Void Linux review
A free, self-hosted Linux distribution for users comfortable managing packages with XBPS.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Void Linux is an independent, general-purpose rolling-release Linux distribution developed by volunteers. It is for people who want to configure and maintain a Linux system on PCs, laptops, ARM devices, or in containers. Software installation and updates run through XBPS, and the distribution uses runit for system initialization and service supervision. The project is open source and available without a paid license tier.
XBPS covers the package lifecycle: it installs, updates, removes, and queries packages, checks dependencies and incompatible shared libraries during package changes, and supports package alternatives and database maintenance. Users can work with native binary packages or build from source through xbps-src, which builds in isolated containers and supports native or cross compilation. That scope suits users who want package management and source builds within one distribution. It is specific to Void Linux, though, rather than a portable installer for managing software across Linux distributions.
Installation routes include live images, root filesystem tarballs, ARM platform images, and OCI container images. Supported architectures include x86_64, i686, aarch64, armv7l, and armv6l; device targets include Raspberry Pi, Pinebook Pro, Lenovo ThinkPad X13s, and Apple Silicon. The glibc and musl variants offer a choice of system libraries, while runit handles service supervision. Void fits users willing to maintain a rolling-release system and choose their own deployment route. Those seeking a fixed support duration or a broadly portable app installer should consider alternatives.
Void Linux pros and cons
- Where it wins
- XBPS installs, updates, removes, and queries packages while checking dependencies.
- glibc and musl variants, with support for multiple architectures.
- Live images, rootfs tarballs, ARM images, and OCI containers offer deployment options.
- Where it doesn't
- Focused on Void Linux rather than portable across distributions.
- Rolling-release model has no fixed support duration specified.
- Package builds and system maintenance require Linux-specific administration.
Void Linux fact sheet, pricing and score →
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