Bazzite vs RakuOS
Bazzite: A gaming-focused desktop built on Fedora Atomic. RakuOS: Atomic Fedora that still lets you install native packages. Here is how they differ, and which one suits you.
Quick verdict
- BeginnersBazziteBazzite is rated beginner; RakuOS is intermediate.
- GamingTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- Older hardwareRakuOSRakuOS needs about 4 GB of RAM versus 8 GB.
- Latest softwareTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- Long-term stabilityTieBoth are a similar fit here.
Specs compared
| Feature | Bazzite | RakuOS |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity rank (30d) | #6 | Not ranked |
| Latest version | — | — |
| Based on | Fedora Atomic | Fedora |
| Release model | Atomic | Atomic |
| Desktop | KDE Plasma, GNOME | KDE Plasma, GNOME, COSMIC, niri |
| Package management | Flatpak · Homebrew · containers | rum (RPM overlay) · RakuOS Software Center |
| Init system | systemd | systemd |
| Experience level | Beginner | Intermediate |
| Suggested RAM | 8 GB+ | 4 GB+ |
| Architectures | x86_64 | x86_64 |
| First released | 2023 | — |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Good for | Gaming, Everyday use, Immutable systems | Gaming, Immutable systems, Everyday use |
Key differences
- Bazzite is based on Fedora Atomic, while RakuOS is based on Fedora.
- Bazzite ships KDE Plasma, GNOME; RakuOS ships KDE Plasma, GNOME, COSMIC, niri.
- Software comes from Flatpak · Homebrew · containers on Bazzite and rum (RPM overlay) · RakuOS Software Center on RakuOS.
- We suggest about 8 GB of RAM for Bazzite and 4 GB for RakuOS.
- Bazzite is best for beginner users; RakuOS for intermediate users.
Choose Bazzite if…
- gaming-focused defaults and image choices
- handheld-oriented options
- atomic base with rollback workflow
Check the image selector for your GPU
Full Bazzite profileChoose RakuOS if…
- atomic image updates with instant rollback
- native RPM packages persist across updates
- terra repositories enabled for codecs and drivers
Young project with a small community
Full RakuOS profileBazzite vs RakuOS: FAQ
Is Bazzite better than RakuOS?
Neither is better for everyone. Bazzite is the stronger pick for beginners; RakuOS for older hardware.
Which uses less RAM, Bazzite or RakuOS?
RakuOS is lighter: we suggest about 4 GB versus 8 GB. The desktop you choose affects memory use more than the distribution itself.
Is Bazzite based on RakuOS?
No. Bazzite is based on Fedora Atomic; RakuOS is based on Fedora.
Can I switch from Bazzite to RakuOS without losing files?
Back up your home folder first. If /home is on a separate partition you can reinstall without formatting it, but a clean install with restored backups is safest.