Manjaro vs CachyOS: how they differ
Manjaro and CachyOS are often considered side by side. This page compares what each one is built on, how it looks, how software is installed, how updates arrive and what hardware it needs.
Key differences
- Foundation: both are built on Arch, so much of the help, software and troubleshooting advice for one applies to the other.
- Desktop: Manjaro uses Xfce, KDE Plasma or GNOME; CachyOS uses KDE Plasma, with others on offer.
- Software tools: both use pacman, so install commands are the same.
- Releases: both follow a rolling release, so updates arrive continuously with no big version jumps.
- Memory: about 4 GB for Manjaro against about 4 GB for CachyOS is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Choose Manjaro if
You are among the people who want Arch's software with an easier installer and curated updates.
Choose CachyOS if
You are among the people who want a fast Arch-based system tuned for performance and gaming.
Quick answers
- Which is easier for a beginner? Neither is aimed at first-time users. If this is your first Linux system, try a beginner-friendly distribution first.
- Which suits older hardware? They ask for a similar amount of memory.
- Can I try both? Yes. Start each from a live USB drive without installing, or put both on one drive with Ventoy.
Browse the Manjaro USB drive or the CachyOS USB drive. Learn more: what is Manjaro and what is CachyOS.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Manjaro or CachyOS?
Neither is better for everyone. Choose by what you need: Manjaro suits people who want Arch's software with an easier installer and curated updates, while CachyOS suits people who want a fast Arch-based system tuned for performance and gaming.
Can I install both Manjaro and CachyOS?
Yes. Install each one on its own partition, or try both from a live USB drive first. See dual booting for the idea, which also works between two Linux systems.
Which gets updates faster, Manjaro or CachyOS?
Manjaro uses a rolling release, so updates arrive continuously with no big version jumps; CachyOS uses a rolling release, so updates arrive continuously with no big version jumps.