Arch vs Slackware

by Gralio Mar 13, 2025

Arch Linux and Slackware cater to experienced Linux users, but with different philosophies. Arch offers a highly customizable and up-to-date system with a vast software repository, ideal for users who prioritize access to the latest software. Slackware focuses on simplicity, stability, and adherence to Unix principles, providing a more traditional and controlled Linux environment.

At Gralio.ai we help to simplify your decision-making process by offering detailed, side-by-side software comparisons like this one, to help you confidently choose the tool that aligns with your business goals.

This comparison was created by analysing 67 reviews and 60 websites, saving 52 minutes of reading.

Arch

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Slackware

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About

Arch Linux is a free, open-source operating system primarily designed for experienced computer users. It emphasizes user customization and control, offering a highly flexible and minimal system. Unlike operating systems with pre-installed software, Arch Linux users build their system from scratch, choosing only the components they need. While not as user-friendly as other operating systems, Arch Linux offers greater flexibility and control for users comfortable managing their own system.

Slackware is a Linux operating system known for its focus on simplicity and staying true to traditional Unix principles. It prioritizes stability and giving experienced users flexibility and control over their system. Slackware includes popular software but expects users to be comfortable with system administration tasks.

Summary

Main difference

Arch Linux is distinguished by its rolling release model, providing users with the latest software updates, and the Arch User Repository (AUR), offering a vast collection of user-contributed packages. Slackware, conversely, emphasizes stability and adherence to Unix principles, offering a more traditional Linux experience.

Relative strengths of Arch (compared to Slackware)

Extensive software availability through the AUR.
Cutting-edge software with the rolling release model.
Highly customizable and flexible system.

Relative weaknesses of Arch (compared to Slackware)

Steeper learning curve and more complex setup.
Potential instability due to rolling releases.
Requires more manual system maintenance.

Who should use Arch VS. Slackware

Arch Linux is a highly customizable, minimalist OS ideal for experienced Linux users. Its flexibility and control are praised, but the complex setup and steep learning curve can be challenging for beginners. The active community provides support, despite occasional reports of unfriendliness.

Slackware is a Linux OS prioritizing stability and control for experienced users. Its simple design and fast installation are praised, but its challenging setup and manual package management are drawbacks. Best for those comfortable with the command-line interface.

Ideal for tech-savvy individuals and small teams seeking a highly customizable OS.
Well-suited for the Software, IT, & Telecommunications industry where customization and control are critical.

Ideal for small to large enterprises seeking a stable and customizable OS.
Well-suited for IT professionals and software developers.

Arch and Slackware features

Supported

Partially supported

Not supported

Type in the name of the feature or in your own words tell us what you need

Lightweight and flexible

Supported

Arch Linux is lightweight and highly customizable to specific needs.

Supported

Slackware is lightweight and flexible due to its minimalist design and customization options.
Rolling release model

Supported

Arch Linux fully supports the rolling release model.

Partially supported

Slackware offers a development branch with rolling updates, but it is not a true rolling release.
Simple and straightforward system

Supported

Arch Linux prioritizes a simple and straightforward system by minimizing unnecessary additions.

Supported

Slackware is designed to be simple and straightforward, aligning with the KISS principle.
User-contributed package repository

Supported

Arch Linux offers the AUR, a community repository of user-contributed packages.

Partially supported

Slackware supports user-contributed packages via community tools and custom repositories.
Driver availability

Supported

Arch Linux supports a wide range of device drivers through a modular kernel and community support.

Supported

Slackware supports a wide array of device drivers via kernel modules.
System Configuration

Supported

Arch Linux offers various tools like aconfmgr and Arch Mate for system configuration.

Supported

Slackware offers system configuration tools like setup, pkgtool and configuration scripts.

Qualities

Value and Pricing Transparency

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Customer Service

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Ease of Use

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Reliability and Performance

+0.33

Rather positive sentiment

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Ease of Implementation

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Scalability

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Arch and Slackware Pricing

No data

We couldn't find a pricing page for Arch.

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We couldn't find a pricing page for Slackware.

Arch and Slackware review insights

62 reviews analysed from

Users love

Highly customizable and allows for a personalized system
Minimalist approach with no bloatware
Excellent package management with Pacman and AUR
Access to cutting-edge software and latest updates
Active and helpful community support (despite some reports of unfriendliness)

Simple and lightweight design.
Fast installation process.
Stable and reliable performance.
Highly customizable and flexible.
Offers a pure Linux experience.

Users dislike

Difficult installation process for beginners
Potential system instability due to rolling releases and AUR packages
Steep learning curve and requires advanced Linux knowledge
Occasional driver issues, especially with graphics cards
Limited official support and reliance on community forums

Initial setup can be challenging for new users.
Can be prone to crashing under heavy load.
Requires manual package management and dependency resolution.
Limited software repository compared to other distributions.
Steep learning curve for beginners.

Arch and Slackware Ratings

G2

4.4/5

(33)
TrustPilot

4.2/5

(5)

G2

4.3/5

(29)

Company health

Employee growth

No change in the last year

Web traffic

10% decrease in the last quarter

No data

Financing

No data

How important is a rolling release model versus stability?

The choice between a rolling release model (like Arch) and a stable release model (like Slackware) depends on the user's priorities. Rolling releases provide constant access to the latest software and features but can introduce instability. Stable releases prioritize reliability and thorough testing but may lag behind in feature updates. For users who value up-to-date software and are comfortable troubleshooting, a rolling release is suitable. For users who prioritize stability and require a predictable environment, a stable release model is preferred.

Which AUR or Slackware's simpler package management better suits my needs?

Slackware's simpler package management is generally considered easier to learn and manage than Arch's AUR and Pacman combination. While AUR offers access to a vast user-contributed repository, it also introduces potential instability and requires more manual intervention. If you prioritize simplicity and a more traditional Unix-like experience, Slackware is a better fit. However, if you value extensive customization and access to cutting-edge software and don't mind the added complexity, Arch Linux might be preferable.

What are the advantages of Arch?

Arch Linux offers a rolling release model for constant access to the latest software, a minimalist design without bloatware, and a vast user-contributed package repository (AUR) expanding software options beyond the official repositories. It also emphasizes user customization and control, allowing for a highly personalized system.

What are the disadvantages of Arch?

Arch Linux presents a steep learning curve and requires advanced Linux knowledge, making it unsuitable for beginners. The rolling release model, while offering the latest software, can introduce instability. The installation process is known to be difficult, and while community support is active, it is sometimes perceived as unfriendly. Finally, reliance on the AUR for certain packages can also introduce instability due to the varying quality of user-contributed packages.

Alternatives to Arch and Slackware

Ubuntu

Ubuntu is a free, open-source operating system known for its speed and user-friendliness. Popular with developers, Ubuntu offers a secure platform for both daily tasks and professional software development. It boasts a large collection of applications and is compatible with a wide range of hardware, from modern laptops to older computers. Ubuntu also integrates well with enterprise environments, especially with the added support of Ubuntu Pro.

Debian

Debian is a free and open-source operating system known for its stability and security. It's like the foundation of a house, providing the core software to run your computer system. Debian offers a wide range of applications and software, making it suitable for various purposes. It stands out for its large, active community of developers who ensure its reliability and provide support.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux

Red Hat Enterprise Linux is a stable operating system used by businesses of all sizes. It's known for its flexibility and security, especially important for companies moving operations online. Red Hat offers support, helping your business use this system whether your data is stored locally, or accessed through the cloud.

Fedora

Fedora is a free, Linux-based operating system that offers a secure and customizable experience for a variety of uses. It provides different editions tailored for desktops, servers, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things. Known for its innovative features and regular updates, Fedora is driven by a large community of developers.

Linux Mint

Linux Mint is a free, full-featured operating system for desktops and laptops. It's designed for ease of use, resembling familiar operating systems, and comes with pre-installed productivity, multimedia, and internet applications. Linux Mint prioritizes user experience and a stable, reliable system with long-term support releases. It boasts a large and active community offering support and resources.

BunsenLabs

BunsenLabs Linux is a desktop operating system that prioritizes speed and customization. Built upon Debian Linux, it offers a streamlined experience with the Openbox window manager. Users can personalize their desktops with various themes and tools. While providing a user-friendly interface, BunsenLabs is particularly well-suited for those comfortable with Linux and seeking a highly configurable system.

Page co-authored by

Michal Kaczor

CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

Tymon Terlikiewicz

CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

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