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Manjaro alternatives: 7 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 8, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rankAll operating systems

Top picks

Common reasons people leave Manjaro: held-back packages can clash with AUR software built against newer Arch versions, and rolling updates still need more attention than a fixed release like Ubuntu LTS. We ranked 7 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Manjaro, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. CachyOS currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingVerified priceOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1CachyOS logoCachyOSOpen source—YesLinux5 of 568.8
2Linux Mint logoLinux MintOpen source—YesLinux4 of 464.8
3Fedora Linux logoFedora LinuxOpen source—YesLinux5 of 561.8
4Ubuntu logoUbuntuOpen source—YesLinux4 of 459.4
5Zorin OS logoZorin OSFree plan + paid—YesLinux5 of 557.5
6Debian logoDebianOpen source—YesLinux4 of 455.9
7EndeavourOS logoEndeavourOSOpen source—YesLinux5 of 542.3
  1. CachyOS logo

    1. CachyOSTop pick

    Best for: Gamers and Arch fans who want a fast, preconfigured rolling-release desktop

    Open sourceLinux

    68.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Manjaro

    Another Arch-based rolling distro, tuned for speed with optimised packages and kernels.

    Pros

    • Packages compiled for modern CPU instruction sets out of the box
    • Choice of kernel schedulers and 17+ desktops at install time
    • Keeps full access to Arch repositories and the AUR
    • Dedicated Handheld Edition for Steam Deck-style devices

    Cons

    • Rolling release means frequent updates that can occasionally break things
    • x86-64 PCs only; no ARM builds
    • Small volunteer team compared with Fedora or Ubuntu
    Visit CachyOS Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.3100
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is CachyOS a good Manjaro alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Based on
    Arch Linux
    Checked Nov 8, 2026cachyos.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Optimised packages
    x86-64-v3, v4 and Zen4 builds with LTO
    Checked Nov 8, 2026cachyos.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Desktop environments
    17+ to choose from
    Checked Nov 8, 2026cachyos.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Handheld support
    Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Legion Go
    Checked Nov 8, 2026cachyos.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Kernel license
    GPL-3.0
    Checked Oct 30, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
  2. Linux Mint logo

    2. Linux Mint

    Best for: Windows users switching to Linux who want a familiar desktop that works out of the box

    Open sourceLinux

    64.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Manjaro

    A calmer, fixed-release desktop for people tired of keeping up with rolling updates.

    Pros

    • Familiar Windows-like desktop with little to relearn
    • Multimedia support and common drivers work out of the box
    • Long support per release and conservative updates
    • Free, with no Snap packages pushed on you

    Cons

    • Older kernels and apps can struggle with brand-new hardware
    • Cinnamon trails GNOME and KDE on Wayland support
    • Small core team compared with Ubuntu or Fedora
    Visit Linux Mint Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.387
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Linux Mint a good Manjaro alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Price
    Free
    Checked Nov 8, 2026linuxmint.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Based on
    Debian and Ubuntu
    Checked Nov 8, 2026linuxmint.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Editions
    Cinnamon, MATE, Xfce
    Checked Nov 8, 2026linuxmint.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Release base
    Long-term support releases only
    Checked Nov 8, 2026linuxmint.com(opens source in a new tab)
  3. Fedora Linux logo

    3. Fedora Linux

    Best for: Developers and enthusiasts who want current software and an unmodified GNOME or KDE desktop

    Open sourceLinux

    61.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Manjaro

    Fresh software on a six-month release cycle, with fewer surprises than a rolling distro.

    Pros

    • Recent kernels, GNOME and KDE soon after they ship
    • Stock desktops without heavy vendor changes
    • Atomic editions like Silverblue offer a read-only, rollback-friendly system
    • Free and community-run with strong Red Hat backing

    Cons

    • Short support window means upgrading about once a year
    • Proprietary codecs and NVIDIA drivers need extra setup
    • Less third-party software targets Fedora than Ubuntu
    Visit Fedora Linux Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.377
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Fedora Linux a good Manjaro alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Open source
    Yes
    Checked Nov 8, 2026fedoraproject.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Sponsor
    Red Hat
    Checked Nov 8, 2026fedoraproject.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Workstation desktop
    GNOME
    Checked Nov 8, 2026fedoraproject.org(opens source in a new tab)
    KDE edition
    Yes
    Checked Nov 8, 2026fedoraproject.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Atomic desktop
    Silverblue
    Checked Nov 8, 2026fedoraproject.org(opens source in a new tab)
  4. Ubuntu logo

    4. Ubuntu

    Best for: People moving to Linux who want the widest software support and long-term security updates

    Open sourceLinux

    59.4

    score / 100

    Why switch from Manjaro

    The most widely supported Linux distro, with long-term support releases and huge community help.

    Pros

    • Widest software and hardware vendor support of any desktop Linux
    • LTS releases get five years of standard security updates
    • Huge community, so answers to most problems are easy to find
    • Free, including Ubuntu Pro on a few personal machines

    Cons

    • Snap packages are pushed by default and can be slow to start
    • GNOME with Canonical's tweaks feels less familiar to Windows users than Mint
    • Interim releases are supported for only nine months
    Visit Ubuntu Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.369
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Ubuntu a good Manjaro alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Price
    Free
    Checked Nov 8, 2026ubuntu.com(opens source in a new tab)
    LTS support
    5 years, new LTS every 2 years
    Checked Nov 8, 2026ubuntu.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Ubuntu Pro
    Free on up to 5 machines
    Checked Nov 8, 2026ubuntu.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Extended coverage
    Up to 15 years with Ubuntu Pro
    Checked Nov 8, 2026ubuntu.com(opens source in a new tab)
  5. Zorin OS logo

    5. Zorin OS

    Best for: Windows or Mac users trying Linux for the first time, or reviving an older PC

    Free plan + paidOpen sourceLinux

    57.5

    score / 100

    Why switch from Manjaro

    A polished, Windows-like desktop aimed at newcomers who don't want to manage packages.

    Pros

    • Desktop layouts that mimic Windows and macOS lower the learning curve
    • Ubuntu base means wide app and hardware support
    • Zorin Connect phone integration is built in
    • Runs well on older hardware

    Cons

    • Several layouts and bundled apps are reserved for the paid Pro edition
    • Major releases lag behind the Ubuntu LTS they are based on
    • Smaller community than Ubuntu or Linux Mint for troubleshooting
    Visit Zorin OS Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.363
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Zorin OS a good Manjaro alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Free edition
    Core edition free
    Checked Nov 8, 2026zorin.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Paid edition
    Pro, one-time payment
    Checked Nov 8, 2026zorin.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Based on
    Ubuntu
    Checked Nov 8, 2026zorin.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Support period
    Zorin OS 18 until at least June 2029
    Checked Nov 8, 2026zorin.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Open source
    Yes
    Checked Nov 8, 2026zorin.com(opens source in a new tab)
  6. Debian logo

    6. Debian

    Best for: People who value a stable, community-governed system for servers or long-lived desktops

    Open sourceLinux

    55.9

    score / 100

    Why switch from Manjaro

    Very stable base with slow, tested releases if Manjaro's updates feel too frequent.

    Pros

    • Very stable, well-tested releases
    • Huge package archive and no corporate agenda
    • Choice of desktops, or a minimal server install
    • Free and community-governed

    Cons

    • Stable releases ship older apps and kernels
    • Less hand-holding during install than Ubuntu or Mint
    • Major releases come only about every two years
    Visit Debian Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.357
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Debian a good Manjaro alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Packages
    70,000+
    Checked Nov 8, 2026debian.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Package manager
    APT
    Checked Nov 8, 2026debian.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Free operating system
    Yes
    Checked Nov 8, 2026debian.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Governance
    Volunteer community
    Checked Nov 8, 2026debian.org(opens source in a new tab)
  7. EndeavourOS logo

    7. EndeavourOS

    Best for: Linux users who want Arch's rolling releases and AUR without installing Arch by hand

    Open sourceLinux

    42.3

    score / 100

    Why switch from Manjaro

    Closer to plain Arch, using Arch's own repositories instead of held-back packages.

    Pros

    • Graphical installer for an almost stock Arch Linux system
    • Uses Arch repositories directly, so packages arrive quickly
    • AUR helper (yay) and driver tool included
    • Friendly, active community forum

    Cons

    • Expects comfort with the terminal for upkeep and fixes
    • Rolling updates can occasionally break things
    • Few graphical settings tools compared with Mint or Zorin
    Visit EndeavourOS Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.312
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is EndeavourOS a good Manjaro alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Base
    Arch Linux
    Checked Nov 8, 2026endeavouros.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Default bootloader
    systemd-boot (GRUB optional)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026endeavouros.com(opens source in a new tab)
    AUR helper included
    yay
    Checked Nov 8, 2026endeavouros.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Minimum RAM
    4 GB
    Checked Nov 8, 2026endeavouros.com(opens source in a new tab)
    License
    Free and open source
    Checked Nov 8, 2026endeavouros.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best Manjaro alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

CachyOS logo

Best Manjaro alternative for most people

CachyOS

Another Arch-based rolling distro, tuned for speed with optimised packages and kernels.

Linux Mint logo

Best Manjaro alternative for a free option

Linux Mint

A calmer, fixed-release desktop for people tired of keeping up with rolling updates.

Zorin OS logo

Best Manjaro alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Zorin OS

A polished, Windows-like desktop aimed at newcomers who don't want to manage packages.

Fedora Linux logo

Best Manjaro alternative for open source

Fedora Linux

Fresh software on a six-month release cycle, with fewer surprises than a rolling distro.

Ubuntu logo

Best Manjaro alternative for Linux

Ubuntu

The most widely supported Linux distro, with long-term support releases and huge community help.

Manjaro alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Manjaro?

CachyOS ranks first right now. Another Arch-based rolling distro, tuned for speed with optimised packages and kernels. Linux Mint and Fedora Linux follow it in our ranking.

Manjaro vs CachyOS: what's the difference?

Both Manjaro and CachyOS are free and open source. Both run on Linux.

Is Manjaro free?

Manjaro is free and open source.

Is there a free alternative to Manjaro?

Yes. CachyOS (open source), Linux Mint (open source), Fedora Linux (open source) and Ubuntu (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Manjaro?

Yes: CachyOS, Linux Mint, Fedora Linux and Ubuntu, plus 3 more in the list above.

Which Manjaro alternatives work on Linux?

CachyOS, Linux Mint, Fedora Linux, Ubuntu and Zorin OS run on Linux.

Why do people switch from Manjaro?

The complaints we hear most: held-back packages can clash with AUR software built against newer Arch versions; rolling updates still need more attention than a fixed release like Ubuntu LTS; arch documentation doesn't always apply exactly, which can confuse beginners.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Manjaro, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.