When comparing Parabola GNU/Linux-libre vs NetBSD, the Slant community recommends Parabola GNU/Linux-libre for most people. In the question“What are the best Linux distributions for misanthropes?” Parabola GNU/Linux-libre is ranked 46th while NetBSD is ranked 102nd.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Protects your freedom, certified free by the FSF
Pro Option to use OpenRC or Systemd
Parabola has an OpenRC edition and a Systemd edition, so users can choose which init system they want.
Pro All the benefits of Arch Linux, only 100% certified free software
Pro Very Secure
Pro Has its own repos
Parabola has its own repos (which are almost as large as Arch Linux) and the IceCat browser is included.
Pro Can be migrated from Arch Linux without a CD/USB
Pro Based on Arch Linux
Pro Adhere to the standard
It adheres to traditional Unix and new defined standards.
Pro It's Open Source
It's open source with a BSD License, which is much more business friendly than GPL. It's the real ancestor of Mac, that is being used nowadays.
Pro It's real
Under NetBSD csh is csh not tcsh; also vi is real vi not elvis, nvi or vim. It's ideal for purists.
Pro Architecture portability
It's the most portable OS in the world when considering what architectures it can run on. It runs on very wide range of hardware, from toaster to satellites. This of course does not mean it supports drivers for many consumer facing products making it a difficult solution to just boot up and use when compared to other OSs.
Pro Clean source code
It prioritizes source code cleanliness over anything.
Cons
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.
Con Same cons that apply to Arch Linux
Con Not compatible with AUR
Unlike other Arch-based distros, this free distro doesn't support AUR.
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.
Con Incompetent developers
They only care about removing "non-free" software, rather than making a properly working OS.
Con Serves no purpose
It's just Arch without non-free software and is basically a niche OS with few users.
Con Not really free
People have to pay hundreds to maintain this distro.
Con Lack of drivers
It lacks drivers for some new devices.