Manjaro
Arch-based Linux distribution with rolling updates, a graphical installer and ready-made desktops.
Updated · AppBreakup editorial · Linux
Is Manjaro free?
Yes, free and open source
Switch from Manjaro to
All 7
CachyOSOpen source
Linux MintOpen source
Fedora LinuxOpen source
- Verified facts
- 5 of 5
- Alternatives ranked
- 7
- Approved reviews
- 0
- Visits sent from here
- 0
About Manjaro
Manjaro is a Linux distribution built on Arch Linux that aims to keep Arch's fresh software while removing most of its setup work. It follows a rolling-release model, so there are no big version upgrades; packages arrive continuously, but Manjaro holds them in its own testing branches for a while before they reach the stable branch, which makes it a little calmer than plain Arch. The team ships official editions with KDE Plasma, Xfce and GNOME, and community members maintain Cinnamon, i3 and Sway images. There are also ARM images for boards and devices such as the Raspberry Pi, Pinebook Pro and PinePhone. It suits people who want a current desktop, access to the Arch User Repository and a graphical installer without building the system by hand. Manjaro is free and open source; the project is backed by a German company, Manjaro GmbH & Co. KG, which also sells services to businesses.
Best for: Desktop users who want Arch's up-to-date software without a manual install.
Pros and cons
What works
- Rolling release with an extra testing delay before updates reach stable
- Official KDE Plasma, Xfce and GNOME editions plus community spins
- ARM images for Raspberry Pi, Pinebook Pro and other boards
- Access to the Arch User Repository for extra software
Why people leave
- 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
Manjaro vs CachyOS, Linux Mint and Fedora Linux
From each app's listing and the prices verified on its own site. A dash means we haven't verified it yet.
| Attribute | Manjaro | CachyOS | Linux Mint | Fedora Linux |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Open source | Open source | Open source | Open source |
| Verified price | — | — | — | — |
| Free plan | Free app | Free app | Free app | Free app |
| Open source | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hostable | No | No | No | No |
| Platforms | Linux | Linux | Linux | Linux |
Top Manjaro alternatives
See all 7- 1CachyOS68.8
Another Arch-based rolling distro, tuned for speed with optimised packages and kernels.
- 2Linux Mint64.8
A calmer, fixed-release desktop for people tired of keeping up with rolling updates.
- 3Fedora Linux61.8
Fresh software on a six-month release cycle, with fewer surprises than a rolling distro.
- 4
Ubuntu59.4The most widely supported Linux distro, with long-term support releases and huge community help.
- 5
Zorin OS57.5A polished, Windows-like desktop aimed at newcomers who don't want to manage packages.
Why people left Manjaro
In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.
No switching stories yet. If you moved away from Manjaro, review the app you switched to and tell us why.
Reviews
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Manjaro: common questions
What is Manjaro?
Manjaro: Arch-based Linux distribution with rolling updates, a graphical installer and ready-made desktops. Best for desktop users who want Arch's up-to-date software without a manual install. Available for Linux.
Is Manjaro free?
Yes. Manjaro is free, open-source software.
Is Manjaro open source?
Yes.
What platforms does Manjaro run on?
Manjaro is available for Linux.
What are the best alternatives to Manjaro?
The highest-ranked Manjaro alternatives right now are CachyOS, Linux Mint and Fedora Linux. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.
Manjaro vs CachyOS: what's the difference?
Both Manjaro and CachyOS are free and open source. Both run on Linux.