Manjaro vs Parrot OS

Manjaro and Parrot OS are two distinctive Linux distributions each catering to different user needs. This page explores their unique features, strengths, and weaknesses to help you decide which might be the best fit for your usage scenario.

Manjaro Icon

Manjaro

The comfortable choice

  • User-friendly Arch Linux derivative
  • Access to the Arch User Repository (AUR)
  • Regular updates with stability
  • Multiple desktop environments available
  • Can be overwhelming for absolute beginners
  • Occasional stability issues with updates
Best for Desktop simplicity
Parrot Os Icon

Parrot OS

Security and privacy focused

  • Built-in security tools
  • Focus on privacy features
  • Lightweight and efficient
  • Strong community support
  • Not as beginner-friendly for general use
  • Primarily designed for security professionals
Best for Security enthusiasts

TL;DR: Pick Manjaro for a user-friendly desktop experience. Pick Parrot OS for security and privacy-focused tasks.

Side-by-side comparison

How they stack up across key categories.

Ease of use

Manjaro

Manjaro is designed to be user-friendly, offering a graphical installer and intuitive system management tools.

OS

Parrot OS is less about ease of use and more focused on providing tools for security experts, potentially challenging for beginners.

Desktop feel

Manjaro

Manjaro offers a polished desktop experience with multiple environments like XFCE and KDE.

OS

Parrot OS provides a lightweight MATE desktop, tailored for efficient security tasks.

Stability

Manjaro

Manjaro's rolling release model ensures up-to-date software, though it may occasionally lead to stability issues.

OS

Parrot OS is based on Debian Testing, providing a balance between cutting-edge features and stability.

Updates

Manjaro

Manjaro offers frequent updates that are thoroughly tested for stability before release.

OS

Parrot OS updates regularly with a focus on security enhancements and bug fixes.

Software access

Manjaro

Manjaro users benefit from the AUR, providing access to a broad range of software.

OS

Parrot OS includes a range of pre-installed security tools and the ability to access Debian repositories.

Privacy

Manjaro

Manjaro doesn't specifically focus on privacy, though it respects user data.

OS

Parrot OS emphasizes privacy, offering tools and configurations to protect user information.

Community & docs

Manjaro

Manjaro boasts a vibrant community and extensive documentation.

OS

Parrot OS has a dedicated community of security professionals and comprehensive guides.

Gaming

Manjaro

Manjaro is suitable for gaming, with support for Steam and other gaming platforms.

OS

Parrot OS is not primarily focused on gaming, though it can run games with additional setup.

Pros & cons summary

Manjaro

Pros

  • Manjaro offers a user-friendly experience while maintaining the power and flexibility of Arch Linux.
  • Through the AUR, Manjaro users have access to a vast range of software packages.
  • The distro provides regular updates while ensuring system stability through extensive testing.
  • Users can choose from a variety of desktop environments including XFCE, KDE, and GNOME.
  • It features a graphical installer and easy-to-use system management tools.

Cons

  • While its user-friendly aspects are strong, absolute beginners may still find the Arch base daunting.
  • Some users have reported occasional stability issues following certain updates.
  • The rolling release model might not appeal to users preferring fixed releases.

Parrot OS

Pros

  • Parrot OS includes a comprehensive suite of security tools for penetration testing and ethical hacking.
  • The distribution places a strong emphasis on privacy, offering tools and configurations to protect user data.
  • It is lightweight and can run efficiently on older hardware, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
  • The active community provides extensive support and resources for troubleshooting and learning.
  • Regular updates keep the system secure and up-to-date with the latest security practices.

Cons

  • The focus on security tools can make it less intuitive for users seeking a simple desktop experience.
  • Parrot OS's primary design as a penetration testing platform may not suit general-purpose use cases.
  • Some users might find the Debian base less flexible compared to Arch-based distros like Manjaro.

Which should you pick?

Quick recommendations for common scenarios.

💻

Switching from Windows

Pick: Manjaro

Its user-friendly interface and familiarity make it a great choice for Windows switchers.

📚

Following tutorials

Pick: Manjaro

Manjaro's large user base and Arch compatibility make it easy to find tutorials.

🖥️

Running on older hardware

Pick: Parrot OS

Its lightweight design ensures efficient performance on older systems.

🎮

Linux gaming

Pick: Manjaro

With Steam support and a wide range of available software, it's ideal for gaming.

💼

Work/professional use

Pick: Either

Both offer robust environments, but Manjaro leans towards general use while Parrot OS excels in security.

🖱️

Simple daily desktop

Pick: Manjaro

Its ease of use and broad software availability make it perfect for everyday tasks.

FAQ

Quick answers to common questions.

How are Manjaro and Parrot OS related?

Manjaro is based on Arch Linux, focusing on usability, while Parrot OS is based on Debian, targeting security enthusiasts.

Which is more beginner-friendly?

Manjaro is generally more beginner-friendly with its user-centric design, while Parrot OS may require more technical expertise.

How do they compare in performance?

Both distros are performant, but Parrot OS's lightweight nature can be advantageous on older hardware.

Can I try them before installing?

Yes, both offer live environments that allow you to test the system before a full installation.

What about software compatibility?

Manjaro provides access to the AUR and Arch repos, while Parrot OS uses Debian repos, both offering a wide range of software.

Do they support a wide range of hardware?

Manjaro and Parrot OS both support a broad spectrum of hardware, though specific component support can vary.

What are their release cycles like?

Manjaro follows a rolling release model, while Parrot OS, built on Debian Testing, offers frequent but stable updates.

Is it easy to switch between them?

Switching requires a reinstall as they are based on different platforms, but both have supportive communities to aid the transition.

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