Best Garuda Linux alternatives
Distributions that share Garuda Linux’s purpose, family, release model, or desktop, ordered by how closely they match. Each one lists what it has in common and a link to a full side-by-side comparison.
- 1Garuda Linux vs CachyOS
CachyOS#4 in rankings
An Arch-based system tuned for speed. CachyOS is an Arch-based rolling distribution that focuses on performance.
- Also suited to gaming and everyday use
- Also Arch Linux-based
- Same rolling release model
Key difference: KDE Plasma, GNOME, COSMIC, Hyprland, niri, more desktop, intermediate level.
- 2Garuda Linux vs Manjaro
Manjaro#12 in rankings
Arch packages with a slower, tested rollout. Manjaro builds on Arch Linux packages but holds them in its own branches before they reach the stable channel.
- Also suited to gaming and everyday use
- Also Arch Linux-based
- Same rolling release model
Key difference: KDE Plasma, GNOME, Xfce desktop, intermediate level.
- 3Garuda Linux vs EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS#17 in rankings
An approachable installer for an Arch-based system. EndeavourOS provides a starting point for an Arch-based rolling system.
- Also suited to gaming and everyday use
- Also Arch Linux-based
- Same rolling release model
Key difference: KDE Plasma, more desktop, intermediate level.
- 4Garuda Linux vs openSUSE Tumbleweed
openSUSE Tumbleweed#15 in rankings
Rolling releases with tested snapshots. openSUSE Tumbleweed publishes rolling snapshots tested through openQA.
- Also suited to gaming and everyday use
- Same rolling release model
- Same intermediate experience level
Key difference: based on openSUSE.
- 5Garuda Linux vs Solus
Solus#43 in rankings
An independent desktop with a curated rolling model. Solus is built from scratch for home desktops rather than servers.
- Also suited to gaming and everyday use
- Same rolling release model
- Offers KDE Plasma
Key difference: based on Independent.
- 6Garuda Linux vs RakuOS
RakuOS
Atomic Fedora that still lets you install native packages. RakuOS is a Fedora-based atomic distribution.
- Also suited to gaming and everyday use
- Same intermediate experience level
- Offers KDE Plasma
Key difference: based on Fedora, atomic release model.
- 7Garuda Linux vs Anatase
Anatase
One immutable Fedora image for desktop, handheld, and gaming. Anatase is a Fedora-based atomic distribution built with bootc by Antheas Kapenekakis, a core Bazzite maintainer, who describes it as a from-scratch rewrite that distills three years of learnings from Bazzite.
- Also suited to gaming and everyday use
- Same intermediate experience level
- Offers KDE Plasma
Key difference: based on Fedora, atomic release model.
- 8Garuda Linux vs Bazzite
Bazzite#6 in rankings
A gaming-focused desktop built on Fedora Atomic. Bazzite provides Fedora Atomic-based images with a focus on gaming PCs and handhelds.
- Also suited to gaming and everyday use
- Offers KDE Plasma
Key difference: based on Fedora Atomic, atomic release model.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Garuda Linux?
CachyOS is the closest match: also suited to gaming and everyday use; also arch linux-based. Manjaro and EndeavourOS are also strong options.
Why switch from Garuda Linux?
Common reasons are its tradeoffs: heavier defaults than a minimal install; distinctive theming is not to everyone’s taste. An alternative can keep what you like while avoiding these.