The 5 Best Rolling Release Linux Distributions and Why You Should Be Using One

Linux offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility, giving users a wide array of choices regarding the operating system version, desktop environment, and security settings. One of the critical decisions that Linux users face is whether to opt for a traditional release or a rolling release. While traditional releases follow the standard cycle of point updates, rolling releases offer a continuous, incremental upgrade system, ensuring that you always have the latest features and security patches. This article explores the best rolling release Linux distributions and why they might be the perfect choice for your system.

What is a Rolling Release?

A rolling release model eliminates traditional “point” releases, such as version 10.1, 10.2, and major updates like version 11. In a rolling release, when you install a distribution, you will continuously receive updates—incremental and seamless—ensuring that your system stays up-to-date with the latest software versions, bug fixes, and security patches.

The core benefit of a rolling release is immediate access to new features and updates without the need for full system upgrades. The distribution evolves progressively, ensuring your system is always at the forefront of technology. However, the downside is that this frequent updating process can sometimes lead to stability issues, especially if updates aren’t rigorously tested. Nevertheless, the benefits—such as easier maintenance and faster access to new features—make rolling releases a popular choice for power users.

Why Use a Rolling Release?

The rolling release model offers several advantages:

Immediate Access to New Features: Get the latest features as soon as they are available, without waiting for a major release.
Simpler and More Frequent Updates: Say goodbye to large version updates. Instead, updates are small and frequent, reducing the hassle.
Faster Bug Fixes and Security Patches: Rolling releases provide rapid bug fixes and security patches, ensuring your system stays secure.
Greater Customizability: Users have the freedom to tweak and customize their systems as they evolve.

However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Rolling release distributions often come with:

Stability Issues: Since updates happen more frequently, testing may not be as thorough, leading to occasional instability.
Increased Maintenance: Users need to stay on top of updates to avoid issues and ensure a smooth experience.
Compatibility Problems: Sometimes, third-party software or proprietary drivers may not be immediately compatible with the latest updates.

With those pros and cons in mind, let’s take a closer look at five of the best rolling release Linux distributions.

1. openSUSE Tumbleweed

openSUSE Tumbleweed is one of the most reliable rolling release distributions, with a long history and a robust user base. It’s based on openSUSE, a distribution known for its stability and comprehensive package management system. openSUSE Tumbleweed comes with the powerful YaST tool, which simplifies system administration tasks, making it a fantastic choice for users who appreciate customizability.

openSUSE Tumbleweed also has a massive software repository and works with the RPM package manager, so you’ll never be short of applications to install.

2. Rhino Linux

Rhino Linux stands out for its elegant design, something not typically associated with Xfce desktop environments. Despite being built on Xfce, Rhino Linux offers a beautiful user experience. The distro is known for its variety of package managers, including pacstall, apt, Snap, Flatpak, and AppImages. This flexibility allows users to access a wide range of software, catering to different needs.

Rhino is perfect for users who want a visually appealing, customizable, and feature-rich rolling release.

3. Manjaro Linux

Based on Arch, Manjaro Linux is one of the most popular rolling release distributions. Manjaro offers several desktop environment options, including KDE Plasma, GNOME, and Xfce, making it accessible to a wide range of users. One of the standout features of Manjaro is its cascading stability approach, which allows users to choose from base, unstable, testing, and stable versions.

Manjaro is an excellent choice for users who want the power of Arch with a more polished and user-friendly experience.

4. Void Linux

Void Linux is a rolling release distro that stands apart because it’s built from scratch, not based on any major distribution like Debian, Arch, or Fedora. Despite being a rolling release, Void Linux isn’t considered “bleeding edge,” making it more stable than many other Arch-based distributions.

Void is a great choice for experienced Linux users looking for a minimal, yet powerful, system that still receives timely updates without compromising stability.

5. Solus Linux

Solus is a distribution designed for home users, offering a seamless and cohesive desktop experience. It includes the Budgie desktop, a lightweight yet modern environment that enhances productivity and usability. Solus was developed from scratch, and its design philosophy focuses on making Linux easier for new users while still catering to experienced ones.

Whether you choose the Budgie or Xfce version, Solus offers a no-frills, user-friendly experience with plenty of customization options.

What Undercode Says:

Rolling release distributions provide Linux users with an ideal balance between modernity and flexibility. With their incremental update system, users can enjoy the latest features and software versions without the typical upgrade headaches. Among the five distributions highlighted here, openSUSE Tumbleweed and Manjaro stand out for their stability and ease of use, while Rhino Linux and Void Linux offer unique features and highly customizable environments for power users.

One of the most significant advantages of rolling releases, especially for developers or those who need the latest software, is the simplicity of updates. Unlike traditional distributions, where users must manually upgrade to the latest version, rolling releases handle all updates seamlessly, reducing the risk of obsolescence.

However, as with any rapidly changing environment, rolling release distributions can be prone to instability and occasional compatibility issues. This is why experienced users are typically more inclined to choose them, as they are prepared to troubleshoot minor issues that may arise. New users, on the other hand, might find traditional distributions with more extensive testing better suited to their needs, especially if they’re not comfortable handling potential system quirks.

Overall, the rolling release model is a fantastic choice for Linux enthusiasts who want to be on the cutting edge of software development. It’s a good fit for those who don’t mind regular updates and are comfortable managing potential compatibility issues, as the benefits—such as faster updates and new features—far outweigh the occasional hiccups.

Fact Checker Results:

openSUSE Tumbleweed has proven to be reliable and stable, despite its rolling release nature.
Rhino Linux offers a unique blend of beauty and functionality but may have some compatibility issues with specific hardware.
Manjaro Linux is a well-balanced choice for both beginners and advanced users, offering multiple stability options to suit various needs.

References:

Reported By: https://www.zdnet.com/article/the-5-best-rolling-release-linux-distributions-and-why-you-should-be-using-one/
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