Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Systemd-Boot VS Libreboot

Compare Systemd-Boot VS Libreboot and see what are their differences

Systemd-Boot logo Systemd-Boot

Systemd-Boot, formerly known as Gummiboot, is one of the simplest UEFI boot managers that lets you boot Linux and Windows in EFI mode even if the system is BIOS only supported.

Libreboot logo Libreboot

Libreboot is a distribution of ...
  • Systemd-Boot Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-07-19
  • Libreboot Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-15

Systemd-Boot features and specs

  • Simplicity
    Systemd-Boot is designed to be straightforward and simple to set up. It doesn't require complex configurations and is easier to manage compared to other boot managers, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer minimalism and simplicity.
  • Fast Boot Times
    Systemd-Boot offers faster boot times since it is lightweight and doesn't come with additional features that can slow down the boot process. It focuses on providing a quicker and more efficient booting experience.
  • Integration with Systemd
    Being a part of the systemd suite, systemd-boot integrates seamlessly with the system management features provided by systemd, allowing for better synchronization and configuration within systemd-based Linux environments.
  • Support for EFI Systems
    Systemd-Boot is designed specifically for EFI systems, providing native support and taking full advantage of EFI features. This makes it highly compatible with modern hardware and firmware.

Possible disadvantages of Systemd-Boot

  • Limited Features
    Systemd-Boot lacks some advanced features found in other boot loaders like GRUB. Users who require customization options, support for non-EFI systems, or advanced configurations might find systemd-boot restrictive.
  • EFI Only
    Systemd-Boot is designed to work only with EFI firmware. Users with legacy BIOS systems cannot use systemd-boot, limiting its applicability to modern systems that support EFI.
  • Dependency on Systemd
    As an integral component of the systemd suite, systemd-boot is dependent on systemd. Users who prefer systems without systemd, or who use distributions that do not include systemd by default, will not be able to use systemd-boot.
  • Community and Documentation
    While growing, the community and the documentation around systemd-boot are not as extensive as those for more established boot loaders like GRUB. This might lead to difficulties in finding support or solutions to issues.

Libreboot features and specs

  • Freedom and Security
    Libreboot is a free and open-source project that removes proprietary blobs from BIOS/UEFI, providing users with greater transparency and control over their system's firmware and improving security.
  • Privacy
    Without proprietary code, there is a reduced risk of hidden backdoors or privacy-compromising elements in the firmware, enhancing user privacy.
  • Community Support
    Being an open-source project, Libreboot benefits from a community of developers and users who contribute to its improvement and offer support.
  • Sustainability
    Libreboot supports older hardware, allowing users to continue using their devices longer, contributing to electronic sustainability.

Possible disadvantages of Libreboot

  • Hardware Compatibility
    Libreboot supports a limited range of hardware, primarily focusing on older devices, which may not meet the needs of users requiring modern systems.
  • Technical Expertise Required
    Installing and managing Libreboot can be complex and requires technical expertise, which can be a barrier for average users.
  • Performance Limitations
    Due to the lack of proprietary optimizations present in standard BIOS/UEFI, some users may experience performance limitations compared to vendor-provided firmware.
  • Lack of Features
    Some features available in proprietary firmware, such as specific power management functions and certain peripherals support, might be absent in Libreboot.

Systemd-Boot videos

Dual Kernel, Archlinux with systemd-boot and LTS Kernel

Libreboot videos

How To Actually Libreboot a Thinkpad X200

More videos:

  • Review - Thinkpad T500 Quad Core (The fastest libreboot laptop?)

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Systemd-Boot and Libreboot)
IT Automation
41 41%
59% 59
Developer Tools
49 49%
51% 51
OS & Utilities
63 63%
37% 37
Cloud Computing
47 47%
53% 53

User comments

Share your experience with using Systemd-Boot and Libreboot. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Libreboot seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 39 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.

Systemd-Boot mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Systemd-Boot yet. Tracking of Systemd-Boot recommendations started around Jul 2021.

Libreboot mentions (39)

  • Librebooting the ThinkPad T480
    Https://libreboot.org/ Has reasons why you would want a Free bios. - Source: Hacker News / 5 months ago
  • PixieFail: Nine Vulnerabilities UEFI Implementations
    > is there any motherboards out there for AMD64/X86_64 that comes without UEFI/BIOS? Your computer needs UEFI/BIOS for hardware initialization. There is a open implementation tho, see https://libreboot.org/. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Just about every Windows/Linux device vulnerable to new LogoFAIL firmware attack
    UEFI is just another M$ abomination 8-( In this specific vulnerability, I wonder how possible it is to modify that boot logo remotely? Wouldn't exploiting this vuln require local access? As in all things, open firmware is the way to go: https://www.linuxboot.org/ https://libreboot.org/ https://www.coreboot.org/users.html. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • GNU Boot sent a cease and desist to Libreboot
    There was the spat of drama in 2016, and the view of "always in the middle of drama" is IMO confirmation bias since then. Today's drama is part of larger culture wars going on in the community: - The pro-RMS vs anti-RMS thing going on since RMS's removal from the FSF in 2019, much amplified by his reinstatement in 2021 (the latter of which lead to most of the FSF staff walking out). Is RMS still fit to lead the... - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
  • Returning my ReMarkable 2
    I don't own a cell phone and my computer is entirely free, its BIOS replaced with libreboot running Trisquel, a 100% free-software operating system. Others can do this, too, if they really want the freedom. It is not hard, nor does it require expertise. It only requires the will to do it. Source: almost 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Systemd-Boot and Libreboot, you can also consider the following products

GRUB - Multiboot boot loader

PLoP Boot Manager - The PLoP Boot Manager is a small program to boot different operating systems.

Clover EFI bootloader - This is EFI-based bootloader for BIOS-based computers created as a replacement to EDK2/Duet...

EasyUEFI - Manage EFI/UEFI Boot Options & Manage EFI System Partitions & Fix EFI/UEFI Boot Issues

U-Boot - Das U-Boot (the Universal Bootloader) and Embedded Linux

LILO Boot Loader - LILO stands for Linux Loader, is a boot loader tool that is used to load Linux OS into memory.