In the Linux community, Arch Linux has a cult following. This lightweight distribution provides bleeding-edge updates with a DIY (do it yourself) attitude.
However, Arch Linux is also aimed at more experienced users. As such, it is generally considered to be beyond the reach of those who need more technical expertise (or persistence) to use it.
Things like installing Arch Linux are paint points for new users, as it does not feature an easy-to-understand graphical installer like Ubuntu. The process is getting easier at the time of updating this article.
Here, I will list some of these Arch alternative distributions that are easier to set up and use. These distributions come with a graphical installer, graphical package manager, and other tools that are easier to use than their command-line alternatives.
1. Manjaro Linux
Manjaro doesn’t need any introduction. It has been one of the most popular Arch-based Linux distributions for several years and deserves it.
Manjaro provides all the benefits of Arch Linux combined with a focus on user-friendliness and accessibility. Manjaro is suitable for both newcomers and experienced Linux users alike.
For newcomers, a user-friendly installer is provided, and the system is designed to work fully ‘straight out of the box’ with your favourite desktop environment (DE) or window manager.
Manjaro is also a rolling release, cutting-edge distribution. However, unlike Arch, Manjaro tests the updates first and then provides them to its users. Stability is better there.
If you prefer videos and aesthetics, you can check out the video below:
2. Omarchy
Omarchy is not really an Arch-based distribution but a script that comes preconfigured with the Hyprland window manager. It transforms a fresh Arch installation into a complete desktop environment using a single installation command:
wget -qO- https://omarchy.org/install | bashThe distribution includes six built-in themes and focuses on providing a modern, tiling window manager experience without requiring manual configuration of Hyprland or associated tools. Essentially, Omarchy handles the complexity of setting up a Wayland-based desktop environment on Arch Linux.
3. Archman Linux
Archman, a name derived from a combination of Arch Linux and Pacman package management, is an independent project based on Arch Linux. Arch Linux distros, in general, are not ideal operating systems for users with little Linux experience.
Considerable background reading is necessary for things to make sense with minimal frustration. Developers of Archman Linux are trying to change that reputation.
Archman’s development is based on an understanding of development that includes user feedback and experience components. With past experience, the feedback and requests from the users are blended, and the road maps are determined, and the build works are done.
They ship Xfce, KDE Plasma, MATE, Deepin, GNOME, LXDE, and LxQt versions, while Xfce remains the main version.
4. EndeavourOS
When the popular Arch-based distribution Antergos was discontinued in 2019, it left a friendly and extremely helpful community behind. The Antergos project ended because the system was too hard to maintain for the developers.
Within days after the announcement, a few experienced users planned on maintaining the former community by creating a new distribution to fill the void left by Antergos. That’s how EndeavourOS was born.
It is lightweight and ships with a minimum amount of preinstalled apps. An almost blank canvas ready to personalize. Later in 2022, it added ARM installation support too. KDE is their default desktop, offering several others through the online installer.
5. RebornOS
RebornOS developers’ goal is to bring the true power of Linux to everyone, with one ISO for 15 desktop environments and full of unlimited opportunities for customization.
RebornOS also claims to have support for Anbox for running Android applications on desktop Linux. It also offers a simple kernel manager GUI tool.
Coupled with Pacman, the AUR, and a customized version of Calamares graphical installer, Arch Linux is finally available for even the least inexperienced users.
6. Garuda Linux
Garuda Linux is an easy-to-install Linux distribution based on Arch Linux. It is known for its heavily customized desktops and availability of GUI tools to carry out complex operations.
It uses the BTRFS file system, with automatic system snapshots before each upgrade, accessible from the GRUB menu.
Another exciting feature is its Chaotic-AUR as a repository featuring one of the biggest precompiled software choices out of the box. Currently, there are around 2400 packages.
It offers several desktop environments, and users can download them individually.
7. Artix Linux
Artix Linux is a rolling-release distribution based on Arch Linux that uses OpenRC, runit or S6 init instead of systemd.
Artix Linux has its own package repositories, but as a pacman-based distribution, it can use packages from Arch Linux repositories or any other derivative distribution, even packages explicitly depending on systemd. The Arch User Repository (AUR) can also be used.
8. BlackArch Linux
BlackArch is a penetration testing distribution based on Arch Linux that provides many cyber security tools. It is specially created for penetration testers and security researchers. The repository contains more than 2,800 hacking and pen-testing tools that can be installed individually or in groups. BlackArch Linux is compatible with existing Arch Linux packages.
BlackArch is a relatively new project that offers a full ISO containing multiple window managers and a slim ISO featuring the Xfce Desktop Environment.
9. Archcraft
Archcraft is a very minimal and lightweight distribution that can run under 500Mb of memory, thanks to the lightweight applications. While it has a low footprint, it looks impressive from a user experience point of view.
It provides bspwm, LXDE, Openbox, and Xfce as desktops and also features built-in support for AUR.
Sourav Rudra
10. CachyOS
CachyOS is our latest favorite in this list of Arch-based awesome distros. It markets itself as blazing fast, and I have to agree with it. Their kernel optimization makes it faster. Rolling release model makes it suitable for newer hardware.
There is also a handheld edition of CachyOS that makes it possible to install it on handheld gaming devices like Steam Deck and ROG Ally.
For regular computer usage, stick with the desktop edition and be amazed with the performance improvement it provides. You have to use it to feel it.
Want Real Arch Linux? Try the Installer Tool!
The recent releases of Arch Linux have an installer tool called archinstall, which is available along with the ISO. You can use this tool to install Arch Linux easily. It is still a text-based installer but easier to understand.
These Arch-based distributions allow Linux newbies to experience Arch by eliminating some of the hassles. You can try them if you want to try something new for a change!
💬 What is your favorite Arch-based distribution?
