Garuda Linux and Ubuntu are popular choices in the Linux community, each with unique features and strengths. This page explores their differences, helping you decide which is right for you.
Performance-Driven Experience
User-Friendly Simplicity
TL;DR: Pick Garuda Linux for cutting-edge performance and customization. Pick Ubuntu for stability and ease of use.
How they stack up across key categories.
Garuda Linux offers a wide range of customization options, which can be overwhelming for beginners but rewarding for experienced users.
Ubuntu is known for its user-friendly interface and ease of installation, making it a great choice for newcomers to Linux.
Garuda Linux delivers a visually appealing desktop with themes and effects that enhance user experience.
Ubuntu provides a clean, straightforward desktop environment with GNOME, focusing on simplicity and functionality.
As a rolling release, Garuda Linux may face more frequent stability issues compared to fixed release distros.
Ubuntu's LTS releases focus on providing long-term stability with security updates for up to five years.
Garuda Linux offers continuous updates with the latest features and software due to its rolling release nature.
Ubuntu follows a predictable release cycle with biannual updates and long-term support versions every two years.
Garuda Linux provides access to the AUR and the latest software packages, ideal for users who need cutting-edge applications.
Ubuntu offers a vast repository and Snap support, ensuring access to a wide range of software, including proprietary options.
Garuda Linux does not have default telemetry, appealing to users concerned about data privacy.
Ubuntu includes default telemetry settings, but users can opt-out during installation or via settings.
Garuda Linux's community is growing, with forums and resources available for support and guidance.
Ubuntu boasts a robust community with extensive documentation, tutorials, and active forums for user support.
Garuda Linux is optimized for gaming with built-in performance tweaks and tools like GameMode.
Ubuntu supports gaming with compatibility for Steam and Lutris, though it may require additional configuration for optimal performance.
Quick recommendations for common scenarios.
Pick: Ubuntu
Ubuntu's user-friendly interface and community support make it ideal for Windows switchers.
Pick: Either
Both distros have strong documentation and community support, providing ample resources for learning.
Pick: Ubuntu
Ubuntu's lightweight flavors like Xubuntu or Lubuntu are more suitable for older hardware.
Pick: Garuda Linux
Garuda's performance optimizations make it a great choice for gaming enthusiasts.
Pick: Ubuntu
Ubuntu's stability and software compatibility are beneficial for professional environments.
Pick: Ubuntu
Ubuntu's ease of use and consistent updates make it ideal for daily desktop activities.
Quick answers to common questions.
Garuda Linux is based on Arch Linux, while Ubuntu is based on Debian. They are separate projects with different goals and approaches.
Ubuntu is generally more beginner-friendly due to its intuitive interface, extensive documentation, and large community support.
Garuda Linux focuses on performance with its optimized settings and rolling release model, potentially offering better performance for power users.
Yes, both Garuda Linux and Ubuntu offer live sessions that allow you to try the system without installing it on your hardware.
Ubuntu supports a wide range of software through its repositories and Snap packages, while Garuda Linux offers access to AUR for cutting-edge applications.
Both distros support a wide range of hardware, but Ubuntu's larger user base may lead to better out-of-the-box support and troubleshooting resources.
Garuda Linux follows a rolling release model with continuous updates, while Ubuntu has a fixed release cycle with LTS versions providing long-term stability.
Switching between the two requires reinstalling the OS, but both have tools to help migrate data and settings to ease the transition.
Generate a clean "vs" page for any two distros.
