This listicle breaks down the installation processes of EndeavourOS and Manjaro, two popular Arch Linux-based distributions. It’s designed for users deciding which distro to try based on how straightforward and user-friendly their installation experience is, especially those new to Arch or Linux in general.
1. Installer Type and Interface
Manjaro uses the Calamares installer, a widely adopted graphical installer known for its intuitive, step-by-step process. Calamares offers clear options for partitioning, locale, user setup, and bootloader installation with helpful tooltips, making it accessible even for Linux beginners. EndeavourOS, on the other hand, employs its own installer called “Calamares EndeavourOS Edition,” which is a customized version of Calamares but with fewer graphical enhancements and slightly more manual steps. While still graphical, EndeavourOS’s installer expects users to have a bit more familiarity with Linux installation concepts.
2. Default Installation Options
Manjaro provides a polished, out-of-the-box experience with pre-selected default options that suit most users, such as automatic partitioning with Btrfs or ext4, automatic driver detection, and a choice between popular desktop environments like XFCE, KDE, or GNOME. This reduces decision fatigue and speeds up installation. EndeavourOS offers a more minimal default install, focusing on base system setup and letting users choose their desktop environment during or after installation, which can be more flexible but requires additional post-install configuration.
3. Hardware Detection and Driver Setup
Manjaro excels at detecting hardware automatically during installation and installing proprietary drivers when needed, such as NVIDIA graphics drivers, which can save users from troubleshooting post-install issues. This is especially helpful for users with less technical knowledge. EndeavourOS relies more on the Arch philosophy of user control, so while it detects hardware, it leaves driver installation decisions primarily to the user, requiring manual intervention in some cases.
4. Partitioning Flexibility and Support
Manjaro’s Calamares installer offers guided partitioning with options for automatic partitioning, manual partitioning, and LVM or encryption setups through a user-friendly interface. This makes it accessible for users who want security features without deep technical knowledge. EndeavourOS’s installer also supports manual partitioning and encryption but does not provide as many automated guided options, often requiring users to be more hands-on with partitioning schemes.
5. Installation Speed and Performance
Manjaro’s installation time is generally quicker due to its pre-configured defaults and automated hardware setup. The process can take around 15-20 minutes on a typical modern system. EndeavourOS installations might take longer, closer to 20-30 minutes, because it downloads packages from Arch mirrors during installation and requires more user input, especially if users customize their desktop environment or additional packages.
6. Post-Installation Configuration
Manjaro aims to provide a ready-to-use system immediately after installation with pre-installed software, drivers, and updates, reducing the need for users to perform additional setup. EndeavourOS installs a minimal base system and encourages users to install and configure software themselves, which appeals to users who want a clean slate but adds complexity for newcomers.
7. Documentation and Installer Help
Manjaro’s installer benefits from extensive documentation and community forums that guide users through common installation issues, alongside on-screen help during setup. EndeavourOS has strong community support focused on Arch principles, and its installation wiki is comprehensive but assumes more Linux knowledge, making it less beginner-friendly during installation troubleshooting.
8. Network Configuration During Installation
Manjaro’s installer automatically detects and configures wired and wireless networks, allowing users to download updates and non-free drivers during installation seamlessly. EndeavourOS supports network configuration but requires more manual input, such as selecting Wi-Fi networks or setting up network interfaces, which can be challenging for less experienced users.
9. Live Environment Usability
Manjaro provides a polished live environment with full desktop functionality, allowing users to test hardware compatibility and the desktop experience before installing. This reduces surprises after installation. EndeavourOS’s live environment is more minimalistic, focusing on the installer itself and basic tools, which can limit pre-install testing but keeps the ISO lightweight.
10. Community and Installer Updates
Manjaro’s installer is regularly updated alongside the distribution to improve stability, add features, and fix bugs, reflecting its status as a more mature, user-friendly Arch derivative. EndeavourOS’s installer updates are tied closely to Arch’s rolling release model and community feedback, which can mean faster adoption of new features but occasional instability or less polish during installation.
How to Choose
When deciding between EndeavourOS and Manjaro based on installation ease, consider your Linux experience and desired level of control. If you want a straightforward, mostly hands-off installation with automatic hardware detection and pre-configured defaults, Manjaro is likely the better choice. It’s ideal for beginners or users who want a quick setup with minimal tinkering. However, if you prefer a closer-to-Arch experience with more manual control during installation and post-install configuration, and you don’t mind spending extra time setting up your system, EndeavourOS offers that flexibility. Additionally, consider how much you value having a polished live environment and automated driver support during installation, as these can significantly affect your initial experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I install proprietary drivers during EndeavourOS installation?
EndeavourOS’s installer does not automatically install proprietary drivers during setup; you typically install them after the base system is installed.
Q: Does Manjaro support UEFI and Secure Boot installation?
Yes, Manjaro supports UEFI installations and can work with Secure Boot enabled, although Secure Boot often needs to be disabled or manually configured depending on hardware.
Q: Are both installers graphical or command line?
Both Manjaro and EndeavourOS use graphical installers based on Calamares, but EndeavourOS’s version is slightly more barebones and may require more manual steps.
Q: Can I install multiple desktop environments during installation?
Manjaro’s installer lets you choose a single desktop environment per installation, while EndeavourOS allows selecting desktop environments during or after installation, but not multiple simultaneously in one install.
Q: Is internet connection required to install either distro?
Manjaro’s installer can work offline using its pre-packaged ISO contents, while EndeavourOS typically requires an internet connection to download the latest packages during installation.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the choice between EndeavourOS and Manjaro for installation ease hinges on your comfort with Linux and how much setup work you want to do post-install. Manjaro offers a polished, beginner-friendly installation with automation and hardware detection that minimizes hassle. EndeavourOS caters more to users seeking a lightweight, customizable base closer to Arch Linux’s philosophy, at the cost of a more involved installation process. Both have strong communities and solid installers, but your priorities—whether ease or control—will guide the best fit for your needs.
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