How to Compare Arch with Artix (Without systemd) on Arch Linux

Arch Linux and Artix Linux are closely related distributions that share many of the same core philosophies, tools, and design decisions. However, one key difference sets them apart: init system choice. Arch Linux is built around systemd, while Artix Linux offers various alternatives such as OpenRC, runit, s6, and dinit. For users running Arch Linux, exploring how Artix compares—especially in a hands-on way—is both an enlightening and practical exercise.

In this article, we’ll take a detailed, moderate, and practical look at how to compare Arch with Artix from within an Arch system, covering:

• Philosophical differences
• Technical distinctions
• How to test or emulate Artix behavior on Arch
• Package management comparison
• Community and support ecosystems
• Use cases and who should consider switching

1. Understanding the Philosophy

Both Arch and Artix are rolling release, minimalist distributions that aim to provide users with ultimate control over their systems.

• Arch Linux Philosophy:

  • Simplicity: Clean configuration and minimal out-of-the-box setups.
  • Centralization: Relies heavily on systemd for consistency and integration.
  • Documentation: The Arch Wiki is arguably the most complete Linux resource.

• Artix Linux Philosophy:

  • Simplicity without systemd: Offers init freedom while staying Arch-compatible.
  • Modular choice: Users choose their preferred init system.
  • Less dogmatic: Appeals to those who reject systemd’s monolithic design.

At the core, if you appreciate Arch’s user-centric, DIY approach but dislike systemd, Artix is a compelling alternative.

2. Core Technical Differences

Here’s a quick comparison table highlighting the essential differences:

While most packages are similar or identical, Artix replaces packages that are explicitly tied to systemd. For example, elogind replaces systemd-logind, and udev may be replaced by eudev or mdev.

3. Comparing from Arch: Emulating Artix

If you’re already on Arch, you can test or explore Artix behavior in a few ways:

A. Install a Container or Chroot

Using tools like systemd-nspawn or distrobox (with podman/docker), you can run Artix inside Arch.

Using distrobox

# Install distrobox if needed
sudo pacman -S distrobox

# Create an Artix container (OpenRC flavor)
distrobox-create --name artix-openrc --image artixlinux/base:openrc
distrobox-enter artix-openrc

Now you’re inside an Artix environment with OpenRC! Try comparing:

• Startup scripts in /etc/init.d/
• Runlevel behavior
• Memory and boot logs (no journald by default)

This is a low-risk way to play with Artix.

B. Manual Comparison of Boot Times and Services

On your Arch system, use:

systemd-analyze
systemctl list-units --type=service

Then, in Artix (e.g., in the container):

rc-status  # For OpenRC
sv status  # For runit

You’ll notice that Artix services start up differently, often with simpler scripts and less integration (but more transparency).

4. Init System Comparison in Practice

systemd (Arch Linux)

• Unified: Handles logging, services, mount points, networking.
• Parallelized boot.
• Socket activation and D-Bus integration.
• Complex and sometimes seen as bloated.

OpenRC (Artix default)

• Lightweight, script-based.
• Uses traditional /etc/init.d/ scripts.
• Fast and transparent service control.
• Lacks tight integration with logging or networking.

runit / s6 / dinit

• Even lighter and faster than OpenRC.
• Focused purely on supervision and process management.
• Suitable for ultra-minimalist or embedded use cases.

If you enjoy learning how Linux boots under the hood, Artix init systems offer a textbook-like experience.

5. Package Management: pacman and the AUR

Both Arch and Artix use pacman as their core package manager, and both can use AUR helpers like yay.

Differences arise in the repos:

• Arch: core, extra, community, multilib
• Artix: system, world, galaxy, universe, omniverse (custom repos)

Some packages diverge:

• base in Arch includes systemd
• Artix’s base-openrc, base-runit, etc., provide the core without systemd

To compare directly:

# In Arch
pacman -Qi package-name

# In Artix (container or chroot)
pacman -Qi package-name

For packages like dbus, elogind, or polkit, the dependencies will reflect init-related differences.

6. Stability, Updates, and Compatibility

Artix tracks Arch very closely, but because it must maintain forks or alternatives for systemd packages, updates may lag slightly. For example:

• Some new Arch packages may rely on libsystemd, which is not present in Artix.
• Artix uses elogind for compatibility with desktop environments like GNOME or KDE.

This means GNOME and some KDE features may not work as expected in Artix. Arch, on the other hand, guarantees these work out of the box.

If you heavily rely on mainstream desktops and their tight integration, Arch may offer a smoother experience.

7. Security and Logging Differences

systemd integrates with journald, making logging centralized:

journalctl -xe

Artix, depending on init, might use:

• syslog-ng
• metalog
• runit-log

Security-wise, both use the same kernel and core software. But beware: because Artix doesn’t use systemd, some newer sandboxing features (e.g., systemd-run, DynamicUser) aren’t available.

8. Community and Documentation

• Arch Linux Community:

  • Massive, active forums and IRC.
  • Arch Wiki: the best Linux documentation out there.

• Artix Linux Community:

  • Smaller but focused.
  • Maintains its own Artix Wiki.
  • Some Arch Wiki articles may not apply due to systemd assumptions.

If you’re troubleshooting something in Artix and end up on the Arch Wiki, be cautious—commands like systemctl won’t work.

9. Use Cases: Who Should Use What?

10. Final Thoughts

While Arch Linux is a solid, systemd-integrated powerhouse for users who value bleeding-edge software and centralized management, Artix stands strong as a free-thinking alternative for those who reject systemd or want more transparency in init systems.

From within Arch, exploring Artix via containers or VMs is a safe and educational way to compare the two. This comparison ultimately highlights how flexible the Linux ecosystem is—and how much power it gives users to tailor their systems to their exact preferences.

Whether you stay with Arch or explore Artix more deeply, both projects offer immense value. The choice boils down to your technical goals, preferences, and willingness to engage with the intricacies of Linux at the init level.