EndeavourOS review: Still the best Arch Linux installer?

A hands-on look at the Arch-based distro that prioritizes simplicity and keeps you close to upstream.

Arch Linux is powerful but intimidating to install. In this video from Learn Linux TV, you’ll learn how EndeavourOS removes the friction while keeping you surprisingly close to pure Arch.

Jay reviews EndeavourOS in 2026, highlighting what sets it apart from other Arch-based distributions like Manjaro and CachyOS. Unlike Manjaro, which heavily customizes the experience and develops its own identity, EndeavourOS deliberately stays minimal and close to upstream Arch. It uses the official Arch repositories and ships with sensible defaults rather than opinionated configurations.

The installer is modern and straightforward, letting you choose from several desktop environments during setup. Jay notes one quirk: on 4K displays, the default scaling makes text nearly unreadable until you adjust it manually. Once installed, EndeavourOS gives you a clean system with just the essentials, a web browser, text editor, and not much else.

Jay emphasizes that EndeavourOS targets intermediate users who want to learn how Linux works and don’t mind being hands-on. It won’t hold your hand, but it also doesn’t hide the system’s inner workings. Performance feels fast and responsive, though it lacks the out-of-the-box optimizations found in performance-focused distros like CachyOS. You can implement those tweaks yourself by following documentation, which aligns with EndeavourOS’s philosophy of leaving decisions up to you.

Key takeaways

• Closer to Arch than alternatives – EndeavourOS uses official Arch repositories and avoids heavy customization, giving you a vanilla Arch experience with a friendlier installer.
• Minimal defaults by design – The distro ships with few pre-installed applications and configurations, letting you build exactly the system you want without undoing decisions made for you.
• Best for learners who want control – If you’re genuinely interested in understanding how Linux works and comfortable maintaining your own system, EndeavourOS is an excellent choice.

EndeavourOS proves you don’t need a complicated installer to enjoy Arch’s rolling release benefits. Jay’s review makes it clear this distro excels at getting out of your way while still delivering a polished, professional experience.

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