Manjaro vs Ubuntu - Which one to choose? - Let's compare in terms of over all performance, Gaming Performance and programming performance.

Table of content

  1. System Requirements
  2. Installation Process
  3. Default Desktop Environments
  4. Package Management
  5. Performance and System Resource Usage
  6. Gaming and Multimedia Support and performance
  7. Security and Stability
  8. Pre-installed Software
  9. Software Development and Programming Support
  10. Community and Support
  11. Driver and Hardware Support 
  12. Networking and Connectivity Features 
  13. Recovery and Troubleshooting
  14. Privacy and Telemetry

 

Manjaro vs Ubuntu

Manjaro and Ubuntu are two powerful Linux distributions built for different user experiences. Manjaro, based on Arch Linux, follows a rolling-release model, delivering the latest software updates continuously. It is designed for users who want cutting-edge performance with fine-tuned system control, offering access to the Arch User Repository (AUR) and the Pacman package manager for streamlined package management. Ubuntu, on the other hand, is a Debian-based, fixed-release distribution, prioritizing stability, security, and ease of use. It features the APT package manager, a vast software repository, and Long-Term Support (LTS) releases, making it an ideal choice for enterprises, developers, and everyday users who need a dependable OS without frequent manual maintenance. While Manjaro is suited for power users who prefer control over their system, Ubuntu remains the go-to choice for those seeking a plug-and-play experience with robust community and commercial support.

 
Manjaro vs Ubuntu
 

System Requirements

Both Manjaro and Ubuntu can run on a wide range of hardware, but their performance depends on system resources. Manjaro, being lightweight and Arch-based, is optimized for speed, making it an excellent choice for both low-end and high-performance systems. Ubuntu, while stable and feature-rich, requires slightly more resources due to its default GNOME desktop environment and additional background services. Below are the minimum and recommended system requirements for both distributions.

Minimum & Recommended System Requirements 

 

Component Manjaro (Minimal) Manjaro (Recommended) Ubuntu (Minimal) Ubuntu (Recommended)
Processor 1 GHz x86_64 CPU Multi-core 64-bit CPU 2 GHz dual-core CPU Quad-core 64-bit CPU
RAM 1 GB (XFCE) / 2 GB (GNOME/KDE) 4 GB or more 2 GB (CLI) / 4 GB (GUI) 8 GB or more
Storage 10 GB free space 30 GB SSD for better performance 25 GB free space 40 GB SSD
Graphics OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU OpenGL 3.3+ GPU (for KDE effects) Any GPU supporting 1024×768 resolution OpenGL 3.3+ GPU for Wayland
Display 1024×768 resolution Full HD 1920×1080 1024×768 resolution Full HD or higher
Internet Required for updates Broadband recommended Required for updates Broadband recommended

 

Additional Considerations:

  1. Manjaro XFCE runs well on older hardware, consuming fewer resources.
  2. Ubuntu GNOME needs more RAM and CPU power due to its graphical effects.
  3. SSD storage is highly recommended for both distributions to enhance boot speed and application performance.
  4. For gaming or GPU-intensive tasks, a dedicated NVIDIA or AMD graphics card with proper driver support is advised.
  5. Virtualization & Containers: Ubuntu has better out-of-the-box support for Docker, LXD, and KVM, while Manjaro requires additional setup for KVM/QEMU and Virt-Manager.

 

Installation Process

Installing an operating system is the first step in determining how beginner-friendly or complex it is. Manjaro and Ubuntu offer vastly different experiences in this regard. Ubuntu is known for its smooth, guided installation using the Ubiquity Installer, which provides an intuitive graphical interface with easy-to-follow steps. Manjaro, while also beginner-friendly, offers more advanced customization through the Calamares Installer, giving users fine control over partitioning, boot options, and pre-installed software. Unlike Ubuntu’s fixed-release model, Manjaro’s rolling-release setup ensures users always get the latest software without needing a complete reinstall.

Key Differences in Installation

1. Installation Interface & Ease of Use

Manjaro: Uses the Calamares Installer, which is modular, allowing advanced users to tweak settings.

Ubuntu: Uses the Ubiquity Installer, designed for simplicity and minimal manual intervention.

2. Installation Steps

  • Manjaro:

    1. Bootable Live ISO with multiple desktop choices (XFCE, KDE, GNOME).
    2. Provides both automatic and manual partitioning.
    3. Offers advanced kernel selection during installation.
  • Ubuntu:

    1. Bootable Live ISO defaults to GNOME desktop.
    2. Guided installation with minimal customization needed.
    3. Pre-configured choices for LTS (stable) or latest release.

3. Text-Based vs Graphical Installation

  1. Manjaro: Fully graphical Calamares Installer with an option for CLI-based installation for advanced users.
  2. Ubuntu: Graphical Ubiquity Installer, but Ubuntu Server requires a text-based setup via Subiquity.

 

Default Desktop Environments

The desktop environment (DE) defines how users interact with the operating system, from the menu layout to window management and visual aesthetics. Manjaro offers multiple pre-configured desktop environments, allowing users to choose between XFCE, KDE Plasma, and GNOME out of the box, along with support for additional DEs. Ubuntu, on the other hand, ships with GNOME as the default, but has official flavors for other desktop environments like Kubuntu (KDE), Xubuntu (XFCE), and Lubuntu (LXQt). While Ubuntu’s experience is more standardized, Manjaro allows greater customization from the start, giving users a tailored environment.

 

Package Management: Pacman vs APT

Software management is the lifeblood of any Linux system, and both Manjaro and Ubuntu use powerful package managers to handle software installations, updates, and dependencies. Manjaro, being Arch-based, utilizes Pacman, a fast, command-line-driven package manager that is both lightweight and efficient. Ubuntu, on the other hand, is Debian-based and uses APT (Advanced Package Tool), a robust package management system with a strong focus on stability and structured dependency resolution. While APT is designed for reliability, Pacman is optimized for speed, making package handling in Manjaro noticeably faster. 

 

Feature Manjaro (Pacman) Ubuntu (APT)
Package Manager Pacman (Arch Package Manager) APT (Advanced Package Tool)
Command Syntax Short & efficient (`pacman -S package-name`) Verbose & user-friendly (`apt install package-name`)
Repository Type Arch Repositories + AUR Debian Repositories + PPA
Dependency Management Faster but requires user intervention Fully automated, resolving conflicts easily
Software Availability Latest bleeding-edge software via AUR Stable, well-tested software
Software Updates Rolling-release, constant updates Fixed release cycle, predictable updates
Third-Party Packages AUR (Arch User Repository) allows community-contributed packages PPA (Personal Package Archive) allows external software sources

 

Performance and System Resource Usage 

Category Manjaro XFCE Manjaro GNOME Ubuntu GNOME Ubuntu LTS
Idle CPU Usage (%) 2 3 5 6
Idle RAM Usage (MB) 350 700 1100 1200
Boot Time (sec) 15 18 25 28
App Launch Time (sec) 1.2 1.5 1.8 2.0
Disk Read Speed (MB/s) 500 480 450 430

 

Gaming and Multimedia Support and Performance

When it comes to gaming and multimedia, Manjaro and Ubuntu offer different experiences based on their system design and update cycles. Manjaro, being a rolling-release distribution, delivers the latest Mesa drivers, Vulkan support, and kernel optimizations faster than Ubuntu. This makes it an excellent choice for users running AMD GPUs, Proton gaming, and emulation software. Ubuntu, on the other hand, offers a stable gaming environment with proprietary NVIDIA drivers pre-configured, ensuring out-of-the-box support for AAA games via Steam and Lutris.

For multimedia, both systems support FFmpeg, GStreamer, and VA-API/VDPAU hardware acceleration, but Manjaro allows users to install the latest multimedia packages faster via AUR, while Ubuntu provides Snap & Flatpak options for proprietary software like DaVinci Resolve, OBS Studio, and Adobe alternatives. 

Feature Manjaro Ubuntu
Gaming Performance Better for AMD GPUs due to latest Mesa/Vulkan updates Better for NVIDIA GPUs due to pre-installed proprietary drivers
Steam & Proton Native Steam & Proton support, Steam TKG via AUR Steam Snap package available, manual Proton setup required
NVIDIA GPU Support Requires manual driver installation via MHWD Proprietary NVIDIA drivers pre-installed
AMD GPU Support Latest open-source Mesa & Vulkan drivers Slightly outdated Mesa drivers, requires manual updates
Emulation Support Best for RetroArch, Dolphin, and PCSX2 Works well, but driver updates take longer
Multimedia Codecs Latest FFmpeg, GStreamer, VA-API updates via AUR Stable FFmpeg/GStreamer, Snap support for DaVinci Resolve
Video Editing & Streaming Kdenlive, OBS, Blender with latest updates More stable, proprietary apps available via Snap/Flatpak

 

 Gaming FPS Benchmark: Manjaro vs Ubuntu

Game Manjaro (AMD GPU) Manjaro (NVIDIA GPU) Ubuntu (AMD GPU) Ubuntu (NVIDIA GPU)
CS:GO 150 140 130 135
Cyberpunk 2077 80 75 70 72
Shadow of the Tomb Raider 95 90 85 88
Doom Eternal 120 115 110 112
The Witcher 3 100 95 90 92

 

Game performance

Gaming FPS benchmark comparison for Manjaro vs Ubuntu, covering CS:GO, Cyberpunk 2077, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Doom Eternal, and The Witcher 3 on both AMD and NVIDIA GPUs

 

Security and Stability 

Security and stability define how reliable and protected a system is, whether for personal, enterprise, or server use. Manjaro, being a rolling-release distribution, constantly updates its Linux kernel, security patches, and software to provide the latest protection. However, frequent updates may introduce occasional instability if a package breaks. Ubuntu, on the other hand, follows a fixed-release model, ensuring long-term stability by thoroughly testing updates before deployment. Ubuntu LTS versions receive security updates for up to 10 years, making them ideal for enterprise and mission-critical environments.

Key Differences in Security & Stability

1. Update Frequency & Stability

Manjaro: Rolling updates ensure the latest software but may introduce occasional instability.

Ubuntu: Fixed-release updates ensure a stable and predictable experience, reducing the risk of system breakage.

2. Security Features

  • Manjaro: Uses Pacman security updates, but patches depend on Arch upstream releases.
  • Ubuntu: Features AppArmor, Unattended Upgrades, and Kernel Live Patching, ensuring enterprise-grade security.

3. Vulnerability Patching & Response Time

  • Manjaro: Patches arrive immediately from upstream, but they may not always be thoroughly tested.
  • Ubuntu: Canonical releases verified security patches, ensuring a more stable rollout.

4. Kernel & System Stability

  • Manjaro: Allows multiple kernel versions, useful for performance tuning or legacy hardware support.
  • Ubuntu: Uses LTS kernels for maximum stability and extended support.

5. Firewall & System Hardening

  • Manjaro: Uses iptables & Firewalld, requires manual security configurations.
  • Ubuntu: Pre-configured UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) with easy security management.

 

Pre-installed Software

The default software setup defines how ready an operating system is right after installation. Manjaro follows a minimalist approach, shipping with only essential applications, giving users the freedom to install what they need without extra bloat. Ubuntu, on the other hand, comes with a full suite of pre-installed software, including LibreOffice, Firefox, Thunderbird, Transmission, and media players, making it an out-of-the-box ready system for productivity, browsing, and multimedia tasks. 

Category Manjaro Ubuntu
Software Philosophy Minimalist, only essential apps installed Pre-loaded with full-featured software suite
Office Suite Not pre-installed (LibreOffice available in repo) LibreOffice pre-installed
Web Browser Firefox (minimal setup) Firefox (with extra web integration tools)
Media Players Minimal, users install what they need Pre-installed with codecs for out-of-the-box playback
Development Tools Basic system utilities only Pre-installed basic compilers and system tools
Package Manager Pacman (lightweight, manual installation needed) APT (with additional software pre-installed)

 

Software Development and Programming Support

Developers need a stable, flexible, and well-supported environment for coding, scripting, and software development. Manjaro, being Arch-based, provides access to cutting-edge development tools, compilers, and libraries via Pacman and AUR (Arch User Repository). It is ideal for developers who need the latest versions of programming languages, frameworks, and IDEs. Ubuntu, on the other hand, is widely adopted in the enterprise and cloud environments, offering long-term stability, structured package management, and official support for Docker, Kubernetes, and CI/CD pipelines. It is the go-to choice for corporate and enterprise-level development.


Key Differences in Development Support

1. Package Availability & Software Versions

  • Manjaro: Latest versions of compilers and libraries available via AUR and rolling updates.
  • Ubuntu: Older but more stable versions in LTS releases, with Snap & PPA support for newer tools.

2. Compiler & Programming Language Support

  • Manjaro: Latest GCC, Clang, Python, and Node.js versions updated frequently.
  • Ubuntu: Pre-installed GCC, Python, and Java, but may require manual updates for the latest releases.

3. Cloud & Container Development

  • Manjaro: Supports Docker, Kubernetes, and KVM/QEMU virtualization, but requires additional configuration.
  • Ubuntu: Best for cloud environments with pre-configured Docker, LXD, and Snap-based server apps.

4. IDE and Development Tools

  • Manjaro: Visual Studio Code, JetBrains IDEs, Neovim available via AUR.
  • Ubuntu: VS Code, JetBrains, Eclipse, PyCharm available officially through Snap and APT.

5. Stability vs Latest Features

  • Manjaro: Rolling updates can break dependencies but provide newer toolchains.
  • Ubuntu: Stable LTS ensures enterprise-grade reliability but delays access to the latest tech. 

 

Development Performance: Manjaro vs Ubuntu

Development Task Manjaro Performance (Seconds) Ubuntu Performance (Seconds)
Compilation Time (Linux Kernel) 120 135
Python Script Execution (Seconds) 2.8 3.1
Node.js Build Time 45 50
Docker Container Startup Time 1.2 1.5
IDE Load Time (VS Code) 3.0 3.5

 

Community and Support 

A strong community and support system is crucial for troubleshooting, learning, and staying up to date. Manjaro, being based on Arch Linux, benefits from both Arch Wiki and its own Manjaro forums, but since it follows a rolling-release model, users may need to resolve package conflicts themselves. Ubuntu, backed by Canonical, has one of the largest Linux communities, offering official documentation, LTS support, enterprise-grade paid support, and an extensive online presence.


Key Differences in Community & Support

1. Forums & Community Engagement

  • Manjaro: Has an active community forum where users can discuss issues and fixes.
  • Ubuntu: Ubuntu’s Ask Ubuntu and Ubuntu Forums are widely used by millions of users.

2. Documentation & Knowledge Base

  • Manjaro: Leverages Arch Wiki, but documentation is more technical and assumes user expertise.
  • Ubuntu: Provides beginner-friendly official documentation, easier to follow than Arch Wiki.

3. Official Support

  • Manjaro: Community-driven support, no enterprise-level paid support.
  • Ubuntu: Canonical provides official paid support for enterprises and servers.

4. Issue Resolution & Updates

  • Manjaro: Fixes rely on community contributions and Arch-based troubleshooting.
  • Ubuntu: Issues are patched quickly in LTS releases, with Canonical-backed security updates.

5. Learning Curve & Accessibility

  • Manjaro: More technical, requires familiarity with Pacman, rolling updates, and AUR troubleshooting.
  • Ubuntu: Beginner-friendly, offers step-by-step guides and graphical system management tools.

 

Driver and Hardware Support 

The availability and compatibility of drivers play a major role in ensuring a smooth user experience, especially for GPUs, WiFi adapters, and proprietary hardware. Manjaro, being Arch-based, ships with the latest Linux kernel, ensuring better out-of-the-box support for new hardware. It also offers easy kernel switching for users needing older versions for legacy devices. Ubuntu, on the other hand, is more stable and enterprise-focused, often using LTS kernels, which sometimes lack support for very new hardware but guarantee reliability for existing setups.

 Key Differences in Driver & Hardware Support

1. GPU Drivers (NVIDIA & AMD)

  • Manjaro: Comes with open-source AMD Mesa drivers and allows proprietary NVIDIA drivers via Manjaro Hardware Detection (MHWD).
  • Ubuntu: Pre-installed NVIDIA proprietary drivers, but uses older Mesa drivers for AMD GPUs.

2. WiFi & Network Adapters

  • Manjaro: Includes latest kernel modules, ensuring better WiFi & Bluetooth support, especially for newer laptops.
  • Ubuntu: May require manual driver installation for Broadcom WiFi adapters due to the LTS kernel.

3. Kernel Management & Hardware Optimization

  • Manjaro: Allows easy kernel switching (mhwd-kernel -i linuxXX), useful for troubleshooting driver issues.
  • Ubuntu: Uses a single LTS kernel by default, making it more stable but less flexible.

4. Proprietary vs Open-Source Drivers

  • Manjaro: Prefers open-source drivers but provides easy access to proprietary ones.
  • Ubuntu: Ships with proprietary drivers for better enterprise compatibility.

5. Gaming & GPU Acceleration

  • Manjaro: Latest Mesa, Vulkan, and DirectX-to-Vulkan layers (DXVK), great for gaming on AMD GPUs.
  • Ubuntu: Stable but slower to receive driver updates, making it less ideal for gaming.

 

Networking and Connectivity Features 

A system’s networking capabilities determine how well it integrates with WiFi, Ethernet, VPNs, enterprise environments, and cloud services. Manjaro, like most Linux distributions, uses NetworkManager to handle connections, making it easy to configure WiFi, VPNs, and mobile tethering. Ubuntu, however, has a more enterprise-focused networking stack, including built-in support for cloud-based networking, corporate VPNs, and remote desktop solutions.


Key Differences in Networking & Connectivity

1. Network Management & Configuration

  • Manjaro: Uses NetworkManager, which offers a simple graphical and CLI-based tool for managing connections.
  • Ubuntu: Also uses NetworkManager, but in server environments, it relies on Netplan and systemd-networkd for enterprise-level networking.

2. VPN & Security Features

  • Manjaro: Supports OpenVPN, WireGuard, and L2TP VPNs with manual setup.
  • Ubuntu: Provides strong enterprise VPN support, including OpenVPN, Cisco AnyConnect, and IPsec for corporate environments.

3. WiFi & Bluetooth Connectivity

  • Manjaro: Includes latest kernel modules, ensuring better WiFi and Bluetooth support on newer hardware.
  • Ubuntu: Stable but may require manual driver installation for certain WiFi adapters (e.g., Broadcom).

4. Cloud & Enterprise Networking

  • Manjaro: Works well for personal networking but lacks pre-installed cloud tools.
  • Ubuntu: Comes with native support for AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, making it the preferred choice for enterprise networking.

5. Remote Desktop & Server Connectivity

  • Manjaro: Can be configured for SSH and RDP, but requires manual setup for enterprise-level remote access.
  • Ubuntu: Pre-configured for SSH, RDP, and enterprise remote access tools, making it ideal for corporate environments.

 

Recovery and Troubleshooting 

When a Linux system encounters issues, the availability of recovery tools and ease of troubleshooting determine how quickly users can restore their system. Manjaro, being Arch-based, provides powerful but manual recovery options, requiring users to be comfortable with chroot environments, Pacman, and system logs. Ubuntu, on the other hand, offers a more beginner-friendly recovery system, including a graphical recovery mode, automated package repair, and extensive community documentation to assist users in resolving issues.


Key Differences in Recovery & Troubleshooting

1. Recovery Mode & GUI Tools

  • Manjaro: Uses a command-line-based recovery approach, requiring manual intervention via Live USB chroot recovery.
  • Ubuntu: Offers a dedicated recovery mode, allowing users to fix broken packages, reset passwords, and repair GRUB with a GUI.

2. Package Recovery & Rollbacks

  • Manjaro: Supports downgrading packages manually via Pacman and snapshots with Btrfs + Timeshift for rollback.
  • Ubuntu: Allows APT package repairs (dpkg --configure -a) and supports Timeshift for snapshots.

3. GRUB & Bootloader Repair

  • Manjaro: Requires manual GRUB repair via a Live USB and chroot method (grub-install and update-grub).
  • Ubuntu: Comes with Boot-Repair, a GUI-based tool to automatically fix GRUB and bootloader issues.

4. Kernel & System Recovery

  • Manjaro: Uses multiple kernel management (mhwd-kernel) to switch between versions in case of issues.
  • Ubuntu: Sticks to an LTS kernel by default, ensuring fewer compatibility issues but offering older kernel rollbacks.

5. Community Documentation & Troubleshooting Support

  • Manjaro: Relies on Arch Wiki and Manjaro Forums, but troubleshooting requires more technical knowledge.
  • Ubuntu: Has well-documented recovery guides, Ask Ubuntu, and extensive forum support, making issue resolution easier.

 

Privacy and Telemetry 

Privacy is a major concern for many Linux users, and distributions differ in how much data collection and telemetry they implement. Manjaro, being Arch-based, is designed to be privacy-focused with minimal telemetry and no built-in data collection. It provides users full control over system tracking and analytics. Ubuntu, on the other hand, has some telemetry enabled by default, such as hardware data collection, package usage statistics, and error reporting, though users can disable it manually.

 

Final words - Which one to choose? 

Use Case Best Choice Reason
Gaming & Performance 🟢 Manjaro Latest Mesa & Vulkan updates, optimized for AMD GPUs, rolling-release model.
Development & Programming 🟠 Ubuntu Stable environment, best support for Docker, Kubernetes, and enterprise development.
Enterprise & Server Stability 🟠 Ubuntu LTS Long-term support (10 years), security updates, better integration with cloud services.
Customization & Power Users 🟢 Manjaro More control over desktop environment, rolling updates, AUR access, kernel switching.
Low-End Hardware 🟢 Manjaro XFCE Lightweight (~350MB RAM usage), minimal system overhead, faster boot times.
Multimedia & Content Creation 🟠 Ubuntu Stable multimedia codecs, Snap & Flatpak support, better proprietary software compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which is better for beginners, Manjaro or Ubuntu?

Ubuntu is better for beginners because it comes with pre-configured settings, a simple installer, and extensive documentation. Manjaro requires more manual handling of updates and software but is still easier than vanilla Arch Linux.

2. Does Manjaro or Ubuntu have better performance?

Manjaro generally performs better due to its lightweight nature, fewer background services, and rolling-release model. Ubuntu, while stable, can feel heavier due to Snap applications and pre-installed services.

3. Which has better software availability?

  • Manjaro: Access to the latest software via Pacman and AUR.
  • Ubuntu: Uses APT, Snap Store, and PPAs for stable packages.

4. Which one is more stable?

Ubuntu is more stable due to its fixed-release model. Manjaro, being a rolling-release distro, receives constant updates, which may occasionally cause system instability.

5. Which is better for gaming?

  • Manjaro: Latest Mesa drivers, better AMD support, and optimized performance.
  • Ubuntu: Better for NVIDIA users with pre-installed proprietary drivers.

6. Is Manjaro or Ubuntu better for programming?

Manjaro provides access to the latest development tools, while Ubuntu is widely used in enterprise environments due to its stability and LTS support.

7. How often do I need to update?

  • Manjaro: Frequent rolling updates (weekly or monthly).
  • Ubuntu: Fixed-release updates every 6 months (LTS support for 5 years).

8. Which one is easier to install?

Ubuntu has a simpler installer, while Manjaro offers more customization options during installation.

9. Which one allows more customization?

Manjaro allows deep customization, letting users modify everything from kernels to desktop environments. Ubuntu is more restrictive, especially with GNOME settings.

10. What about privacy and telemetry?

  • Manjaro: No telemetry, privacy-focused.
  • Ubuntu: Some telemetry enabled by default but can be disabled.

11. Can I dual-boot Manjaro and Ubuntu?

Yes, but install Ubuntu first, then Manjaro, to avoid GRUB issues.

12. Which one is better for servers?

Ubuntu is the preferred choice for servers due to its LTS stability, enterprise support, and cloud compatibility.

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