Omarchy has a very specific target audience. As an AI-forward distro built on Arch Linux and the Hyprland tiling window manager, this powerful keyboard-first OS is definitely geared toward developers and power users. But an ongoing controversy surrounding comments made by Omarchy’s developer has left many of these users looking for alternatives.
Also: I tested Omarchy Quattro, one of the first Linux distros to go all in on AI
I’m happy to oblige. Here are my suggestions for suitable alternatives to Omarchy.
1. EndeavorOS – for those interested in Arch Linux
If you’re interested in Arch Linux (what Omarchy is based on), you should definitely give EndeavorOS a try. This distribution is actually quite viable for those who’ve never used Arch Linux or are just getting started on their Linux journey. EndeavorOS includes one of the better welcome tools on the market. The tool makes it easy to add/remove GPU drivers as needed, and includes what the developer calls the QuickStart Installer that allows you to select apps you want — and does so more efficiently than any app store I’ve used.
Also: How to use Linux without ever touching the terminal
EndeavorOS uses the Budgie desktop and the latest Linux kernel to deliver an experience that is not only user-friendly, but performance-driven. It’s fast. And, thanks to Budgie, it’s also elegant. If you’re not a fan of Budgie, you can select from KDE Plasma, Xfce, GNOME, Cinnamon, MATE, i3-wm, Sway, Qtile, BSPWM, Openbox, LXQt, LXDE, and Worm. The only desktop missing is Hyprland (which I’ll get to).
If Arch is what you want, skip Omarchy and try EndeavourOS.
2. CachyOS – for those interested in speed
CachyOS offers a clean KDE Plasma look.
Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Anyone looking to get serious speed from Linux should skip everything else and go straight to CachyOS. Instead of adding the CachyOS kernel on Omarchy, simply use CachyOS. You’ll be shocked by how fast this distribution is. I’ve yet to find a faster operating system (that isn’t stripped down to its bare bones).
Also: CachyOS vs. MX Linux: Are you seeking speed or stability in your distro?
CachyOS is all about power and performance, delivered by the CachyOS kernel, which uses a specifically tuned scheduler and options for BORE, sched-ext, BMQ, and RT. At the same time, every app found in the CachyOS repository is compiled for x86-64-v3, x86-64-v4, and Zen4 instruction sets, as well as LTO. On top of that, the core CachyOS packages also receive additional PGO and BOLT optimization.
So, yeah, CachyOS is blazingly fast. In fact, Omarchy can’t touch the speed found in CachyOS.
3. MainstreamOS – for those interested in Hyprland
MainstreamOS makes Hyprland look good.
Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET
I only recently gave MainstreamOS a go, but I found it to be one of the coolest and easiest-to-use Hyprland-based distros on the market. I’d go so far as to say that MainstreamOS is one of the best operating systems available. It’s like Linux, MacOS, and Windows procreated and gave birth to an OS that included the best of each world.
Also: I customized an Arch-based distro my way in under 5 minutes
Even the name MainstreamOS is spot on, because this distribution could easily be the one that brings Linux into the mainstream. In my initial review, I said that MainstreamOS was “a Linux distribution that is as polished as any I’ve ever beheld.”
MainstreamOS makes using both Linux and Hyprland a breeze — which is saying something, given how complicated Hyprland can be. At the same time, MainstreamOS makes Hyprland look soooo good.
4. Linux AI OS – for those who want AI
Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNETOmarchy loves that it’s all about AI, so if you’re looking for a distro that also stakes a claim around AI, give Linux AI OS a try. This distribution’s marketing reads, “A powerful, beautiful, privacy-focused Linux operating system built for the future — combining the freedom of open source with intelligent desktop tools.”
Linux AI OS allows you to choose a desktop layout that resembles MacOS, Windows, or Linux, thanks to the Cinnamon desktop.
Also: Inside Linux-AI OS: I tested a distro with built-in local AI
What makes me recommend Linux AI OS to meet your AI needs? The distribution includes a native AI assistant with built-in voice commands that is pre-configured to use local AI for you. You don’t even have to set up a model. Out of the box, the Linux-AI Assistant uses Ollama with the llama3.2:1b model. You can change that to llama3.2:3b or llama3. As well, the AI Assistant is set up for voice output and mic input. You can use the AI Assistant to open software and run commands (such as run updates).
Linux AI OS is a great option for anyone who wants AI preconfigured and ready to go out of the box.
