Void Linux vs Slackware: how they differ
Void Linux and Slackware 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 independent projects with their own repositories and tools, so advice for one rarely carries straight over to the other.
- Desktop: Void Linux uses none by default; Slackware uses KDE Plasma or Xfce.
- Software tools: Void Linux uses xbps; Slackware uses slackpkg, so the commands you learn for one do not carry over.
- Releases: Void Linux uses a rolling release, so updates arrive continuously with no big version jumps; Slackware uses numbered releases on a fixed schedule.
- Memory: about 1 GB for Void Linux against about 2 GB for Slackware is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Choose Void Linux if
You are among the experienced users who like a fast, independent, runit-based system.
Choose Slackware if
You are among the users who value simplicity and a very traditional Unix-like design.
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? Void 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 Void Linux USB drive or the Slackware USB drive. Learn more: what is Void Linux and what is Slackware.
Software commands compared
- Void Linux:
sudo xbps-install name - Slackware:
slackpkg install name
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Void Linux or Slackware?
Neither is better for everyone. Choose by what you need: Void Linux suits experienced users who like a fast, independent, runit-based system, while Slackware suits users who value simplicity and a very traditional Unix-like design.
Can I install both Void Linux and Slackware?
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, Void Linux or Slackware?
Void Linux uses a rolling release, so updates arrive continuously with no big version jumps; Slackware uses numbered releases on a fixed schedule.