Arch Linux review

Build it yourself โ€” total control, nothing you didn't install.

None by default Rolling Expert

At a glance

Based onIndependent
Desktop environmentNone by default
Package managerPacman / AUR
Release modelRolling
Current versionRolling
Supported untilRolling
Comfortable minimum RAM2 GB
Difficulty Expert
Official site https://archlinux.org

Pros & cons

What's good

  • You install only what you want โ€” minimal, transparent system
  • The Arch Wiki is the best documentation in the Linux world
  • Always-current packages straight from upstream

What to watch

  • Manual setup and ongoing maintenance assume real Linux knowledge
  • A bad update can break things if you don't read the news first
Advertisement

Who is Arch Linux for?

Arch Linux tends to suit people who want latest software (bleeding edge), developer workstation, highly customisable, lightweight / minimal. With a difficulty rating of 5 out of 5, it's best approached once you're comfortable with the basics.

Not sure yet? Take the quiz โ†’ Compare Arch Linux โ†’

Similar distros

EndeavourOS

Near-vanilla Arch with a friendly graphical installer.

Manjaro

Arch power with the rough edges sanded off.