When comparing Hyperbola GNU/Linux-libre vs Parabola GNU/Linux-libre, the Slant community recommends Parabola GNU/Linux-libre for most people. In the question“What are the best Linux distros?” Parabola GNU/Linux-libre is ranked 20th while Hyperbola GNU/Linux-libre is ranked 38th.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Same as Parabola
There's merit in having both distros installed, because sometimes you must need newer software as Hyperbola goes on Debian way and Parabola goes on Arch way.
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
Cons
Con Parabola but with rusty and outdated packages
Con "Init Freedom Campaign"
The self proclaimed "init freedom campaign" claims that it protects user freedom, but in reality it doesn't, and it's heavily misleading. The campaign's goal is to "free the users" by trying their utmost hardest to force their hatred of systemd down every developer's throats and removing the user's freedom to fully appreciate systemd for the amazing collection of programs it is. This campaign also seems to be linked to the anti-GNU movement, which actively tries to remove all the credit that Richard Stallman should've gotten for making the (arguably) best operating system, and directing that credit to Linus Torvalds for making a bloated and messy kernel that does way more than a kernel should do (systemd isn't just an init system, it's made to be more than just that, unlike Linux), and his devteam, especially Steve McConnell who shametags every single line of code that happens to hardly fall within one guideline of the GNU coding standards.
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.