Best Solus alternatives
Distributions that share Solus’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.
- 1Solus vs PCLinuxOS
PCLinuxOS#44 in rankings
A long-running independent rolling desktop. PCLinuxOS is an independent rolling distribution that grew out of Mandrake and Mandriva.
- Also suited to everyday use
- Independent base like Solus
- Same rolling release model
Key difference: based on Independent (Mandriva heritage).
- 2Solus 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 everyday use and gaming
- Same rolling release model
- Offers Budgie
Key difference: based on Arch Linux.
- 3Solus 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 everyday use and gaming
- Same rolling release model
- Offers KDE Plasma
Key difference: based on Arch Linux.
- 4Solus vs openSUSE Tumbleweed
openSUSE Tumbleweed#15 in rankings
Rolling releases with tested snapshots. openSUSE Tumbleweed publishes rolling snapshots tested through openQA.
- Also suited to everyday use and gaming
- Same rolling release model
- Offers KDE Plasma
Key difference: based on openSUSE.
- 5Solus 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 everyday use and gaming
- Same rolling release model
- Offers Budgie
Key difference: based on Arch Linux.
- 6Solus vs Mageia
Mageia#46 in rankings
A community fork of Mandriva with its own control center. Mageia is a community-run continuation of Mandriva Linux.
- Also suited to everyday use
- Independent base like Solus
- Same beginner experience level
Key difference: based on Independent (Mandriva fork), stable release model.
- 7Solus 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 everyday use and gaming
- Same beginner experience level
- Offers KDE Plasma
Key difference: based on Fedora Atomic, atomic release model.
- 8Solus vs Garuda Linux
Garuda Linux#19 in rankings
A striking Arch-based desktop with snapshots. Garuda Linux is an Arch-based rolling distribution with heavily themed desktops, Btrfs by default, and automatic snapshots before updates.
- Also suited to everyday use and gaming
- Same rolling release model
- Offers KDE Plasma
Key difference: based on Arch Linux.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Solus?
PCLinuxOS is the closest match: also suited to everyday use; independent base like solus. CachyOS and Manjaro are also strong options.
Why switch from Solus?
Common reasons are its tradeoffs: smaller repository than major distributions; fewer third-party guides. An alternative can keep what you like while avoiding these.