Manjaro vs Peppermint OS

Manjaro and Peppermint OS are two popular Linux distributions catering to different user needs. While Manjaro provides a friendly Arch-based experience, Peppermint OS focuses on being lightweight and fast. This page compares their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases.

Manjaro Icon

Manjaro

The comfortable choice

  • User-friendly Arch experience
  • Wide selection of desktop environments
  • Rolling release with stability focus
  • Strong community support
  • Rolling release can be overwhelming for beginners
  • Slightly heavier on resources
Best for Desktop simplicity
Peppermint Os Icon

Peppermint OS

Sleek and lightweight

  • Lightweight and fast
  • Hybrid desktop environment with ICE apps
  • Great for older hardware
  • Intuitive user interface
  • Less frequent updates
  • Limited desktop environment options
Best for Older hardware

TL;DR: Pick Manjaro for a feature-rich, rolling release experience. Choose Peppermint OS for speed and efficiency on older hardware.

Side-by-side comparison

How they stack up across key categories.

Ease of use

Manjaro

Manjaro simplifies the Arch experience with an easy installer and pre-configured settings, making it accessible even to newcomers.

OS

Peppermint OS offers a straightforward installation process and a familiar desktop setup, ideal for users new to Linux.

Desktop feel

Manjaro

Manjaro provides multiple desktop environments with polished configurations to suit various preferences.

OS

Peppermint OS combines elements of LXDE and XFCE for a unique, lightweight desktop feel that is clean and responsive.

Stability

Manjaro

Despite being a rolling release, Manjaro emphasizes stability through a rigorous testing process for updates.

OS

Peppermint OS's stability comes from its focus on simplicity and less frequent updates, providing a reliable experience.

Updates

Manjaro

Manjaro uses a rolling release model, ensuring users have access to the latest software once tested.

OS

Peppermint OS updates are less frequent, but this approach contributes to its stability and reliability.

Software access

Manjaro

Manjaro offers access to Arch's extensive software repositories and the AUR, providing plenty of options.

OS

Peppermint OS offers a well-curated set of applications with the ability to integrate web apps via ICE.

Privacy

Manjaro

Manjaro respects user privacy, with no data collection by default and options to enhance security settings.

OS

Peppermint OS maintains a focus on privacy with minimal data collection and a straightforward setup.

Community & docs

Manjaro

Manjaro benefits from a large, active community and comprehensive documentation derived from both Manjaro and Arch resources.

OS

Peppermint OS has a smaller community but provides good documentation and a helpful forum for troubleshooting.

Gaming

Manjaro

Manjaro's access to the latest drivers and vast software repository makes it suitable for gaming enthusiasts.

OS

Peppermint OS can handle lightweight gaming, but may not support the latest games due to its focus on older hardware.

Pros & cons summary

Manjaro

Pros

  • Manjaro offers a user-friendly experience based on Arch Linux, making it accessible to users who want the benefits of Arch without the complex installation.
  • It supports multiple desktop environments like XFCE, KDE, and GNOME, allowing users to choose according to their preferences.
  • The rolling release model ensures that users have the latest software while maintaining stability through a thorough testing process.
  • Manjaro has a strong and active community, providing extensive documentation and support for users.

Cons

  • For beginners not familiar with a rolling release model, the frequent updates might be overwhelming and require more maintenance.
  • Compared to lightweight distros, Manjaro can be more resource-intensive, which might not be ideal for very old hardware.

Peppermint OS

Pros

  • Peppermint OS is designed to be lightweight and fast, making it an excellent choice for resource-constrained systems.
  • It features a unique hybrid desktop environment using LXDE and XFCE elements, along with ICE apps to integrate web applications seamlessly.
  • The distribution is particularly well-suited for older hardware, providing a snappy performance where other distros may lag.
  • Its user interface is simple and intuitive, making it easy for newcomers to navigate and use.

Cons

  • Peppermint OS doesn't receive updates as frequently as other distros, which might lead to using slightly older software versions.
  • It offers limited choices in terms of desktop environments, focusing mainly on its customized hybrid setup.

Which should you pick?

Quick recommendations for common scenarios.

💻

Switching from Windows

Pick: Either

Both distros offer a user-friendly transition with familiar desktop environments.

📚

Following tutorials

Pick: Manjaro

Manjaro's Arch base provides access to a wealth of tutorials and guides online.

🖥️

Older hardware

Pick: Peppermint OS

Its lightweight design is optimized for performance on older machines.

🎮

Gaming

Pick: Manjaro

Manjaro's rolling release and access to the latest drivers make it great for gaming.

💼

Work/professional use

Pick: Manjaro

Its stability and software availability make it suitable for professional environments.

🏠

Simple daily desktop

Pick: Peppermint OS

Its simplicity and speed provide an efficient daily desktop experience.

FAQ

Quick answers to common questions.

How are Manjaro and Peppermint OS related?

Manjaro is based on Arch Linux, offering a user-friendly experience, while Peppermint OS is based on Ubuntu, focusing on lightweight performance.

Which is more beginner-friendly?

Peppermint OS is often considered more beginner-friendly due to its simple interface and minimal maintenance requirements.

Which performs better on older hardware?

Peppermint OS is optimized for older hardware, providing a lightweight and fast experience, making it ideal for less powerful machines.

Can I try these distros before installing?

Yes, both Manjaro and Peppermint OS offer live environments that you can boot into from a USB drive to try them out before installing.

Are these distros compatible with most software?

Manjaro offers extensive software availability through Arch's repositories and the AUR, while Peppermint OS utilizes Ubuntu's repositories for broad software support.

How is hardware support for each distro?

Both distros have good hardware support, but Manjaro's access to the latest drivers may provide an edge in supporting newer hardware.

What are the release cycles for these distros?

Manjaro uses a rolling release model with regular updates, while Peppermint OS follows a more traditional release cycle with less frequent updates.

How easy is it to switch between these distros?

Switching between Manjaro and Peppermint OS requires a clean installation, but both offer straightforward installation processes for users transitioning.

Compare another pair?

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