Omarchy vs Arch Linux: how they differ
Omarchy and Arch Linux 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: Omarchy is built on Arch, while Arch Linux is built independently rather than on another distribution.
- Desktop: Omarchy uses Hyprland; Arch Linux uses none by default.
- 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 Omarchy against about 2 GB for Arch Linux is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Choose Omarchy if
You are among the developers who like a keyboard-driven tiling desktop that is set up for them.
Choose Arch Linux if
You are among the experienced users who want to build the system themselves and always run current software.
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? Arch Linux 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 Omarchy USB drive or the Arch Linux USB drive. Learn more: what is Omarchy and what is Arch Linux.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Omarchy or Arch Linux?
Neither is better for everyone. Choose by what you need: Omarchy suits developers who like a keyboard-driven tiling desktop that is set up for them, while Arch Linux suits experienced users who want to build the system themselves and always run current software.
Can I install both Omarchy and Arch Linux?
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, Omarchy or Arch Linux?
Omarchy uses a rolling release, so updates arrive continuously with no big version jumps; Arch Linux uses a rolling release, so updates arrive continuously with no big version jumps.