EndeavourOS
Arch Made Simple
- Rolling release model
- Arch-based flexibility
- Minimal pre-installed software
- Strong community support
- Steeper learning curve
- Less beginner-friendly
Best for
Arch enthusiasts
EndeavourOS vs Ubuntu
EndeavourOS and Ubuntu are two popular Linux distributions that cater to different user needs. This page explores their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases to help you decide which is right for you.
Ubuntu
Linux for Everyone
- User-friendly interface
- Long-term support (LTS) releases
- Vast software repository
- Strong community and commercial support
- Less customizable
- Canonical's privacy decisions
Best for
General purpose use
TL;DR: Pick EndeavourOS for customizability and a rolling release. Choose Ubuntu for stability and ease of use.
Side-by-side comparison
How they stack up across key categories.
Ease of use
EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS offers a simplified Arch experience but requires more manual setup compared to Ubuntu.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is designed for ease of use, with a straightforward installation and user-friendly interface.
Desktop feel
EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS can be customized extensively, offering various desktop environments to suit individual preferences.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu provides a polished and cohesive desktop experience with its default GNOME environment.
Stability
EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS uses a rolling release model, which can sometimes introduce instability with frequent updates.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu's LTS releases are known for their stability, with regular security updates and long-term support.
Updates
EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS features a rolling release model, delivering the latest updates continuously.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu offers both regular and LTS releases, with LTS providing a stable update cycle every two years.
Software access
EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS has access to the extensive Arch User Repository (AUR), offering a wide array of software options.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu provides a vast software repository and supports Snap packages for additional software access.
Privacy
EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS does not include any specific telemetry or user data collection by default.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu has faced criticism over privacy settings, although users can opt-out of telemetry.
Community & docs
EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS benefits from a supportive community, with access to Arch's extensive documentation.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu has a large community and comprehensive documentation, supported by Canonical's resources.
Gaming
EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS supports gaming through the AUR and native Linux games, but requires more setup.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a popular choice for gaming, with broad support for Steam and Proton.
Pros & cons summary
EndeavourOS
Pros
- EndeavourOS uses a rolling release model, providing the latest software updates and features as soon as they're available.
- Being based on Arch Linux, it offers a high degree of flexibility and customization, allowing users to tailor their system to their needs.
- The distro comes with minimal pre-installed software, giving users the freedom to choose and install only what they need.
- EndeavourOS has a strong community that is active in forums and has comprehensive documentation, assisting users in troubleshooting and setup.
- The Calamares installer makes the installation process straightforward compared to vanilla Arch.
Cons
- EndeavourOS can be challenging for newcomers due to its Arch roots, which require more manual intervention and understanding of Linux systems.
- It is less beginner-friendly than Ubuntu, as it assumes some prior knowledge of Linux command-line usage.
- There is a potential for stability issues due to its rolling release nature, requiring more frequent system management.
Ubuntu
Pros
- Ubuntu is renowned for its user-friendly interface, making it a great choice for those new to Linux.
- It offers long-term support (LTS) releases, ensuring stability and security updates for up to five years.
- The vast software repository provides access to a wide range of applications and software packages.
- Ubuntu benefits from both strong community support and commercial backing by Canonical, providing a reliable ecosystem for users.
- The Snap package format allows for easy installation of applications with their dependencies, maintaining system stability.
Cons
- Ubuntu can be less customizable compared to Arch-based distros like EndeavourOS, as it aims for a balance between ease of use and flexibility.
- Some users have raised concerns about Canonical's decisions regarding data collection and privacy settings.
- While Ubuntu's default settings cater to most users, advanced users might find the need to tweak or replace certain components like the desktop environment.
Which should you pick?
Quick recommendations for common scenarios.
Switching from Windows
Pick: Ubuntu
Ubuntu provides a user-friendly transition with familiar UI elements and strong support.
Following Linux Tutorials
Pick: EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS offers Arch compatibility, making it ideal for following advanced Linux tutorials.
Running on Older Hardware
Pick: Either
Both distros can be configured to run on older hardware with lightweight desktop environments.
Gaming
Pick: Ubuntu
Ubuntu's wide support for gaming platforms like Steam makes it a convenient choice for gamers.
Work and Professional Use
Pick: Ubuntu
Ubuntu's stability and enterprise support make it well-suited for professional environments.
Simple Daily Desktop
Pick: Ubuntu
Ubuntu's ease of use and robust software availability make it ideal for daily desktop use.
FAQ
Quick answers to common questions.
What is the relationship between EndeavourOS and Ubuntu?
EndeavourOS is based on Arch Linux, focusing on simplicity and a rolling release model, while Ubuntu is based on Debian, known for its ease of use and stability.
Which is more beginner-friendly, EndeavourOS or Ubuntu?
Ubuntu is generally considered more beginner-friendly due to its user interface and extensive community and commercial support.
How do EndeavourOS and Ubuntu compare in terms of performance?
Performance can vary depending on system configuration, but EndeavourOS may be slightly faster due to its minimal setup, while Ubuntu offers a more consistent experience out-of-the-box.
Can I try these distros before installing them?
Yes, both EndeavourOS and Ubuntu offer live environments that allow you to try them without installing to your hard drive.
How is software compatibility between EndeavourOS and Ubuntu?
EndeavourOS uses the Arch User Repository for extensive software access, while Ubuntu has a vast repository and supports Snaps for additional compatibility.
What about hardware support on EndeavourOS vs Ubuntu?
Ubuntu is known for excellent hardware support, particularly with new devices, while EndeavourOS benefits from the Arch ecosystem's wide-ranging support.
How do the release cycles differ between EndeavourOS and Ubuntu?
EndeavourOS follows a rolling release model, offering continuous updates, while Ubuntu provides both regular and long-term support releases for stability.
Is it easy to switch between EndeavourOS and Ubuntu?
Switching involves reinstalling the system, but both distros have good documentation and community support to help with the transition.
Compare another pair?
Generate a clean "vs" page for any two distros.