CachyOS vs Ubuntu
CachyOS draws more interest (#1 vs #9).
you play games on PC or you want the newest software as soon as it's out.
you're new to Linux, you write software or you prefer tested updates on a fixed schedule.
| CachyOS #1 · Arch | Ubuntu #9 · Debian | |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity rank (12 months) | 1 | 9 |
| Rank last month | 1 | 7 |
| Index | 300 | 296 |
| Family | Arch | Debian |
| Based on | Arch | Debian |
| First released | 2021 | 2004 |
| Latest release | - | 26.10 |
| Supported until | - | Jul 2027 |
| GitHub stars | 470 | - |
| Commits, last 30 days | 10 | - |
| Telemetry (OS default) | - | Off unless you opt in |
Pros and cons
CachyOS
Good
- Performance-tuned kernels and packages
- Gaming-friendly defaults
- Graphical installer with many desktop choices
Trade-offs
- Rolling updates need regular attention
- Optimised packages need newer CPUs for the fastest builds
- Young project with a smaller team
Ubuntu
Good
- The most documented desktop Linux
- LTS releases supported for years
- Widely supported by commercial software and hardware vendors
Trade-offs
- Snap packages are the default for some apps, which some users dislike
- Stock GNOME is customised in ways that differ from upstream
- LTS software ages between releases
Questions
Is CachyOS or Ubuntu more popular?
CachyOS draws more interest over the last 12 months (#1 vs #9 in our popularity ranking). That measures interest, not installs.
Which is better for beginners, CachyOS or Ubuntu?
Ubuntu is the easier start: it's aimed at people new to Linux. CachyOS expects some Linux experience.
Is CachyOS or Ubuntu better for gaming?
CachyOS is set up with gaming in mind. Ubuntu can run Steam and Proton too, but needs more setup.
How do updates differ between CachyOS and Ubuntu?
CachyOS is a rolling release: software updates continuously, so you always have the newest versions. Ubuntu ships tested releases on a schedule, so updates are fewer and calmer.
Rankings from our composite index: English Wikipedia article views, DistroWatch page hits, GitHub stars and views on this site, built 2026-11-12. All of these measure interest, not installs. Repository activity from GitHub. Ratings come from signed-in LinuxStatistics users. "Pick if", pros and cons are LinuxStatistics editorial notes based on each project's own documentation. Release dates and support from endoflife.date (CC BY-SA 4.0).