--- title: Arch Reviews meta\_title: 'Arch Reviews 2026: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2' meta\_description: Filter 45 reviews by the users' company size, role or industry to find out how Arch works for a business like yours. aggregate\_rating: rating\_value: 4.4 review\_count: 45 scale: '5' date\_modified: '2026-08-09' parent\_category: name: IT Infrastructure url: https://www.g2.com/categories/it-infrastructure --- ### Arch Pros and Cons: Top Advantages and Disadvantages #### Quick AI Summary Based on G2 Reviews Generated from real user reviews Users appreciate the **customization and flexibility** of Arch, allowing tailored installations without unnecessary applications. [(2 mentions)](https://www.g2.com/products/arch/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1204856&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Users highlight the **Arch User Repository** as a major advantage, providing a vast selection of applications. [(1 mentions)](https://www.g2.com/products/arch/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2318870&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Users appreciate the **flexible community support** , enhancing their overall experience with Arch. [(1 mentions)](https://www.g2.com/products/arch/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2272944&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Users appreciate the **easy installation** of Arch, allowing customization without unnecessary boilerplate applications. [(1 mentions)](https://www.g2.com/products/arch/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2401493&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Users value the **minimalistic approach** of Arch, which ensures they always access the latest package versions effortlessly. [(1 mentions)](https://www.g2.com/products/arch/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1941617&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Users find the **steep learning curve** of Arch challenging due to its Linux knowledge requirements and setup complexity. [(2 mentions)](https://www.g2.com/products/arch/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1204896&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Users often face **installation difficulties** with Arch, making the setup process challenging and frustrating. [(1 mentions)](https://www.g2.com/products/arch/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2272951&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Users find **usage difficulty** with Arch, especially if they lack knowledge about Linux beforehand. [(1 mentions)](https://www.g2.com/products/arch/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1941616&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) ### Top Pros or Advantages of Arch ##### 1. Customization/Personalization Users appreciate the **customization and flexibility** of Arch, allowing tailored installations without unnecessary applications. [ See 2 mentions ](https://www.g2.com/products/arch/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1204856&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) See Related User Reviews ![Deep A.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Deep A.") DA Deep A. Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 3.5/5 "Reliable Linux Distro for Network Operations" What do you like about Arch? I like that with Arch, you can choose the specific cases you need when installing, so you don't have to install boilerplate applications. ![Johnathan B.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Johnathan B.") JB Johnathan B. Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 4.0/5 "Complete control" What do you like about Arch? I love the support and I love that it's extremely flexible. ##### 2. App Ecosystem Users highlight the **Arch User Repository** as a major advantage, providing a vast selection of applications. [ See 1 mentions ](https://www.g2.com/products/arch/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2318870&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) See Related User Reviews ![Claudio S.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Claudio S.") CS Claudio S. Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 4.5/5 "Using Arch in everyday work" What do you like about Arch? One of the biggest advantage is the Arch User Repository ##### 3. Community Support Users appreciate the **flexible community support** , enhancing their overall experience with Arch. [ See 1 mentions ](https://www.g2.com/products/arch/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2272944&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) See Related User Reviews ![Johnathan B.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Johnathan B.") JB Johnathan B. Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 4.0/5 "Complete control" What do you like about Arch? I love the support and I love that it's extremely flexible. ##### 4. Easy Installation Users appreciate the **easy installation** of Arch, allowing customization without unnecessary boilerplate applications. [ See 1 mentions ](https://www.g2.com/products/arch/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2401493&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) See Related User Reviews ![Deep A.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Deep A.") DA Deep A. Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 3.5/5 "Reliable Linux Distro for Network Operations" What do you like about Arch? I like that with Arch, you can choose the specific cases you need when installing, so you don't have to install boilerplate applications. ##### 5. Powerful Features Users value the **minimalistic approach** of Arch, which ensures they always access the latest package versions effortlessly. [ See 1 mentions ](https://www.g2.com/products/arch/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1941617&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) See Related User Reviews MJ Maxwell J. Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 5.0/5 "Fast, minimal OS good for workstations" What do you like about Arch? Arch allows you to always have the latest versions of packages, and is always very minimal with how you do things, never making you take unnecessary s ### Top Cons or Disadvantages of Arch ##### 1. Skill Requirements Users find the **steep learning curve** of Arch challenging due to its Linux knowledge requirements and setup complexity. [ See 2 mentions ](https://www.g2.com/products/arch/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1204896&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) See Related User Reviews ![Claudio S.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Claudio S.") CS Claudio S. Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 4.5/5 "Using Arch in everyday work" What do you dislike about Arch? For some the disadvantage, is that it does require a more knowledge of how Linux works (learning curve). ![Johnathan B.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Johnathan B.") JB Johnathan B. Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 4.0/5 "Complete control" What do you dislike about Arch? The setup and how easy it is to break things. ##### 2. Installation Difficulties Users often face **installation difficulties** with Arch, making the setup process challenging and frustrating. [ See 1 mentions ](https://www.g2.com/products/arch/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2272951&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) See Related User Reviews ![Johnathan B.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Johnathan B.") JB Johnathan B. Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 4.0/5 "Complete control" What do you dislike about Arch? The setup and how easy it is to break things. ##### 3. Usage Difficulty Users find **usage difficulty** with Arch, especially if they lack knowledge about Linux beforehand. [ See 1 mentions ](https://www.g2.com/products/arch/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1941616&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) See Related User Reviews MJ Maxwell J. Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 5.0/5 "Fast, minimal OS good for workstations" What do you dislike about Arch? It isn't always user-friendly, make sure you know a bit about Linux before using it. ## Top-Rated Alternatives [ ![Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_3042cb71cbf8ba9820007715c12aea60/red-hat-enterprise-linux.jpg "Red Hat Enterprise Linux") Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4.6/5(977) ](https://www.g2.com/products/red-hat-enterprise-linux/reviews) [ ![Kali Linux](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_04e07a91537fe67d4f9b8807e8f7b181/kali-linux.png "Kali Linux") Kali Linux 4.5/5(245) ](https://www.g2.com/products/kali-linux/reviews) [ ![Fedora](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487565578/fedora.svg "Fedora") Fedora 4.4/5(216) ](https://www.g2.com/products/fedora/reviews) [ View All Alternatives ](https://www.g2.com/products/arch/competitors/alternatives) ![Erdem E.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Erdem E.") EE Erdem E. Technical Support Services Deputy Manager Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 6/15/2022 "Arch Linux for Freedom & Full Control" 4.5/5 What do you like best about Arch? Arch Linux is one of the best Linux distros which allows a user to customize almost all the features and properties of the operating system. Besides a user can choose the components, services and applications which are going to be installed. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Arch? The first installation process is hard for inexperienced users. On the other hand, once a user forgets to install an application that is necessary for him/her; during a study or a process, it is very likely to have an error because of a missing application or dependencies. It has to be installed when it is needed, later. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering Arch: You can start with Manjaro first if you are on your baby steps. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Arch solving and how is that benefiting you? Arch is an Operating System, which is a very good option as a Linux distro. When I compare Windows and Linux operating systems regarding their resource management; my choice is always Linux. However, when I have to choose a Linux Distro; Arch Linux is one of my best favorite distros. It needs very low system resources! So I can install it to my old fashioned laptop. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More 11/13/2023 Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Deepesh S.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Deepesh S.") DS Deepesh S. Content Writer Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 3/24/2022 "Arch Linux is the best DIY Linux distro for tinkerers" 5/5 What do you like best about Arch? The best thing about Arch Linux is the DIY philosophy it is based upon. With Arch Linux, you've to set up everything yourself. The installation is command-based and post-installation, you'll only be left with a command line. You'll even have to install the desktop yourself. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Arch? Arch Linux is very complicated for new Linux users as setting it up demands at least intermediate knowledge of Linux. But Manjaro is a beginner-friendly version of Arch Linux that users can use if Arch is too sophisticated for them. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering Arch: Arch Linux- I can't recommend it less to any Linux enthusiast and tinkerer. If you want to improve your knowledge of operating systems and want to add Linux administration to your repertoire, then Arch Linux is the perfect operating system for you, no doubt. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Arch solving and how is that benefiting you? By installing Arch Linux, I get a desktop that I truly have complete control over. I can even customize the smallest of things about the OS and my desktop. I like to personalize my devices and Arch lets me do that out-of-the-box. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Current UserValidated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Ángel V.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Ángel V.") ÁV Ángel V. Senior Software Engineer Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 9/3/2022 "It is the best distro that I've ever used after 25+ years of using Linux." 5/5 What do you like best about Arch? Arch is by far the only distribution that suits different types of needs that I have had over the history as a system administrator, software engineer and, of course, as a Linux user. It always had new versions of the most popular packages Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Arch? It's not the friendliest for new users, but if you are willing to spend the time, you'll read the documentation (Arch Wiki) and you will figure out everything that you need to know and learn valuable knowledge. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Arch solving and how is that benefiting you? It always have new versions of the packages that I need, I get updates first on Arch than everywhere else. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerSource: Organic ![Verified User in Computer Software](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User in Computer Software") UC Verified User in Computer Software Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 3/14/2022 "I have used arch regularly for 5 years but I have not gone too deep." 4/5 What do you like best about Arch? It is quite customizable. But my favorite thing about Arch is the package management "Pacman", it is very easy to use and straightforward. Another thing to take into account is the documentation, Arch has some very helpful documentation. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Arch? I have faced some issues when updating my OS. Sometimes I have been obligated to use the terminal to solve the problem because I'm not able to start the window manager or any other visual tool. These problems are regularly related to my graphic card drivers. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Arch solving and how is that benefiting you? I use Arch as my main OS, which I use when I'm working on my projects. Most development tools are available from pacman, otherwise you will probably find an AUR package with the tool you need. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Current UserValidated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Verified User in Information Technology and Services](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User in Information Technology and Services") UI Verified User in Information Technology and Services Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 12/18/2021 "Best Linux distribution out there" 5/5 What do you like best about Arch? Not only is Arch an incredible and customizable distribution the arch wiki is incredible. It goes over every single aspect of the OS from installation to software and more. The resources you have available to you for free is simply outstanding and nothing compares. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Arch? If you have no knowledge of Linux systems then you may find it difficult to install even with the wiki. There are installation scripts available that may make it easier, but it isn't super simple like some OS's. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Arch solving and how is that benefiting you? I use this OS on my personal / work laptop. It helps me be more productive and less downtime than traditional OS like windows / mac os. You have full control over the device which is a must for me. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Current UserValidated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Prateek U.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Prateek U.") PU Prateek U. Associate software developer Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 4/19/2022 "Arch Linux review" 4/5 What do you like best about Arch? First of all the thing I like the most in it is that it is so lightweight. I installed it in my pc as well as in the raspberry pi. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Arch? It's better if they provide updates sooner. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Arch solving and how is that benefiting you? I am a software developer so basically I used this OS so its make process faster during the development. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Biki D.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Biki D.") BD Biki D. Marketing Lead Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 1/25/2022 "Great linux distribution for advance users" 4/5 What do you like best about Arch? Arch is not for everyone, it is for the professionals by the professionals, I loved it's open system architecture and learning curve. Used manjaro which is based on arch, truly amazing experience. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Arch? The learning curve can be bit good for new users, better nvidia graphic driver support for new laptops as we get to work a lot with it. Better memory management. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Arch solving and how is that benefiting you? We are solving day to day devops operations with arch, our devops team use it everyday here to stay productive. We mostly use it ssh features here in the team regularly. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Arnab T.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Arnab T.") AT Arnab T. Software developer Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 6/30/2021 "It's more streamlined than other linux operating systems" 4/5 What do you like best about Arch? The user experience to be specific. With the power of an amazing security as well as the terminal commands, it makes it easier and faster to navigate across the folders and do much more than just writing commands. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Arch? Didn't really like the way the UI looks like. Though, the UX is amazing, UI took a big hit on this one. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Arch solving and how is that benefiting you? We were using the OS to handle AWS connections and everything related to AWS services. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Verified User in Computer Networking](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User in Computer Networking") UC Verified User in Computer Networking Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 5/10/2021 "Best Linux Distro" 5/5 What do you like best about Arch? High degree of package availability when in cluding the AUR in the repositories. It's relatively easy to install if you just watch youtube videos honestly. The only challenge there is perhaps if you have some issues with the EFI boot options. Buit those are usually surmountable Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Arch? Had some stability issues with complex hardware interfaces. If you can't figure it out you can always try manjaro for additional stability Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Arch solving and how is that benefiting you? Well you need an OS to install packages and it just holds the greatest breadth of software options Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More 5/14/2022 Current UserValidated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite GP Giovanni P. Programmer Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 9/22/2020 "The Os for people who know (or wants to know) Linux." 5/5 What do you like best about Arch? You have the ability to customize everything about Arch. From the desktop environment to the kernel. The repository is full of all software imaginable and the AUR (Arch user repository) provides what isn't yet available. It is also a rolling release, but in Arch case, everything is stable anyway, as I have never experienced crashes or bad perfomance. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Arch? Your first installation of Arch is slow and prone to error, but then you became much more quicker. It misses good defaults so to get an usable experience you have to thinker a lot. As a rolling release it could break, so it's not advisable to use Arch as a server, but you can always try. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering Arch: The Arch wiki is your best friend! Everything you need to know is written there. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Arch solving and how is that benefiting you? I wanted a system where everything was decided by me. The Arch package manager (Pacman) is the best of all distros, super simple to use and fast. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Current UserValidated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ## Work at Arch Linux? Claim this profile to respond to reviews, update product info, and reach in-market buyers. 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