Manjaro vs EndeavourOS: how they differ
Manjaro and EndeavourOS 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; EndeavourOS uses Xfce, with other desktops 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 2 GB for EndeavourOS 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 EndeavourOS if
You are among the people who want close-to-pure Arch with a friendly installer.
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? EndeavourOS asks for less 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 EndeavourOS USB drive. Learn more: what is Manjaro and what is EndeavourOS.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Manjaro or EndeavourOS?
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 EndeavourOS suits people who want close-to-pure Arch with a friendly installer.
Can I install both Manjaro and EndeavourOS?
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 EndeavourOS?
Manjaro uses a rolling release, so updates arrive continuously with no big version jumps; EndeavourOS uses a rolling release, so updates arrive continuously with no big version jumps.