Ubuntu vs. Manjaro

As a Linux user, you may have worked with Ubuntu, one of the most popular distributions for desktops and users. On the other hand, Manjaro Linux is an Arch-based distribution designed for desktops.  This article is a complete guide to analyzing Ubuntu vs. Manjaro to clarify which one is best to use. Stay with us to do this interesting comparison.  If you have not purchased your own virtual private server, check out our affordable plans to buy a suitable Linux VPS.

Whenever the debate on whether Pepsi is better or Coca or Nike is better or Adidas is over, the debate in the Linux community as to which is the superior distro may go away as well. Most of you completely know what is Ubuntu and have the experience to use it. But if you have little information about Manjaro, follow our article for what is Manjaro and check if it suits your needs or not. Then, join us with this guide to see the main differences between Ubuntu and Manjaro Linux.

Will Manjaro challenge Ubuntu?

Since Manjaro is a newer distribution than Ubuntu due to the last market entrance, it has a better-optimized ecosystem. Undoubtedly, Ubuntu has its big fans, but the reputation of Manjaro is expanding by the day. So, follow us to the end to know which one of these two Linux distributions will prevail in this competition. If you feel you do not have enough Linux knowledge, read the best Linux distribution for beginners to go through this guide better and faster.

Comparing Ubuntu and Manjaro at a glance

Linux is so user-friendly, so we wish to make this article the same as it. Here is a table to help you get the necessary information faster than reading long and complex guides.

Ubuntu vs. Manjaro; Which one wins the competition?

In this part, we would discuss the differences between Ubuntu and Manjaro features completely to see a clear result.

Package Manager

What is the Package Manager task? It helps Linux users to manage their installed software, install new software quickly, and update and upgrade already installed packages.

As you saw in the table above, The APT package manager, which comes from Debian, is used by Ubuntu. But Manjaro uses the Pacman package manager, which was derived from Arch Linux. Although the syntax of these two package managers may differ, they both function in the same general way.

Manjaro Linux provides a superior user experience for fast installing/updating the software in comparison to Ubuntu’s software center. And if you wish to enable Flatpak or Snap with a single click, it also supports those features out of the box. Ubuntu places a strong emphasis on Snap packages, and certain programs come pre-installed as Snap. As a result, working with Manjaro Linux allows you to enable Flatpak/Snap as necessary.

Desktop Environments

It is fair to say that there is no strong competition in Desktop environments. Although GNOME is the default desktop environment on Ubuntu, you may quickly switch between other Desktop environments. On the other hand, Manjaro Linux is extremely remarkable. When downloading the ISO setup file, you can select the Desktop Environment you desire. They consist of XFCE, KDE, GNOME, i3, and more programs.

Release Cycles

Ubuntu and Manjaro Linux have their own specific way to release their upgrades. If you have read the recommended article in the first of this article about Manjaro, you would know that it is a rolling release. So, users do not have to download a new version of Manjaro constantly due to continuous updates of Manjaro. Just use the latest Manjaro version and Pacman package manager to keep your system up to date.

Generally, a rolling release cycle means having the latest packages constantly. So, if you do not prefer to be up-to-date, Manjaro Linux is not the distribution that lets you keep an old version of the software.

Stability

You can use Ubuntu LTS releases on servers because they primarily prioritize dependability and stability. Manjaro Linux might not be as stable right out of the box in comparison. To avoid having your system experience ruined by an update, you must carefully select the packages you install on Manjaro Linux and monitor your configurations.

However, you do not need to worry about Ubuntu’s software upgrades, especially if you are using the LTS edition. Mainly speaking, the upgrades shouldn’t damage your system.

Customization

To novices, Ubuntu is more user-friendly and easier to use since it offers an extra layer of convenience. But Manjaro provides a considerably speedier system. After installing Ubuntu and Manjaro, various default apps will appear like a word processor, internet browser, email client, and so on. Manjaro, on the other hand, adopts another wonderful feature from Arch Linux and comes with far fewer pre-installed applications. In this way, users may install only the software they require and customize it. Canonical has designed a customized GNOME experience for end users on Ubuntu. You need to consider that if you choose Manjaro’s GNOME edition, you should also use the same tool to do the all rest customizations.

As a result, if you want a personalized experience without a lot of control, Ubuntu should suffice and Manjaro Linux is a fantastic choice if you want additional customization possibilities.

User-friendliness

Obviously, Linux is more complicated than other operating systems like Windows and macOS. So, it makes sense to see the distributions of Linux are more complex as well. Ubuntu is just that distribution of Linux which tried to be user-friendly and undoubtedly has been successful due to its popularity. Manjaro is not complicated. Providing brilliant speed and efficiency makes it easy to use.

However, Ubuntu is the winner of this option because of its eternal and inexhaustible popularity.

Documentation

As we mentioned, Ubuntu is the first choice for beginners because of its reputation and ease. Ubuntu’s documentation is not exceptional, but is enough. Manjaro Linux provides a wiki with useful information and step-by-step guidelines to assist you. Since the Arch Linux documentation is detailed, all advance and unprofessional users consult it for assistance.

In terms of documentation, Manjaro is the big winner. Because the documentation for Arch Linux is applied to Manjaro Linux, considerably.

Prerequisites to switch from Ubuntu to Manjaro

At this point, you may be confused to decide which one of these two distributions is better, but you should concentrate on your own needs and priorities. Because they are two different distros with different users. Both audiences have enough reasons to choose them, and they are satisfied.

As you reviewed, Ubuntu was great in software packages, personalization, and documentation and almost was a winner in the desktop environment, user-friendliness, and release cycle. Since they both are Linux distros, it is clear that they are more alike than different. According to all recent comparisons, you are the one who announces the winner to start or keep using it.

Conclusion

In this article, Ubuntu vs. Manjaro was discussed. Now you can decide which one is best to use. Due to this guide, beginners and users who have no plan for huge tasks and projects would choose Ubuntu. But if you are not a first-time Linux user, and you are advanced in knowing key concepts of the Linux ecosystem, such as ”package managers” Manjaro is a good choice to help you do your major projects. Feel free to ask your probable questions to receive a prompt answer.