Garuda Linux and Manjaro are both based on Arch Linux, offering powerful and customizable experiences. While Garuda focuses on performance and aesthetics, Manjaro is known for its user-friendliness and stability. This page compares the two to help you decide which is right for your needs.
The Performance Boost
User-Friendly Arch
TL;DR: Pick Garuda Linux for performance and customization. Pick Manjaro for stability and ease of use.
How they stack up across key categories.
Garuda Linux provides numerous customization tools which might overwhelm new users but are powerful for those familiar with Linux.
Manjaro offers a user-friendly experience with its graphical installer and pre-configured environments, making it accessible for beginners.
Garuda Linux is visually striking with its default themes and customizations, providing a modern desktop feel.
Manjaro opts for a clean and pragmatic desktop experience, focusing on functionality and ease of use.
Garuda's rolling release model can lead to occasional stability issues with new updates.
Manjaro emphasizes stability by testing updates before release, reducing the risk of issues.
As a rolling release, Garuda users receive the latest updates directly, but this can sometimes cause instability.
Manjaro provides a stable rolling release model, offering updates after thorough testing.
Garuda includes both official Arch repositories and the AUR, providing extensive software options.
Manjaro also offers access to official repositories and the AUR, along with additional Manjaro-specific repositories.
Garuda includes privacy-focused features and tools, such as Firejail, to enhance user privacy.
Manjaro maintains a focus on privacy without intrusive telemetry, similar to its Arch Linux roots.
Garuda has a growing community and documentation, with active forums for support.
Manjaro benefits from a large, active community and comprehensive documentation, making it easier to find help.
Garuda is optimized for gaming with tools like GameMode and out-of-the-box support for Steam.
Manjaro also supports gaming well, with access to the latest drivers and gaming platforms like Steam.
Quick recommendations for common scenarios.
Pick: Manjaro
Manjaro offers a user-friendly experience with an easy installation process, ideal for Windows switchers.
Pick: Either
Both distros follow Arch principles, so most Arch Linux tutorials apply to both Garuda and Manjaro.
Pick: Manjaro
Manjaro's XFCE edition is lightweight and well-suited for older hardware, providing a balance of performance and features.
Pick: Garuda Linux
Garuda is optimized for gaming with performance tweaks and pre-installed gaming tools.
Pick: Manjaro
Manjaro's stability and extensive software repository make it a reliable choice for professional environments.
Pick: Manjaro
Manjaro offers a stable and straightforward desktop experience, ideal for everyday use.
Quick answers to common questions.
Both distros are based on Arch Linux, sharing a common base but diverging in terms of default configurations and target audiences.
Manjaro is generally considered more beginner-friendly due to its easy installation process and stable updates.
Garuda Linux is optimized for performance, providing tweaks and tools that enhance system responsiveness.
Yes, both Garuda Linux and Manjaro offer live environments that let you test the OS without installation.
Both distros have access to Arch's vast software libraries and the AUR, ensuring excellent software compatibility.
Manjaro is known for its excellent hardware support, while Garuda also provides good support with additional performance tweaks.
Both are rolling releases, but Manjaro tests updates before release, prioritizing stability, whereas Garuda emphasizes the latest features.
Switching requires a new installation, but familiarity with Arch-based systems should ease the transition between Garuda and Manjaro.
Generate a clean "vs" page for any two distros.
