Manjaro GNOME and Xfce are two popular flavors of the Manjaro Linux distribution, each offering distinct advantages. This page provides a detailed comparison to help you decide which one fits your needs best.
Modern and intuitive
Light and fast
TL;DR: Pick Manjaro GNOME for a modern, feature-rich experience. Choose Manjaro Xfce for lightweight performance.
How they stack up across key categories.
Manjaro GNOME offers a user-friendly experience with intuitive navigation and built-in search functionality.
Manjaro Xfce provides a straightforward interface that is easy to navigate, especially for those familiar with traditional desktop layouts.
GNOME provides a modern, sleek desktop environment with a focus on minimalism and functionality.
Xfce offers a classic desktop experience, prioritizing efficiency and simplicity over aesthetics.
Manjaro GNOME is stable and reliable, though users may encounter minor bugs with GNOME extensions.
Manjaro Xfce is known for its stability, benefiting from a mature and well-tested desktop environment.
Manjaro GNOME receives frequent updates, keeping the system and its applications up to date.
Manjaro Xfce also benefits from regular updates, ensuring security patches and new features are available.
Manjaro GNOME offers access to a wide range of software through the Arch User Repository (AUR) and GNOME's software center.
Manjaro Xfce provides similar software access, with a focus on lightweight applications.
Manjaro GNOME respects user privacy, with various options to enhance security and confidentiality.
Manjaro Xfce also prioritizes privacy, offering users control over their data and system settings.
Supported by a robust community, Manjaro GNOME benefits from extensive documentation and forums.
Manjaro Xfce also enjoys strong community support, with comprehensive guides and active forums.
Manjaro GNOME supports gaming with access to tools like Steam and Lutris, although performance may vary based on hardware.
Manjaro Xfce is suitable for gaming on lower-end systems, providing efficient resource usage.
Quick recommendations for common scenarios.
Pick: Either
Both distros offer a user-friendly transition experience, though GNOME may appeal to those preferring a modern UI.
Pick: Either
Manjaro GNOME and Xfce are well-documented, making it easy to follow tutorials.
Pick: Manjaro Xfce
Xfce is optimized for performance on older systems, ensuring smooth operation.
Pick: Manjaro GNOME
While both support gaming, GNOME's modern environment may offer better integration with newer game technologies.
Pick: Manjaro GNOME
The polished interface and productivity tools make it suitable for professional environments.
Pick: Manjaro Xfce
Xfce's lightweight nature is ideal for everyday tasks with minimal system resource usage.
Quick answers to common questions.
Both are flavors of the Manjaro Linux distribution, sharing the same core but differing in desktop environments and default applications.
Manjaro GNOME is often considered more beginner-friendly due to its intuitive, modern interface, while Xfce may require more customization.
Manjaro Xfce is generally faster and more efficient, especially on older hardware, while GNOME offers a richer visual experience at the cost of higher resource use.
Yes, both Manjaro GNOME and Xfce can be run as live sessions from a USB stick, allowing you to test them without installing.
Both provide access to the same software repositories, including the AUR, so compatibility is largely similar between them.
Both distros use the same kernel and drivers, offering robust hardware support, though GNOME may better support modern touch-enabled devices.
Manjaro follows a rolling release model, so both GNOME and Xfce receive continuous updates, ensuring they remain current.
Yes, you can install both desktop environments on a single Manjaro installation and switch between them at the login screen.
Generate a clean "vs" page for any two distros.
