Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Artix Linux VS MX Linux

Compare Artix Linux VS MX Linux and see what are their differences

Artix Linux logo Artix Linux

Artix Linux, a systemd-free linux distribution.

MX Linux logo MX Linux

MX Linux is an operating system - a cooperative venture between the antiX and former MEPIS...
  • Artix Linux Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-02
  • MX Linux Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-26

Artix Linux features and specs

  • Init Freedom
    Artix Linux supports multiple init systems (OpenRC, Runit, s6), giving users the freedom to choose the one that best fits their needs, unlike many other distributions that default to systemd.
  • Community Support
    Artix boasts an active community ready to provide support and share knowledge, which can be useful for troubleshooting and customization.
  • Arch-Based
    As a derivative of Arch Linux, Artix inherits many of its benefits, such as a rolling release model, access to the Arch User Repository (AUR), and extensive documentation.
  • Lightweight and Customizable
    Artix is designed to be lightweight and highly customizable, making it an excellent choice for users who want to optimize their system performance and resource usage.

Possible disadvantages of Artix Linux

  • Steeper Learning Curve
    Artix Linux may not be suitable for beginners as it requires a certain level of expertise to manage and configure, especially when dealing with multiple init systems.
  • Compatibility Issues
    Some software packages and third-party applications are built with systemd dependencies, which may not work seamlessly or at all on Artix, requiring workarounds.
  • Less Mainstream
    Compared to more popular distributions like Ubuntu or Fedora, Artix has a smaller user base and less commercial support, which can be a downside for some users.
  • Rolling Release Cons
    While rolling releases ensure you get the latest updates, they can also introduce instability at times due to less testing compared to fixed release models.

MX Linux features and specs

  • User-Friendly
    MX Linux offers a highly intuitive and easy-to-use interface, making it a great choice for beginners who might be new to Linux.
  • Performance
    The distribution is lightweight and optimized to run smoothly even on older hardware, ensuring good performance.
  • Stability
    Built on the Debian Stable base, MX Linux is known for its robustness and reliability, providing fewer system crashes and bugs.
  • Customization
    MX Linux allows extensive customization, enabling users to tailor their system’s appearance and functionality to their liking.
  • MX Tools
    The distribution includes a unique set of tools, such as MX Snapshot and MX Package Installer, that enhance user experience by simplifying complex tasks.
  • Community Support
    MX Linux has an active and helpful community, offering extensive forums and documentation to assist users in troubleshooting and optimizing their systems.

Possible disadvantages of MX Linux

  • Slower Updates
    Being based on Debian Stable, MX Linux may not have the latest software and feature updates, lagging behind more cutting-edge distributions.
  • Limited Software Availability
    The software repositories, although extensive, may not have as wide a selection as some other distros, requiring users to sometimes rely on external sources.
  • Aesthetic
    While functional and customizable, the default look and feel might not be as polished as some other distributions designed with visual aesthetics in mind.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Customization
    While it is user-friendly for basic tasks, more advanced customization and optimization may require a steeper learning curve for those unfamiliar with Linux internals.
  • Hardware Compatibility
    Though generally good, there can be occasional issues with hardware compatibility, especially with very new or very old devices.

Artix Linux videos

Artix Linux - Installation and Review

More videos:

  • Review - Look @ Artix Linux 2020.02.10 - Mate Edition & Runit Init System

MX Linux videos

MX Linux 19.1 Xfce Review | Distro Delves S2:Ep9

More videos:

  • Review - REVIEW: MX LINUX 19 : "BLAZING FAST!"
  • Review - Why is MX Linux So Popular?

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Artix Linux and MX Linux)
Linux
39 39%
61% 61
Operating Systems
37 37%
63% 63
Linux Distribution
38 38%
62% 62
Linux Distro
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Artix Linux and MX Linux

Artix Linux Reviews

Best Top 20 Ubuntu Linux Alternatives (Pros and Cons)
Artix Linux is a rolling-release distribution based on Arch Linux, which uses OpenRC, runit, s6, suite66, or dinit as init rather than systemd. It is possible to utilize packages from the Arch Linux repositories or any other derivative distribution, even those that expressly depend on systemd, on Artix Linux, as it is a pacman-based distribution. AUR (Arch User Repository)...

MX Linux Reviews

Top 9 Fastest Linux Distros in 2024
MX Linux is a mid-weight distro that uses the Xfce desktop environment. It is known for its stability, ease of use, and performance.
Source: linuxsimply.com
10 Most Popular Linux Distros of the Year 2023
MX Linux is always able to make its place in our list when it comes to selecting the best mid-weight Linux distros. Out of the box it uses a lightweight XFCE desktop environment and being built on Debian, stability is always not an issue. The user-friendly approach to this distro and multiple sources to install popular Linux packages make it an excellent choice for old and...
The best Linux distributions (operating systems)
MX Linux is based on Debian and is suitable for use on older and less powerful computers because of its slim Xfce desktop. Compared to other professional Linux distributions, MX Linux is much more user-friendly. However, because of its many options it is also an interesting distribution for experienced users.
Source: www.ionos.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, MX Linux should be more popular than Artix Linux. It has been mentiond 91 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Artix Linux mentions (53)

  • Getting started with Nix and Nix Flakes
    If you're using a systemd-less distro, like Artix or Void, you can install Nix from their repositories, since it will come preconfigured with whatever init system you'd be using on those distros. The Determinate installer only works on distros with systemd (for a multi-user installation, which is what you want). - Source: dev.to / 4 months ago
  • Introduction
    I was looking for a minimal linux distribution that is light on resources, and I found one called Metis Linux, which is based on Artix. The interesting part of metis is that it wasn't using a desktop environment, but a windows manager called dwm. At the time, metis linux had a minimal bash script installer via chroot. This took longer to setup, but I had a better understanding of what the setup involved rather... - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • artix and TDLib for telega in emacs: what path shall I configure
    I am on Artix, with emacs29, I have installed ```telega``` in emacs. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Manjaro Is Losing Ground Very Fast as A Linux Gaming Distro
    For those who just want to try out Artix this is it's website https://artixlinux.org/. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Trouble installing sysvinit
    Please try Artix Linux. It is derived from Arch Linux and offers three alternatives to systemd. Source: about 2 years ago
View more

MX Linux mentions (91)

  • Linux market share approaching 4.5% for first time, could hit 5% by 1Q25
    Does one really care? Have you looked at https://www.clearlinux.org/ https://github.com/clearlinux https://github.com/CachyOS https://github.com/MX-Linux ? Would they lack anything? I picked these three specifically because I tested them recently on new hardware I got. What they have in common is their focus on encapsulating 4. For mere mortals, while not doing 5, or at... - Source: Hacker News / 8 months ago
  • Ask HN: What if I don't want constant OS upgrades?
    I like Manjaro XFCE, it's rolling updates so it's as packages come out you can update to the newest (it pulls latest from github, but has other repos) if you want oldschool oldschool, check out antiX linux, MX Linux is based on AntiX but looks semi-better, they're based on Debian. Remember though, debian is like 5 package versions behind, because that's what they do with their auditing for stability. MX Linux has... - Source: Hacker News / 9 months ago
  • what happened to my linux mint laptop and how do I fix it?
    If you want something new you probably want to aim light. I'd opt for AntiX full version as it's very light, stable and comes with a variety of lightweight desktops, themes and other stuff to choose from at login. The sister project MXLinux could also be worth a look for a more traditional system, but I'd try the Fluxbox option to keep things light. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Installing MX Linux
    I'm getting an error of - Could not find file antiX/linuxfs - searched devices /dev/sdc1 /dev/sdb1 etc. Gives me an ooption to contact Bitjam at mxlinux.org and then says P=power off, r=reboot. I've tried to look around but I'm not finding any details on what's going on. There was a mention of bad hardware, but if my other ISO's are booting no problem I dont think that is the issue. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Arch, void or something else entirely?
    I thought I would never say this, but I think you should try the KDE edition of https://mxlinux.org/. Source: almost 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Artix Linux and MX Linux, you can also consider the following products

Manjaro - Manjaro Linux is a linux distribution which is based on arch linux. It uses the PACMAN package manager.

Linux Mint - Linux Mint is one of the most popular desktop Linux distributions and used by millions of people.

Arch Linux - You've reached the website for Arch Linux, a lightweight and flexible Linux® distribution that tries to Keep It Simple. Currently we have official packages optimized for the x86-64 architecture.

Fedora - Fedora creates an innovative, free, and open source platform for hardware, clouds, and containers that enables software developers and community members to build tailored solutions for their users.

elementary OS - A fast and open replacement for Windows and macOS. Pay what you want or download for free.

PsychOS - PsychOS is a systemd-free, GNU/Linux operating system based on Devuan ASCII but tailored towards retrophiles of all ages. It is packed with software and scripts for an easier, out-of-the-box user experience.This 3.8GB ISO Includes: