Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Manjaro VS Ubuntu MATE

Compare Manjaro VS Ubuntu MATE and see what are their differences

Manjaro logo Manjaro

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

Ubuntu MATE logo Ubuntu MATE

We are delighted to provide a ready-to-run image for the Raspberry Pi 2 and Raspberry Pi 3.
  • Manjaro Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-17

Manjaro OS for everyone manjaro has no adverts, licenses or fees, it respects user privacy and empowers them with full control over their hardware. It can be used for development, gaming, 3D, office or home, it can be installed on tablets, mobile, desktops, laptops and boards.

  • Ubuntu MATE Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-12-18

Manjaro features and specs

  • Easy Installation
    Manjaro provides a user-friendly installer that simplifies the installation process, making it accessible for beginners.
  • Rolling Release
    As a rolling release distribution, Manjaro continually updates its software, ensuring users have access to the latest features and security updates.
  • AUR Support
    Manjaro allows access to the Arch User Repository (AUR), giving users a vast selection of community-maintained packages.
  • Excellent Hardware Support
    Manjaro is known for its strong hardware detection and compatibility, making it suitable for various systems, including newer hardware.
  • Pre-configured Desktop Environments
    Manjaro provides several pre-configured desktop environments (e.g., Xfce, KDE, GNOME), offering users an optimized and polished experience out-of-the-box.
  • User-Friendly
    With built-in utilities and an intuitive design, Manjaro is aimed at being user-friendly, especially compared to the more complex Arch Linux.
  • Active Community
    Manjaro has an active and supportive community, which contributes to a wealth of documentation, forums, and resources for troubleshooting.

Possible disadvantages of Manjaro

  • Possible Stability Issues
    As a rolling release, new updates may introduce bugs or instability. Users might occasionally face issues that could disrupt their workflow.
  • Less Control Compared to Arch
    While Manjaro simplifies many aspects of setup and use, this might decrease the level of control some users have compared to a vanilla Arch Linux installation.
  • AUR Safety
    While the AUR provides access to many packages, it also carries some risks as these packages are user-contributed and might not be as thoroughly vetted.
  • Large Package Sizes
    Manjaro pre-configures many packages and tools, which can lead to larger downloads and installations compared to other distributions.
  • Learning Curve
    Even though Manjaro aims to be user-friendly, it still requires a learning curve, particularly for users new to Linux or coming from other operating systems.
  • Not as Established as Other Distros
    While growing in popularity, Manjaro does not have the long-standing reputation of other major distributions like Ubuntu or Fedora, which can be a consideration for some users.

Ubuntu MATE features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Ubuntu MATE provides a simple and intuitive desktop environment, making it accessible for both new and experienced users. The MATE Desktop Environment is well-organized, offering a traditional and familiar desktop layout.
  • Lightweight and Efficient
    The operating system is designed to be lightweight, which translates to lower resource usage compared to other desktop environments. This makes Ubuntu MATE an excellent choice for older hardware or systems with limited resources.
  • Customizability
    Users have a wide range of customization options for tweaking the appearance and behavior of the desktop environment. This includes changing themes, layouts, and panel configurations easily.
  • Active Community and Support
    Ubuntu MATE benefits from a vibrant community and a strong support network, offering numerous resources like forums, documentation, and tutorials. Users can easily find help and guidance for any issues they encounter.
  • Software Compatibility
    Being based on Ubuntu, Ubuntu MATE is compatible with a vast range of software and applications available through the Ubuntu repositories and PPAs (Personal Package Archives).
  • Regular Updates
    Ubuntu MATE receives regular updates and security patches, ensuring that the system remains secure and up-to-date with the latest features and improvements.
  • Long-Term Support (LTS) Versions
    LTS versions of Ubuntu MATE offer extended support and stability, making them an ideal choice for users who need a reliable and long-lasting operating system.

Possible disadvantages of Ubuntu MATE

  • Less Modern Appearance
    The MATE desktop environment, while functional, may seem outdated or less visually appealing compared to more modern desktop environments like GNOME or KDE Plasma.
  • Limited Advanced Features
    Being focused on simplicity and efficiency, Ubuntu MATE lacks some of the advanced features and eye-candy that are available in other desktop environments. Users looking for cutting-edge features may find it lacking.
  • Software Bloat
    Like other Ubuntu flavors, Ubuntu MATE comes with a pre-installed selection of applications that may not be necessary for all users. This can result in perceived software bloat.
  • Learning Curve for Customization
    While the desktop environment is customizable, new users might find the customization options overwhelming or difficult to navigate initially, requiring some time to learn how to effectively personalize the system.
  • Hardware Compatibility Issues
    Although rare, some users may experience hardware compatibility issues with certain devices or components, particularly with very new or niche hardware.
  • Default Applications
    The default selection of applications may not satisfy all users, requiring additional effort to install preferred alternatives. Some users might find the default applications less polished compared to alternatives.

Analysis of Manjaro

Overall verdict

  • Manjaro is generally considered a good choice, particularly for users who want the power and flexibility of Arch Linux with a more accessible entry point. It balances cutting-edge software availability with system stability, making it suitable for everyday use across various use cases.

Why this product is good

  • Manjaro is a popular Linux distribution based on Arch Linux, offering several advantages including ease of use, a user-friendly installer, and a curated set of default applications. It provides a rolling release model, ensuring that users have access to the latest software and updates without needing to reinstall the operating system. Manjaro supports a range of desktop environments like XFCE, KDE, and GNOME, allowing users to choose the interface that best suits their needs. Additionally, Manjaro has a strong community and excellent documentation, which is beneficial for both new and experienced Linux users.

Recommended for

    Manjaro is recommended for users who are comfortable with technology and want to explore Linux with a rolling release model. It suits users who appreciate a balance between bleeding-edge software and system stability, and it is a good choice for developers, programmers, and tech enthusiasts. It's also appropriate for users transitioning from Windows or macOS who want a more tailored Linux experience without steep learning curves.

Manjaro videos

Manjaro 21.0 Ornara | KDE Plasma

More videos:

  • Review - Manjaro 21.0 Ornara | XFCE
  • Review - Manjaro 20.2 Nibia | GNOME At Its Finest
  • Review - Ubuntu 22.04 LTS VS Manjaro – What are the differences ! Which One is Better in 2022 ?
  • Review - Manjaro Makes Desktop Linux Look GOOD!
  • Review - MANJARO has a BIG PROBLEM

Ubuntu MATE videos

Ubuntu MATE 20.04 Review - Best of the Ubuntu Derivatives

More videos:

  • Review - Ubuntu MATE 20.04 Review: MATE Has Never Been This Better
  • Review - Ubuntu MATE 19.10 Review - Fast, Functional & Fun?

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Manjaro and Ubuntu MATE)
Operating Systems
84 84%
16% 16
Linux
84 84%
16% 16
Linux Distribution
85 85%
15% 15
Distributions
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 Manjaro and Ubuntu MATE

Manjaro Reviews

10 Most Popular Linux Distros of the Year 2023
If I have to choose between Manjaro and EndeavourOS, then I would like to go for Manjaro because of its user-friendly approach and intuitive package management through multiple sources using GUI. Otherwise, just like EndevousOS, it is also available in multiple with multiple desktop environments such as Xfce, LXDE, KDE Plasma, GNOME, Awesome, i3, and more… Its GUI “Software...
12 Best Linux Distros You Should Use
Like Fedora Spins, Manjaro has lots of community versions like Budgie, Cinnamon, and MATE too. Hence, you are not devoid of choices in this case. That said, Manjaro isn’t a pure Arch-based system because it isn’t as cutting-edge as the next option on our list. Manjaro has its own repository where all updates from Arch are merged and pushed later. Stability is of great...
Source: beebom.com
The best Linux distributions (operating systems)
Manjaro Linux is based on the sophisticated Arch Linux, combining a free and individual approach with numerous graphical tools. The result is an operating system that is relatively slim (depending on the version) and makes it easier for newcomers to get started. Manjaro Linux offers several desktop interfaces, the Calamares installation tool and a package management with its...
Source: www.ionos.com
Best Top 20 Ubuntu Linux Alternatives (Pros and Cons)
Manjaro is an Arch Linux-based free and open-source Linux alternative distribution. Manjaro is designed to work straight out of the box with its selection of pre-installed apps. In addition, it employs Pacman as a package manager.
13 Best Linux distros for gaming in 2022
If you like to have the latest and greatest driver support along with a kernel upgrade, a rolling release distribution like Manjaro Linux would be a good pick.

Ubuntu MATE Reviews

We have no reviews of Ubuntu MATE yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Manjaro should be more popular than Ubuntu MATE. It has been mentiond 123 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.

Manjaro mentions (123)

  • Yozora: Linux Configurator
    At some point all of us wanted to have a fully customized and flexible Linux configuration, not having a pre-configured system like Manjaro for example. There must be people out there, who are not a big fans of DE (Desktop Environments). Sure I also got into the arch world with Plasma's KDE, but after a while, it become dull, so that's when I started getting into configuring my setup, but when I had to do it every... - Source: dev.to / about 1 year ago
  • what machines have you used for development, and what do you prefer?
    I use MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid-2014) with Manjaro as OS using i3 as a window manager. It isn't perfect, but I'm thrilled with it. I have been a Mac OS user for the last 15 years and wouldn't change what I have now for a Mac OS because I don't need more than what I'm using for development. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Can I rigg a Chromebook to install Linux on it? Not the virtual Linux they have an option for, I want to replace Chrome OS entirely with Linux.
    At any rate, you can try Breath, Crouton, Manjaro... Those are three of the distros people have found success with. It all boils down to the specific hardware involved... Which we know nothing about since you kept that to yourself. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Windows updated 8 hours into a print. I’m gonna cry.
    Start your new life at https://manjaro.org/. Source: about 2 years ago
  • [root@archlinux ~]# after login
    But if you were expecting to be able to complete the install and have a GUI available, you might be better off starting with something like Manjaro: Https://manjaro.org. Source: about 2 years ago
View more

Ubuntu MATE mentions (43)

  • best Distro for Noob
    When I started out, I used red hat, Suse linux, and then finally I jumped to Ubuntu, when they killed gnome and rolled out their new GUI later, I switched to Ubuntu Mate, with xfce alternatively installed. And then later came MINT. Which is based on ubuntu anyway. Source: over 1 year ago
  • New monitor and VGA cable smudges/ghosting
    Prepare a blank USB stick with a copy of Ubuntu (write the ISO to the USB stick with Rufus). Source: over 1 year ago
  • Reviving an old machine for gaming
    Ubuntu MATE (simple, well maintained, has the Ubuntu ecosystem support and should work well). Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Who needs Ubuntu when you have MATE
    Linux Mint has its advantages, but your title doesn't make sense when there's Ubuntu MATE. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Fail To Download on Old Windows Vista PC
    (btw: since the PC is older I would reccommend Ubuntu Mate or Xubuntu as those come with a lighter Desktop). Source: about 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Manjaro and Ubuntu MATE, you can also consider the following products

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

Ubuntu - Ubuntu is a Debian Linux-based open source operating system for desktop computers.

Xubuntu - Xubuntu – Xubuntu is an elegant and easy-to-use operating system. Download XubuntuXubuntu – Xubuntu is an elegant and easy-to-use operating system. Feature Tour.

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.

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.

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