Manjaro
Arch packages with a slower, tested rollout.
What is Manjaro?
Manjaro builds on Arch Linux packages but holds them in its own branches before they reach the stable channel. Graphical tools handle kernels, drivers, and software installation. That makes current software more approachable, but the delay means Arch news and AUR packages do not always line up with Manjaro’s repositories.
Who is Manjaro for?
Manjaro fits best for everyday use, gaming and development. Where it ranks in our lists:
- #5 of 13: best Linux distros for gaming
- #5 of 14: best rolling release Linux distros
- #7 of 37: best Linux distros for 4 GB of RAM
- #8 of 29: best Linux distros for programming and development
Pros
- Graphical kernel and driver management
- Stable, testing, and unstable branches
- Current packages without a manual Arch install
Cons
- Branch delays can conflict with AUR packages built for Arch
- Large, batched updates need attention
Manjaro system requirements
For a comfortable desktop with a modern web browser, plan for about 4 GB of RAM. Manjaro is available for x86_64. Leave at least 25 GB of storage for the system and applications. These figures are editorial guidance; check the official documentation for minimums.
Try Manjaro before you install
Write the image to a USB stick and boot it as a live session to test Wi-Fi, graphics, sound, and suspend on your own computer. A browser trial on DistroSea shows the desktop, but cannot verify your hardware.
Compare Manjaro with…
Best Manjaro alternatives
Manjaro: common questions
What is Manjaro based on?
Manjaro is based on Arch Linux. It uses Pacman · Pamac · AUR (community) for software and systemd as its init system.
Is Manjaro good for beginners?
It is manageable if you are comfortable troubleshooting and occasionally using a terminal. Complete beginners may prefer Linux Mint or Ubuntu first.
How much RAM does Manjaro need?
We suggest about 4 GB of RAM for a comfortable desktop experience with a modern browser. This is editorial guidance, not the project’s official minimum, which can be lower. It runs on x86_64.
What desktop does Manjaro use?
Manjaro offers KDE Plasma, GNOME, Xfce.
Is Manjaro a rolling release?
Yes. Manjaro updates continuously, so there are no version upgrades to perform.
Is Manjaro free?
Yes, Manjaro is free to download and use.