Artix Linux vs Garuda Linux
Artix Linux and Garuda Linux compared on the facts that matter: release model, desktop, package management, init system, memory floor and installation size.
Side by side
| Artix Linux | Garuda Linux | |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Arch family | Arch family |
| Release model | Rolling release | Rolling release |
| Desktop | Xfce / Cinnamon (multi-DE) | KDE Plasma (Dragonized) / multi-DE |
| Package manager | pacman | pacman |
| Init system | OpenRC (runit, s6, dinit optional) | systemd |
| Immutable root | Yes | Yes |
| Wayland by default | No | Yes |
| Minimum RAM | 512 MB | 4 GB |
| ISO size | 1.6 GB | 4.9 GB |
| Latest kernel | 6.12 | 6.12 |
| Releases archived | 0 | 0 |
| Latest release | 2026 (rolling) | 2026 (rolling) |
What differs
Init system
Artix Linux boots with OpenRC (runit, s6, dinit optional); Garuda Linux uses systemd.
Minimum RAM
Artix Linux runs on less memory: 512 MB against 4096 MB.
Shared traits
Both systems share more than they differ: the table above lines up the current facts side by side.
Verdict
Both are solid choices for their goals — the practical differences are in the table and the points above. Full range tables for each are on their distro pages.
{$AFFBLOCK}FAQ
Which one is easier for beginners?
Check the installer row and minimum RAM: a graphical installer with a low memory floor is the friendlier first step.
Where do the numbers come from?
From the current release snapshots of each distribution archived by the linux2u.ru team.