Fact checked by Maybe you've heard other users mention that Arch Linux is hardcore. Well my friends, let me introduce you to Gentoo, where you compile your entire system from scratch.
But is Gentoo really the best for developers?
Today, I'm going to dive into Gentoo, compare it with Ubuntu and Arch, and see why you might or might not want to spend hours compiling your software every day.
What is Gentoo?
Ready to become a Linux master in 2025? Well, first things first, you need to choose a distro, and perhaps you're considering Gentoo. But what is Gentoo?
Gentoo is a source-based Linux distribution, giving you complete control over every aspect of your system.
You compile everything from scratch, from the kernel to individual software packages. This level of control allows you to optimize your system to perfectly match your hardware and personal preferences, which sounds pretty good.
For many, Gentoo is the ultimate choice if you want absolute control over your system down to the tiniest configuration.
There's a lot more to it than that, however, so let’s take a deeper look by comparing it with Arch and Ubuntu.
Comparing Gentoo, Ubuntu, and Arch Linux
As you might know from watching any of my other videos, I’m a big fan of Ubuntu. So, before diving into some more details of Gentoo, let's do a quick comparison of Gentoo versus Ubuntu and also Arch, looking at some key differences.
Gentoo
Gentoo uses a source-based approach, meaning you compile everything from scratch.
This can result in a finely-tuned system tailored perfectly to your needs, but it is incredibly time-consuming.
If you want to disable certain features in your web browser or optimize your compiler flags for better performance, with Gentoo you can tweak every little thing.
However, you'll need to dedicate serious time to setting it all up and maintaining it. Gentoo is not for the faint-hearted; it's for those who love to tinker.
Arch Linux
Arch Linux offers a rolling release model and allows you to build your system from the ground up, but without the need to compile everything yourself.
It strikes a balance between control and efficiency. While it provides the customizations that developers crave, you can still use precompiled binaries, which saves hours of compiling compared to Gentoo.
In my opinion, Arch gives you full control of your build without the extreme time investment of Gentoo, making it perfect for those who want power without endless compiling.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is by far the easiest to install and use, which is why I’m a big fan of it.
It's great for beginners, especially those who want to switch from Windows or macOS.
You get a fully functional system right out of the box and there are long-term support versions, providing a stable environment that requires minimal configuration.
This makes it ideal for users who don’t want to worry about constant updates or compiling software.
Although snap packages can be controversial, they really simplify the process compared to Gentoo, which requires hours of compiling.
Yes, there are some issues like infamous loop devices that come with snaps, but for beginners, this makes Ubuntu really easy to use.
Why Use Gentoo?
The real selling point of Gentoo, in my opinion, is the ability to squeeze every bit of performance out of your machine.
Whether you’re building a custom server or a gaming rig, you can tweak every last option.
If you want to deeply understand how Linux works, Gentoo is one of the best ways to learn. You get intimate knowledge of system internals, dependencies, and compilation processes.
By compiling everything with your hardware in mind, you may see performance improvements, especially in older hardware where every bit of optimization matters.
But Gentoo isn’t for everybody. If you want absolute control and don’t mind dedicating time to compile everything, Gentoo is for you.
Without a doubt, it's the ultimate learning tool and a great way to optimize your system. If you really want to go deep down the Linux rabbit hole, Gentoo is the way to go.
If you're eager to boost your Linux skills even further, check out the rest of our Linux Mastery articles tutorials, including:
- Kali Linux is the Default Linux Distro for Cybersecurity (Here’s Why)
- The 10 Most Dangerous Linux Commands
Wrapping Up
The question to me, is do you want to start with Gentoo?
If you’re a practical power user and you want customization without endless compile times, maybe Arch is a better fit. You get control, rolling updates, and the freedom to build your system your way, potentially with fewer headaches. That sounds appealing to some.
However, if you’re really looking for ease of use, stability, and a system that just works, Ubuntu, in my opinion, is still the best choice.
It’s quick, user-friendly, and great for both beginners and those who just want to focus on getting work done.
Whether you’re a Gentoo enthusiast, an Arch fan, or an Ubuntu loyalist, the best distro is always the one that fits your needs.
What’s your experience with Gentoo? Is it really the best for developers? Is it the best for anybody? Let me know in the comments below.
