When comparing Parabola GNU/Linux-libre vs Archbang, the Slant community recommends Parabola GNU/Linux-libre for most people. In the question“What are the best rolling release Linux distributions?” Parabola GNU/Linux-libre is ranked 20th while Archbang is ranked 41st.
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 The best features of Arch without the hassle
ArchBang is minimal but completely functional out of the box. It's still up to you to set up to your liking. You still get Arch's unmatched documentation, insanely vast number of packages (in AUR) and extreme customizability. And a small but friendly and approachable community.
Pro Rolling release
Being based on Arch, Archbang follows a rolling release schedule, ensuring that the software will always be on the bleeding edge.
Pro Lightweight
Archbang is a pretty lightweight distro. It uses Openbox as a Window Manager by default, without having the need to use a desktop environment which would only bloat the OS further.
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 Not compatible with AUR
Unlike other Arch-based distros, this free distro doesn't support AUR.
Con Same cons that apply to Arch Linux
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.