Manjaro vs Ubuntu
Ubuntu draws more interest (#9 vs #10).
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 run AI models or LLMs on your own GPU.
| Manjaro #10 · Arch | Ubuntu #9 · Debian | |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity rank (12 months) | 10 | 9 |
| Rank last month | 15 | 7 |
| Index | 295 | 296 |
| Family | Arch | Debian |
| Based on | Arch | Debian |
| First released | 2011 | 2004 |
| Latest release | - | 26.10 |
| Supported until | - | Jul 2027 |
| GitHub stars | 366 | - |
| Commits, last 30 days | 0 | - |
| Telemetry (OS default) | - | Off unless you opt in |
Pros and cons
Manjaro
Good
- Arch-based with graphical tools
- Holds updates back for testing
- Several desktops to choose from
Trade-offs
- Delayed updates can clash with AUR packages built for current Arch
- Has had certificate and infrastructure mishaps
- Not supported by the Arch community
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 Manjaro or Ubuntu more popular?
Ubuntu draws more interest over the last 12 months (#9 vs #10 in our popularity ranking). That measures interest, not installs.
Which is better for beginners, Manjaro or Ubuntu?
Ubuntu is the easier start: it's aimed at people new to Linux. Manjaro expects some Linux experience.
Is Manjaro or Ubuntu better for gaming?
Manjaro is set up with gaming in mind. Ubuntu can run Steam and Proton too, but needs more setup.
How do updates differ between Manjaro and Ubuntu?
Manjaro 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).