Fedora Asahi Remix vs Manjaro
Fedora Asahi Remix: Linux on Apple Silicon Macs. Manjaro: Arch packages with a slower, tested rollout. Here is how they differ, and which one suits you.
Quick verdict
- BeginnersTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- GamingManjaroManjaro ships gaming-oriented defaults or current drivers.
- Older hardwareManjaroManjaro needs about 4 GB of RAM versus 8 GB.
- Latest softwareManjaroManjaro uses a rolling model; Fedora Asahi Remix is stable.
- Long-term stabilityFedora Asahi RemixFedora Asahi Remix changes less between upgrades.
Specs compared
| Feature | Fedora Asahi Remix | Manjaro |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity rank (30d) | #28 | #12 |
| Latest version | — | — |
| Based on | Fedora | Arch Linux |
| Release model | Stable | Rolling |
| Desktop | KDE Plasma, GNOME | KDE Plasma, GNOME, Xfce |
| Package management | DNF · Flatpak | Pacman · Pamac · AUR (community) |
| Init system | systemd | systemd |
| Experience level | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Suggested RAM | 8 GB+ | 4 GB+ |
| Architectures | aarch64 | x86_64 |
| First released | 2023 | 2011 |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Good for | Development, Everyday use | Everyday use, Gaming, Development |
Key differences
- Fedora Asahi Remix is based on Fedora, while Manjaro is based on Arch Linux.
- Fedora Asahi Remix follows a stable release model; Manjaro is rolling.
- Fedora Asahi Remix ships KDE Plasma, GNOME; Manjaro ships KDE Plasma, GNOME, Xfce.
- Software comes from DNF · Flatpak on Fedora Asahi Remix and Pacman · Pamac · AUR (community) on Manjaro.
- We suggest about 8 GB of RAM for Fedora Asahi Remix and 4 GB for Manjaro.
Choose Fedora Asahi Remix if…
- runs natively on Apple Silicon
- upstream-first GPU driver work
- installs alongside macOS
Newer Apple chips may not be supported
Full Fedora Asahi Remix profileChoose Manjaro if…
- graphical kernel and driver management
- stable, testing, and unstable branches
- current packages without a manual Arch install
Branch delays can conflict with AUR packages built for Arch
Full Manjaro profileFedora Asahi Remix vs Manjaro: FAQ
Is Fedora Asahi Remix better than Manjaro?
Neither is better for everyone. Fedora Asahi Remix is the stronger pick for long-term stability; Manjaro for gaming, older hardware, latest software.
Which uses less RAM, Fedora Asahi Remix or Manjaro?
Manjaro is lighter: we suggest about 4 GB versus 8 GB. The desktop you choose affects memory use more than the distribution itself.
Is Fedora Asahi Remix based on Manjaro?
No. Fedora Asahi Remix is based on Fedora; Manjaro is based on Arch Linux.
Can I switch from Fedora Asahi Remix to Manjaro 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.