It didn't last long Linux Mint at the top of this popular list. Or rather, little compared to the time MX Linux held that position, which seemed to be guaranteed to be at the top of the DistroWatch list. Now, half a year after MX fell and Mint rose, the new number 1 is cachyOS, an Arch-based distribution on which We have already written here on LXA.
CachyOS launched its first version approximately three years ago, in 2022. Since then, many have been interested in learning something about this Arch-based distro, otherwise we wouldn't see it on the DistroWatch list, as we'll discuss later. Among its offerings, it promises a lighter and faster experience, which is especially beneficial on low-end computers.
What does it mean that CachyOS is #1 on DistroWatch?
DistroWatch shows a popularity ranking, but this one is a bit tricky. The list is sorted by number of clicks, and that number is what indicates whether one distribution is more popular than another. But, as we said, it's not a reliable measure.
If we look further down the DistroWatch listWe see Ubuntu at #8, Debian at #5, and Fedora at #9. Ubuntu is the most widely used Linux distribution worldwide, and Debian is also very popular. Why aren't they higher? For the clicks.
Clicks on DistroWatch are the same as on any other media outlet, but here they are counted to organize the ranking. The point is that a distribution's attention can be, and is, for two reasons: one is interest, and the other is because someone wants to learn about something they don't know about. Ubuntu is interesting, always has been, and always will be, but people already know a lot about this operating system, and there are many other media outlets that report on it. Therefore, there will be fewer clicks on DistroWatch.
As we've explained, CachyOS is a young distribution, and only specialized media outlets cover it. It's this interest, combined with the lack of information, that's driving users to click on DistroWatch and pushing it up the list.
Linux Mint remains #1 in the most visited apps of the last 12 months
In addition, DistroWatch offers various rankings. The one we see on the homepage upon entering is the number of clicks over the last six months. If we extend the period to twelve, Linux Mint remains in first place.From 2019 to 2024, that spot was held by MX Linux, and in 2018, Manjaro was at the top. Considering the age of mint-flavored Linux, it's a bit surprising that Mint is now at the top, but everything else is going as expected.
About CachyOS
CachyOS is an Arch-based Linux distribution, officially released in 2022, which focuses on deliver maximum performance and a smooth, optimized experienceIts main goal is to improve system speed and responsiveness while maintaining compatibility with the broader Arch Linux ecosystem. To achieve this, it uses package builds optimized for recent architectures (such as x86-64-v3) and offers a custom kernel with specific patches aimed at low latency and performance improvements, such as the Cachy Kernel.
cachyOS Includes options to easily adjust the CPU scheduler and other performance parameters via its proprietary CachyOS-Tools. It also provides a simple graphical installer (based on Calamares) that makes installation easier for less experienced users. It comes with several preconfigured desktop environments, such as KDE Plasma, GNOME, and Xfce, all configured to deliver a fast and polished experience from the first boot.
Another notable feature is improved support for heavy games and applications, integrating updated drivers and gaming-specific optimizations. CachyOS presents itself as an alternative to other Arch-like distributions, seeking a balance between advanced customization and ease of use without sacrificing power.