EndeavourOS vs Maze Linux
EndeavourOS: An approachable installer for an Arch-based system. Maze Linux: Hardened Arch with KDE Plasma and privacy tools ready from first boot. Here is how they differ, and which one suits you.
EndeavourOS or Maze Linux: the short answer
EndeavourOS and Maze Linux have a lot in common: both build on Arch Linux, both use a rolling release model. Pick EndeavourOS if you care most about gaming and older hardware.
Quick verdict
- GamingEndeavourOSEndeavourOS ships gaming-oriented defaults or current drivers.
- Older hardwareEndeavourOSEndeavourOS needs about 4 GB of RAM versus 8 GB.
Scored from our catalog data (experience level, release model, suggested RAM, intended uses), not from benchmarks. How we build the catalog
Specs compared
Memory figures are editorial planning suggestions, not measured consumption or official minimums. Popularity measures attention, not quality. Missing data is shown as a dash.
| Feature | EndeavourOS | Maze Linux |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity rank (30d) | #17 | Not ranked |
| Popularity trend (30d) | Down 19% | — |
| Based on | Arch Linux | Arch Linux |
| Release model | Rolling | Rolling |
| Desktop | KDE Plasma, more | KDE Plasma (Wayland) |
| Package management | Pacman · AUR (community) | Pacman · AUR via paru · Flatpak |
| Init system | systemd | systemd |
| Experience level | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Suggested RAM | 4 GB+ | 8 GB+ |
| Architectures | x86_64 | x86_64 |
| First released | 2019 | — |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Good for | Development, Gaming, Everyday use | Privacy, Development |
Key differences
- EndeavourOS ships KDE Plasma, more; Maze Linux ships KDE Plasma (Wayland).
- Software comes from Pacman · AUR (community) on EndeavourOS and Pacman · AUR via paru · Flatpak on Maze Linux.
- We suggest about 4 GB of RAM for EndeavourOS and 8 GB for Maze Linux.
EndeavourOS: strengths and tradeoffs
- accessible setup for an Arch-based environment
- rolling package collection
- active learning-oriented documentation
Still requires rolling-release maintenance
Full EndeavourOS profileMaze Linux: strengths and tradeoffs
- appArmor, auditd, and firewalld active from the first boot
- secure Boot with a signed Unified Kernel Image and LUKS2 encryption
- tor, Proton VPN, WireGuard, and MAC randomization preconfigured
Very young project led by a single developer
Full Maze Linux profileSwitching between EndeavourOS and Maze Linux
From EndeavourOS to Maze Linux
- Both use Pacman, so the install commands you know carry over; Maze Linux also uses AUR via paru and Flatpak.
- You can keep KDE Plasma, which both offer, so your layout and shortcuts mostly carry over.
- Plan for a bit more memory: we suggest about 8 GB for Maze Linux versus 4 GB for EndeavourOS.
From Maze Linux to EndeavourOS
- Both use Pacman, so the install commands you know carry over; EndeavourOS also uses AUR (community).
- You can keep KDE Plasma, which both offer, so your layout and shortcuts mostly carry over.
Either way, back up your home folder, then do a clean install; reusing a separate /home partition works but can bring old settings that clash.
EndeavourOS vs Maze Linux: FAQ
Is EndeavourOS better than Maze Linux?
Neither is better for everyone. EndeavourOS is the stronger pick for gaming, older hardware; Maze Linux for a different set of needs.
Which uses less RAM, EndeavourOS or Maze Linux?
EndeavourOS is lighter: we suggest about 4 GB versus 8 GB. The desktop you choose affects memory use more than the distribution itself.
Is EndeavourOS based on Maze Linux?
No. EndeavourOS is based on Arch Linux; Maze Linux is based on Arch Linux.