Manjaro vs MX Linux

Manjaro and MX Linux are two standout Linux distributions renowned for their user-friendliness and performance. This comparison page analyzes their unique features, strengths, and weaknesses, helping you decide which one is right for your computing needs.

Manjaro Icon

Manjaro

The comfortable choice

  • User-friendly Arch-based OS
  • Excellent hardware support
  • Rolling release with stability
  • Wide range of desktop environments
  • Can be intimidating for beginners
  • Less stable than fixed-release distros
Best for Desktop simplicity
Mx Linux Icon

MX Linux

Efficient and reliable

  • Lightweight and efficient
  • Great for older hardware
  • Solid stability
  • Debian-based with rich resources
  • Not as cutting-edge as rolling releases
  • Limited desktop environment choices
Best for Resource efficiency

TL;DR: Pick Manjaro for cutting-edge features and flexibility. Pick MX Linux for stability and efficiency, especially on older hardware.

Side-by-side comparison

How they stack up across key categories.

Ease of use

Manjaro

Manjaro provides a user-friendly experience with its graphical installers and easy access to Arch-based tools.

Linux

MX Linux is praised for its straightforward setup and intuitive MX Tools, making it accessible even for newcomers.

Desktop feel

Manjaro

Manjaro offers a polished experience with various desktop environments to suit different user preferences.

Linux

MX Linux delivers a clean and efficient XFCE desktop, optimized for performance and simplicity.

Stability

Manjaro

Manjaro maintains stability with a rolling release model, thanks to extensive testing before updates are released.

Linux

MX Linux, based on Debian Stable, offers rock-solid stability with a focus on reliability over the latest features.

Updates

Manjaro

Manjaro's rolling release ensures users have access to the latest features and software updates shortly after they're available.

Linux

MX Linux follows a fixed-release schedule, prioritizing dependability and less frequent, but more stable updates.

Software access

Manjaro

Manjaro supports the Arch User Repository (AUR), offering a vast selection of software packages.

Linux

MX Linux benefits from the extensive Debian repositories, providing a wide range of stable software options.

Privacy

Manjaro

Manjaro prioritizes user privacy with its open-source nature and absence of data collection practices.

Linux

MX Linux, being Debian-based, shares a strong commitment to user privacy and open-source principles.

Community & docs

Manjaro

Manjaro has an active community with extensive forums and documentation based on Arch resources.

Linux

MX Linux benefits from a supportive community and comprehensive documentation, fostering user interaction and assistance.

Gaming

Manjaro

Manjaro is well-suited for gaming with its up-to-date kernels and drivers, making it compatible with the latest games.

Linux

MX Linux can handle gaming adequately but may require additional configuration for the latest titles and performance tuning.

Pros & cons summary

Manjaro

Pros

  • Manjaro offers the power of Arch Linux with a user-friendly interface, making it accessible to a wider audience.
  • It includes excellent hardware support out of the box, ensuring a smooth experience on a variety of systems.
  • The rolling release model provides the latest software while maintaining system stability through thorough testing.
  • Users have the flexibility to choose from multiple official desktop environments like KDE, XFCE, and GNOME.
  • A comprehensive package manager with access to the AUR provides an extensive range of software.

Cons

  • Manjaro's Arch base may present a steeper learning curve for users completely new to Linux.
  • While generally stable, as a rolling release, it might occasionally introduce bugs not present in fixed-release distributions.
  • Its reliance on community support can be a hurdle for users needing immediate, professional-grade assistance.

MX Linux

Pros

  • MX Linux is known for being lightweight and efficient, making it an excellent choice for older or resource-constrained hardware.
  • It is based on Debian Stable, which ensures a robust and reliable system with less frequent updates.
  • The distro provides a balance of efficiency and a user-friendly interface through its default XFCE desktop.
  • MX Linux includes a range of custom tools (MX Tools) that enhance system management and usability.
  • It enjoys a supportive community and access to extensive Debian repositories.

Cons

  • As a fixed-release distro, it may not have the latest software versions compared to rolling releases like Manjaro.
  • With a primary focus on XFCE, users seeking diverse desktop environments might find their options limited.
  • The distro's conservative approach to updates might not appeal to users who prefer cutting-edge software.

Which should you pick?

Quick recommendations for common scenarios.

💻

Switching from Windows

Pick: Manjaro

Manjaro's user-friendly interface and comprehensive hardware support provide a smooth transition.

📚

Following tutorials

Pick: Either

Both distributions have extensive community support and documentation, making them suitable for tutorial-based learning.

🖥️

Older hardware

Pick: MX Linux

MX Linux's lightweight efficiency and Debian stability make it ideal for older systems.

🎮

Gaming

Pick: Manjaro

Manjaro's access to the latest kernels and drivers enhances compatibility with modern games.

💼

Work/professional use

Pick: MX Linux

MX Linux's stability and efficiency ensure a reliable environment for professional tasks.

🏠

Simple daily desktop

Pick: Either

Both provide user-friendly experiences suitable for everyday computing needs.

FAQ

Quick answers to common questions.

What is the relationship between Manjaro and MX Linux?

Manjaro is based on Arch Linux, while MX Linux is based on Debian. They are independent projects but share open-source principles and community-driven development.

Which is more beginner-friendly, Manjaro or MX Linux?

MX Linux is often considered more beginner-friendly due to its stable base and straightforward tools. Manjaro, while user-friendly, may require more learning for complete newcomers.

How do Manjaro and MX Linux compare in terms of performance and speed?

Manjaro offers good performance with cutting-edge software, while MX Linux is optimized for efficiency, making it faster on older hardware.

Can I try Manjaro and MX Linux before installing them?

Yes, both distributions offer live environments that allow you to test them without installing, helping you decide which suits your needs best.

Are Manjaro and MX Linux compatible with most software?

Manjaro has access to a wide range of software via the AUR, while MX Linux benefits from Debian's extensive repositories, ensuring good software compatibility.

How well do Manjaro and MX Linux support different hardware?

Manjaro is known for excellent hardware support out of the box, while MX Linux is efficient on a wide range of devices, making both good choices for diverse hardware.

What are the release cycles for Manjaro and MX Linux?

Manjaro follows a rolling release model, providing continuous updates. MX Linux uses a fixed-release cycle, focusing on stability and reliability.

How easy is it to switch between Manjaro and MX Linux?

Switching between Manjaro and MX Linux involves reinstalling the operating system, as they use different bases (Arch vs. Debian) and package management systems.

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