systemd is a popular init system adopted by most major Linux distributions and supported by dozens of developers and companies.
In case you’re curious, the init system is the first process after the Linux kernel takes action in the boot process to initialize various device management, logging, and network services. You may also know them as demons.
Technically, systemd solved numerous problems that made Linux distributions more reliable for use on desktop and massive server configurations.
So it’s safe to say that many believe it’s purpose is to make the boot process reliable and fast, with the ability to initialize things in parallel.
Sponsored
However, there are other users who absolutely hate the inclusion in modern Linux distributions. Hence demanding systemd-free Linux distributions.
But why is it like that?
Also, what options do you have if you don’t want systemd on your Linux system?
This article briefly explains why some users prefer system-free distros and some of the best options available.
First and foremost, systemd is considered a bloated implementation compared to the classic init systems like SysVinit (or System V init).
It’s also believed to go against the UNIX philosophy, where the goal should have been to keep things simple and focus on getting a single thing done efficiently.
In addition, systemd is a complex implementation with various modules, potentially increasing the attack surface compared to SysVinit.
In addition to some of these reasons, desktop environments like GNOME and KDE are known to depend on systemd components. However, some argue that other tools/services shouldn’t depend entirely on systemd and take away a user’s liberty to use a different init system.
11 Systemd Free Linux Distribution Options
However, the list of distros without systemd includes some options that use praise and some systemd parts.
These are some of the options that will help you run distros without systemd while still fulfilling some of the systemd dependencies.
Don’t fret, the list also includes options that are completely systemd-free without elogind and other systemd parts. The list mentions the use of the same wherever necessary.
Devuan is a Debian fork with no systemd. It is usually based on the latest available stable Debian release.
The goal of the project is to give users the ability to control the choice of init system. You can choose to use sysVinit, runit and openRC.
With Devuan you have access to all desktop environments available in Debian. It works with the systemd free configurations. Compared to some other systemd-free distros, Devuan can be a simpler option with respectable accessibility improvements and a smooth installation process.
At the time of release, you can try Devuan on 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
AntiX is an interesting system-free distribution based on Debian (stable), which is also one of the best options for 32-bit systems.
Considering that it supports both 64-bit and 32-bit systems and uses the IceWM window manager, it’s also one of the lightest options.
You also have the option to use Fluxbox and some other window managers according to your needs.
When it comes to the init system, you can choose to download the runit edition or the sysvinit version. Various editions are available to get you started.
Void Linux is a unique offering that is not based on any existing Linux distribution. It is completely independent and under active development.
It prefers to use runit as the init system instead of systemd. While it focuses on providing stability, they follow a rolling release schedule with their continuous build system.
You can use the native package manager, rewritten from the ground up, to quickly install and manage software in your system.
They provide detailed documentation explaining the available features and instructions on how to configure your experience.
If you’re adventurous and don’t mind playing with the terminal, GoboLinux is an interesting choice. It does offer a desktop, but you get the bare essentials and don’t expect anything like what you get in Ubuntu.
Unlike most others, it’s a modular Linux distribution that focuses on an efficient file system to organize the programs. Usually, when we install something on Linux, the files for programs are scattered throughout the system in different directories.
Alpine Linux is another independent Linux distribution without systemd. When it comes to the init system, it uses OpenRC.
The distribution focuses on safety and resource efficiency. So if you are looking for a simple systemd-free distro with a focus on security, Alpine Linux can be a good choice.
Artix is an Arch-based distribution with no systemd. You can configure it to use OpenRC, Runit, or Dinit (a new init system).
It uses elogind as the user login manager to try and make the switch to a systemd-free distribution seamless. However, if you don’t like its presence, you can try running it without it.
Compared to some other options, Artix is only for experienced Arch users who can configure their setup.
TinyCore Linux is a modular Linux distribution with community-made extensions. You get a Linux kernel, a root file system, and some startup scripts to install some kernel modules.
Basically, you build your minimal Linux distribution with TinyCore Linux.
As the name suggests, it is a tiny installation that hardly takes up any disk space (up to 10MB) by modern operating system standards.
Because it’s modular, you can fully customize your configuration without systemd or use elogind. You can quickly install a variety of desktop environments and window managers to get started.
For obvious reasons, it can run fine on older computers.
PCLinuxOS is a fantastic choice for users who want a working desktop environment without all the hassle.
It doesn’t rely on systemd, but you also get all the essential tools with the built-in distro. So compared to most other options, the challenges of not having systemd are minimal, which improves the user experience.
It uses sysVinit and also has a package manager to help you manage software.
Bloat or not, systemd has made it possible to simplify numerous things while improving performance.
You won’t have any compatibility issues if you choose a distribution with systemd.
Considering that most major Linux distributions rely on it, it makes sense to offer the end user a better user experience.
However, if you want an init system that follows the traditional approach, systemd-free distributions should suit you just fine.
Note that you might face some problems/challenges when it comes to some systemd-free distributions. So make sure you do your research before trying anything.
If you know of another good Linux distro that doesn’t use systemd, let us know in the comments.
