Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Garuda Linux VS Void Linux

Compare Garuda Linux VS Void Linux and see what are their differences

Garuda Linux logo Garuda Linux

Garuda Linux is an appealing Arch Linux based Distro with BTRFS (modern filesystem), Linux-zen kernel, auto snapshots, gaming edition and a lot more bleeding edge features..

Void Linux logo Void Linux

Void is a general purpose operating system, based on the monolithic Linux kernel.
  • Garuda Linux Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-05
  • Void Linux Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-26

Garuda Linux features and specs

  • User-Friendly
    Garuda Linux offers a user-friendly experience with a focus on ease of use. Its installation process is simplified with Calamares, and the desktop environments are configured for a smooth out-of-the-box experience.
  • Performance
    Optimized for performance, Garuda Linux includes the Linux-zen kernel, which aims to provide a quicker and smoother responsiveness compared to standard kernels.
  • Customizability
    Garuda Linux offers a high degree of customizability, allowing users to tweak their system settings and appearance to their liking with various customization tools and preconfigured settings.
  • Arch-Based
    Being an Arch-based distribution, Garuda Linux benefits from the Arch User Repository (AUR) and the latest, rolling-release updates, ensuring that users have access to cutting-edge software and features.
  • Pre-Installed Tools
    Garuda Linux comes with a range of pre-installed tools and applications designed to make system management, gaming, and daily tasks easier for users.
  • BTRFS Filesystem
    The default use of the BTRFS filesystem with automatic snapshots provides enhanced reliability, data integrity, and easier recovery options.
  • Gaming
    Garuda Linux is tailored for gamers with pre-installed gaming tools, drivers, and optimizations designed to enhance gaming performance and experience.

Possible disadvantages of Garuda Linux

  • Resource Usage
    Because of its performance optimizations and pre-installed applications, Garuda Linux can be more resource-intensive compared to other distributions, which might be unsuitable for older or lower-spec hardware.
  • Stability
    As a rolling-release distribution based on Arch Linux, Garuda Linux inherits the potential stability issues that can come with continuously updated software, which may require more frequent system maintenance and troubleshooting.
  • Learning Curve
    While Garuda Linux is user-friendly, its Arch Linux heritage means there can be a steeper learning curve for users who are not familiar with the Arch ecosystem, especially when it comes to troubleshooting or advanced configurations.
  • Limited Community
    Compared to more established distributions like Ubuntu or Fedora, Garuda Linux has a smaller user base and community support, which can limit the availability of resources and help.
  • Frequent Updates
    The nature of a rolling-release model means frequent updates, which can be disruptive or cumbersome for users who prefer a more stable and long-term support (LTS) release cycle.
  • Customization Overwhelm
    The high level of customizability can be overwhelming for new users, presenting them with too many choices and options which might complicate the initial setup and configuration process.

Void Linux features and specs

  • Rolling Release Model
    Void Linux follows a rolling release model, ensuring that users always have access to the latest software versions without the need for major upgrades.
  • Runit Init System
    Void uses the Runit init system, which is lightweight and fast, providing quick boot times and simple service management.
  • XBPS Package System
    The X Binary Package System (XBPS) is Void's custom package manager, known for its speed and flexibility.
  • Musl Support
    Void offers the option to use the Musl C library instead of the traditional GNU C Library (glibc), which is beneficial for those needing minimal and lightweight setups.
  • Independence from Systemd
    Void Linux does not use systemd, making it a good choice for users who prefer alternatives to this init system and its related software ecosystem.
  • Strong Documentation
    Void Linux provides comprehensive and user-friendly documentation, making it easier for users to troubleshoot and learn about the system.

Possible disadvantages of Void Linux

  • Smaller Community
    Void Linux has a relatively small user base and community compared to more popular distributions, which can lead to less community support and fewer third-party resources.
  • Limited Software Repositories
    The software repositories are not as extensive as those of larger distributions, sometimes requiring users to compile software from source or seek alternatives.
  • Learning Curve
    Void Linux can be challenging for beginners due to its minimalist design and the need for manual configuration.
  • Less Commercial Support
    Void Linux lacks commercial backing and enterprise-level support, which may be a concern for professional and business environments.
  • Hardware Compatibility
    Users might encounter hardware compatibility issues out-of-the-box, especially with newer hardware, requiring manual configuration or driver installation.
  • Lack of Proprietary Software
    Void Linux does not include proprietary software by default, which may require additional steps for users who need such software.

Analysis of Garuda Linux

Overall verdict

  • Garuda Linux is generally considered to be a good Linux distribution, especially for those who prioritize performance and aesthetics. Its focus on delivering a smooth and visually appealing user experience, along with powerful features for system management and customization, earns it a positive reputation among users.

Why this product is good

  • Garuda Linux is known for its performance optimization, user-friendly interface, and gaming capabilities. It uses the Zen Kernel for improved responsiveness and includes a variety of desktop environments to cater to different preferences. The distribution also offers tools such as Snapper for easy system snapshots, providing robust system recovery options. Additionally, its aesthetic appeal and focus on providing an out-of-the-box experience with pre-installed software make it an attractive choice for many users.

Recommended for

    Garuda Linux is recommended for gamers, new Linux users who want a polished and easy-to-use environment, and those who appreciate a cutting-edge, rolling-release distribution. It is also suitable for users who enjoy customizing their Linux setup and require system recovery options due to its user-friendly tools and extensive documentation.

Analysis of Void Linux

Overall verdict

  • Void Linux is a solid choice for experienced Linux users seeking a lightweight and customizable operating system with a different approach from most mainstream distributions. However, it may not be the best option for beginners due to its unconventional setup and lack of extensive documentation compared to more popular distributions.

Why this product is good

  • Void Linux is a unique, independently developed Linux distribution known for its simplicity, speed, and customization options. It's not based on any other distribution, making it appealing to advanced users who prefer more control over their system. Void Linux uses the runit init system instead of the more common systemd, resulting in potentially faster boot times and lower resource consumption. It features a minimalist approach, allowing users to build their system from the ground up, and integrates a rolling release model ensuring that users receive the latest updates and features without waiting for major release cycles.

Recommended for

    Void Linux is recommended for advanced users and Linux enthusiasts who enjoy tinkering with their system and have a good understanding of Linux-based operating systems. It's also suitable for users interested in exploring alternatives to systemd or looking for a rolling release distribution that emphasizes minimalism and system responsiveness.

Garuda Linux videos

A First Look At Garuda Linux KDE "Dr4Gonized"

More videos:

  • Review - Garuda Linux Review: You'll be Blown Away by its Looks [New Distro based on Arch]
  • Review - Garuda Linux - The BREATH TAKING Linux DISTRO of 2021

Void Linux videos

Void Linux First Impression Install & Review

More videos:

  • Review - Void Linux Cinnamon | Installation and First Impressions
  • Review - Void Linux Review - For The Record

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Garuda Linux and Void Linux)
Linux
86 86%
14% 14
Linux Distribution
53 53%
47% 47
Operating Systems
80 80%
20% 20
Linux Distro
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

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

Garuda Linux Reviews

  1. bartwalgraeve@gmail.com
    An all-round positive experience

    Garuda linux boots superfast on my laptop, is very userfriendly both in daily work and maintenance. You can find and install a vast amount of software and apps. It is stable and aesthetically pleasing.

    ๐Ÿ‘ Pros:    Super fast|Boot ime is amazing and all apps open quickly.|Very userfriendly

12 Best Linux Distros You Should Use
The centerpiece of Garuda Linux is its UI. It gets lots of modern elements with gradient coloring splashed across the OS. Garuda Linux is based on Arch and follows the same rolling release pattern. Itโ€™s offered in multiple flavors; some of the most popular ones are GNOME, Cinnamon, Xfce, and MATE.
Source: beebom.com
The best Linux distributions (operating systems)
Garuda Linux provides many different desktop environments and is updated regularly as a rolling release. In addition to graphical wizards for simplified setup, Garuda Linux provides a tool for configuration and livestreams with Garuda Gamer.
Source: www.ionos.com
13 Best Linux distros for gaming in 2022
Garuda Linux is rather less known distribution but could be a good fit for general purpose desktop computing and gaming.
Best Linux Distro for Gaming
Garuda Linux is a distro based on Arch Linux. So itโ€™s a rolling release distro, meaning youโ€™ll get the latest software and drivers. They also have a GUI for managing drivers which might come in handy for gaming. They have a Gaming Edition which uses KDE Plasma and comes with a GUI called Garuda Gamer for installing various gaming software and emulators.
Source: linuxstans.com
9 Best Linux Gaming Distributions in 2021
Garuda Linux is rather less known distribution but could be a good fit for general purpose desktop computing and gaming.
Source: itsfoss.com

Void Linux Reviews

Top 9 Fastest Linux Distros in 2024
Anyway, Void Linux uses the XBPS (X Binary Package System) package manager, and it doesnโ€™t natively support Synaptic, which is a graphical package management tool commonly associated with Debian-based systems. However, if you prefer a graphical package manager on Void Linux, you can explore alternatives like Octoxbps (derived from OctoPkg), which is a graphical frontend for...
Source: linuxsimply.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Garuda Linux seems to be a lot more popular than Void Linux. While we know about 96 links to Garuda Linux, we've tracked only 1 mention of Void Linux. 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.

Garuda Linux mentions (96)

  • Linux gaming is faster because Windows APIs are becoming Linux kernel features
    My son, and his friends all seem to have switched to https://garudalinux.org/ recently for gaming. Seems to be working out well for them. - Source: Hacker News / 2 months ago
  • KDE launches its own distribution (again)
    CatchyOS is great, been using it for months and been good overall. There is also garuda linux, it looks great too, only tested it for a little though, worth trying if you are in your distro-hopping phase: https://garudalinux.org. - Source: Hacker News / 10 months ago
  • Linux hit over 3% desktop user share according to Statcounter
    I'd suggest trying Nobara and/or Garuda - both are absolutely easymode to install from a USB stick, and are specifically configured for gaming, but have a pretty different look and feel. Nobara is a very plain, kind of old fashioned, plain feeling UI (it rather reminds me of Windows 2000 in some ways, although it's much more advanced of course) while Garuda showcases just how fancy your desktop can look. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Reviving an old machine for gaming
    Garuda (Arch based, use a Desktop environment with small memory prints like XFCE or lxqt). Source: about 3 years ago
  • Please Help me for my search
    Personally, I feel like rolling release distros 'should' include a properly configured (GRUB-)Btrfs+Timeshit/Snapper by default. This will enable the user to rollback to a working system whenever a breakage occurs; even from the GRUB-menu. As the 'unadulterated' Arch is a blank slate upon which you 'should' tinker to your heart's content, it doesn't do this by default. However, you're highly encouraged to set it... Source: about 3 years ago
View more

Void Linux mentions (1)

  • Best Distro for grandparents?
    Https://itsfoss.com/void-linux-crisis/, the main website voidlinux.eu has been taken by somone else and is now a spanish blog filled with BS and without https. Source: over 4 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Garuda Linux and Void Linux, you can also consider the following products

Pop!_OS - A developer-focused minimalist Linux distro from System 76

Gentoo - The website of Gentoo, a flexible Linux or BSD distribution.

EndeavourOS - An Arch-based distro with a dynamic and friendly community in its core

Debian - Debian is a free distribution of the GNU/Linux operating system.

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

Slackware - Slackware Linux is an advanced Linux operating system, designed with the twin goals of ease of use...