Short answer
Built on Arch Linux, the Hyprland tiling window manager and the Quickshell desktop kit. CachyOS: Built on Arch Linux with the same rolling-release model.
Side by side
| Omarchy | CachyOS | |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Built on Arch Linux, the Hyprland tiling window manager and the Quickshell desktop kit. [omarchy.org] | Built on Arch Linux with the same rolling-release model. [cachyos.org] |
| Packages | Software comes from Arch's core, extra and multilib repos plus the Omarchy Package Repository; the AUR is optional. Install with omarchy pkg add <package>. [omarchy.org] | Every package compiled for x86-64-v3, x86-64-v4 and Zen4 with LTO; core packages also get PGO and BOLT. [cachyos.org] |
| Kernel | Not a point the Omarchy manual compares. | linux-cachyos kernel with a tuned scheduler, plus BORE, sched-ext, BMQ and RT options. [cachyos.org] |
| Installer | Installs from an ISO, either full-disk or into free space next to another OS. Encryption is on by default. [omarchy.org] | A graphical Calamares-based installer or a CLI installer. [cachyos.org] |
| Desktop | Keyboard-driven Hyprland tiling desktop. Neovim is the default editor and Foot the default terminal. [omarchy.org] | 17+ desktops and window managers to pick at install, including KDE Plasma, GNOME, COSMIC and Hyprland. [cachyos.org] |
More about Omarchy
- Rolling release. New installs start on the stable channel, which follows an Omarchy Arch mirror kept one month behind the latest packages. [omarchy.org]
- Secure Boot and/or TPM must be turned off in the BIOS to install. [omarchy.org]
- Firewall on by default: all incoming traffic is blocked except LocalSend's port 53317, and SSH stays off until you enable it. [omarchy.org]
Sources
Omarchy facts: the Omarchy manual. CachyOS facts: https://cachyos.org/. Checked 2026-10-19. This site is not affiliated with either project.