What are the best systemd-free, Arch-based Linux distributions?

Question

LinuxLinux distributionArch-based

What are the best systemd-free, Arch-based Linux distributions?

5

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Considered

139

User
Recs.

Feb 4, 2024

Last
Updated

4 Options Considered

Best systemd-free, Arch-based Linux distributions	Price	Based On	Release Schedule
53 Artix Linux	-	Arch Linux	Rolling release
46 Parabola GNU/Linux-libre	-	Arch Linux	Rolling
43 Obarun	-	Arch Linux	Rolling
-- Archman Linux	0	Arch Linux	monthly updated (rolling)

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score 49 · Answer 1

Artix Linux

Top Pro

Lightweight

Only the software you would need like Terminal emulator, file manager, media player and a browser. See More

Top Con

Not a systemd free distro

It uses a different init and service management than systemd, but this distro uses elogind which provides a vast majority of systemd library. The entire system is based on it and impossible to remove without a big effort of compilation for many packages. So, Artix is not a systemd free distro. See More

BraveBeag's Experience

slow worked See More

Specs

Based On:Arch Linux

Release Schedule:Rolling release

Release Type:Binary

Default Desktop Environment:Bash (Unix shell), Cinnamon, KDE Plasma, LXDE, LXQt, MATE and XFCE

See All Specs

Top Pro

Flexibility

You can have a functional system in less than 10 mins using GUI installer OR you can do it "the Arch way". See More

Top Pro

Rolling distro

Top Pro

Runit

Artix actively supports the runit init system known from Void Linux (equally besides the OpenRC init system known from Gentoo). See More

Top Pro

Close to bare Arch Linux

No learning curve if you're coming from Arch or any of its derivatives. See More

Top Pro

Dinit

Easy to learn init system. See More

Top Pro

No systemd

Top Pro

Compatible with Arch Repositories

It is fully compatible with almost all packages from community, extra, multilib and AUR. See More

See All

score 18 · Answer 2

Parabola GNU/Linux-libre

Top Pro

All the benefits of Arch Linux, only 100% certified free software

Top Con

Not really free

People have to pay hundreds to maintain this distro. See More

Specs

Based On:Arch Linux

Release Schedule:Rolling

Release Type:Binary

Default Desktop Environment:LXDE

See All Specs

Top Pro

Protects your freedom, certified free by the FSF

Top Con

Small repositories

Since Parabola is a completely free distro, there is no non-free software available and the community repositories are small compared to the AUR. See More

Top Pro

Very Secure

Top Con

Won't work out-of-the-box on the most PC's

Almost all PCs need non-free drivers but Parabola has none to offer. See More

Top Pro

Has its own repos

Parabola has its own repos (which are almost as large as Arch Linux) and the IceCat browser is included. See More

Top Con

Incompetent developers

They only care about removing non-free software, rather than making a properly working OS. See More

Top Pro

Can be migrated from Arch Linux without a CD/USB

Top Con

Same cons that apply to Arch Linux

Top Pro

Option to use OpenRC or Systemd

Top Con

Serves no purpose

It's just Arch without non-free software and is basically a niche OS with few users. See More

Top Con

Not compatible with AUR

Unlike other Arch-based distros, this free distro doesn't support AUR. See More

Top Con

Very few packages

Since this is completely "free", you won't find many packages available, so there isn't a lot you can do with Parabola. See More

See All

score 18 · Answer 3

Obarun

Top Pro

No systemd involved

Specs

Based On:Arch Linux

Release Schedule:Rolling

Release Type:Binary

Package Manager:pacman

See All Specs

Top Pro

No default desktop at all

A minimal ISO without desktop is provided and also a JWM desktop ISO. You can install anything you want, except GNOME, which is heavily dependent on systemd. XFCE, Plasma, Openbox, i3, anything. See More

See All

score 21 · Answer 4

Archman Linux

Top Pro

Handy, easy to install, effective, has a variety of sessions

Archman Gnu Linux's Experience

Archman GNU/Linux is an Arch Linux-based distribution which features the Calamares system installer and a pre-configured desktop environment. Archman also features the Pamac package manager for easy installation of new software packages. See More

Specs

Based On:Arch Linux

Release Schedule:monthly updated (rolling)

Release Type:rolling release

Default Desktop Environment: XFCE

See All Specs

Top Pro

Handy, easy to install, effective, has a variety of Sessions.

HarmoniousHunHunahpu's Experience

stable, fast and visual See More

See All

What are the best systemd-free, Arch-based Linux distributions?

4 Options Considered

Artix Linux

My Recommendation for Artix Linux

My Recommendation for Artix Linux

Lightweight

Not a systemd free distro

Flexibility

Rolling distro

Runit

Close to bare Arch Linux

Dinit

No systemd

Compatible with Arch Repositories

Parabola GNU/Linux-libre

My Recommendation for Parabola GNU/Linux-libre

My Recommendation for Parabola GNU/Linux-libre

All the benefits of Arch Linux, only 100% certified free software

Not really free

Protects your freedom, certified free by the FSF

Small repositories

Very Secure

Won't work out-of-the-box on the most PC's

Has its own repos

Incompetent developers

Can be migrated from Arch Linux without a CD/USB

Same cons that apply to Arch Linux

Option to use OpenRC or Systemd

Serves no purpose

Not compatible with AUR

Very few packages

Obarun

My Recommendation for Obarun

My Recommendation for Obarun

No systemd involved

No default desktop at all

Archman Linux

My Recommendation for Archman Linux

My Recommendation for Archman Linux

Handy, easy to install, effective, has a variety of sessions

Handy, easy to install, effective, has a variety of Sessions.

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