Manjaro vs Zorin
Zorin draws more interest (#6 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 prefer tested updates on a fixed schedule or you want a desktop that feels like Windows.
| Manjaro #10 · Arch | Zorin #6 · Debian | |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity rank (12 months) | 10 | 6 |
| Rank last month | 15 | 11 |
| Index | 295 | 297 |
| Family | Arch | Debian |
| Based on | Arch | Ubuntu |
| First released | 2011 | 2009 |
| GitHub stars | 366 | - |
| Commits, last 30 days | 0 | - |
| Telemetry (OS default) | - | Anonymous count, on by default |
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
Zorin
Good
- Layouts that mimic Windows or macOS
- Polished, beginner-focused setup
- Ubuntu LTS base with long support
Trade-offs
- Some layouts and extras need the paid Pro edition
- New major versions arrive well after Ubuntu's
- Smaller community than Ubuntu or Mint
Questions
Is Manjaro or Zorin more popular?
Zorin draws more interest over the last 12 months (#6 vs #10 in our popularity ranking). That measures interest, not installs.
Which is better for beginners, Manjaro or Zorin?
Zorin is the easier start: it's aimed at people new to Linux. Manjaro expects some Linux experience.
Is Manjaro or Zorin better for gaming?
Manjaro is set up with gaming in mind. Zorin can run Steam and Proton too, but needs more setup.
How do updates differ between Manjaro and Zorin?
Manjaro is a rolling release: software updates continuously, so you always have the newest versions. Zorin 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.