If you’re considering installing an Arch-based Linux distribution, EndeavourOS and Manjaro are two of the most popular choices. Both aim to make Arch Linux more accessible but differ significantly in their installation processes. This listicle breaks down the key installation differences between EndeavourOS and Manjaro, helping new and experienced users understand what to expect from each and decide which suits their needs best.
Installer Type and Interface
Manjaro uses the Calamares installer, a widely used graphical installation framework known for its polished, user-friendly interface. It guides users through partitioning, user setup, and bootloader options with clear defaults, making it approachable for beginners. EndeavourOS also uses Calamares but with fewer automated defaults, offering a more minimal and flexible installation experience. While both installers are graphical, EndeavourOS’s installer is designed to give users more control and less hand-holding during setup.
Pre-Installation Desktop Environment Options
Manjaro offers official ISO images tailored to specific desktop environments like Xfce, KDE Plasma, and GNOME, allowing users to download a pre-configured system ready to go. This means the installation process includes a fully themed, pre-installed desktop with Manjaro’s customizations. EndeavourOS, on the other hand, provides a minimal base install and lets users choose their desktop environment during installation from a selection including Xfce, KDE, GNOME, Cinnamon, and others. This approach gives more flexibility but requires the user to make more decisions upfront.
Default Software Selection and Bloat
Manjaro’s installer sets up a full desktop experience with a curated selection of applications such as office suites, media players, and utilities right out of the box. This can be convenient for users wanting a ready-to-use system but results in a larger initial installation size. EndeavourOS installs a minimal base system with essential utilities only, allowing users to install software later as needed. This leaner approach appeals to users who want a clean slate and prefer to customize their system extensively post-install.
Partitioning and Filesystem Setup
Both EndeavourOS and Manjaro’s Calamares installers support manual and automatic partitioning, including options for LVM and encryption. Manjaro’s installer provides more guided partitioning defaults, such as automatic partitioning with Btrfs or ext4, simplifying the process for newcomers. EndeavourOS’s installer presents partitioning options with less automation and fewer presets, giving experienced users full control but potentially intimidating new users. Both support advanced setups but with different levels of user intervention required.
Arch Linux Base vs. Customized Kernel
EndeavourOS installs the latest Arch Linux base packages directly, using the vanilla Arch Linux kernel by default, which ensures close alignment with upstream Arch updates. Manjaro, in contrast, uses its own kernel packages, often with specific patches and additional kernel versions maintained by the Manjaro team. This affects installation as Manjaro’s installer handles kernel selection and updates differently, sometimes delaying updates for stability, while EndeavourOS offers a more bleeding-edge experience consistent with Arch.
Network Configuration During Installation
Manjaro’s installer automatically detects and configures network connections during installation, including Wi-Fi, with a straightforward graphical interface and minimal user input. EndeavourOS’s installer offers network setup but expects users to be more involved, especially when configuring Wi-Fi or complex networking scenarios. This difference means Manjaro can be easier for users with limited networking knowledge, while EndeavourOS favors users comfortable with manual configuration.
Post-Installation Setup and Welcome Tools
Manjaro includes a post-install welcome screen that helps users install additional drivers, codecs, and software, making it easier for beginners to get started with a fully functional desktop. EndeavourOS also offers a welcome app but it is more focused on providing documentation links and community support resources rather than automated setup tools. This reflects EndeavourOS’s philosophy of empowering users to customize their system post-install rather than automating everything.
Installer Updates and Community Support
Manjaro’s Calamares installer receives regular updates integrated into the stable release cycles and benefits from a large development team focused on ease of use. EndeavourOS’s installer is updated frequently as well but is maintained by a smaller team with a community-driven approach. This results in EndeavourOS sometimes having newer installer features sooner but also requiring users to engage more with community forums for troubleshooting.
Installation Time and Resource Requirements
Because Manjaro installs a full desktop environment and more preconfigured software, its installation process generally takes longer and requires more disk space and system resources. EndeavourOS’s minimal base install is quicker and lighter, appealing to users with older hardware or those who want to build their system from the ground up. This difference is important for users who prioritize installation speed or have limited hardware capabilities.
Release Model and Installation Media
Manjaro releases stable ISO images on a regular schedule with tested, curated package versions, allowing users to install a system that is stable and polished. EndeavourOS provides rolling-release ISO images updated frequently to stay close to Arch’s latest packages. The installation media differences mean Manjaro is more suitable for users wanting a tested, stable environment from the start, while EndeavourOS caters to those wanting the most current Arch experience immediately.
How to Choose
Choosing between EndeavourOS and Manjaro for installation comes down to your comfort level with Linux and how much control you want. If you prefer a straightforward, beginner-friendly installer with a preconfigured desktop and helpful post-install tools, Manjaro is a solid choice. If you want a minimal, Arch-aligned base with more customization during installation and don’t mind more manual setup, EndeavourOS is worth considering. Also consider hardware compatibility, desired software freshness, and community support when making your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EndeavourOS harder to install than Manjaro?
EndeavourOS’s installer requires more user input and knowledge, making it slightly more challenging, but it remains graphical and user-friendly compared to pure Arch installation.
Can I install multiple desktop environments with these installers?
EndeavourOS allows choosing from multiple desktops during install, but only one at a time. Manjaro offers separate ISOs per desktop but also supports installing additional desktops post-install.
Do both installers support encrypted disk setups?
Yes, both EndeavourOS and Manjaro’s Calamares installers support full disk encryption with LUKS during installation.
Which installer is more up-to-date with Arch Linux?
EndeavourOS installs packages directly from Arch repos, making it more up-to-date, while Manjaro uses curated, tested package versions, sometimes delaying updates for stability.
Is it possible to customize the installation heavily with Manjaro?
Manjaro’s installer is more streamlined with fewer customization options during install compared to EndeavourOS, but users can customize extensively after installation.
Can I use the same installer media repeatedly?
Both EndeavourOS and Manjaro provide rolling-release ISOs updated regularly; however, it’s recommended to download new ISOs periodically to get the latest fixes and features.
Final Thoughts
EndeavourOS and Manjaro both simplify the Arch Linux installation experience but cater to different user preferences. Manjaro’s polished, beginner-friendly installer and curated software make it ideal for users seeking a ready-to-use system with minimal fuss. EndeavourOS appeals to those who want a lightweight, flexible base with closer adherence to Arch’s rolling release and greater installation-time control. Understanding these installation differences helps you pick the distribution that aligns best with your Linux journey.
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