OS offer live environments that allow users to test the system before committing to an installation.

Are software applications compatible with both distros?

EndeavourOS, through Arch, and Parrot OS, via Debian, support a wide range of software. However, specific tools may vary due to their different repositories.

What kind of hardware support do they offer?

Both distros support a broad range of hardware. EndeavourOS benefits from Arch's support, while Parrot OS leverages Debian's extensive compatibility.

What are the release cycles for these distros?

EndeavourOS follows a rolling release model, while Parrot OS is based on Debian's stable release, with regular updates for security tools.

Is it easy to switch between these distros?

Switching between them requires reinstalling the OS, as they are based on different foundations (Arch vs. Debian), but user data can be migrated with proper backups.

Compare another pair?

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