Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Alpine Linux VS Artix Linux

Compare Alpine Linux VS Artix Linux and see what are their differences

Alpine Linux logo Alpine Linux

Alpine Linux is a security-oriented, lightweight Linux distribution based on musl libc and busybox.

Artix Linux logo Artix Linux

Artix Linux, a systemd-free linux distribution.
  • Alpine Linux Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-14
  • Artix Linux Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-02

Alpine Linux features and specs

  • Lightweight and Minimal
    Alpine Linux is designed to be small and efficient, making it ideal for containers and environments where resource usage is a concern.
  • Security-focused
    Uses musl libc and busybox, which are designed for simplicity and security, reducing potential vulnerabilities.
  • Fast Boot Time
    Its minimalistic nature allows it to boot very quickly compared to many other Linux distributions.
  • Package Management
    APK (Alpine Package Keeper) is simple and efficient, allowing for easy package management.
  • Active Community
    Has an active community and good documentation, making it easier to find resources and support.
  • Compatibility
    Compatible with Docker, making it a popular choice for container-based deployments.
  • Customizability
    Highly customizable due to its simplicity, allowing users to build a system tailored to their specific needs.

Possible disadvantages of Alpine Linux

  • Learning Curve
    May have a steeper learning curve for users who are accustomed to more mainstream distributions like Ubuntu or CentOS.
  • Limited Package Repository
    Not as extensive as more mainstream distributions, potentially limiting some software options.
  • Community Support
    While active, the community is smaller compared to larger distributions, which might limit the availability of third-party tutorials and resources.
  • Default Shell
    Uses BusyBox shell by default, which lacks some of the features of Bash or Zsh that some users may be accustomed to.
  • Performance Overheads
    While generally performant, the use of musl libc instead of glibc can cause some performance overhead and compatibility issues with certain applications.
  • Limited Out-of-the-Box Tools
    Some tools and conveniences found in other distributions are absent by default, requiring more initial setup for a fully functional environment.
  • Hardware Compatibility
    May have limited hardware support compared to larger distributions, potentially causing issues with some drivers and peripherals.

Artix Linux features and specs

  • Init Freedom
    Artix Linux supports multiple init systems (OpenRC, Runit, s6), giving users the freedom to choose the one that best fits their needs, unlike many other distributions that default to systemd.
  • Community Support
    Artix boasts an active community ready to provide support and share knowledge, which can be useful for troubleshooting and customization.
  • Arch-Based
    As a derivative of Arch Linux, Artix inherits many of its benefits, such as a rolling release model, access to the Arch User Repository (AUR), and extensive documentation.
  • Lightweight and Customizable
    Artix is designed to be lightweight and highly customizable, making it an excellent choice for users who want to optimize their system performance and resource usage.

Possible disadvantages of Artix Linux

  • Steeper Learning Curve
    Artix Linux may not be suitable for beginners as it requires a certain level of expertise to manage and configure, especially when dealing with multiple init systems.
  • Compatibility Issues
    Some software packages and third-party applications are built with systemd dependencies, which may not work seamlessly or at all on Artix, requiring workarounds.
  • Less Mainstream
    Compared to more popular distributions like Ubuntu or Fedora, Artix has a smaller user base and less commercial support, which can be a downside for some users.
  • Rolling Release Cons
    While rolling releases ensure you get the latest updates, they can also introduce instability at times due to less testing compared to fixed release models.

Alpine Linux videos

Looking at Alpine Linux

More videos:

  • Review - Small, Simple, and Secure: Alpine Linux under the Microscope
  • Review - I'm considering switching to Alpine Linux. Here's why.

Artix Linux videos

Artix Linux - Installation and Review

More videos:

  • Review - Look @ Artix Linux 2020.02.10 - Mate Edition & Runit Init System

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Alpine Linux and Artix Linux)
Operating Systems
44 44%
56% 56
Linux
33 33%
67% 67
Linux Distribution
41 41%
59% 59
Security & Privacy
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Alpine Linux and Artix Linux

Alpine Linux Reviews

Top 9 Fastest Linux Distros in 2024
There are several Linux distros that are known for their fast boot times. Such as Ubuntu 11.10 is known for the fastest booting time as it can boot within 10 seconds boot time. Moreover, Alpine Linux, Void Linux, antiX Linux, Puppy Linux, etc. are also known for their fastest boot time.
Source: linuxsimply.com
The 10 Best Immutable Linux Distributions in 2024
Exploring the realm of immutable Linux distributions opens up a new perspective on system management, security, and reliability. From Fedora Silverblue’s atomic upgrades to Alpine Linux’s minimal footprint, each distribution brings something unique to the table, catering to different needs and preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned developer, a system administrator, or just...
Finding the Best Linux Distro for Your Organization
Alpine Linux is a security-oriented lightweight Linux distro designed for resource efficiency and containerization. It is known for its small footprint, speed, and focus on security measures. Alpine Linux is often used in scenarios where size and security are critical, such as in containers, IoT devices, and embedded systems. Alpine Linux is particularly suitable for...
Top 15 Best Security-Centric Linux Distributions of 2020
Alpine Linux is a lightweight security-oriented open-source Linux distribution designed for resource efficiency, security, and simplicity based on BusyBox and musl libc.
Source: www.tecmint.com

Artix Linux Reviews

Best Top 20 Ubuntu Linux Alternatives (Pros and Cons)
Artix Linux is a rolling-release distribution based on Arch Linux, which uses OpenRC, runit, s6, suite66, or dinit as init rather than systemd. It is possible to utilize packages from the Arch Linux repositories or any other derivative distribution, even those that expressly depend on systemd, on Artix Linux, as it is a pacman-based distribution. AUR (Arch User Repository)...

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Artix Linux should be more popular than Alpine Linux. It has been mentiond 53 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Alpine Linux mentions (28)

  • Build a Symfony 7 boilerplate using FrankenPHP, Docker, PostgreSQL and php 8.4
    I use the Debian Bookworm based image since I don't recommend using the Alpine one, the perfs seems a little less stable and fast. This is related to the musl libc library and JIT AKA just in time compilation used by php core, more information here on the official Frankenphp document. - Source: dev.to / about 1 month ago
  • More storage for media : organize files using ChatGPT : part 2, converting JPEG to HEIC
    I will use docker image of ffpeg on alpine and I'm skipping steps as you can get this information from the internet search or generative AI, I'm using the ChatGPT as no login is required and most of readers will be able to reproduce my steps. - Source: dev.to / 2 months ago
  • Show HN: Horizon – Private alternative to Imgur
    > I've launched a rebrand of Horizon which features a brand-new desktop app called Alpine[3] This won't get confused at all with Alpine Linux... https://alpinelinux.org/. - Source: Hacker News / 6 months ago
  • Installing Debian bookworm without systemd
    Anyway, if you're after a distro that doesn't use systemd and is a joy to use and tinker with, take a look at Alpine [0]. It is a lot more compact and faster compared to other distros for using Musl instead of Glibc, which means you may find software that has not been ported yet, however so far I've installed it also on mini PCs and laptops with great results. 0: https://alpinelinux.org/. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • AWS is asleep at the Lambda wheel
    ×You can deploy your own arbitrary base images to Lambda, for example images based on Alpine or Debian Linux. To work with Lambda, these images must implement the Lambda Runtime API. Source: almost 2 years ago
View more

Artix Linux mentions (53)

  • Getting started with Nix and Nix Flakes
    If you're using a systemd-less distro, like Artix or Void, you can install Nix from their repositories, since it will come preconfigured with whatever init system you'd be using on those distros. The Determinate installer only works on distros with systemd (for a multi-user installation, which is what you want). - Source: dev.to / 5 days ago
  • Introduction
    I was looking for a minimal linux distribution that is light on resources, and I found one called Metis Linux, which is based on Artix. The interesting part of metis is that it wasn't using a desktop environment, but a windows manager called dwm. At the time, metis linux had a minimal bash script installer via chroot. This took longer to setup, but I had a better understanding of what the setup involved rather... - Source: dev.to / about 1 year ago
  • artix and TDLib for telega in emacs: what path shall I configure
    I am on Artix, with emacs29, I have installed ```telega``` in emacs. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Manjaro Is Losing Ground Very Fast as A Linux Gaming Distro
    For those who just want to try out Artix this is it's website https://artixlinux.org/. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Trouble installing sysvinit
    Please try Artix Linux. It is derived from Arch Linux and offers three alternatives to systemd. Source: over 1 year ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Alpine Linux and Artix Linux, you can also consider the following products

Ubuntu - Ubuntu is a Debian Linux-based open source operating system for desktop computers.

Manjaro - Manjaro Linux is a linux distribution which is based on arch linux. It uses the PACMAN package manager.

Arch Linux - You've reached the website for Arch Linux, a lightweight and flexible Linux® distribution that tries to Keep It Simple. Currently we have official packages optimized for the x86-64 architecture.

Debian - Debian is a free distribution of the GNU/Linux operating system.

Linux Mint - Linux Mint is one of the most popular desktop Linux distributions and used by millions of people.

Deep Instinct - Deep Instinct is revolutionizing cyber security, offering advanced cyber security solutions that harness the power of deep learning analytics with unprecedented deep machine learning and AI prediction models.