Endless OS vs RakuOS
Endless OS: An offline-friendly atomic desktop for learning. RakuOS: Atomic Fedora that still lets you install native packages. Here is how they differ, and which one suits you.
Quick verdict
- BeginnersEndless OSEndless OS is rated beginner; RakuOS is intermediate.
- GamingRakuOSRakuOS ships gaming-oriented defaults or current drivers.
- Older hardwareTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- Latest softwareTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- Long-term stabilityTieBoth are a similar fit here.
Specs compared
| Feature | Endless OS | RakuOS |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity rank (30d) | #51 | Not ranked |
| Latest version | — | — |
| Based on | Debian | Fedora |
| Release model | Atomic | Atomic |
| Desktop | GNOME-based | KDE Plasma, GNOME, COSMIC, niri |
| Package management | Flatpak · OSTree | rum (RPM overlay) · RakuOS Software Center |
| Init system | systemd | systemd |
| Experience level | Beginner | Intermediate |
| Suggested RAM | 4 GB+ | 4 GB+ |
| Architectures | x86_64 | x86_64 |
| First released | — | — |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Good for | Education, Everyday use, Immutable systems | Gaming, Immutable systems, Everyday use |
Key differences
- Endless OS is based on Debian, while RakuOS is based on Fedora.
- Endless OS ships GNOME-based; RakuOS ships KDE Plasma, GNOME, COSMIC, niri.
- Software comes from Flatpak · OSTree on Endless OS and rum (RPM overlay) · RakuOS Software Center on RakuOS.
- Endless OS is best for beginner users; RakuOS for intermediate users.
Choose Endless OS if…
- works well offline
- hard-to-break atomic base
- educational content built in
Limited traditional package installation
Full Endless OS 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 profileEndless OS vs RakuOS: FAQ
Is Endless OS better than RakuOS?
Neither is better for everyone. Endless OS is the stronger pick for beginners; RakuOS for gaming.
Which uses less RAM, Endless OS or RakuOS?
Both need about 4 GB of RAM for a comfortable desktop. The desktop environment affects memory use more than the distribution.
Is Endless OS based on RakuOS?
No. Endless OS is based on Debian; RakuOS is based on Fedora.
Can I switch from Endless OS 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.