 Visitor Reviews |
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Reader supplied reviews for Arch Linux
Average rating
9.2 from 288 review(s)
Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2026-01-26
Votes: 7
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Coming from Debian, which I used for years, I have to say I’m genuinely impressed with Arch Linux. I left Debian mainly because of new hardware; the stable branch simply doesn’t cater well to that, and I didn’t feel like waiting around. Arch, by contrast, was straightforward to set up, and updates, via both pacman and yay, have been fast and reliable so far. I ended up choosing Arch after trying Void, openSUSE Tumbleweed, and Fedora, all of which were interesting in their own ways, but none quite stuck.
I’m deliberately trying to limit how much I install from the AUR, mostly because I see it as a bit of the Wild West. From the official repositories, I use AbiWord, Audacity, FileZilla, Firefox, Foliate, GIMP, Grsync, Midnight Commander, qBittorrent, Quod Libet, Scribus, Signal, Shortwave, Steam, VLC, and Zim Wiki. From the AUR, I use yay itself, autofs, Brother-HL2350 drivers, Gear Lever, Chrome (for work), LocalSend, and Zotero. I also rely on a couple of AppImages and some Flatpaks, including Flatseal, GPU Screen Recorder, Heroic, Kdenlive, Parabolic, and RustDesk.
Arch is, of course, a minimal distribution in the truest sense: it lets you decide exactly what goes on your system. That aspect strongly reminds me of how I’ve always installed Debian. Archinstall deserves a special mention, it’s a logically structured and surprisingly pleasant installation tool, which feels very un-Arch in the best possible way.
That said, Arch isn’t for Linux newcomers. It’s for people with general Linux knowledge who want full control over their system. There’s no hand-holding, and you’ll almost certainly end up consulting the Arch Wiki, a fantastic resource, even if I personally find it a bit convoluted at times and wish some explanations were clearer.
For now, I’m sticking with Arch as long as it remains reliable and doesn’t break. Coming from Debian’s rock-solid stability, even in Testing, I still feel slightly on edge, half-expecting something to explode after an update. But so far, Arch Linux has delivered. No emergency rollbacks, and that’s reason enough for me to stay.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2026-01-08
Votes: 30
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SHOCKINGLY reliable
I've been ping-ponging between Windows and Ubuntu and Ubuntu-derivatives for many years, Ubuntu always gave me trouble in the most peculiar ways and I have always assumed it was just the way Linux is.
About a year ago I decided to give Arch a try to see what all the fuss was about, with everyone talking about it being bleeding-edge and customizable.
Frankly, it just works, I've encountered exactly one system breaking problem and fixing it was as easy as reverting with timeshift, checking the Arch homepage and following the steps they described.
The fact that you need to install everything manually is not difficult, but it is a hassle, it's just a matter of following the excellent wiki and getting it out of the way (or just using archinstall, but the Arch enthusiast crowd hates when you do that, owing to all the people asking questions in their forums going "I don't know what my configs are or what software I'm using, whatever archinstall put there")
The only reason I wouldn't recommend it to someone new to Linux is that the initial setup is daunting, for anyone else it's brilliant.
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Version: current
Rating: 9
Date: 2025-12-19
Votes: 10
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After trying a lot of Linux’s distro’s I stayed with Archlinux. I justed began using Linux fully this year due better support of Steam on Linux. So far I have the best experience and performance with Archlinux on older systems and new.
I have tried Kubuntu and Ubuntu in the past, also a great stable (OS) Operating Systems. If you want easymode, stability and everything prepared for you, then I can advise Fedora, Ubuntu or Manjaro/EndeavourOS/CachyOS. With guides on the internet and youtube, you are able to get a great Linux installation! If you’re curious, don’t let fear or other comments get to you installing Archlinux. Experience it yourself. Using network cable and enter Archinstall in the command line is the easyway.
Why Archlinux?
- I have tried many other distro’s but I don’t like man in the middle updates and I always want the latest stable security updates/kernel, software, etc.. (Archlinux has a stable release channel, just like other linux distro's);
- The other Linux distro’s are somehow using more resources, then Archlinux, also the other Linux distro's needed a few adjustments or KDE Plasma and Gnome sometimes reacted differently.
- So far i don't see any bloatware, you can fully decide yourself which user interfaces or applications are installed
- Updating Archlinux is quite easy. Sudo Pacman -Syuu or Arch-update (AUR package) is working great for me; I have even used Pamac (Manjaro); but I prefer Arch-update (AUR package)
- With every linux distro you need Rufus or Linux distro provider USB installer; similar like Windows or MacOSX, there are enough guides for this. I don’t think this is a reason for excuses anymore
- I’m running steam with default settings from the Archlinux repository; as Flatpak wasn’t stable for me on linux distro's and I needed to use commandline stuff for each game
- As you are reading, yes i'm using AUR, but I keep this to the minimum (Arch-update, Postmaster, secureboot, AppAnvil, Grub Customizer, Brave (Browser)). Yay or Paru was easy to use, similar as Pacman. With other applications i use Archlinux repository and Flatpak. For virtualization i can advise Qemu with VirtManager, or Incus.
Good luck!
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Version: current
Rating: 2
Date: 2025-12-11
Votes: 0
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Arch Linux is well-known for its flexibility and minimalistic approach to Linux. However, for anyone who is not already familiar with Linux or advanced system management, the process of getting Arch up and running can be an exercise in frustration. While it offers unparalleled customization, it’s not the most user-friendly option—especially for beginners or those who are new to the Linux world.
Installation Process: Tedious and Confusing
One of the most significant hurdles with Arch Linux is the installation process. To start with, the instructions provided for creating a bootable USB drive are neither clear nor intuitive. You’re expected to download a 700 MB image, flash it to a USB drive, and configure the system from a terminal, all without much guidance. For those unfamiliar with Linux, this can be a daunting and confusing task.
What makes this worse is the official Arch Linux website. While it has a wealth of information, the design and structure leave much to be desired. The layout is overcrowded with links and information, and finding specific instructions can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. The official Arch Wiki, although detailed, is not written in the most approachable language, which further alienates newcomers.
For instance, when you try to download the ISO file, the website doesn’t make it immediately obvious where the latest release is, and even after you download it, there’s a maze of terminal commands and configuration files to navigate. It’s not a beginner-friendly process by any means, and it would be helpful if there were a more guided, graphical installation option or clearer step-by-step instructions for those who aren’t advanced users.
Website Design: Needs Improvement
As mentioned, the website could really use a redesign. The Arch Linux homepage, while functional, has a cluttered, somewhat outdated look. Key information is buried beneath layers of technical jargon, and there’s very little to guide users through the initial steps. The project’s focus seems to be on offering detailed, specific information for experienced users, but that leaves a large gap for those trying to get started.
The community documentation, though extensive, is not the most accessible for new users. A more intuitive FAQ section, streamlined for beginners, could go a long way toward helping first-time installers feel more confident.
Communication: A Course in User-Friendly Content
Arch Linux could greatly benefit from a course in effective communications. The lack of clear and concise instructions often leaves users feeling lost, especially those who are not seasoned Linux veterans. The installation guide is comprehensive but expects a level of prior knowledge that many users simply don’t have. A friendlier tone, along with beginner-focused guides, could significantly improve the overall experience.
Conclusion
Arch Linux has a dedicated user base for a reason: it offers complete control over your system. For power users, it’s a dream, offering maximum flexibility and customization. However, for anyone unfamiliar with Linux or new to the operating system, it’s a frustrating experience fraught with confusing instructions and poor website design.
If you’re a beginner, be prepared for a steep learning curve, and consider trying a more user-friendly distribution like Ubuntu or Linux Mint before diving into Arch. For experienced users, Arch is likely to be a rewarding challenge, but the website and installation process could use a serious overhaul to make the experience more approachable for everyone.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-12-08
Votes: 15
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Arch Linux is a high-quality GNU/Linux distribution. I installed it with Archinstall on my old HP Compaq notebook from 2008 (upgraded with a SATA SSD and 4GB of RAM) with the LXQt desktop, and it brought it back to life. It's very high-performance and everything works perfectly. Even the updates released are of great quality, they only improve its quality. I get a full pass. Problems or bugs? None. I've never seen my old laptop work so well.
This is undoubtedly the best GNU/Linux distro I have used in many years.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-12-08
Votes: 4
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i have been using archlinux for the past 20 years. i have used MANY different distros and still believe hands down arch is still the best in existence. i also like alpine but alpine's repository doesn't compare to the infinite vastness of arch's official and user repository databases. using the LTS kernel is key to never having any stability or update problems. in the beginning arch was difficult when i would use the cutting edge kernel but since switching to the LTS kernel and supporting packages 15+ years ago i have had very little interuptions. thanks arch team for all your efforts!
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-11-20
Votes: 19
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No matter what, I always end up coming back to Arch. In my experience (relatively low amount of tinkering, barely use the AUR at all) and for my use case (a home laptop used for browsing and faffing around) it has been incredibly stable.
Love that it gives you more or less vanilla of whatever DE you choose to go with. For me it's Gnome.
My idea of fun is a cup of coffee and browing the Arch Wiki, so understand this might not be for everyone haha.
It may be controversial to some, but the archinstall script now makes it pretty straightforward to get up and running too.
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Version: current
Rating: 9
Date: 2025-11-02
Votes: 7
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I really like Arch Linux and have been using it for 2 years. I see many distributions based on Arch introducing improvements, and it would be great to see some of these enhancements come directly from Arch itself — such as better performance, an option without systemd, and official ARM support. Overall, it’s still the best. I don’t plan to switch to any derivative; I’d just love to see Arch evolve even more, especially in these areas. The community, documentation, and rolling release model are amazing, making it a perfect base system to learn and customize deeply.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-10-31
Votes: 17
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What can I say about Arch Linux? Everything comes with time: first impressions, then familiarization and adaptation, and finally, the system becomes your only one. For me, the first period passed quite quickly. I set up everything I needed without any difficulty; it took no more than a couple of days. Then, I began to get used to it, this is the second period, solving problems as needed, and after three years, the system became my only one. Now, five years after installation, I just use it.
During all this time, I haven't had any serious problems. If any issues did arise, they were related to a package that could be fixed in just a couple of days.
What's appealing about Arch is its simplicity. The system is free of unnecessary clutter, its configuration is user-dependent, you don't have to worry about new releases or how to migrate settings; you just update once a week and always have the latest and greatest.
Sometimes you look at other distributions and wonder, "Maybe I should try this?" But then you ask yourself, "Why bother?" What will it give you? And you realize you wouldn't trade your cozy Arch for anything else.
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Version: current
Rating: 9
Date: 2025-10-31
Votes: 18
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I love having always the latest software. The AUR is fantastic, and every software you can think of is available in the main repos or in the AUR.
Also the Arch wiki is amazing. There's a LOT of detail and often on esoteric options. It would be nice if there could be a 'base' setup page for many things so you don't have to wade through all kinds of irrelevant (to most people) details.
A downside is it's X86_64 only, but work is underway to support other architectures.
Full disclaimer: I'm one of the asahi-alarm maintainers so I might be a bit biased :-D
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Version: current
Rating: 6
Date: 2025-10-30
Votes: 6
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Arch is a good distribution, an amazing one in fact, but it's a time-consuming one.
If you want to tinker, are not afraid (or even enjoy) editing configuration files and reading a wiki (an amazing one) in order to get your perfect setup, and then are ready to spend time making sure it does not break when updating or installing an obscure app from the AUR or Github, you will love it. Arch is almost as much a hobby than it is an OS.
I, for one, just want to boot my computer, have decent defaults that I may tweak a bit, and get work done without thinking about my OS. Arch is just not for me.
So, I give it a 6/10. Not because it's not a good distribution, but because it caters to a very specific type of users.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-10-30
Votes: 4
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This is incredible! I installed it, spent enough time configuring it, but got my dream! It's hard to explain in a few words, but I'll try.
First: it's Arch Linux! I'm impressed by the philosophy of minimalism.
Second: the vastness of packages in the pacman and yay repositories. I install all the programs I need without any problems, and everything works.
Third: the “rolling” release. Always fresh software. It brings me nothing but joy.
Fourth (following from the previous points): speed. Everything flies fast.
Yes, you might say that the time lost on installation and configuration is a disadvantage. But the problem is that other distributions are overloaded. Here, I am my own master. And that's another PLUS for the OS.
It is important to note that I use KDE, as this shell has everything I need.
I will say a few words about the archinstall installer. It is constantly improving, and this has a positive effect on the user experience.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
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Version: current
Rating: 8
Date: 2025-10-24
Votes: 0
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An amazing operating system, however it does not offer any other architectures than amd64 and it comes with a forced init system - systemD, which some people may find inappropriate. The system uses a shared dependency model, where you can have hundreds of programs that will depend on one library, if that library fails, none of those programs will work. This also means there is no backwards compatibility, as a program that you use and hasn't been updated by a developer will not run if you update the shared dependency to a newer version. I recommend archiving a local repository for a peace of mind.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-10-16
Votes: 16
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I have 2 Arch systems and I've been using it for about 6 months now. I'm on a 2 year challenge and so far I'm quite pleased.
I think distros are best talked about in terms of user preferences and use case, so I'll lay mine out:
- I'm a power user. I like full control. I get my fingers into every aspect of the system. I don't like being locked out of anything. and if I understand it, I have an opinion on it and will probably customize it for myself.
- I don't like installed software I don't use. Every other OS I've used, I've uninstalled things as soon as its installed. Windows was incredibly frustrating for me in this aspect.
- I'm a gamer. and because gaming is going through rapid development in Linux right now, having access to rolling release distro is exciting because of the frontier of gaming on Linux.
- I prefer Wayland (if my GPU is AMD). Wayland is stable, but not feature complete. It's still going through development. and I like seeing what comes through and exploring it. It's fun. Again another plus for rolling release.
- I like building and tinkering with things. Every once in a while I go through a kick where I just wonder how something would work if I build it in a certain way. Arch, as an operating system, is perfect that way. I can envision a build and it lets me do it with zero friction - as long as I've figured out what I'm doing beforehand.
So, as you can tell, for the type of user I am, Arch is perfect. It gets out of my way, lets me do what I want, and is everything I could possibly want/need.
Add on top of this, there is slow development to it. archinstall is a game changer for it, not for new users but advanced users. The ability to setup a system almost instantly with all the specific aspects I want is incredible. And for the record I've done dozens of manual installations - including root disk encryption and Nvidia GPU drivers on hybrid laptops. but now with archinstall, I can focus on the applications while still enjoying everything that shines about Arch.
The AUR is an amazing playground and closes the gap between users and developers. Again a place where Arch just removes the friction. A developer wants to make the software they're working on available - throw it on the AUR, just put a PKGBUILD file that pulls and builds from your github. Want to peruse the absolute bleeding edge software and interact directly with those developers? the AUR is the easiest avenue for that. The AUR does have its risks, and I wouldn't recommend it for a new user, but if you're informed in mitigating those risk and willing to take them, its amazing.
For the record, I have not tried NixOS or Gentoo. I have the feeling Gentoo may not be for me, potentially too intense, more friction than I'd like. NixOS might be cool, I may try it after I've finished my Arch challenge in 1.5 years. For now I'm quite content to live with Arch.
In conclusion: Arch isn't for everyone. If you want a set and forget distro, this is not it. But if you want a PC that is truly yours in every way possible, opens up a huge panoply of learning opportunities, and pushes the boundary of what you can do, try it, you may be pleasantly surprised as I have.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-09-29
Votes: 28
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Like many other people's comments, Arch is the simplest, purest Linux distro. All necessary but no extra.
Tried dozens of different distros in the past years. Arch is the one that gives me all I wanted.
archinstall works great if you need a fresh machine, it runs fast and it has the finest default settings.
pacman/paru is the best.
I am using xfce because it's efficient and has enough gui for modern apps, the default ui is pretty already.
My go to apps are:
brave browser
mpv
yt-dlp
Arch logo is the best imo
Thanks Arch
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-09-09
Votes: 6
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Just switched a couple months ago and it's literally the exact type of operating system I was looking for. Having full control over just feels so good to use. One thing that I like is when something breaks its, actually my fault and not just that something broke for no reason because it felt like it. I prefer rolling release because it lets me have the most up to date version without having to do major updates. The package management is so simple yet functional, the AUR adds so much to the distro too. The documentation is very straightforward and to the point.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-09-06
Votes: 13
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I've used Arch Linux for aprox 2-3 years. At its core Arch offers a minimal base system and a philosophy of user control: you install what you want and learn why each piece is there. That approach makes for a fast, lean system and teaches you the plumbing of Linux, but it also means an upfront investment of time and attention.
Pacman is straightforward and effective — dependency resolution, simple syntax, and speedy downloads make package management pleasant. The AUR is a massive advantage, nearly anything not in the official repos often appears in the AUR, which feels like an endless extension to the distro. Rolling-release keeps software current and cutting-edge, but it requires maintenance; occasional breakage happens, so reading update notices and checking the news feed before large upgrades is wise.
But i think that the best is the documentation. The Arch Wiki is exceptional: encyclopedic, practical, and often the definitive resource when troubleshooting. It removes friction for users willing to read and follow thorough guides.
For desktop users who want a polished, worry-free experience out of the box, distributions aimed at beginners will be friendlier, but for tinkerers, developers, and those who prize configurability and learning, Arch is nearly perfect. It fosters knowledge and control rather than hiding complexity. In short: Arch is not for everyone, but for the right person it’s empowering, efficient, and endlessly adaptable. Community channels are welcoming, and you’ll often receive thoughtful help if you show effort, describe problems clearly, and provide logs and steps precisely.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-09-03
Votes: 13
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I've been using Arch Linux with the KDE desktop as my main OS for ~20 years.
Before settling on Arch I was a distro hopper during the late 90's and early 00's. All the while I wished for a rolling release flavor of Linux. Flavors requiring major upgrades periodically are too much like Windows for me - even though I made my living supporting Windows machines for 20 years.
I don't consider myself a Linux guru. I'm just a user who loves the solid rolling release of Arch Linux. During the ~20 years I've used Arch upgrading has very seldom broken anything and when it did I was always able to find a fix quickly. Usually on the main Arch page under 'News'. I don't understand users who complain about rolling release constantly breaking things. That has absolutely not been my experience.
The Arch User Repository (AUR) contains almost 100,000 packages of which only a few hundred seem to be popular. Users are allowed to vote for packages to be included in the main Arch repositories and I do wish that packages with high vote counts were added sooner.
Regarding KDE (Plasma) apps I don't use Dolphin or Discover. I use Octopi (AUR package) to search for packages and clean the pacman cache. Krusader is my file manager. I use the Vivaldi and Firefox browsers and Thunderbird for email. I prefer SMplayer to VLC for watching videos.
I do system upgrades once a week on my two main systems via the command line. I have three bash aliases to handle upgrades and installing packages. Using the 'yay' (AUR package) pacman helper they are:
alias upgrade='yay -Syu'
alias install='yay -S'
alias uninstall='yay -R'
(add the name(s) of the packages to the install/uninstall aliases.
example: install thunderbird)
Upgrades typically take 5-10 minutes. Sometimes even less than that. It can take longer if larger AUR packages need to be compiled.
I really appreciate all the folks who've contributed to Arch over the years. A big thank you to all of them from a grateful user who has contributed little.
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Version: current
Rating: 8
Date: 2025-08-31
Votes: 2
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Arch Linux is a lightweight distribution. I have used Arch Linux for 2 years now and it's the distro that has cured my distro hopping. I have tried Mint. Debian, Fedora, Void, and Gentoo. All of them are great, but Arch is simple and easy to use. Arch is nearly perfect, as it fits my needs. I have used Arch on a thinkpad with Sway, a gaming computer with KDE, and some old computers lying around with XFCE.
Arch Linux is easy to keep, it's your system from scratch. You pick each compenent and make your system yours. No unecessary additions or bloat. Arch is also up to date and has just about any package you need. Arch is a must for hardwae
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-08-13
Votes: 16
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Fast, snappy, latest versions, not overly opinionated, nice vanilla defaults setting. The Archwiki is a guide for system-crafting and tinkering. The Arch community + AUR provides solutions to access programs that can be tedious to get up and running on other distros.
Grab a bin and snap it into place and put it to use in seconds. No corporate overlord. No accumulation of held-back packages or circa-2000 animated kids' movie code name. Dare I say with archinstaller script its now as easy to install as any other distro, but Arch maintains maximum transparency over what changes it makes.
I run it on a 2014 laptop, with Luks2 + btrfs + KDE plasma (+ awesome as secondary DE) and everything works like new. Arch works whether you want to lovingly craft every last detail of your system, or just have a sane default linux.
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Version: current
Rating: 2
Date: 2025-08-11
Votes: 1
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I have tried arch so many times I have fully lost count. But every time I install it, it works AMAZING.. for 2 months. then something breaks like sound drivers, video drivers or its package manager. But I do have to give it to them, the 2 months that it DOES work, its the best distro I ever use. it have ungodly fast package installment, huge community, SO MANY packages (not even including the AUR) But when arch does eventually break, I remember why I don't use this linux distro.
Pros:
super fast package management
large community
every package is the newest it could be.
Cons:
will break in 3 months
although it has a big community, everyone in it sucks
unneeded "difficult" install
every package is the newest it could be.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-08-03
Votes: 11
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I have been trying all the distributions from Fedora, Debian, Ubuntu, Xubuntu, etc., recently I decided to try Arch, it seemed somewhat complex to me because of its installation, but it is not that difficult, since I was used to installing everything graphically, that was the change, once installed I started to like it a lot, so much so that I decided to use it as my main one, since at work I always used Windows, and the change cost me a bit, but I liked Arch so much that I no longer use Windows, it has gone very well for me, what I do when updating based on recommendations is make a backup in case any update does not work well, but I have been using it for 1 year and everything is working great, Arch with XFCE.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-07-31
Votes: 3
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I have been trying all the distributions from Fedora, Debian, Ubuntu, Xubuntu, etc., recently I decided to try Arch, it seemed somewhat complex to me because of its installation, but it is not that difficult, since I was used to installing everything graphically, that was the change, once installed I started to like it a lot, so much so that I decided to use it as my main one, since at work I always used Windows, and the change cost me a bit, but I liked Arch so much that I no longer use Windows, it has gone very well for me, what I do when updating based on recommendations is make a backup in case any update does not work well, but I have been using it for 1 year and everything is working great, Arch with XFCE.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-07-28
Votes: 4
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I've been using Linux (various distros) since the summer of 2012, but ever since I discovered Arch (three years ago), I can't live without it. It's a very lightweight distro that does exactly what I need (including video editing, imaging, and graphics). It's very stable. Sure, the first time I used it wasn't the easiest, but then it gets you hooked, invites you to learn Linux, and eventually, you won't be able to do without it either. Furthermore, the latest versions of Archinstall have made the installation process much easier. Thanks, Arch Linux. Good luck, everyone. Happy Arching!
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Version: current
Rating: 9
Date: 2025-07-23
Votes: 3
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Arch Linux is minimal linux distro that you own as a plot, and you build your house like what you want, everything controlled by you, so much customisable, different options, hardware compatibility is perfect, all of the applications you install mostly works out of the box. For playing games, its easy as installing steam also installs essential nvidia or gpu things to work on games, thats perfect support for games and apps. Lets talk about rolling a bit, its bleeding edge almost, gets the latest updates to your system, awesome for new tech users, but its not beginer friendly, automatic installation called archinstall is a bit of broken sometimes but they fix it well, manual installation requires linux experience before going onto Archlinux, at the end, its perfect to use.
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Version: current
Rating: 9
Date: 2025-07-07
Votes: 0
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Arch Linux is a very lightweight and customizable distro the installation process is funny and teach you the fundamentals of Linux after I switch to it I can say that I am very satisfied and I recommend it for full stack web developers
Here are the pros:
It's very lightweight and fast boots in a fast way unlike other distros that take more time
It has the AUR which is a treasure for developers
It's customizable and rolling release so you can be up to date
And here are the cons:
It has some problems with the display and scaling the screen
It's rolling really so you risk to break your system if you are not serious
It's not beginner friendly or noob friendly
And it has a problem with python it cannot install packages freely without virtual environment
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-06-24
Votes: 43
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After using Arch Linux for a while, I feel it's time to share my thoughts. My experience has been overwhelmingly positive. While Arch is often perceived as challenging, I found that with a bit of patience, the setup process is quite manageable. The archinstall utility significantly simplifies the installation; you simply need to select the options that best suit your needs.
In today's world, where information and documentation are readily available, setting up a clean Arch system is not as daunting as it may seem. The philosophy of "you get what you put in" truly applies here, emphasizing the importance of user engagement in the setup process.
Working with the terminal is a core part of the Arch experience, and I genuinely enjoy it! While there is always a risk of breaking something, that’s part of the learning journey, encouraging you to deepen your understanding of your system.
Updates are a breeze; I’ve had no issues keeping my packages up to date. The rolling release model ensures you always have access to the latest software versions, which is a significant advantage.
From my personal experience, gaming performance has been excellent, with no driver issues. The integration with desktop environments like KDE has been smooth, and I’ve found that everything from gaming to web browsing, document editing, and coding works flawlessly. I also have another setup with Hyprland, which adds to the versatility of my experience.
Don’t forget to enable the Arch User Repository (AUR) for access to a vast array of additional software. It’s a game-changer for expanding your system’s capabilities.
I highly recommend familiarizing yourself with pacman, the package manager, as it’s essential for managing software on Arch. Additionally, the Arch Wiki is an invaluable resource; it has saved me countless times. For those who may perceive the Arch community as toxic, I can assure you that it’s not. The community encourages users to dig deeper and do the necessary research. If you’ve searched the Arch Wiki and still can’t find a solution, the community is more than willing to help. After all, Arch Linux is a learning experience, and solving issues is what Arch users thrive on.
In conclusion, Arch Linux offers a rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time to learn. It’s a powerful distribution that caters to both beginners and advanced users alike. Happy Arching!
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Version: current
Rating: 9
Date: 2025-06-20
Votes: 4
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VERY cool, but hard to install. Even if you use the archinstall script, if your internet is bad, the install doesn't fully work. Still, I love how you can customize *everything*. Yes, even the bootloader. It's very neat. KDE is pretty good, but you don't have to install it if you don't want to. I have never had any driver issues. The only downside is that you have to keep upgrading packages all of the time. If you know exactly what you're doing, Arch might be perfect for you. Though, this shouldn't be your first distro.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-06-17
Votes: 20
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It's time for a review after using it for a while. Clean Arch. It's a very interesting and positive experience using the distribution for “pros.” In fact, Arch isn't difficult, it just takes a little time to set up the system. And using the archinstall utility does everything for you, you just need to select the necessary items.
Nowadays, we live in an era of full access to information, AI, and documentation, so setting up a clean system is not a difficult challenge. As a result, what you put in is what you get. If a program requires additional packages, it will tell you the name of the package you need.
Yes, you have to work with the terminal, but I think that's really cool! There is a chance of breaking something, as always, but no one is immune to that.
Updates work well, I don't have any problems getting the latest versions of packages.
A good recommendation is to read a little about how pacman works.
My personal experience is this: games work great, no driver issues, positive interaction with KDE, etc.
Games, browsing, working with text documents, coding, multimedia... Everything works well. It's also important to install AUR. And you'll be happy.
That's it. Bye.
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Version: current
Rating: 9
Date: 2025-06-03
Votes: 12
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Arch is great if you are relatively proficient in Linux and know exactly what you do. If you know every package you use, if you like to configure and control every bit of your system, down to configuring custom boot loader manually, then Arch is for you. Use it if you customise Linux to the point, when pre-configured installation would just get in your way.
Arch Wiki is a great resource as well, and not only for arch users, but for learning desktop Linux in general.
Also AUR is neat, it has practically everything.
I have been using it for one year, daily driving it for every possible desktop and home server task, it never failed me.
Over years, Arch got more reliable, and critical packages nowadays are tested before reaching stable repositories, so your system won't break after update.
If you don't know perfectly what you need, and don't want to spend some time learning on Arch Wiki, if you want things just to work out of the box, then don't install Arch, because you won't like it. After minimal installation, Arch is super bare bone, you don't even have networking automatically configured, you don't have sudo, man, and some other utilities you'd expect to universally be installed in every other distribution. This is something you should keep in mind.
There are few downsides for me.
The first one, logging on disk is enabled by default. Arch doesn't do much on its own by default, but why it decides to write a lot of logs on my disk, I have no idea, especially in the age of SSD, when finite number of writing cycles matters. I would like to see them disabled, and coredumps disabled as well. I also wish watchdog was disabled.
The second one, enabling AUR access requires some manual work, that might be avoided if yay was in main repos. I understand that it might be done intentionally to filter out people that have no idea what they are doing, but it requires no effort, except reading an article on Arch Wiki, that you will do anyway over and over if you use Arch.
Regarding newcomers trying Arch, I have experience in using it as an inexperienced user. The first time I tried it, I had very little Linux desktop experience, I didn't like it, because of how much stuff I should do myself, and how much learning I should do as well. But after two years of using other distribution (and learning a lot of stuff), I got bored, tried Arch again, and it came together well. Before installing Arch, I read installation guide, made decisions about partitioning, bootloader, and some other crucial packages to ensure its basic functionality, and suddenly, it wasn't as hard as the first try. I was just fine. Now I think if I reinstall Arch manually from scratch, it won't take much more time, than other distro. And it will just work for me, as expected.
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Version: current
Rating: 6
Date: 2025-05-31
Votes: 3
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It is a nice and simple distro. It is also lightweight and responsive unless you choose otherwise. The problem is that you must keep upgrading packages. And bleeding edge means bugs. Even if everything run smoothly it is very annoying and time consuming.
I use my operating system to serve me and not to feel like a beta tester. With Arch you can learn a thing or two about Linux but if you want more knowledge it is better to choose a non rolling release operating system and spend your time writing code instead of using Pacman or compiling packages. It is way more productive.
If you also want to learn how to run a server Arch is probably the worst choice.
If Arch had an LTS, non rolling release edition i would probably use it.
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Version: current
Rating: 1
Date: 2025-05-28
Votes: 2
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I installed and used Arch Linux a few times through a few years, I always gave up in favor of other distribution.
While Arch Linux provides a relatively fast operating system with very fast package manager and tons of available software, with an idea to learn GNU/Linux through Arch's manual way of installation, it has two large cons. One is conceptual: the core idea of learning through manual installing is faulty because it is mainly the matter of copy/paste commands, which is not the way how to learn and more importantly remember stuff. In the generally praised Arch wiki the tutorials rarely (if ever) describe the concepts, but just list the steps for doing various things. So, when an issue appears a new user often does not have an alternative than to ask the community on forums how to fix it. The second con is the general "elitist" nature of experienced Arch users, who too often trash talk to new users who ask questions on Arch forums. Supportive community is one of the main components of a healthy environment for learning anything. If these cons didn't exist Arch would have been a perfect Linux distribution. But with these cons stubbornly preserving in Arch ecosystem, I would recommend Manjaro, an Arch-based distro, which has a very supportive community and all the good technologies which Arch has. Users can install it through a semi-automatic installer, so initially users do not learn much from it. But, as some new tasks or issues emerge, the knowledge accumulates on case to case basis, with much friendlier support from Manjaro's community.
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Version: current
Rating: 9
Date: 2025-05-27
Votes: 0
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I've tried a large subset of Linux distros and keep a stable of somewhere between 50-100 distros in local (LAN) storage. Over the years, I've become a minimalist and Arch seems the best fit - like (Debian-based) Finnix, you can make Arch into almost anything.
ATM (though it's been some years now), I use Arch-based distros for my workstations and Debian-based distros or *BSD on my servers (depending on the task). I suppose I could use Debian for both, but Arch is a lot closer to my personal style and I've never had a problem with it.
Generically, I'd give Debian a 7, most *BSDs an 8, and Arch a 9... Arch gives me speed, security (if it's configured to my personal standards), ease of use, and a wide range of *current* apps to choose from.
Unlike Debian, Arch provides all the 'latest and greatest' and the the minimum number of associated packages to achieve my ends without providing 'everything JIC' (Debian's default preference).
I can't imagine using anything but Arch on 'my' machines for my personal projects or at work (where I usually get to call the shots on what I use). Debian has its place (on servers and appliances), but using Arch is not only powerful, it's actually fun.
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Version: current
Rating: 9
Date: 2025-05-16
Votes: 3
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i use arch as my daily driver, 3rd linux distro that i've used, probably gonna use it for a while, lmao.
I don't understand why people say that arch is unstable. i've had more issues with debian than with arch (although that might have been because of the gnome desktop in general or because it was my first linux distro, idk). pacman is officially my favourite package manager ever, and I prefer rolling releases over other versioning systems.
i also liked the installation, where you could either do it manually or with archinstall. this helped me only install the packages that I wanted, and so I didn't have to remove a lot of unnecessary packages like i've done with other distros.
note for new people, don't let people look down on you for not doing a manual installation and using archinstall instead. the manual installation is basically just you following a set of instructions (cool, but like plz don't be elitist???) and it only gives you a little bit more control over the installation; arch install comes with enough options anyway. so, if you don't feel comfortable with the manual installation, just use archinstall. it's not going to make you less of an arch user or whatever.
SUMMARY
pros:
- rolling-release (pro for some, con for others, this is just how I feel)
- pacman
- the aur
- minimal install
cons:
- not a lot of packages in the official repos (but fixed by the aur!)
- not a technical issue, but the community's kinda toxic.....
- even with all the choice, it doesn't give you choice of init system (not very important for me, I don't care THAT much, but still. if this is an issue for you, artix is arch but with 4 different non-systemd init options)
overall, 9/10 because of the community and the init system thing.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-05-11
Votes: 8
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I was a Fedora user for a while. I still have it installed on my personal PC and daily drive it. I installed Arch on my 12yo son's and 10yo daughter's low powered laptops and absolutely love it. I am planning on replacing Fedora with Arch on all my systems. Contrary to what many of the Youtube personalities say about Arch, I have experienced literally ZERO stability issues. I have had more issues with Fedora to be honest. I am using KDE and everything works really well. No issues with the laptop's ability to sleep on lid close - yes, I am bringing this specific issue up because I dealt with this in Fedora. I think it's on all of us to change the narrative that Arch is a hard distro to install and use. This may have been true at a point in the past but that is not the case anymore. I think I've found my forever distro!
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-05-06
Votes: 16
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My 10 year Arch anniversary. Same GNOME installation.
I use it primarily for gaming and recording my gameplay for Youtube playthroughs. For some reason, Arch uses about half the amount on a cold boot than any distro I've seen (next to Solus.) It boots the fastest and has the least issues. Over the years the package count has only gone up a little bit (I think it started at 750, now it's around 800 from dependencies.) I clear the cache on a monthly basis, deal with pacnews promptly, and always watch closely as pacman updates. It simply just stays working. Something I cannot say for my distrohopping days pre-Arch, even with the "preconfigured" "user friendly" distros.
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Version: current
Rating: 8
Date: 2025-04-21
Votes: 24
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I used Arch for over 10 years and eventually switched to Void Linux. I was tired of being a test pilot of untested software and I was tired of endless system maintenance. The system should work and not create an endless monotonous meaningless task. Arch is not as light and not as customizable as it is usually believed. Most other distros also allow individual installation of packages, so you can build a light DE without extra dependencies on any Linux with a standard installer. Maybe have to tinker a little with the list of packages.
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Version: current
Rating: 9
Date: 2025-04-12
Votes: 0
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I use Arch since 5 years. I have a system alway updated. Sometimes somethiong breaks but it's never for a long time. The community is amazing. And yet, I use many AUR because I works radioham and video. With Steam I can play also, but it's not my main usage. Before I was user of Ubuntu, Debian and Mint. I prefer Arch really. It's true I will not advise it to a beginner, but if you dont afraid by some line command to do, arch is the OS you need. I could not back to another OS now. Arch is really simple if we take time to learn a little how runs an OS. Try it is adopting :)
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-04-08
Votes: 21
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About 6 years ago I loaded up the Manjaro distro and started using it daily, finally getting away from using Windows(now I only use Windows on rare occasions.)
So I used Manjaro for about ~2 years before I felt like reformatting and starting fresh. And since Manjaro is Arch based, I decided to go straight to the source and setup Arch Linux. This is when I realized just how bloated Manjaro is(and most distros imo) and just how lightweight Arch is. Because of this I don't think I'd recommend Arch to a Linux beginner since it is such a barebones OS and the setup takes a little more effort(no GUI setup, but there are install scripts that really help) because you have to install what you want your system to use which can require some knowledge of Linux in general(but I'm sure guides can help walk through the setup.) So for someone who has some Linux experience, Arch is very stable as a daily driver and works pretty good for gaming as well.
Also, if you have any issues then you can find pretty much anything you need to know from the Arch Linux wiki and thanks to the very active community you can find/install pretty much any packages that are available for Linux via the AUR (Arch User Repository.) The AUR is really one of the greatest benefits to using an Arch based distro and I don't see myself switching to another distro any time soon.
10/10
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-04-06
Votes: 7
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Arch Linux is not for the faint of heart. There's a steep learning curve to installation. There's trial and error, but you can expect more error than anything else. Yes, there's the automated installer. Yes, there are third-party automated installers. If they serve your needs, that's fine, otherwise get ready for a Linux adventure of a lifetime.
Once you're able to boot into your fresh installation, there's more learning. More trial and error, mostly error.
But is it worth it? Well… only you can answer that. I've done a number of installations myself, and even though I don't consider myself an expert, it came to a point where it works for me.
Just be aware that the adventure does not stop when you have a fully functional computer. You will make mistakes. People behind the AUR will make mistakes. Just remember to leave your bread crumbs along the way and (voilà) you'll have a solid system at your fingertips.
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Version: current
Rating: 1
Date: 2025-04-03
Votes: 0
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Not usable for everyday wor. As unstable as no other distribution and with the most unfriendly forum I have ever seen. Do yourself a favour and just leave it out. Arch Linux: A Nightmare Dressed as an Operating System.
If you enjoy wasting hours troubleshooting basic functionality, Arch Linux is the perfect disaster for you. This so-called "lightweight" and "customizable" distribution is nothing more than an unstable mess disguised as a minimalist’s dream.
Unless you enjoy self-inflicted pain, avoid Arch Linux. It’s an unstable, overhyped, and unnecessarily difficult operating system that offers little benefit over more reliable distributions. The constant maintenance, troubleshooting, and elitist community make it one of the worst choices for anyone who values their time and sanity.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-03-09
Votes: 31
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My distro hoping ended here 5 years back. AUR is just a complete satisfaction. I used Arch Linux on many old and new configuration without any problem. I used it in very heavy as well as very light resources. Arch Linux is totally configurable based on available resources (CPU, RAM etc).
AUR is another beautiful thing for Arch Linux. Almost all the packages are available here. AUR make life much more easier.
Another nice thing for Arch Linux is that it is very modern. Packages are readily up-to-date.
So Arch is what I need for my daily use.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-03-09
Votes: 7
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I switched from the Debian world to Arch. On a new Laptop. Runs very well. There is no significant difference in direct comparison with Linux Mint. Exept the form of updates. If you like the Debian way with 'apt update; apt dist-ugrade' you only need 'pacman -Syu'. Write an alias 'upgrade' as same as for Debian or Ubuntu and everything is okay.
I use yay for package management for AUR. So I only need to use yay for upgrading both, basic system and AUR packages. Works fine.
Upgrading twice a week is okay. Then nothing is different to Debian stable. Except the system is much more up-to-date.
I use Cinnamon desktop. There ist no difference to Linux Mint Cinnamon. The Arch Project uses the actual sources from the Cinnamon Project out of Linux Mint. Works wonderful.
I use the Linux-LTS kernel. Also Grub. Very easy to configure with the new install script 'archinstall'. Except the os-prober. You must know that 'update-grub' has an own package. That's all. Same procedure with /etc/default/grub. There you can configure os-prober. You can use the configuration from Debian as well except the grub start information.
Some packages you may not like to find with pacman, then they are in the AUR. The parameters for yay are the same for searching and installing. Done a couple of times, then it makes no difference if you were used to apt.
Palemoon and the Edge browser are in the AUR. But be careful. During the initial installation, a lot of memory is required in the user directory. Up to 6 GB for package building. If you configure your home directory too tightly, error messages will appear. The alternatve is to give the yay directory inside the cache directory an own partition for package building. Works fine.
A good way is, to configure a test user, and in the moment of switching in the most cases you can copy your old user directory with the configuration of apps. With the actual Linux Mint this works fine with less error messages. The old Cinnamon config will work. If you are using the old system of group 100, you must configure it. Also where to configure your home directory. Arch gives you no limits as seen in Debian. You can configure your personnel user later after configuring the system.
I use my system in the traditional way. I am very glad with it. Everything works fine for me.
With 25 years of Linux experience, I have to say that I am glad to have arrived at Arch Linux now. Trust me. Try it. Use the wonderful Arch wiki, your search engine in the web, and many videos on Youtube. The Arch wiki may have some older informations. So search for newer informations. Many blogs have good examples to find your own way.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-03-08
Votes: 0
|
After so many years distro hoping, I finally found a Distro that has it all. Despite not being easy to install (unless you use the archinstall script), and the learning curve is somewhat high for a Debian based user like me, I got used to its commands pretty quickly and learned everything I had to know for a daily driver machine to run it.
I can say now that I would not go back to any other Distro in my life. Its Wiki page is quite something else and pretty much every issue has been documented there.
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Version: current
Rating: 8
Date: 2025-02-27
Votes: 10
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Arch is a very customizable distro as it encourages users to build their system, from desktop environments to sound systems. Arch is very similar to building a computer, as you have to pick each component and build the system. There are simply many reasons to use Arch Linux. Arch will always have up to date software, new drivers, and just about anything for Linux. The repos and AUR is filled with software needed to use your computer. I never had issues finding software on Arch. Arch also has an excellent wiki where everything is described in great detail. Keeping my system minimal is another benefit of Arch as this lowers my attack surface and improves performance.
Arch, for being bleeding edge is quite reliable. However, issues do occur once in a while. Having a usb loaded with Arch and a second device. (i.e. a laptop or a smart phone) is a must for pulling up the wiki when things do go wrong. Regardless of distro, having a backup plan is vital to protect your operating system and files. I never suffered data loss with Arch Linux. Once in a while KDE Wayland will freeze, forcing me to restart my computer through the power button. It is necessary to install Arch through the wiki, instead of the install script, as the wiki will teach you how Arch and Linux in general works. The install script is good for setting up Arch in a hurry.
In my experience with using Linux, all distros have their pros and cons. Arch does occasionally break, but it is generally easy to fix. One benefit of Arch is that you don't have to reinstall if your system is borked, on the other hand 'just works' distros or Windows will need a reinstall. Arch will give you a lot of freedom and doesn't force you to do something a certain way.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-02-08
Votes: 30
|
I've been using Arch for some time and have noticed some peculiarities. Yes, the software on bleeding edge is new, but it is not the most stable and not the fastest. Debian, known for its slow updates, works more responsively. The software is simpler there, perhaps less functional, but much better polished. (Debian has its own peculiarities, such as an extremely slow package manager. This is not so noticeable if you have an NVME or SSD or even HDD, but if you decide to install the system on a flash drive or SD card, you will greatly regret choosing something that uses dpkg.) Void Linux, for example, also works more responsively than Arch.
A typical situation in Arch: you update the system and notice an increase in the speed of work, you update the next time and something breaks, you update again - something is fixed, but everything works slowly. This cycle is repeated, to one degree or another. Of course, you can update less often, say once every few months, but then the software will not be on bleeding edge and this advantage is lost. Frequent massive updates also make my SSD sad in terms of the number of bytes written. Many of the installed applications are updated more often than they are used.
As for bugs, well, from my observations, they do not appear often, no more often than in similar distributions. By similar, I do not mean Arch clones.
One of the reasons why I chose Arch was a clear and logical build system, so I was able to quite easily make the desired changes to the necessary packages. However, with frequent updates, you also often have to rebuild manually compiled applications. And such maintenance eats up time. For comparison, the package build files in Debian are much more intricate.
The init system, well, with the speed of modern processors, this is almost insignificant. SystemD can handle sockets, i.e. launch services when accessing them, which Runit or SysV cannot do. Logs are saved in the database and access to them is mandatory through journalctl and grep directly in the log file will not find the desired line, only through a pipe from journalctl. The ability to use the built-in DNS cache in SystemD is also an option. From a security point of view, of course, SystemD looks much more vulnerable than one program performing only one action. If SystemD undesirable, you can always install Artix while preserving everything else from Arch.
Installation. For me, this was not a big deal. It was enough to figure it out once, save the terminal history to disk as a script and, if necessary, run it again.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-02-05
Votes: 14
|
The first time I installed this distro, it was a real challenge, but now it’s way easier thanks to the official installation script. You can still do everything manually if you want, but for those who just want to get up and running quickly, the script makes the process super simple. One of the things I love most is how clean and minimal it is, no bloat, just exactly what you need. The rolling release model means you're always on the latest software, and I’ve rarely had issues with updates breaking things. And even when something did break, it was quickly fixed upstream, so I never had to deal with problems for long. Pacman is one of my favorite package managers: fast, efficient, and with a simple tweak, it can download multiple packages at once, making installations much quicker. And then there’s the AUR, which is a lifesaver when you need software that’s not in the official repos. Plus, the Arch Wiki is hands down one of the best Linux resources out there, not just for Arch users but for anyone using Linux. Compared to other distros, I love how much control it gives me, and once you get used to it, it’s hard to use anything else.
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Version: current
Rating: 6
Date: 2025-01-29
Votes: 3
|
It’s a solid choice for enthusiasts who enjoy tweaking their system to perfection. However, my recent experience with Arch Linux
left me a bit disappointed, primarily due to stability issues.
Untested updates without no refined rollback system with modern boot procedures are a no go for me.
And the packaging experience is alright but submitting is tedious since it's hard to find someone "trusted by the community" to take over a new package.
It's nice if want to learn how a GNU/Linux system works under the hood tho.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-01-24
Votes: 5
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I had too much time in my hands and decided to try Arch. Back then when good old Windows 11 pulled the trigger with Recall and I was absolutely mad with them taking screenshots without my permission. But at that time, I already started using Ubuntu and was quite happy with it, and I thought I was going to continue to use that for the rest of my life. Window's recall mean I can't use my VMs without getting spied as well. I don't know where they are get that idea from. And I REALLY do Care.
I ran Arch in a virtual machine to play with the installation, and after a heckload of work, I managed to get it to boot. Soon later, I decided to replace my Ubuntu with Arch after I tried it. Since there was almost nothing important in one of my hard drive, it was safe for me to do so. You need at least basic computer knowledge to install this OS into your system, but with it you can well start doing so. But if you have the knowledge and habit to setup everything manually in Windows, from connecting to the internet, installing drivers, looking up google for solutions, going to the driver manafacture's websites etc. You might do better than you thought.
The only drawback here is if you are totally not familiar with Linux and its command line, the time and effort of installing this will be quite tremendous. And even if you have knowledge of how things work in Windows, Linux is still a completely different world. While other Linux like Ubuntu give you the option to bypass the so call "dreaded" command line interface (CLI), this one will not let you do so. This is, right when you attempt to connect to the internet to download softwares you need. (Don't use archinstall for first timers. You'll end up getting confused rather than satisfied)
Fortunately things had been also made easy with the installing guide in the website. The option archinstall is provided for those who are already familiar with the manual installing instruction but I heard they got bugs in it. Do the manual install. With each step, you at least can make sure you only ever install things you know.
Anyways. When you passed everything and got a nice GUI running, everything from the package manager to app updates are absolute free of charge, and requires no subscription at all. You are in charge of your pc, but also means the responsibility of taking well care of it.
If this is your option, go with Arch. If you prefer everything to be semi automatic, but with your intervention, then it depends. But if you connect to the internet frequently, prefer a clean desk straight away for production, and preferring to go straight to work without excessive "fuss", using only GUI and you prefer having the OS does most of the work for you without your mind going through miles of headaches to get things to work for you, go with other linux, Mac, or even Windows.
Arch is an OS that requires you to at least willing to go through logs, digging the net for answers and prepare if things don't work out, you have a backup for everything, or at least you are willing to put investment on what you want to do.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-01-24
Votes: 5
|
If a laser-focused operating system with a few applications is what you need, then Arch is near perfect. When trying to make a complete OS, with all the applications that may entail, it can be a lot of work, so I would install kde-applications and be done with it if that's the goal. With that in mind, it's probably easiest to go with endeavouros if you want an Arch based OS rather than a very finely tuned OS as they are basically the same, except for a few scripts (Manjaro, Artix, et al are not Arch).
The archinstall script makes it really simple to try Arch, if that's the only OS you're installing. I've found Arch to be stable, work exceptionally well, and perfect for the single-focused computers I have. Highly recommended.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-01-15
Votes: 4
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Starting in the mid-90s, I bought my first Linux distribution with manual, the S.u.S.E. Linux from Germany. Since that time, I have used a number of Linux distributions on various computers and servers, such as CentOS, Debian, Fedora, Gentoo, Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Manjaro, Kali Linux, Free BSD, Knoppix, and a few embedded devices have also been operated with Debian in particular. In the meantime, mainly Debian and Free BSD have remained for servers and Arch Linux for desktops and backup servers, which I have probably been using privately for a good 10 years. Experiments with different RAIDs and the btrfs file system were unstable at first, but have been running fine for some time now. I can recommend Arch to anyone who knows a little about the subject and maintains their computer well. I am highly satisfied with Arch and with the AUR user repository always at the development stage. For Linux newcomers, however, I would advise against Arch. - But Arch Linux is great for freaks like me.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-01-14
Votes: 0
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I agree that Arch is for experienced users or, at least, users that are eager to search and learn.
With that caveat in mind, I find arch linux the least buggy and the most stable distro if used beyond the defaults. The reason is very simple: all those scripts that are infused by other distributions for so called "enhancing and simplifying usability" are a major source of bugs as well.
And is it really so complex?
I think not -
- Basic installation could be done with the installer (not shiny, but does the work)
- Installing a desktop environment (at least the major ones) is done with a simple command
- Peripherals (print, graphics, audio) are well documented.
As stated on the beginning - it is advanced but not rocket science and the result worth it - an efficient, uncluttered and almost bug free installation
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Version: current
Rating: 7
Date: 2025-01-09
Votes: 2
|
I understand the point of using Arch it is highly flexible and customizable you can make it how you desire without bloat, hence I do not hate it. But there is a reason why it is ranked this low for me, simply the system is the most fragile, even though you can do whatever to your system it is a double edged sword (i.e you can break it easily more on accident). I know the Arch wiki exists and thanks to it I have solved many issues but simply the distro isn't for me, I know why you may want to daily drive it the AUR is awesome tbh. But I am sorry Arch, NixOS is more for me.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-01-07
Votes: 0
|
Number one (IMHO) minimalistic(if you choose not to install unrequired stuff) and higtly customizable distro which is ready to daily use as home\working OS.
Project has excellent wiki(helps even with most other distros\software).
ArchUserRepository makes installation\update of packages thats is not in official distro as easy as official ones.
I love that everything is up to you, including DE.
After moving to Arch i really started to use terminal, read wiki and now i can say "i (kind of) know linux as user". Before i used distros with presetttings like DE and so on for years and get now "lvl-up" as user.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-01-03
Votes: 0
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i have been using linux since 1998. i have used MANY different distros and by far ach has been the absolute best. although arcch is not the best option for new users it is by far the most simplest, direct, minimalist, up-to-date distro i have ever used. words can't express how thankful i am to the community for maintaining and constantly updating packages. i can't express how grateful i am for the arch community in general that have helped me resolve technicall issues in the past.
overall i would recommend anyone with twelve months or more experience to use arch, you will never look back. one absolute must for me though is to use the LTS kernel. once upon a time when i used the most bleeding edge kernel i used to have issues from time to time. (non-bootable system, requiring MUCH intervention and manual troubleshooting). since converting to the LTS kernel i have yet to have any issues with my MANY systems running arch. i have eight systems in household total running arch LTS for the past decade.
thank you again to everyone that makes arch a superior ecosystem.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-01-01
Votes: 0
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If you're looking for a distro that gives you full control and a pure Linux experience, Arch Linux is definitely worth considering! It’s like a blank canvas where you can paint your own system, installing only the stuff you actually need. Arch has a rolling release system, so you always get the latest software updates without needing to reinstall or upgrade versions. Plus, it’s super lightweight, meaning your system will run smooth and fast.
What I really love about Arch is the Arch Wiki—it’s insanely detailed and helpful, so even if you’re stuck, there’s usually an easy solution (also the best part: it will work for most distros!). And, honestly, the community is fantastic! A lot of people who are really willing to help each other out. Once you get the hang of it, Arch becomes really rewarding. You get to customize everything to your liking, making your experience feel unique.
Overall, my time with Arch has been great. It’s not the easiest distro to start with, but if you enjoy learning and prefer a system that evolves with you, Arch is like a home that grows alongside your knowledge and skills. If you're up for a bit of a challenge, I’d say give it a try—you won’t regret the journey!
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-12-31
Votes: 0
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Arch Linux stands out as a distribution tailored for users who value simplicity, control, and the bleeding edge. Its philosophy of "keeping it simple" resonates through every facet of the system, providing a lean and flexible base that users can shape to fit their needs.
Arch’s rolling release keeps the system always up-to-date. For users who love staying on the cutting edge, this is a significant advantage. Pacman and the AUR: Pacman is a fast and efficient package manager. Combine that with the Arch User Repository (AUR), and you have access to an unparalleled range of software.
Documentation: The Arch Wiki is arguably one of the best resources in the Linux world. Whether you’re troubleshooting or learning, it's an invaluable guide.
Arch doesn't impose defaults. You start with a clean slate, building the system to your liking.
Summary:
Arch Linux is not for everyone. It’s a distribution that rewards curiosity, patience, and a willingness to learn. If you’re a power user or an enthusiast seeking ultimate control over your system, Arch delivers in spades. However, newcomers to Linux or those seeking a plug-and-play experience might find the learning curve daunting.
In the end, Arch Linux embodies the DIY ethos of Linux in its purest form. For me, it has been a rewarding journey of customization and discovery, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone eager to truly understand their system.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-12-29
Votes: 0
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Best version yet. Simple to install if you use the achinstaller. Its package manager is fast, and it offers modern packages. It's a fun distro for sure, though the usual caveats like upstream bugs and occasional instability apply. It's gotten to the point that I pretty much won't install any "derivative distros" anymore. Pretty much only Arch and Debian. Rocky being the exception because of what IBM / Red Hat did to Centos.... that said I use Debian mainly for Servers, and Arch for desktops and vms running different DE's or WMs
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-12-24
Votes: 9
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Love Arch! Its package manager is fast, and it offers modern packages. It's a fun distro for sure, though the usual caveats like upstream bugs and occasional instability apply. Pacman is a very fast package manager – the fastest I've tried. The installation isn't that difficult once you understand how it works, and you can probably learn it in a few days. I wouldn't recommend the archinstall script because it's prone to bugs and detracts from the true Arch experience. Also, if you select the btrfs option within the script, it sets up the filesystem incorrectly without subvolumes, leaving you with more work later. Stick to the old manual installation because it's likely faster than using the buggy archinstall script.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-08-05
Votes: 69
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Arch, for me, feels like a builders take on Linux. You start from scratch and build precisely what you want. Like any good structure common sense is needed to make sure it keeps standing. Choosing a limited range of quality materials, staying away from over utilising the AUR. Making sure your choice of software is minimalist and essential with a solid sensible kernel. Then back everything up and make sure you limit upgrades to maybe twice a month.
I have taken this approach. Arch has been as solid Debian with, in my view, better use of more contemporary packages. Its especially good on newer hardware, in a way other flavours of Linux don't come close to.
One word of caution, this is not for conventional users. You must be prepared to put in real effort. Also I'd recommend steering clear of derivatives. I have yet to come across a single one that is more reliable than pure Arch implemented correctly. Indeed some derivatives break the rule of simplicity that defines Arch, which is why they become unstable. Not nonsense about the "bleeding edge". Arch is not bleeding edge, unless you are reckless enough to make it so.
In short, If you are hard working, gain a sense of accomplishment from learning and developing your system your way, you will I suspect quickly come to appreciate just how fantastic Arch can be.
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Version: current
Rating: 9
Date: 2024-08-01
Votes: 9
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I've learned more about linux with Arch than any other distro, and I started fiddling with linux in the mid 90's. Being in an windows enterprise environment for all of my carreer, I've always had only enough linux knowledge to barely get by. Retired now, and despising windows Spyware, I started heavily getting into linux about 3 years ago. Arch specifically, about a year ago. It's been a wild ride!
It's gotten to the point that I pretty much won't install any "derivative distros" anymore. Pretty much only Arch and Debian. Rocky being the exception because of what IBM / Red Hat did to Centos.... that said I use Debian mainly for Servers, and Arch for desktops and vms running different DE's or WMs.
Pros:
1. Rolling Release - People question the stability, but I like it better than hoping "LTS upgrades" won't break stuff, and I also install very few AUR packages (on my main system... VMs are a different story). Technically it is also more secure to keep up on latest packages. With zero to few AUR packages, the stability is absolutely fine.
2. The DIY approach and Archwiki - The easiest way to actually LEARN linux. Gentoo and Linux From Scratch are great, but take too long due to compiling. So, Arch is better if you don't want to get into the weeds about learning how to complie source. I'm a systems guy, not a developer, so compiling holds little interest for me, and I want to avoid it if possible. Obviously git packages mostly need to be compiled (like paru), but that's a minimal need to complie.
3. The AUR - Pretty much haven't found a package that isn't on the AUR, and the few that aren't are on Flathub or Git. IMO, a much better approach with an AUR wrapper than, say, adding repos in Debian just to get a specific package. Again, a majority of my AUR installs are on VMs via qemu / virt manager, or on my proxmox server.
Cons:
1. Some packages in AUR aren't maintaned quick enough and break when updating. However, this also presents an opporunity to LEARN how to fix it or work around it.
2. Some package in the main repository gets depreciated or changed, usually breaks one or more AUR packages. Again, an opporunity to LEARN how to fix it or work around it.
3. The Archinstall script (if you use it) often breaks on older ISO images. Even if you try to update the script and mirrors, often there are times when weird things happen on the install... so, it's just easier to get the latest monthly ISO and run the script that came on it.
4. Stock US mirrors for install are fairly slow in my area. I have to run reflector before installing, - easily saving 2/3'ds the time to download the packages for install, even though reflector takes a couple minutes to grab the fastest mirrors.
So, if you really want to learn linux (without compiling), Arch is the way to go!
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Version: current
Rating: 9
Date: 2024-07-21
Votes: 4
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Coming from Fedora (personal use) and RHEL (work), I can honestly say that this OS is by far the best Linux distro I have ever used.
I don't care for pretty UIs or gaming support. All I care for is that it fast to install, packages are fast to install, updates are fast to install, the overall OS look and feel is faster than anything I've ever tried except maybe FreeBSD.
I will not be ditching RHEL or its clones for work, but I am switching away from Fedora for personal use.
In the past, I trialled Ubuntu and other Debian clones, but they're all slow and clunky compared to Arch.
I wish the package manager was a bit more robust, but I have yet to scratch the surface of this OS and its innards.
It was a breeze to install on an AMD Ryzen with Radeon Graphics, and intel LAN.
Bluetooth works out of the box, you need to use systemctl to enable it, but it's no biggie.
I picked UFW over firewallD to keep things simple. I also picked Gnome over KDE for simplicity as well.
1Password works flawless on it, and that makes me happy. It's usually a pain to set up on other distros.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-07-17
Votes: 5
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Arrived with Antergos and now using Arch for over 10 years happily.
I am always convenient on the newest software and with the aur this distro is capable of everything, where others lack support in some cases.
Seldom I have to reinstall, but I'm always prepared for it. In the most cases the system can be repaired easily with the installer image. You know that can happen when you do wild downgrades or tinkering with the system. It never breaks unexpected.
When upgrading to KDE Plasma 6, I needed a new graphics card. That was a rare thing of a drawback of rolling releases. Only update when you may have time to fix it. You will not often need it.
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Version: current
Rating: 8
Date: 2024-06-25
Votes: 2
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I'm using Arch for 6 months in a notebook, and the hardware is modern, but weak and I have only 4gb DDR4 ram I wanted something lighter so it does not feel lagging or freezes so I searched for minimal installs, many of them do not have so much packages to work with, some are very good, but it is not so light so I used a minimal install and put some Window manager it does not freeze at all in a i3wm, when it does is because of many tabs in the browser like 10 or YouTube interface who slow down a lot, other videos run better and if is just the file it's flawless.
Using Wayland I notices lagging in animations and memory consumption, also I need to install a polkit agent to work in some Window managers that I used, because it would not start the interface without specially if is Wayland. Another fix is see if the groups that the user is alright in both polkit and seat in case it does not work.
The AUR is a good resource of good applications, but be careful and do not install too much as it can make the system instable as it is not endorsed by arch to work in the system.
The community is very smart and the edgy culture of Arch seem to attract a lot of brilliant people, but they can be somewhat harsh with newbies or assume everybody knew something that feels unhelpful for learning. But their wiki are great even in other distros I use their orientation.
PS: Arch have a way to do not install everything manually first you connect to the internet and test if it's working with the ping command set keyboard layout and insert 'archinstall'
I do not know that so looking at the manual install made me lazy even knowing who to do it, and postponed my installation, but after testing I become more aware of the customization and installed manually to test the differences.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-06-25
Votes: 2
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Daily driving you!
Thank you Arch for learning me so much about so many aspects of Linux. :)
And yup, other people call it difficult. Or they don't like the terminal/shell. It's not for everyone.
That's fine though!
But for me it's simply a need to have a system that gives me so much room to customize it all myself.
It does that job perfectly. While it does still very much those things that it needs to do. Package manager is really great and simple to use.
Arch wiki is probably the best Linux related piece of documentation on the internet. Especially on how easy to use and read it is. It's very important here.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-06-17
Votes: 1
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Its a great and exhausting experience. Firstly because you create your OS to your liking but you have to create your OS to your liking. There is no way around it. Even the archinstall script is broken so you have to help it work by manually downloading the archlinux-keyring. But after that not so fun experience you most likely set up an desktop enviroment. Then BOOM ! You will feel a sense of Superiority towards Ubuntu users. In your new System on a clean stake. You go to flatpack and the terminal and pacman and install your stuff your like and setup yay for the AUR. Did i mention the AUR ??? The AUR has what you need, no matter how absurdly obscure. Its like after the post installation steps you have a project and godly toolkit and a manual and help telephone at your desposal. The Wiki no matter into what you do on Linux you will find it in the Arch Wiki its almost a Law of Nature Newton would have find out the moment he gut stuck in the installation because of no Wlan configured. Youll keep wanting to learn more and more. You want to customize more and more. You will make your to your liking tailored OS your Bestfriend till you brick it. Yes Arch is not quite easy to understand but the moment, it ticks ? Youll feel like god like controling everything your PC does, no you actually control everything it does. Every Issues will be a lesson and a test of your humility even when the Arch Superiority complex hits in. You will grow through the pain of Arch. The moment you question something stupid and get ripped to shreds by Pros, youll be motivated to learn more to actually help newbies till you actually become one of the bullies lol. Its the natural Evolution of a Arch user. Arch is the perfect distro for everything. It will become a part of your personality that elitism. I have only used Arch for a week now and have started to sherd newbies on questions after only wasting 8 hours a day for that entire week learning Arch Linux. But most importantly you can say that you use Arch, btw.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-06-10
Votes: 1
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I'm pretty new to Linux in general since Windows 10 support is ending next year and I have no interest in buying new hardware just to meet Windows 11 requirements. I have a couple months experience after some modest distro hopping (started with Debian, then Endeavour then finally just went to mainline Arch because EOS is really just Arch anyway with a prettier installer). I'm not sure I have much else to add that hasn't already been said about Arch. It's a fantastic operating system. Pacman is fantastic, the documentation is fantastic, and you always have access to the latest and greatest software from the Arch Repo. Most importantly for me is it's a very light install with zero software bloat so I get to choose what I want on my system.
The reputation of Arch proceeds itself, and it is absolutely ABSOLUTELY worth trying. I would like to clear up a couple big misconceptions about Arch though, at least based on my experiences being new to this stuff. First, Arch isn't as unstable as some critics make it out to be. Arch hasn't given me any problems whatsoever so far but I also don't really use the AUR a whole lot. I don't really install a whole lot of stuff any way and I don't have the smarts to be able to properly vet the AUR packages or understand what is in the build scripts. So I just opt to not use AUR unless it's from the developer themselves and only as a last resort for something I really need. If what I need isn't in the Arch repo, I tend to prefer flatpaks over the AUR since I like the containerized packages. I think that if you're using Arch as a daily driver and you don't carelessly overuse the AUR, then problems should be fairly rare.
The second thing people always talk about is the installer. Well there's a dirty little secret.. the live iso actually comes with a fantastic installer script so you don't really have to do a manual install unless you really wanted to. Just type archinstall in the live iso prompt and then follow the steps. So if you're worried about the installation being as hard as people say, don't worry! archinstall is just as easy to use as any calamares installer, but minus the pretty gui. I was up and running in Arch in about ~20 mins or so.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-05-29
Votes: 0
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Arch Linux is a minimalist, lightweight, and highly customizable Linux distribution known for its simplicity, flexibility, and adherence to the "Keep It Simple, Stupid" (KISS) principle. Unlike many other distributions, Arch Linux follows a rolling release model, meaning that there are no distinct version releases; instead, the system is continuously updated with the latest software packages and updates.
One of the defining features of Arch Linux is its simplicity. The installation process, while not as user-friendly as some other distributions, provides users with complete control over every aspect of their system. Arch Linux installs only the essential components, allowing users to build their system from the ground up, tailored to their specific needs and preferences. This minimalistic approach ensures that the system remains lean, fast, and free of unnecessary bloat.
Another advantage of Arch Linux is its extensive package repository, known as the Arch User Repository (AUR). The AUR is a community-driven repository that contains thousands of additional packages not available in the official repositories. This vast collection of software allows users to easily install and manage applications, tools, and utilities, further enhancing the flexibility and functionality of the system.
Arch Linux also boasts a dedicated and knowledgeable community of users and developers who provide extensive documentation, tutorials, and support resources. The Arch Wiki, in particular, is an invaluable source of information for users at all skill levels, offering detailed guides, troubleshooting tips, and best practices for configuring and optimizing the system.
Additionally, Arch Linux offers bleeding-edge software updates, ensuring that users have access to the latest features, improvements, and security patches. This focus on cutting-edge technology makes Arch Linux an attractive choice for enthusiasts, developers, and power users who value staying ahead of the curve and having access to the most up-to-date software.
In summary, Arch Linux's simplicity, flexibility, extensive package repository, active community support, and commitment to providing the latest software updates make it an excellent choice for users seeking a lightweight, customizable, and cutting-edge Linux distribution.
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Version: current
Rating: 4
Date: 2024-05-18
Votes: 7
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Arch has its many advantages - namely, new software, great customisability, no random bloatware and a good cmd line. Despite this, its repos (not AUR) are quite stable (unless you use testing, which is marked unstable). Some of the common AUR packages are stable, but I've run into many packages that aren't maintained anymore or lag significantly behind their upstreams.
While the ArchWiki is quite well-informed on a number of topics, it's often lacking in areas that are rather niche (the sort of thing you'd use a wiki for, especially if you were, you know, trying to make the most use of that customisability). Its bleeding-edge update cycle often leaves you with no way to handle old software. It also forces you to use only the package manager to install a number of languages' packages - for instance, Python. So, if the Python package you're looking for isn't in the repos or the AUR, you'll have to start trying workarounds. (PyTorch is not in anything, and you will have to use conda to die trying to get it, and you can't use the older versions.)
Arch doesn't hold your hand and doesn't know what that means, but will bite you with updates requiring you to stay informed about what's going on with the distro's package management. The Archlinux install is unnecessarily difficult due to inconsistencies inside the wiki itself if you're trying to use anything other than the standard setup (/, /boot and swap partitions).
Overall: Works if you aren't really a developer ig. If you need a Linux that breaks once in a while and supports a lot of software (arguably erratically), then you might want to give it a spin. One of the most customizable Linuxes out there, but unless you want to spend a lot of time customising and very little time using said setup, perhaps give this distro a miss.
PS: used this for a decade and it worked alright when I wasn't using it for dev or customising it much.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-05-18
Votes: 0
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Arch Linux is a powerful and highly customizable Linux distribution known for its simplicity and minimalism. It follows the KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) philosophy, which means it aims to provide a clean, straightforward base system that users can build upon according to their specific needs. This makes Arch ideal for experienced Linux users who prefer to configure their systems from the ground up, choosing only the components they require.
One of Arch Linux's standout features is its rolling release model. This approach ensures that users always have access to the latest software updates and system improvements without needing to upgrade to a new version of the operating system periodically. This continuous update process is facilitated by the Arch User Repository (AUR), a community-driven repository that provides a vast array of software packages, often more than official repositories of other distributions.
However, Arch Linux's appeal comes with a steep learning curve. The installation process is entirely manual, requiring users to partition their disks, configure network settings, and install essential software packages from the command line. This can be daunting for beginners but is rewarding for those who invest the time to learn. The extensive Arch Wiki is a valuable resource, providing comprehensive documentation and troubleshooting advice.
In conclusion, Arch Linux offers a highly flexible and cutting-edge environment for users who are comfortable with hands-on system management. Its rolling release model and extensive community support make it a compelling choice for those seeking a customizable and up-to-date Linux experience. However, its manual setup process and maintenance requirements mean it is best suited for advanced users who enjoy the challenge of configuring their operating system to their exact specifications.
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Version: current
Rating: 9
Date: 2024-05-03
Votes: 1
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Arch is a great distro for the desktop if you are ok learning how to do things from a command line. While you totally can use a gui for whatever you want, Arch is designed to teach you Linux admin skills and how to configure and run your system from the command line. The resulting power and control over your system is addictive. It's like the manual transmission in a car, hard to learn but gives you way more power and control once you master it.
For a server distro, Arch tends to update too often to make a usable production server in a work environment. For a personal server, it works fine. I use Radicale to sync my contacts and calendars across all my devices and I use ReadyMedia/MiniDLNA on the same machine (my main desktop) as a DLNA server for my media files.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-04-24
Votes: 2
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As a long-time user of Arch Linux, I can confidently say that this distribution has become my go-to choice for the majority of my computing needs. The level of customization and control that Arch Linux provides is unparalleled, allowing me to tailor my system to my exact preferences and requirements. Over the years, I've grown so accustomed to the Arch Linux ecosystem that whenever I find myself in a situation where I'm required to use another distribution, I immediately seek out ways to bring a piece of Arch with me. This is where tools like JuNest come in handy, enabling me to continue using my beloved package manager, pacman, and tap into the vast resources of the Arch User Repository, regardless of the underlying operating system.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Arch Linux is its ability to make even the most unconventional tasks surprisingly straightforward. This is largely due to the exceptional quality and depth of the Arch Wiki, a treasure trove of knowledge that covers virtually every aspect of the distribution. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a curious newcomer, the Arch Wiki is an invaluable resource that guides you through the intricacies of the system, providing clear, concise, and up-to-date information on a wide range of topics.
Moreover, the Arch Linux community is a true gem, comprised of passionate and knowledgeable individuals who are always ready to lend a helping hand. The level of support and camaraderie within the Arch community is truly remarkable, fostering an environment where users can learn, grow, and contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of the distribution. It's this sense of belonging and shared purpose that makes Arch Linux not just an operating system, but a thriving ecosystem that continues to attract and inspire users from all walks of life.
In conclusion, if I were to choose a single operating system to accompany me into the afterlife, there's no doubt in my mind that it would be Arch Linux. Its unparalleled flexibility, comprehensive documentation, and vibrant community make it the ultimate choice for those who value control, customization, and the joy of learning. Arch Linux is more than just a distribution; it's a way of life, and I'm proud to be a part of this incredible journey.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-04-23
Votes: 1
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Arch is one of those systems that grows on you even if you go in being apprehensive and just want to "check it out".
I did just that, installed it to check it out and a year later my urge to try other distros has diminished greatly.
Arch is fast, it's cutting edge, it's stable, it's as complex or as simplistic as you want to make it, it has an awesome package manager with parallel downloads and a few other tricks up it's sleeve and most of all it's a rolling release. Their documentation is probably one of the best out there. Without going into too many details, I've been using Linux as my daily driver since early 2000's and I've tried every distro under the sun, including the BSD's. I like many different ones for different reasons, but all in all I feel pretty cozy with Arch fulfilling my daily needs and keeping me on the bleeding edge of the Linux kernel and GNU software ecosystem. Thank you Arch devs for all of your hard work, this truly is one of the best Linux distributions in present times and it only keeps getting better.
I hope more people are willing to give it a go and discover how truly awesome Arch Linux can be.
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Version: current
Rating: 9
Date: 2024-04-19
Votes: 0
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Love Arch! Its package manager is fast, and it offers modern packages. It's a fun distro for sure, though the usual caveats like upstream bugs and occasional instability apply. Pacman is a very fast package manager – the fastest I've tried. The installation isn't that difficult once you understand how it works, and you can probably learn it in a few days. I wouldn't recommend the archinstall script because it's prone to bugs and detracts from the true Arch experience. Also, if you select the btrfs option within the script, it sets up the filesystem incorrectly without subvolumes, leaving you with more work later. Stick to the old manual installation because it's likely faster than using the buggy archinstall script.
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Version: current
Rating: 5
Date: 2024-04-12
Votes: 0
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I did not managed to install Arch Linux with archinstall install script shortly after the initial release of Plasma 6 at the end of february with the March iso because the script tried to pull an obsolete package and would crash with errors because of that. This left me with an incomplete Arch install. I believe this was fixed in the archinstall script with the April release of the iso but it was a painful experience for me. So for an incomplete Arch install I've experienced I'm going to give it a 5. You can skip the archinstall script and install Arch totally manually but since the script is there: please be sure to maintain it more frequently.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-03-31
Votes: 0
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Perfection! Awesome community, no bloatware... fresh air!
You can learn base of Linux while installing it manually, you'll get better understanding about how Linux system works.
Also you can install packages not in Arch pacman repo with AUR apps like yay or paru. It's really helpful if you want to install a package in github. Rolling release is awesome, you'll get latest updates asap. I recommend using Arch with WM instead of DE, but it's preference after all. If you're new here, looking for a good distro to use... I definitely recommend Arch, also I recommend you to take a look at WM (Window Manager) term. You can take a look at reddit unixporn subreddit, there are a lot of good customizations, also config files... I mean, just search it. And lastly but not least... most of websites running Linux on background and today is sunny so I use Arch btw.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-03-21
Votes: 0
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Arch Linux: A Playground for Power Users
Arch Linux isn't your average distro. It's a breath of fresh air for those who crave bleeding-edge software, a customizable experience, and a deep dive into the Linux underbelly. But before you dive in, be prepared for a challenge.
Strengths:
Unmatched Customization: Arch gives you a blank slate. You pick the desktop environment (KDE, GNOME, XFCE, you name it) and meticulously craft your system to fit your needs. Package management with Pacman is a breeze.
Rolling Release: Say goodbye to bulky updates. Arch constantly delivers the latest software, keeping your system on the cutting edge.
Lightweight and Efficient: A base Arch install is remarkably lean, making it a great choice for older machines or those who value responsiveness.
Superb Wiki: Arch is famous for its comprehensive Wiki, a treasure trove of knowledge that acts as your guide and troubleshooting companion. The helpful Arch community is another plus.
Challenges to Consider:
Steep Learning Curve: Arch is for users comfortable with the command line. Installation itself is a hands-on experience that forces you to learn.
DIY Troubleshooting: Expect to spend more time tinkering than with user-friendly distros. While rewarding, it's not for everyone.
Not for the Faint of Heart: A broken system due to a configuration error can be daunting for beginners. Backups are essential.
Who Should Try Arch?
Linux Enthusiasts: If you want to understand Linux inside-out and relish the challenge of building your perfect system, Arch is your playground.
Advanced Users: Power users who crave customization and bleeding-edge software will find Arch an empowering choice.
Those Willing to Learn: If you're comfortable with the command line and enjoy troubleshooting, Arch offers a rewarding learning experience.
The Verdict:
Arch Linux is a fantastic distro for experienced users and those willing to learn. Its unmatched customization, cutting-edge software, and lightweight nature make it a compelling choice. However, its DIY approach and steeper learning curve make it less suitable for beginners. If you're up for the challenge, Arch offers a gateway to a deeper understanding and control of your Linux system.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-03-18
Votes: 0
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Stable and easy to use. Ever since I've started using Arch, I have attracted more potiential dates, however now the local dogs look at me funny. Strong package ecosystem and easy to maintain. No frills. Used for server, media, desktop, and laptop without issues. Using full KDE software suite and both wayland and X11, both PulseAudio and Pipewire -- no issues with either. Works fine with complicated network specifications or AV input configurations without issue. Versitile tool that stays out of the way. Does what you program it to do. You have to accept that you need to understand what you're doing to install it in a secure configuration, then do it because ever since using I started using Arch my bank manager calls me daily thanking me profusely.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-03-17
Votes: 2
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I came here and expected breakage and issues - that I would have been really happy to deal with, I kinda was promised problems.
Turns out, even on testing branch there are absolutely no issues, even the Plasma 6 release was smooth sailing. Might differ if you need to rely on proprietary crap due to your hardware choices but on open source drivers, all runs well.
The installation process is kinda troublesome but the guided installer or alternative installation methods really make that a non-issue.
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Version: current
Rating: 1
Date: 2024-03-16
Votes: 1
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So bleeding edge, we got kde6 before neon. How do I feel being a kde test dummy? Not good man. Wayland makes sure I question all my software. No more window shading or color pickers. At least you can log in to an x session :) No more autodisable touchpad when a mouse is detected. panel icons missing (a lot, using oxygen, the REAL only one lol). Hold on, crash.....ok back. Man, plasma updates buggier than networkmanager. Skanlite still holds record as WAE. Wallpaper still not random. Persistant tooltips, ripped tooltips,useless tooltips (but they got transparencey "/)
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-03-14
Votes: 4
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After KDE Plasma 6 fell on its face I've did a fresh install moving over to Cinnamon desktop (which I find the most stable). I did try another Arch derivative out of curiosity briefly but nothing comes close to pure Arch. Its simply the most stable OS of its kind, beating out any derivatives I've come across.
Yes a GUI is not there by default but I've become so accustomed now to using the command line to install and configure the OS, not using it feels, oddly, uncomfortable. The command line gives you so much flexibility and puts you in control and better still, it makes you think, so you are very aware of what you are doing.
I keep circling back to Arch and I think there is little chance I'll be going anywhere else. So good in every sense.
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Version: current
Rating: 9
Date: 2024-03-10
Votes: 2
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Update to Plasma-6 libs (9.03.24) has broken something again. Now on my dark themed LXQt Kate do not use manually defined icons, so i got dark icons on dark theme. Kdialog stopped using system's theme at all. Predefined systems fonts sizes was reseted to 8 pt, and so on. Previous update of dbus makes system unusable because dbus-broker cannot work with turned off some systemd services. Year ago, afrer Blender update it stoped to work on my system because Blender 4.x requires cpu with sse4.2 that is a x86-64-v2 specs while Arch linux officially runs on x86-64 (i.e. v1). I have noticed updates install more and more dependencies, so bloatedfree distro is more or less questionable now. It is not like i am trying to blame Arch linux. This are what i have noticed recently. Earlier, as i remember it was more stable, at least i did not needed to finish journey of fixing something after almost each update. I have dropped ubuntu/kubuntu years ago bacause of same reasons. Now i am thinking again of less wasted time distro.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-03-05
Votes: 7
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The freedom embodied in Arch Linux is a testament to the philosophy of simplicity, transparency, and user empowerment. Arch Linux embraces the concept of minimalism, providing users with a bare-bones system that allows for unparalleled customization and control over their computing environment. This distribution adheres to the Arch Way, emphasizing simplicity in design and a do-it-yourself ethos. Users have the freedom to choose and configure every aspect of their system, from the choice of desktop environment to the selection of software packages. Arch Linux's rolling release model ensures that users have access to the latest software updates and features, granting them the freedom to stay on the cutting edge of technology. With Arch, freedom extends beyond the software itself; it's a mindset that encourages users to actively participate in the shaping of their computing experience, fostering a community-driven ecosystem that celebrates individuality and innovation.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-02-25
Votes: 69
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the best distribution. Only the installation process is bad.
For that, I use EndeavourOS.
The process is simple:
EndeavourOS uses the Arch repo's with some QoL packages in their own repository.
They use KDE Plasma, systemd-boot and dracut by default - also my personal choice.
1. Install EndeavourOS
2. Remove the endeavouros - repo from /etc/pacman.conf
3. Run yay
4. Remove the 10 or so packages that yay lists as "Packages not in AUR"
5. Reinstall lsb-release and filesystem packages with sudo pacman -S lsb-release filesystem (Now your system identifies itself as Arch)
6. Run sudo reinstall-kernels (Now the systemd-boot configs also say Arch instead of EndeavourOS)
7. Check the KDE System settings for possible missing themes/colors and set them to Breeze defaults
8. Reboot your freshly installed Arch system.
Congratulations, you have set up a fully functional Arch system with KDE Plasma in under 30 minutes (depending on your Internet connection)
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-02-14
Votes: 8
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OS: Arch Linux x86_64
Kernel: 6.6.16-1-lts
Packages: (pacman)
Shell: bash 5.2.26
WM: Openbox
WM Theme: Nightmare
Theme: Yaru-viridian-dark [GTK2/3]
Icons: Yaru-viridian-dark [GTK2/3]
Terminal: gnome-terminal
The Best!!!
No comparison!
Very gentle, simple, smart and wise.
Whatever You want is possible!
Just do everything you want and that's it!
Every time the newest packages.
A huge number of packages.
AUR/YAY.
Almost 3 years using nearby other Linux distroes...
No problems at all!
I'd recommend it to everybody!
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-02-06
Votes: 20
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Having used Arch now for some years I am still happy with my decision. I would not describe myself as a linux expert. Many nerds would recommend Ubuntu or Mint to me. I tried them of course. But sooner or later those distros broke if I installed something special. And it is hard to say it. Often more painful than Windows in this respect. Centos was much older from its packages but better in stability and performance. And a lot more stable than Windows. So I was back in Linux again. But Centos disappeared after Redhat was purchased by IBM.
After that I gave Rolling Distros a trial because I was not willing to set up my system every 1 or 2 years any more. Tumbleweed was surprinsingly good in performance on my old machines but buggy as Fedora. Really frustrated I even thought about returning back to Windows. But I decided to try Arch. What a clever decision in the end. The installation was a nightmare but managable with the very, very good wikis. After that I never looked back and had absolutely no issues. I am using KDE Plasma. I guess its more than 3 years now with not a single system crash even with a lot of photo editing. Windows crashed 20x minimum in the same time.
Last year I thought I could ruin Arch because I did not update it for half a year. If you do that with Suse Tumbleweed or Debian Sid it will most likely break your system latest after the reboot. Not so with Arch. Absolutely no issues. Pacman is a gem.
When my last windows PC will retire because of Win 10 end of support I will switch it to Arch as well. Systemwise it always was a no brainer. And I am not willing to throw such a fine machine like a HP 8570W to dustbin because Windows 11 is not supporting it and creating us users painful experiences with TPM 2.0 or the potential loss of software or security updates in future.
And linux software has definitely it's advantages over the MS and Mac-World. I hate the new subscription concepts of MS Office, Adobe & Co. companies. Their software might not be bad. But I don't see a huge value of them over the free linux alternatives like LibreOffice, Darktable, Digicam and so on.
The most fascinating experience is that Arch did not loose in performance over the years. It feels snappier than other distros from the first day.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-01-27
Votes: 13
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Having daily driven Aptitude-based Linux distributions for years, I decided it was time to move onto better things, and found that Arch had exactly what I wanted that Debian lacked: up-to-date packaging, managed by one of the most intuitive package managers (Pacman).
I also like that I can use the AUR if a package isn't available from Arch officially, which, when combined together, towers over Debian. Not to mention the fact that the Arch Wiki can even apply to distros outside of Arch. It is so well-written and constantly updated for accuracy. Only OpenBSD's manpages rival it, and that's saying a lot.
As it is a rolling release, you do have to use some common sense when applying upgrades. Normally, I wait at least a week before doing an update, which accompanies the routine system backups (which are absolutely important to have, regardless of distro or skill level).
Arch really is amazing all-around.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-01-26
Votes: 9
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I migrated from Fedora / CentOS to ArchLinux in 2019 and haven't looked back since then. I started a test migration with my laptop and then moved my desktop and all other computers in the house to ArchLinux.
Fedora and CentOS take too long to provided major version updates to software packages. This is the biggest benefit that I see with Arch and other rolling linux distributions. Although people argue that Arch trades stability for the latest and greatest software, I've never experienced this except once with an Nvidia graphics driver bug.
I use Arch in all my production PCs at home and am happy I made the switch!
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-01-22
Votes: 14
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I was really terrified by the rumors that Arch Linux way a distro for andvanced users. This Sundey I had plenty of free time so I desided to give it a try.
The ISO:
The ISO is less than a 1G so the download time was really fast.
The installer:
The installer is text-based BUT it has nothing to do with the complex and confusing text-based installers of Debian or Slackware. It is simple and conenient.
It was as easy as calamares.
You can choose the desktop environment you want to use (KDE,Gnome,XFCE,Cinnamon,Sway,I3,etc)
You can choose if you want your system encrypted.
You can choose the sound server (pulseaudio, pipewire)
And of course you can set language, keyboard, partition and user.
The usage:
Arch have the best documentation out there called "Arch Wiki". It is a very educational manual that teaches people how to follow best practices.
Performance:
I used Gnome and I3. Gnome was performing really good. Almost as smooth as SolusOS.
Software:
Literally every Linux app is available in the repositories or the user repository (AUR).
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Version: current
Rating: 9
Date: 2024-01-19
Votes: 5
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Arch is one of those systems that grows on you even if you go in being apprehensive and just want to "check it out".
I did just that, installed it to check it out and a year later my urge to try other distros has diminished greatly.
Arch is fast, it's cutting edge, it's stable, it's as complex or as simplistic as you want to make it, it has an awesome package manager with parallel downloads and a few other tricks up it's sleeve and most of all it's a rolling release. Their documentation is probably one of the best out there. Without going into too many details, I've been using Linux as my daily driver since early 2000's and I've tried every distro under the sun, including the BSD's. I like many different ones for different reasons, but all in all I feel pretty cozy with Arch fulfilling my daily needs and keeping me on the bleeding edge of the Linux kernel and GNU software ecosystem. Thank you Arch devs for all of your hard work, this truly is one of the best Linux distributions in present times and it only keeps getting better.
I hope more people are willing to give it a go and discover how truly awesome Arch Linux can be.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-01-15
Votes: 6
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i've been daily driving arch for around 10 months at this point, after switching between Linux mint, Debian and openBSD. After going through the install book. While I have been using Arch it has never broke for me (aside from an issue where I had accidentally installed both pipewire and pulseaudio). While I would recommend something like manually setting up a desktop from a minimalist install, its a pretty good experience.
Pros:
Fast boot speed
Good setup, everything works as expected,
Packages are always up to date.
Everything I want to install is well documented and supported
Gaming works surprisingly well
Cons:
Aur packages are often hit or miss when it comes to installing more obscure things, don't be afraid to use Flatpaks instead
Gpartd on Linux Mint will often refuse to modify my filesystem due to there out of date packages
People can easily forget to deal with pacnew files
All in all, I would recommend this to everyone as there second Linux distro
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-01-09
Votes: 11
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At the beginning of December, I picked Arch as my introduction to Linux after twenty-five years on Windows (and a few back way back when on a Macintosh II). I was aware that it wasn't a beginner distro, but I was so badly fed up with everything modern Windows is that Arch's near-opposite philosophy seemed worth some frustration, and life was such that a steep learning curve sounded like an excellent distraction right then.
I have to admit that I'm not sure I'd have managed to get it going without the archinstall script, and definitely not without some embarrassingly basic questions cluttering up their forum. During my first attempts at setting it up on a spare laptop, I got stuck on a problem that I couldn't solve because I couldn't even figure out the right question. (Now I know I'd misunderstood part of the bootloader installation process; six weeks ago I couldn't have told you what a bootloader does.) So I used the script to get the laptop up and running to poke around in; once I was better able to follow the guide and had a better idea of why I might choose one option over another, I reinstalled it, and I've been setting the other computers up manually as well.
I'm finding Arch to be refreshingly straightforward now that the underlying ideas aren't so new; a surprising number of things are so easy to do with the terminal that GUIs are the less user-friendly option for them. Everything's quick and responsive even on the desktop that's been sitting around quarantined as a media archive since the last version of Windows it could run lost support. And it's just plain pleasant to work with; I don't have to fight with somebody else's ideas about what a user's going to want to do and what a user shouldn't tinker with. I don't know how many of these things are Arch-specific and how much are just Linux, but I do know that as soon as the spare laptop was halfway functional, I went a couple of weeks without bothering to start up my usual computer because Arch is such a vast improvement over Windows for everyday use. Maybe it's not a beginner distro, but this beginner is deeply impressed by it.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-01-05
Votes: 14
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I have been using Arch for about 10 years now. I enjoy being always up-to-date due to rolling release, Arch's customizability and its light weight. The official package repositories and the AUR contain basically everything one might be looking for and I have found Arch to be incredibly stable despite people claiming it would break all the time.
Its installation procedure might be a bit more difficult without a graphical interface, but Arch is clearly not designed as grandma's first OS. While it is somewhat aimed at advanced users, the Arch wiki has very good articles and instructions, and I would recommend anyone to give it a try at least once. You might fall in love with it just as quickly as I did.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-01-03
Votes: 18
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It would be nice if newbies actually used a distro before writing their personal opinion as a "review". For some reason it seems the most targeted here are Arch and Arch-based distros, which newbies perceive as incredibly easy to break. Truth is, Arch is not fragile at all - in fact, after using Debian and Ubuntu for years, I can say with confidence Arch is extremely stable even though it's a "rolling distro", it has been my daily driver for years now. Fixing issues is way simpler than with Debian, where old packages used to cause me all sorts of dependency problems and headaches... Finally, if you're scared and not interested in learning Linux, feel free to use whatever newbie-oriented distro you want, and stop repeating slogans.
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Version: current
Rating: 7
Date: 2023-12-28
Votes: 0
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I understand the point of using Arch it is highly flexible and customizable you can make it how you desire without bloat, hence I do not hate it. But there is a reason why it is ranked this low for me, simply the system is the most fragile, even though you can do whatever to your system it is a double edged sword (i.e you can break it easily more on accident). I know the Arch wiki exists and thanks to it I have solved many issues but simply the distro isn't for me, I know why you may want to daily drive it the AUR is awesome tbh. But I am sorry Arch, NixOS is more for me.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2023-12-26
Votes: 4
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I've been using Arch Linux for about 12 years. While it used to be problematic with almost every update, last few years it has gotten so stable it is almost boring. Sometimes I feel like I'm running Debian Stable, not Rolling Release distro.
Last problem I had with Arch Linux was about month ago. It was problem with NVIDIA drivers which needed some package to be updated but it was still in testing repo so update failed. This was fixed a day or two later since it was holyday.
Last big problem with Arch was so long ago I honestly do not remember when it was.
One odd thing about arch is pacman - it's package manager. Sintax it uses is way different than what other package managers use, but once you get hang of it, it's as simple as any other.
While Arch Linux is not for everyone, I like thinkering with it, and if sucessfully installed, anyone can use it as any other Linux distro.
Salut from Croatia!
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2023-12-24
Votes: 1
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Three years using Arch now. I tried putting a more OOTB kind of distro on a laptop "to save time." I had issues with wifi from the start, and its meta-packages created conflicts. Looking for solutions, the Arch wiki was consistently the best source. It ended up being simpler to install Arch than to try to muddle through with the other so-called user friendly distros. While using the other distro, I had to move to the unstable branch to access software that could build the program I needed to use. The unstable branch began to accumulate a list of programs that the package manager would not install. Arch's rolling release provides continually updated access to software, but in my experience, it is stable and doesn't have weird problems that arise from patching together different repositories, branches, or relying on an unstable branch. After these problems, I moved to Arch. It took an evening to set up and configure. Viva Arch!
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2023-12-21
Votes: 2
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And again, just come back to Arch and as always it is just a breeze ! A breeze to simply get what you want and it run at the perfection. Pacman is the greatest package manager I've used, the official repos are very populated, many development tools, IDE, etc. With AUR you have the greatest open source packages collection you can find out there. Finally the wiki no longer needs to be presented even if you are not using Arch, it is full of clear and generic Linux information. Arch is one of these distro that make benefit for all.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2023-12-07
Votes: 0
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I discovered and started using Linux in 2004. Since then, I have tried and tested several Linux distributions. Arch Linux has become my home. It's no wonder that arch linux became the basis for many linux distributions. The stability (yes, even though it is a roling release), the pacman package manager, the documentation and the large community, the freedom to customize to the user's taste, the learning and the fact that it is a roling release. There are so many qualities that it would take too long to list and explain them all in detail.
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Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2023-12-01
Votes: 19
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Excellent distro.
Once installed, you won't want to leave Arch Linux. I followed exactly the instructions for beginners (without the Archinstall script) from the wiki. It didn't work right away, but after three or four tries, Arch Linux with KDE was installed and runs great and without errors. The wiki is excellent, Pacman also runs perfectly. Installing Arch manually in the console is not difficult at all. I also had openSUSE Tumbleweed installed with KDE in the meantime, but I always end up with Arch Linux, now the distro hopping is over, I have found my distribution with Arch Linux, Arch Linux is perfect.
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Latest Reviews
Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2026-01-26
Votes: 7
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Coming from Debian, which I used for years, I have to say I’m genuinely impressed with Arch Linux. I left Debian mainly because of new hardware; the stable branch simply doesn’t cater well to that, and I didn’t feel like waiting around. Arch, by contrast, was straightforward to set up, and updates, via both pacman and yay, have been fast and reliable so far. I ended up choosing Arch after trying Void, openSUSE Tumbleweed, and Fedora, all of which were interesting in their own ways, but none quite stuck.
I’m deliberately trying to limit how much I install from the AUR, mostly because I see it as a bit of the Wild West. From the official repositories, I use AbiWord, Audacity, FileZilla, Firefox, Foliate, GIMP, Grsync, Midnight Commander, qBittorrent, Quod Libet, Scribus, Signal, Shortwave, Steam, VLC, and Zim Wiki. From the AUR, I use yay itself, autofs, Brother-HL2350 drivers, Gear Lever, Chrome (for work), LocalSend, and Zotero. I also rely on a couple of AppImages and some Flatpaks, including Flatseal, GPU Screen Recorder, Heroic, Kdenlive, Parabolic, and RustDesk.
Arch is, of course, a minimal distribution in the truest sense: it lets you decide exactly what goes on your system. That aspect strongly reminds me of how I’ve always installed Debian. Archinstall deserves a special mention, it’s a logically structured and surprisingly pleasant installation tool, which feels very un-Arch in the best possible way.
That said, Arch isn’t for Linux newcomers. It’s for people with general Linux knowledge who want full control over their system. There’s no hand-holding, and you’ll almost certainly end up consulting the Arch Wiki, a fantastic resource, even if I personally find it a bit convoluted at times and wish some explanations were clearer.
For now, I’m sticking with Arch as long as it remains reliable and doesn’t break. Coming from Debian’s rock-solid stability, even in Testing, I still feel slightly on edge, half-expecting something to explode after an update. But so far, Arch Linux has delivered. No emergency rollbacks, and that’s reason enough for me to stay.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2026-01-08
Votes: 30
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SHOCKINGLY reliable
I've been ping-ponging between Windows and Ubuntu and Ubuntu-derivatives for many years, Ubuntu always gave me trouble in the most peculiar ways and I have always assumed it was just the way Linux is.
About a year ago I decided to give Arch a try to see what all the fuss was about, with everyone talking about it being bleeding-edge and customizable.
Frankly, it just works, I've encountered exactly one system breaking problem and fixing it was as easy as reverting with timeshift, checking the Arch homepage and following the steps they described.
The fact that you need to install everything manually is not difficult, but it is a hassle, it's just a matter of following the excellent wiki and getting it out of the way (or just using archinstall, but the Arch enthusiast crowd hates when you do that, owing to all the people asking questions in their forums going "I don't know what my configs are or what software I'm using, whatever archinstall put there")
The only reason I wouldn't recommend it to someone new to Linux is that the initial setup is daunting, for anyone else it's brilliant.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 9
Date: 2025-12-19
Votes: 10
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After trying a lot of Linux’s distro’s I stayed with Archlinux. I justed began using Linux fully this year due better support of Steam on Linux. So far I have the best experience and performance with Archlinux on older systems and new.
I have tried Kubuntu and Ubuntu in the past, also a great stable (OS) Operating Systems. If you want easymode, stability and everything prepared for you, then I can advise Fedora, Ubuntu or Manjaro/EndeavourOS/CachyOS. With guides on the internet and youtube, you are able to get a great Linux installation! If you’re curious, don’t let fear or other comments get to you installing Archlinux. Experience it yourself. Using network cable and enter Archinstall in the command line is the easyway.
Why Archlinux?
- I have tried many other distro’s but I don’t like man in the middle updates and I always want the latest stable security updates/kernel, software, etc.. (Archlinux has a stable release channel, just like other linux distro's);
- The other Linux distro’s are somehow using more resources, then Archlinux, also the other Linux distro's needed a few adjustments or KDE Plasma and Gnome sometimes reacted differently.
- So far i don't see any bloatware, you can fully decide yourself which user interfaces or applications are installed
- Updating Archlinux is quite easy. Sudo Pacman -Syuu or Arch-update (AUR package) is working great for me; I have even used Pamac (Manjaro); but I prefer Arch-update (AUR package)
- With every linux distro you need Rufus or Linux distro provider USB installer; similar like Windows or MacOSX, there are enough guides for this. I don’t think this is a reason for excuses anymore
- I’m running steam with default settings from the Archlinux repository; as Flatpak wasn’t stable for me on linux distro's and I needed to use commandline stuff for each game
- As you are reading, yes i'm using AUR, but I keep this to the minimum (Arch-update, Postmaster, secureboot, AppAnvil, Grub Customizer, Brave (Browser)). Yay or Paru was easy to use, similar as Pacman. With other applications i use Archlinux repository and Flatpak. For virtualization i can advise Qemu with VirtManager, or Incus.
Good luck!
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 2
Date: 2025-12-11
Votes: 0
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Arch Linux is well-known for its flexibility and minimalistic approach to Linux. However, for anyone who is not already familiar with Linux or advanced system management, the process of getting Arch up and running can be an exercise in frustration. While it offers unparalleled customization, it’s not the most user-friendly option—especially for beginners or those who are new to the Linux world.
Installation Process: Tedious and Confusing
One of the most significant hurdles with Arch Linux is the installation process. To start with, the instructions provided for creating a bootable USB drive are neither clear nor intuitive. You’re expected to download a 700 MB image, flash it to a USB drive, and configure the system from a terminal, all without much guidance. For those unfamiliar with Linux, this can be a daunting and confusing task.
What makes this worse is the official Arch Linux website. While it has a wealth of information, the design and structure leave much to be desired. The layout is overcrowded with links and information, and finding specific instructions can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. The official Arch Wiki, although detailed, is not written in the most approachable language, which further alienates newcomers.
For instance, when you try to download the ISO file, the website doesn’t make it immediately obvious where the latest release is, and even after you download it, there’s a maze of terminal commands and configuration files to navigate. It’s not a beginner-friendly process by any means, and it would be helpful if there were a more guided, graphical installation option or clearer step-by-step instructions for those who aren’t advanced users.
Website Design: Needs Improvement
As mentioned, the website could really use a redesign. The Arch Linux homepage, while functional, has a cluttered, somewhat outdated look. Key information is buried beneath layers of technical jargon, and there’s very little to guide users through the initial steps. The project’s focus seems to be on offering detailed, specific information for experienced users, but that leaves a large gap for those trying to get started.
The community documentation, though extensive, is not the most accessible for new users. A more intuitive FAQ section, streamlined for beginners, could go a long way toward helping first-time installers feel more confident.
Communication: A Course in User-Friendly Content
Arch Linux could greatly benefit from a course in effective communications. The lack of clear and concise instructions often leaves users feeling lost, especially those who are not seasoned Linux veterans. The installation guide is comprehensive but expects a level of prior knowledge that many users simply don’t have. A friendlier tone, along with beginner-focused guides, could significantly improve the overall experience.
Conclusion
Arch Linux has a dedicated user base for a reason: it offers complete control over your system. For power users, it’s a dream, offering maximum flexibility and customization. However, for anyone unfamiliar with Linux or new to the operating system, it’s a frustrating experience fraught with confusing instructions and poor website design.
If you’re a beginner, be prepared for a steep learning curve, and consider trying a more user-friendly distribution like Ubuntu or Linux Mint before diving into Arch. For experienced users, Arch is likely to be a rewarding challenge, but the website and installation process could use a serious overhaul to make the experience more approachable for everyone.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-12-08
Votes: 4
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i have been using archlinux for the past 20 years. i have used MANY different distros and still believe hands down arch is still the best in existence. i also like alpine but alpine's repository doesn't compare to the infinite vastness of arch's official and user repository databases. using the LTS kernel is key to never having any stability or update problems. in the beginning arch was difficult when i would use the cutting edge kernel but since switching to the LTS kernel and supporting packages 15+ years ago i have had very little interuptions. thanks arch team for all your efforts!
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-12-08
Votes: 15
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Arch Linux is a high-quality GNU/Linux distribution. I installed it with Archinstall on my old HP Compaq notebook from 2008 (upgraded with a SATA SSD and 4GB of RAM) with the LXQt desktop, and it brought it back to life. It's very high-performance and everything works perfectly. Even the updates released are of great quality, they only improve its quality. I get a full pass. Problems or bugs? None. I've never seen my old laptop work so well.
This is undoubtedly the best GNU/Linux distro I have used in many years.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-11-20
Votes: 19
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No matter what, I always end up coming back to Arch. In my experience (relatively low amount of tinkering, barely use the AUR at all) and for my use case (a home laptop used for browsing and faffing around) it has been incredibly stable.
Love that it gives you more or less vanilla of whatever DE you choose to go with. For me it's Gnome.
My idea of fun is a cup of coffee and browing the Arch Wiki, so understand this might not be for everyone haha.
It may be controversial to some, but the archinstall script now makes it pretty straightforward to get up and running too.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 9
Date: 2025-11-02
Votes: 7
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I really like Arch Linux and have been using it for 2 years. I see many distributions based on Arch introducing improvements, and it would be great to see some of these enhancements come directly from Arch itself — such as better performance, an option without systemd, and official ARM support. Overall, it’s still the best. I don’t plan to switch to any derivative; I’d just love to see Arch evolve even more, especially in these areas. The community, documentation, and rolling release model are amazing, making it a perfect base system to learn and customize deeply.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 9
Date: 2025-10-31
Votes: 18
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I love having always the latest software. The AUR is fantastic, and every software you can think of is available in the main repos or in the AUR.
Also the Arch wiki is amazing. There's a LOT of detail and often on esoteric options. It would be nice if there could be a 'base' setup page for many things so you don't have to wade through all kinds of irrelevant (to most people) details.
A downside is it's X86_64 only, but work is underway to support other architectures.
Full disclaimer: I'm one of the asahi-alarm maintainers so I might be a bit biased :-D
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-10-31
Votes: 17
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What can I say about Arch Linux? Everything comes with time: first impressions, then familiarization and adaptation, and finally, the system becomes your only one. For me, the first period passed quite quickly. I set up everything I needed without any difficulty; it took no more than a couple of days. Then, I began to get used to it, this is the second period, solving problems as needed, and after three years, the system became my only one. Now, five years after installation, I just use it.
During all this time, I haven't had any serious problems. If any issues did arise, they were related to a package that could be fixed in just a couple of days.
What's appealing about Arch is its simplicity. The system is free of unnecessary clutter, its configuration is user-dependent, you don't have to worry about new releases or how to migrate settings; you just update once a week and always have the latest and greatest.
Sometimes you look at other distributions and wonder, "Maybe I should try this?" But then you ask yourself, "Why bother?" What will it give you? And you realize you wouldn't trade your cozy Arch for anything else.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-10-30
Votes: 4
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This is incredible! I installed it, spent enough time configuring it, but got my dream! It's hard to explain in a few words, but I'll try.
First: it's Arch Linux! I'm impressed by the philosophy of minimalism.
Second: the vastness of packages in the pacman and yay repositories. I install all the programs I need without any problems, and everything works.
Third: the “rolling” release. Always fresh software. It brings me nothing but joy.
Fourth (following from the previous points): speed. Everything flies fast.
Yes, you might say that the time lost on installation and configuration is a disadvantage. But the problem is that other distributions are overloaded. Here, I am my own master. And that's another PLUS for the OS.
It is important to note that I use KDE, as this shell has everything I need.
I will say a few words about the archinstall installer. It is constantly improving, and this has a positive effect on the user experience.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 6
Date: 2025-10-30
Votes: 6
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Arch is a good distribution, an amazing one in fact, but it's a time-consuming one.
If you want to tinker, are not afraid (or even enjoy) editing configuration files and reading a wiki (an amazing one) in order to get your perfect setup, and then are ready to spend time making sure it does not break when updating or installing an obscure app from the AUR or Github, you will love it. Arch is almost as much a hobby than it is an OS.
I, for one, just want to boot my computer, have decent defaults that I may tweak a bit, and get work done without thinking about my OS. Arch is just not for me.
So, I give it a 6/10. Not because it's not a good distribution, but because it caters to a very specific type of users.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 8
Date: 2025-10-24
Votes: 0
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An amazing operating system, however it does not offer any other architectures than amd64 and it comes with a forced init system - systemD, which some people may find inappropriate. The system uses a shared dependency model, where you can have hundreds of programs that will depend on one library, if that library fails, none of those programs will work. This also means there is no backwards compatibility, as a program that you use and hasn't been updated by a developer will not run if you update the shared dependency to a newer version. I recommend archiving a local repository for a peace of mind.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-10-16
Votes: 16
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I have 2 Arch systems and I've been using it for about 6 months now. I'm on a 2 year challenge and so far I'm quite pleased.
I think distros are best talked about in terms of user preferences and use case, so I'll lay mine out:
- I'm a power user. I like full control. I get my fingers into every aspect of the system. I don't like being locked out of anything. and if I understand it, I have an opinion on it and will probably customize it for myself.
- I don't like installed software I don't use. Every other OS I've used, I've uninstalled things as soon as its installed. Windows was incredibly frustrating for me in this aspect.
- I'm a gamer. and because gaming is going through rapid development in Linux right now, having access to rolling release distro is exciting because of the frontier of gaming on Linux.
- I prefer Wayland (if my GPU is AMD). Wayland is stable, but not feature complete. It's still going through development. and I like seeing what comes through and exploring it. It's fun. Again another plus for rolling release.
- I like building and tinkering with things. Every once in a while I go through a kick where I just wonder how something would work if I build it in a certain way. Arch, as an operating system, is perfect that way. I can envision a build and it lets me do it with zero friction - as long as I've figured out what I'm doing beforehand.
So, as you can tell, for the type of user I am, Arch is perfect. It gets out of my way, lets me do what I want, and is everything I could possibly want/need.
Add on top of this, there is slow development to it. archinstall is a game changer for it, not for new users but advanced users. The ability to setup a system almost instantly with all the specific aspects I want is incredible. And for the record I've done dozens of manual installations - including root disk encryption and Nvidia GPU drivers on hybrid laptops. but now with archinstall, I can focus on the applications while still enjoying everything that shines about Arch.
The AUR is an amazing playground and closes the gap between users and developers. Again a place where Arch just removes the friction. A developer wants to make the software they're working on available - throw it on the AUR, just put a PKGBUILD file that pulls and builds from your github. Want to peruse the absolute bleeding edge software and interact directly with those developers? the AUR is the easiest avenue for that. The AUR does have its risks, and I wouldn't recommend it for a new user, but if you're informed in mitigating those risk and willing to take them, its amazing.
For the record, I have not tried NixOS or Gentoo. I have the feeling Gentoo may not be for me, potentially too intense, more friction than I'd like. NixOS might be cool, I may try it after I've finished my Arch challenge in 1.5 years. For now I'm quite content to live with Arch.
In conclusion: Arch isn't for everyone. If you want a set and forget distro, this is not it. But if you want a PC that is truly yours in every way possible, opens up a huge panoply of learning opportunities, and pushes the boundary of what you can do, try it, you may be pleasantly surprised as I have.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-09-29
Votes: 28
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Like many other people's comments, Arch is the simplest, purest Linux distro. All necessary but no extra.
Tried dozens of different distros in the past years. Arch is the one that gives me all I wanted.
archinstall works great if you need a fresh machine, it runs fast and it has the finest default settings.
pacman/paru is the best.
I am using xfce because it's efficient and has enough gui for modern apps, the default ui is pretty already.
My go to apps are:
brave browser
mpv
yt-dlp
Arch logo is the best imo
Thanks Arch
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-09-09
Votes: 6
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Just switched a couple months ago and it's literally the exact type of operating system I was looking for. Having full control over just feels so good to use. One thing that I like is when something breaks its, actually my fault and not just that something broke for no reason because it felt like it. I prefer rolling release because it lets me have the most up to date version without having to do major updates. The package management is so simple yet functional, the AUR adds so much to the distro too. The documentation is very straightforward and to the point.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-09-06
Votes: 13
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I've used Arch Linux for aprox 2-3 years. At its core Arch offers a minimal base system and a philosophy of user control: you install what you want and learn why each piece is there. That approach makes for a fast, lean system and teaches you the plumbing of Linux, but it also means an upfront investment of time and attention.
Pacman is straightforward and effective — dependency resolution, simple syntax, and speedy downloads make package management pleasant. The AUR is a massive advantage, nearly anything not in the official repos often appears in the AUR, which feels like an endless extension to the distro. Rolling-release keeps software current and cutting-edge, but it requires maintenance; occasional breakage happens, so reading update notices and checking the news feed before large upgrades is wise.
But i think that the best is the documentation. The Arch Wiki is exceptional: encyclopedic, practical, and often the definitive resource when troubleshooting. It removes friction for users willing to read and follow thorough guides.
For desktop users who want a polished, worry-free experience out of the box, distributions aimed at beginners will be friendlier, but for tinkerers, developers, and those who prize configurability and learning, Arch is nearly perfect. It fosters knowledge and control rather than hiding complexity. In short: Arch is not for everyone, but for the right person it’s empowering, efficient, and endlessly adaptable. Community channels are welcoming, and you’ll often receive thoughtful help if you show effort, describe problems clearly, and provide logs and steps precisely.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-09-03
Votes: 13
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I've been using Arch Linux with the KDE desktop as my main OS for ~20 years.
Before settling on Arch I was a distro hopper during the late 90's and early 00's. All the while I wished for a rolling release flavor of Linux. Flavors requiring major upgrades periodically are too much like Windows for me - even though I made my living supporting Windows machines for 20 years.
I don't consider myself a Linux guru. I'm just a user who loves the solid rolling release of Arch Linux. During the ~20 years I've used Arch upgrading has very seldom broken anything and when it did I was always able to find a fix quickly. Usually on the main Arch page under 'News'. I don't understand users who complain about rolling release constantly breaking things. That has absolutely not been my experience.
The Arch User Repository (AUR) contains almost 100,000 packages of which only a few hundred seem to be popular. Users are allowed to vote for packages to be included in the main Arch repositories and I do wish that packages with high vote counts were added sooner.
Regarding KDE (Plasma) apps I don't use Dolphin or Discover. I use Octopi (AUR package) to search for packages and clean the pacman cache. Krusader is my file manager. I use the Vivaldi and Firefox browsers and Thunderbird for email. I prefer SMplayer to VLC for watching videos.
I do system upgrades once a week on my two main systems via the command line. I have three bash aliases to handle upgrades and installing packages. Using the 'yay' (AUR package) pacman helper they are:
alias upgrade='yay -Syu'
alias install='yay -S'
alias uninstall='yay -R'
(add the name(s) of the packages to the install/uninstall aliases.
example: install thunderbird)
Upgrades typically take 5-10 minutes. Sometimes even less than that. It can take longer if larger AUR packages need to be compiled.
I really appreciate all the folks who've contributed to Arch over the years. A big thank you to all of them from a grateful user who has contributed little.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 8
Date: 2025-08-31
Votes: 2
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Arch Linux is a lightweight distribution. I have used Arch Linux for 2 years now and it's the distro that has cured my distro hopping. I have tried Mint. Debian, Fedora, Void, and Gentoo. All of them are great, but Arch is simple and easy to use. Arch is nearly perfect, as it fits my needs. I have used Arch on a thinkpad with Sway, a gaming computer with KDE, and some old computers lying around with XFCE.
Arch Linux is easy to keep, it's your system from scratch. You pick each compenent and make your system yours. No unecessary additions or bloat. Arch is also up to date and has just about any package you need. Arch is a must for hardwae
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-08-13
Votes: 16
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Fast, snappy, latest versions, not overly opinionated, nice vanilla defaults setting. The Archwiki is a guide for system-crafting and tinkering. The Arch community + AUR provides solutions to access programs that can be tedious to get up and running on other distros.
Grab a bin and snap it into place and put it to use in seconds. No corporate overlord. No accumulation of held-back packages or circa-2000 animated kids' movie code name. Dare I say with archinstaller script its now as easy to install as any other distro, but Arch maintains maximum transparency over what changes it makes.
I run it on a 2014 laptop, with Luks2 + btrfs + KDE plasma (+ awesome as secondary DE) and everything works like new. Arch works whether you want to lovingly craft every last detail of your system, or just have a sane default linux.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 2
Date: 2025-08-11
Votes: 1
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I have tried arch so many times I have fully lost count. But every time I install it, it works AMAZING.. for 2 months. then something breaks like sound drivers, video drivers or its package manager. But I do have to give it to them, the 2 months that it DOES work, its the best distro I ever use. it have ungodly fast package installment, huge community, SO MANY packages (not even including the AUR) But when arch does eventually break, I remember why I don't use this linux distro.
Pros:
super fast package management
large community
every package is the newest it could be.
Cons:
will break in 3 months
although it has a big community, everyone in it sucks
unneeded "difficult" install
every package is the newest it could be.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-08-03
Votes: 11
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I have been trying all the distributions from Fedora, Debian, Ubuntu, Xubuntu, etc., recently I decided to try Arch, it seemed somewhat complex to me because of its installation, but it is not that difficult, since I was used to installing everything graphically, that was the change, once installed I started to like it a lot, so much so that I decided to use it as my main one, since at work I always used Windows, and the change cost me a bit, but I liked Arch so much that I no longer use Windows, it has gone very well for me, what I do when updating based on recommendations is make a backup in case any update does not work well, but I have been using it for 1 year and everything is working great, Arch with XFCE.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-07-31
Votes: 3
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I have been trying all the distributions from Fedora, Debian, Ubuntu, Xubuntu, etc., recently I decided to try Arch, it seemed somewhat complex to me because of its installation, but it is not that difficult, since I was used to installing everything graphically, that was the change, once installed I started to like it a lot, so much so that I decided to use it as my main one, since at work I always used Windows, and the change cost me a bit, but I liked Arch so much that I no longer use Windows, it has gone very well for me, what I do when updating based on recommendations is make a backup in case any update does not work well, but I have been using it for 1 year and everything is working great, Arch with XFCE.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-07-28
Votes: 4
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I've been using Linux (various distros) since the summer of 2012, but ever since I discovered Arch (three years ago), I can't live without it. It's a very lightweight distro that does exactly what I need (including video editing, imaging, and graphics). It's very stable. Sure, the first time I used it wasn't the easiest, but then it gets you hooked, invites you to learn Linux, and eventually, you won't be able to do without it either. Furthermore, the latest versions of Archinstall have made the installation process much easier. Thanks, Arch Linux. Good luck, everyone. Happy Arching!
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 9
Date: 2025-07-23
Votes: 3
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Arch Linux is minimal linux distro that you own as a plot, and you build your house like what you want, everything controlled by you, so much customisable, different options, hardware compatibility is perfect, all of the applications you install mostly works out of the box. For playing games, its easy as installing steam also installs essential nvidia or gpu things to work on games, thats perfect support for games and apps. Lets talk about rolling a bit, its bleeding edge almost, gets the latest updates to your system, awesome for new tech users, but its not beginer friendly, automatic installation called archinstall is a bit of broken sometimes but they fix it well, manual installation requires linux experience before going onto Archlinux, at the end, its perfect to use.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 9
Date: 2025-07-07
Votes: 0
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Arch Linux is a very lightweight and customizable distro the installation process is funny and teach you the fundamentals of Linux after I switch to it I can say that I am very satisfied and I recommend it for full stack web developers
Here are the pros:
It's very lightweight and fast boots in a fast way unlike other distros that take more time
It has the AUR which is a treasure for developers
It's customizable and rolling release so you can be up to date
And here are the cons:
It has some problems with the display and scaling the screen
It's rolling really so you risk to break your system if you are not serious
It's not beginner friendly or noob friendly
And it has a problem with python it cannot install packages freely without virtual environment
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-06-24
Votes: 43
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After using Arch Linux for a while, I feel it's time to share my thoughts. My experience has been overwhelmingly positive. While Arch is often perceived as challenging, I found that with a bit of patience, the setup process is quite manageable. The archinstall utility significantly simplifies the installation; you simply need to select the options that best suit your needs.
In today's world, where information and documentation are readily available, setting up a clean Arch system is not as daunting as it may seem. The philosophy of "you get what you put in" truly applies here, emphasizing the importance of user engagement in the setup process.
Working with the terminal is a core part of the Arch experience, and I genuinely enjoy it! While there is always a risk of breaking something, that’s part of the learning journey, encouraging you to deepen your understanding of your system.
Updates are a breeze; I’ve had no issues keeping my packages up to date. The rolling release model ensures you always have access to the latest software versions, which is a significant advantage.
From my personal experience, gaming performance has been excellent, with no driver issues. The integration with desktop environments like KDE has been smooth, and I’ve found that everything from gaming to web browsing, document editing, and coding works flawlessly. I also have another setup with Hyprland, which adds to the versatility of my experience.
Don’t forget to enable the Arch User Repository (AUR) for access to a vast array of additional software. It’s a game-changer for expanding your system’s capabilities.
I highly recommend familiarizing yourself with pacman, the package manager, as it’s essential for managing software on Arch. Additionally, the Arch Wiki is an invaluable resource; it has saved me countless times. For those who may perceive the Arch community as toxic, I can assure you that it’s not. The community encourages users to dig deeper and do the necessary research. If you’ve searched the Arch Wiki and still can’t find a solution, the community is more than willing to help. After all, Arch Linux is a learning experience, and solving issues is what Arch users thrive on.
In conclusion, Arch Linux offers a rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time to learn. It’s a powerful distribution that caters to both beginners and advanced users alike. Happy Arching!
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 9
Date: 2025-06-20
Votes: 4
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VERY cool, but hard to install. Even if you use the archinstall script, if your internet is bad, the install doesn't fully work. Still, I love how you can customize *everything*. Yes, even the bootloader. It's very neat. KDE is pretty good, but you don't have to install it if you don't want to. I have never had any driver issues. The only downside is that you have to keep upgrading packages all of the time. If you know exactly what you're doing, Arch might be perfect for you. Though, this shouldn't be your first distro.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-06-17
Votes: 20
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It's time for a review after using it for a while. Clean Arch. It's a very interesting and positive experience using the distribution for “pros.” In fact, Arch isn't difficult, it just takes a little time to set up the system. And using the archinstall utility does everything for you, you just need to select the necessary items.
Nowadays, we live in an era of full access to information, AI, and documentation, so setting up a clean system is not a difficult challenge. As a result, what you put in is what you get. If a program requires additional packages, it will tell you the name of the package you need.
Yes, you have to work with the terminal, but I think that's really cool! There is a chance of breaking something, as always, but no one is immune to that.
Updates work well, I don't have any problems getting the latest versions of packages.
A good recommendation is to read a little about how pacman works.
My personal experience is this: games work great, no driver issues, positive interaction with KDE, etc.
Games, browsing, working with text documents, coding, multimedia... Everything works well. It's also important to install AUR. And you'll be happy.
That's it. Bye.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 9
Date: 2025-06-03
Votes: 12
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Arch is great if you are relatively proficient in Linux and know exactly what you do. If you know every package you use, if you like to configure and control every bit of your system, down to configuring custom boot loader manually, then Arch is for you. Use it if you customise Linux to the point, when pre-configured installation would just get in your way.
Arch Wiki is a great resource as well, and not only for arch users, but for learning desktop Linux in general.
Also AUR is neat, it has practically everything.
I have been using it for one year, daily driving it for every possible desktop and home server task, it never failed me.
Over years, Arch got more reliable, and critical packages nowadays are tested before reaching stable repositories, so your system won't break after update.
If you don't know perfectly what you need, and don't want to spend some time learning on Arch Wiki, if you want things just to work out of the box, then don't install Arch, because you won't like it. After minimal installation, Arch is super bare bone, you don't even have networking automatically configured, you don't have sudo, man, and some other utilities you'd expect to universally be installed in every other distribution. This is something you should keep in mind.
There are few downsides for me.
The first one, logging on disk is enabled by default. Arch doesn't do much on its own by default, but why it decides to write a lot of logs on my disk, I have no idea, especially in the age of SSD, when finite number of writing cycles matters. I would like to see them disabled, and coredumps disabled as well. I also wish watchdog was disabled.
The second one, enabling AUR access requires some manual work, that might be avoided if yay was in main repos. I understand that it might be done intentionally to filter out people that have no idea what they are doing, but it requires no effort, except reading an article on Arch Wiki, that you will do anyway over and over if you use Arch.
Regarding newcomers trying Arch, I have experience in using it as an inexperienced user. The first time I tried it, I had very little Linux desktop experience, I didn't like it, because of how much stuff I should do myself, and how much learning I should do as well. But after two years of using other distribution (and learning a lot of stuff), I got bored, tried Arch again, and it came together well. Before installing Arch, I read installation guide, made decisions about partitioning, bootloader, and some other crucial packages to ensure its basic functionality, and suddenly, it wasn't as hard as the first try. I was just fine. Now I think if I reinstall Arch manually from scratch, it won't take much more time, than other distro. And it will just work for me, as expected.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 6
Date: 2025-05-31
Votes: 3
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It is a nice and simple distro. It is also lightweight and responsive unless you choose otherwise. The problem is that you must keep upgrading packages. And bleeding edge means bugs. Even if everything run smoothly it is very annoying and time consuming.
I use my operating system to serve me and not to feel like a beta tester. With Arch you can learn a thing or two about Linux but if you want more knowledge it is better to choose a non rolling release operating system and spend your time writing code instead of using Pacman or compiling packages. It is way more productive.
If you also want to learn how to run a server Arch is probably the worst choice.
If Arch had an LTS, non rolling release edition i would probably use it.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 1
Date: 2025-05-28
Votes: 2
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I installed and used Arch Linux a few times through a few years, I always gave up in favor of other distribution.
While Arch Linux provides a relatively fast operating system with very fast package manager and tons of available software, with an idea to learn GNU/Linux through Arch's manual way of installation, it has two large cons. One is conceptual: the core idea of learning through manual installing is faulty because it is mainly the matter of copy/paste commands, which is not the way how to learn and more importantly remember stuff. In the generally praised Arch wiki the tutorials rarely (if ever) describe the concepts, but just list the steps for doing various things. So, when an issue appears a new user often does not have an alternative than to ask the community on forums how to fix it. The second con is the general "elitist" nature of experienced Arch users, who too often trash talk to new users who ask questions on Arch forums. Supportive community is one of the main components of a healthy environment for learning anything. If these cons didn't exist Arch would have been a perfect Linux distribution. But with these cons stubbornly preserving in Arch ecosystem, I would recommend Manjaro, an Arch-based distro, which has a very supportive community and all the good technologies which Arch has. Users can install it through a semi-automatic installer, so initially users do not learn much from it. But, as some new tasks or issues emerge, the knowledge accumulates on case to case basis, with much friendlier support from Manjaro's community.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 9
Date: 2025-05-27
Votes: 0
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I've tried a large subset of Linux distros and keep a stable of somewhere between 50-100 distros in local (LAN) storage. Over the years, I've become a minimalist and Arch seems the best fit - like (Debian-based) Finnix, you can make Arch into almost anything.
ATM (though it's been some years now), I use Arch-based distros for my workstations and Debian-based distros or *BSD on my servers (depending on the task). I suppose I could use Debian for both, but Arch is a lot closer to my personal style and I've never had a problem with it.
Generically, I'd give Debian a 7, most *BSDs an 8, and Arch a 9... Arch gives me speed, security (if it's configured to my personal standards), ease of use, and a wide range of *current* apps to choose from.
Unlike Debian, Arch provides all the 'latest and greatest' and the the minimum number of associated packages to achieve my ends without providing 'everything JIC' (Debian's default preference).
I can't imagine using anything but Arch on 'my' machines for my personal projects or at work (where I usually get to call the shots on what I use). Debian has its place (on servers and appliances), but using Arch is not only powerful, it's actually fun.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 9
Date: 2025-05-16
Votes: 3
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i use arch as my daily driver, 3rd linux distro that i've used, probably gonna use it for a while, lmao.
I don't understand why people say that arch is unstable. i've had more issues with debian than with arch (although that might have been because of the gnome desktop in general or because it was my first linux distro, idk). pacman is officially my favourite package manager ever, and I prefer rolling releases over other versioning systems.
i also liked the installation, where you could either do it manually or with archinstall. this helped me only install the packages that I wanted, and so I didn't have to remove a lot of unnecessary packages like i've done with other distros.
note for new people, don't let people look down on you for not doing a manual installation and using archinstall instead. the manual installation is basically just you following a set of instructions (cool, but like plz don't be elitist???) and it only gives you a little bit more control over the installation; arch install comes with enough options anyway. so, if you don't feel comfortable with the manual installation, just use archinstall. it's not going to make you less of an arch user or whatever.
SUMMARY
pros:
- rolling-release (pro for some, con for others, this is just how I feel)
- pacman
- the aur
- minimal install
cons:
- not a lot of packages in the official repos (but fixed by the aur!)
- not a technical issue, but the community's kinda toxic.....
- even with all the choice, it doesn't give you choice of init system (not very important for me, I don't care THAT much, but still. if this is an issue for you, artix is arch but with 4 different non-systemd init options)
overall, 9/10 because of the community and the init system thing.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-05-11
Votes: 8
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I was a Fedora user for a while. I still have it installed on my personal PC and daily drive it. I installed Arch on my 12yo son's and 10yo daughter's low powered laptops and absolutely love it. I am planning on replacing Fedora with Arch on all my systems. Contrary to what many of the Youtube personalities say about Arch, I have experienced literally ZERO stability issues. I have had more issues with Fedora to be honest. I am using KDE and everything works really well. No issues with the laptop's ability to sleep on lid close - yes, I am bringing this specific issue up because I dealt with this in Fedora. I think it's on all of us to change the narrative that Arch is a hard distro to install and use. This may have been true at a point in the past but that is not the case anymore. I think I've found my forever distro!
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-05-06
Votes: 16
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My 10 year Arch anniversary. Same GNOME installation.
I use it primarily for gaming and recording my gameplay for Youtube playthroughs. For some reason, Arch uses about half the amount on a cold boot than any distro I've seen (next to Solus.) It boots the fastest and has the least issues. Over the years the package count has only gone up a little bit (I think it started at 750, now it's around 800 from dependencies.) I clear the cache on a monthly basis, deal with pacnews promptly, and always watch closely as pacman updates. It simply just stays working. Something I cannot say for my distrohopping days pre-Arch, even with the "preconfigured" "user friendly" distros.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 8
Date: 2025-04-21
Votes: 24
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I used Arch for over 10 years and eventually switched to Void Linux. I was tired of being a test pilot of untested software and I was tired of endless system maintenance. The system should work and not create an endless monotonous meaningless task. Arch is not as light and not as customizable as it is usually believed. Most other distros also allow individual installation of packages, so you can build a light DE without extra dependencies on any Linux with a standard installer. Maybe have to tinker a little with the list of packages.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 9
Date: 2025-04-12
Votes: 0
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I use Arch since 5 years. I have a system alway updated. Sometimes somethiong breaks but it's never for a long time. The community is amazing. And yet, I use many AUR because I works radioham and video. With Steam I can play also, but it's not my main usage. Before I was user of Ubuntu, Debian and Mint. I prefer Arch really. It's true I will not advise it to a beginner, but if you dont afraid by some line command to do, arch is the OS you need. I could not back to another OS now. Arch is really simple if we take time to learn a little how runs an OS. Try it is adopting :)
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-04-08
Votes: 21
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About 6 years ago I loaded up the Manjaro distro and started using it daily, finally getting away from using Windows(now I only use Windows on rare occasions.)
So I used Manjaro for about ~2 years before I felt like reformatting and starting fresh. And since Manjaro is Arch based, I decided to go straight to the source and setup Arch Linux. This is when I realized just how bloated Manjaro is(and most distros imo) and just how lightweight Arch is. Because of this I don't think I'd recommend Arch to a Linux beginner since it is such a barebones OS and the setup takes a little more effort(no GUI setup, but there are install scripts that really help) because you have to install what you want your system to use which can require some knowledge of Linux in general(but I'm sure guides can help walk through the setup.) So for someone who has some Linux experience, Arch is very stable as a daily driver and works pretty good for gaming as well.
Also, if you have any issues then you can find pretty much anything you need to know from the Arch Linux wiki and thanks to the very active community you can find/install pretty much any packages that are available for Linux via the AUR (Arch User Repository.) The AUR is really one of the greatest benefits to using an Arch based distro and I don't see myself switching to another distro any time soon.
10/10
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-04-06
Votes: 7
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Arch Linux is not for the faint of heart. There's a steep learning curve to installation. There's trial and error, but you can expect more error than anything else. Yes, there's the automated installer. Yes, there are third-party automated installers. If they serve your needs, that's fine, otherwise get ready for a Linux adventure of a lifetime.
Once you're able to boot into your fresh installation, there's more learning. More trial and error, mostly error.
But is it worth it? Well… only you can answer that. I've done a number of installations myself, and even though I don't consider myself an expert, it came to a point where it works for me.
Just be aware that the adventure does not stop when you have a fully functional computer. You will make mistakes. People behind the AUR will make mistakes. Just remember to leave your bread crumbs along the way and (voilà) you'll have a solid system at your fingertips.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 1
Date: 2025-04-03
Votes: 0
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Not usable for everyday wor. As unstable as no other distribution and with the most unfriendly forum I have ever seen. Do yourself a favour and just leave it out. Arch Linux: A Nightmare Dressed as an Operating System.
If you enjoy wasting hours troubleshooting basic functionality, Arch Linux is the perfect disaster for you. This so-called "lightweight" and "customizable" distribution is nothing more than an unstable mess disguised as a minimalist’s dream.
Unless you enjoy self-inflicted pain, avoid Arch Linux. It’s an unstable, overhyped, and unnecessarily difficult operating system that offers little benefit over more reliable distributions. The constant maintenance, troubleshooting, and elitist community make it one of the worst choices for anyone who values their time and sanity.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-03-09
Votes: 7
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I switched from the Debian world to Arch. On a new Laptop. Runs very well. There is no significant difference in direct comparison with Linux Mint. Exept the form of updates. If you like the Debian way with 'apt update; apt dist-ugrade' you only need 'pacman -Syu'. Write an alias 'upgrade' as same as for Debian or Ubuntu and everything is okay.
I use yay for package management for AUR. So I only need to use yay for upgrading both, basic system and AUR packages. Works fine.
Upgrading twice a week is okay. Then nothing is different to Debian stable. Except the system is much more up-to-date.
I use Cinnamon desktop. There ist no difference to Linux Mint Cinnamon. The Arch Project uses the actual sources from the Cinnamon Project out of Linux Mint. Works wonderful.
I use the Linux-LTS kernel. Also Grub. Very easy to configure with the new install script 'archinstall'. Except the os-prober. You must know that 'update-grub' has an own package. That's all. Same procedure with /etc/default/grub. There you can configure os-prober. You can use the configuration from Debian as well except the grub start information.
Some packages you may not like to find with pacman, then they are in the AUR. The parameters for yay are the same for searching and installing. Done a couple of times, then it makes no difference if you were used to apt.
Palemoon and the Edge browser are in the AUR. But be careful. During the initial installation, a lot of memory is required in the user directory. Up to 6 GB for package building. If you configure your home directory too tightly, error messages will appear. The alternatve is to give the yay directory inside the cache directory an own partition for package building. Works fine.
A good way is, to configure a test user, and in the moment of switching in the most cases you can copy your old user directory with the configuration of apps. With the actual Linux Mint this works fine with less error messages. The old Cinnamon config will work. If you are using the old system of group 100, you must configure it. Also where to configure your home directory. Arch gives you no limits as seen in Debian. You can configure your personnel user later after configuring the system.
I use my system in the traditional way. I am very glad with it. Everything works fine for me.
With 25 years of Linux experience, I have to say that I am glad to have arrived at Arch Linux now. Trust me. Try it. Use the wonderful Arch wiki, your search engine in the web, and many videos on Youtube. The Arch wiki may have some older informations. So search for newer informations. Many blogs have good examples to find your own way.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-03-09
Votes: 31
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My distro hoping ended here 5 years back. AUR is just a complete satisfaction. I used Arch Linux on many old and new configuration without any problem. I used it in very heavy as well as very light resources. Arch Linux is totally configurable based on available resources (CPU, RAM etc).
AUR is another beautiful thing for Arch Linux. Almost all the packages are available here. AUR make life much more easier.
Another nice thing for Arch Linux is that it is very modern. Packages are readily up-to-date.
So Arch is what I need for my daily use.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-03-08
Votes: 0
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After so many years distro hoping, I finally found a Distro that has it all. Despite not being easy to install (unless you use the archinstall script), and the learning curve is somewhat high for a Debian based user like me, I got used to its commands pretty quickly and learned everything I had to know for a daily driver machine to run it.
I can say now that I would not go back to any other Distro in my life. Its Wiki page is quite something else and pretty much every issue has been documented there.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 8
Date: 2025-02-27
Votes: 10
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Arch is a very customizable distro as it encourages users to build their system, from desktop environments to sound systems. Arch is very similar to building a computer, as you have to pick each component and build the system. There are simply many reasons to use Arch Linux. Arch will always have up to date software, new drivers, and just about anything for Linux. The repos and AUR is filled with software needed to use your computer. I never had issues finding software on Arch. Arch also has an excellent wiki where everything is described in great detail. Keeping my system minimal is another benefit of Arch as this lowers my attack surface and improves performance.
Arch, for being bleeding edge is quite reliable. However, issues do occur once in a while. Having a usb loaded with Arch and a second device. (i.e. a laptop or a smart phone) is a must for pulling up the wiki when things do go wrong. Regardless of distro, having a backup plan is vital to protect your operating system and files. I never suffered data loss with Arch Linux. Once in a while KDE Wayland will freeze, forcing me to restart my computer through the power button. It is necessary to install Arch through the wiki, instead of the install script, as the wiki will teach you how Arch and Linux in general works. The install script is good for setting up Arch in a hurry.
In my experience with using Linux, all distros have their pros and cons. Arch does occasionally break, but it is generally easy to fix. One benefit of Arch is that you don't have to reinstall if your system is borked, on the other hand 'just works' distros or Windows will need a reinstall. Arch will give you a lot of freedom and doesn't force you to do something a certain way.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-02-08
Votes: 30
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I've been using Arch for some time and have noticed some peculiarities. Yes, the software on bleeding edge is new, but it is not the most stable and not the fastest. Debian, known for its slow updates, works more responsively. The software is simpler there, perhaps less functional, but much better polished. (Debian has its own peculiarities, such as an extremely slow package manager. This is not so noticeable if you have an NVME or SSD or even HDD, but if you decide to install the system on a flash drive or SD card, you will greatly regret choosing something that uses dpkg.) Void Linux, for example, also works more responsively than Arch.
A typical situation in Arch: you update the system and notice an increase in the speed of work, you update the next time and something breaks, you update again - something is fixed, but everything works slowly. This cycle is repeated, to one degree or another. Of course, you can update less often, say once every few months, but then the software will not be on bleeding edge and this advantage is lost. Frequent massive updates also make my SSD sad in terms of the number of bytes written. Many of the installed applications are updated more often than they are used.
As for bugs, well, from my observations, they do not appear often, no more often than in similar distributions. By similar, I do not mean Arch clones.
One of the reasons why I chose Arch was a clear and logical build system, so I was able to quite easily make the desired changes to the necessary packages. However, with frequent updates, you also often have to rebuild manually compiled applications. And such maintenance eats up time. For comparison, the package build files in Debian are much more intricate.
The init system, well, with the speed of modern processors, this is almost insignificant. SystemD can handle sockets, i.e. launch services when accessing them, which Runit or SysV cannot do. Logs are saved in the database and access to them is mandatory through journalctl and grep directly in the log file will not find the desired line, only through a pipe from journalctl. The ability to use the built-in DNS cache in SystemD is also an option. From a security point of view, of course, SystemD looks much more vulnerable than one program performing only one action. If SystemD undesirable, you can always install Artix while preserving everything else from Arch.
Installation. For me, this was not a big deal. It was enough to figure it out once, save the terminal history to disk as a script and, if necessary, run it again.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-02-05
Votes: 14
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The first time I installed this distro, it was a real challenge, but now it’s way easier thanks to the official installation script. You can still do everything manually if you want, but for those who just want to get up and running quickly, the script makes the process super simple. One of the things I love most is how clean and minimal it is, no bloat, just exactly what you need. The rolling release model means you're always on the latest software, and I’ve rarely had issues with updates breaking things. And even when something did break, it was quickly fixed upstream, so I never had to deal with problems for long. Pacman is one of my favorite package managers: fast, efficient, and with a simple tweak, it can download multiple packages at once, making installations much quicker. And then there’s the AUR, which is a lifesaver when you need software that’s not in the official repos. Plus, the Arch Wiki is hands down one of the best Linux resources out there, not just for Arch users but for anyone using Linux. Compared to other distros, I love how much control it gives me, and once you get used to it, it’s hard to use anything else.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 6
Date: 2025-01-29
Votes: 3
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It’s a solid choice for enthusiasts who enjoy tweaking their system to perfection. However, my recent experience with Arch Linux
left me a bit disappointed, primarily due to stability issues.
Untested updates without no refined rollback system with modern boot procedures are a no go for me.
And the packaging experience is alright but submitting is tedious since it's hard to find someone "trusted by the community" to take over a new package.
It's nice if want to learn how a GNU/Linux system works under the hood tho.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-01-24
Votes: 5
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If a laser-focused operating system with a few applications is what you need, then Arch is near perfect. When trying to make a complete OS, with all the applications that may entail, it can be a lot of work, so I would install kde-applications and be done with it if that's the goal. With that in mind, it's probably easiest to go with endeavouros if you want an Arch based OS rather than a very finely tuned OS as they are basically the same, except for a few scripts (Manjaro, Artix, et al are not Arch).
The archinstall script makes it really simple to try Arch, if that's the only OS you're installing. I've found Arch to be stable, work exceptionally well, and perfect for the single-focused computers I have. Highly recommended.
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Project: Arch Linux
Version: current
Rating: 10
Date: 2025-01-24
Votes: 5
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I had too much time in my hands and decided to try Arch. Back then when good old Windows 11 pulled the trigger with Recall and I was absolutely mad with them taking screenshots without my permission. But at that time, I already started using Ubuntu and was quite happy with it, and I thought I was going to continue to use that for the rest of my life. Window's recall mean I can't use my VMs without getting spied as well. I don't know where they are get that idea from. And I REALLY do Care.
I ran Arch in a virtual machine to play with the installation, and after a heckload of work, I managed to get it to boot. Soon later, I decided to replace my Ubuntu with Arch after I tried it. Since there was almost nothing important in one of my hard drive, it was safe for me to do so. You need at least basic computer knowledge to install this OS into your system, but with it you can well start doing so. But if you have the knowledge and habit to setup everything manually in Windows, from connecting to the internet, installing drivers, looking up google for solutions, going to the driver manafacture's websites etc. You might do better than you thought.
The only drawback here is if you are totally not familiar with Linux and its command line, the time and effort of installing this will be quite tremendous. And even if you have knowledge of how things work in Windows, Linux is still a completely different world. While other Linux like Ubuntu give you the option to bypass the so call "dreaded" command line interface (CLI), this one will not let you do so. This is, right when you attempt to connect to the internet to download softwares you need. (Don't use archinstall for first timers. You'll end up getting confused rather than satisfied)
Fortunately things had been also made easy with the installing guide in the website. The option archinstall is provided for those who are already familiar with the manual installing instruction but I heard they got bugs in it. Do the manual install. With each step, you at least can make sure you only ever install things you know.
Anyways. When you passed everything and got a nice GUI running, everything from the package manager to app updates are absolute free of charge, and requires no subscription at all. You are in charge of your pc, but also means the responsibility of taking well care of it.
If this is your option, go with Arch. If you prefer everything to be semi automatic, but with your intervention, then it depends. But if you connect to the internet frequently, prefer a clean desk straight away for production, and preferring to go straight to work without excessive "fuss", using only GUI and you prefer having the OS does most of the work for you without your mind going through miles of headaches to get things to work for you, go with other linux, Mac, or even Windows.
Arch is an OS that requires you to at least willing to go through logs, digging the net for answers and prepare if things don't work out, you have a backup for everything, or at least you are willing to put investment on what you want to do.
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