Void Linux

Free plan LinuxSelf-hosted

What Void Linux is

Void Linux is a general-purpose operating system built on the Linux kernel. It is an independent distribution developed by volunteers and follows a rolling-release model: install it once, then update it routinely. Void uses XBPS to install, update, remove, and query software, and runit to supervise services. Its xbps-src build system can build software in containers using Linux namespaces, either natively or by cross-compiling without root access. Users can choose glibc or musl editions; i686 is available only with glibc. Supported architectures include x86_64, i686, aarch64, armv7l, and armv6l. Void can be installed on PCs, laptops, and ARM devices, or run as an OCI container. The download page offers XFCE graphical images, while other graphical environments are supported but do not have demonstration or installation images there. The project provides SHA-256 checksums and minisign signatures for downloads, and its handbook includes a full-disk encryption guide. Void is free.

Who it suits

Void Linux suits people seeking a free rolling-release operating system for supported PCs, laptops, ARM devices, or containers. Its glibc and musl editions, package tools, and service supervision may also suit users who want those options built into their distribution.

What it does well

Free plan with no trial required.
XBPS handles package installation, updates, removal, and queries.
Offers glibc and musl editions.
Builds software natively or by cross-compiling without root.
Provides download checksums and minisign signatures.

What to know first

i686 is available only with glibc.
Other graphical environments lack demonstration or installation images.
No fixed support duration is specified.

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
Void Linux	general purpose operating system · downloadable live images and rootfs tarballs	Free

As voidlinux.org lists them, read 9 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Verdict

Void Linux combines a rolling-release model with XBPS package management and runit service supervision. Check that your architecture and preferred graphical installation image are available before choosing it.

Facts from Void Linux's own pages

Architectures: Void is available for x86_64, i686, aarch64, armv7l, and armv6l, and is not available for i386, i486, or i586. · docs.voidlinux.org, 9 Oct 2026
Build system: xbps-src builds software in containers using Linux namespaces and can build natively or cross compile without requiring root. · voidlinux.org, 9 Oct 2026
C libraries: Void supports both glibc and musl editions, with i686 available only with glibc. · docs.voidlinux.org, 9 Oct 2026
Containers: Void publishes OCI container images for glibc and musl on amd64, 386 (glibc only), arm64, arm/v7, and arm/v6. · voidlinux.org, 9 Oct 2026
Desktop images: The download page offers XFCE graphical images, while other graphical environments are supported but not offered as demonstration or installation images. · voidlinux.org, 9 Oct 2026
Encryption guidance: The Void Handbook includes a full disk encryption installation guide. · docs.voidlinux.org, 9 Oct 2026
Image verification: Void provides SHA-256 checksums and minisign signatures and strongly encourages users to verify downloaded images before using them. · docs.voidlinux.org, 9 Oct 2026
Init system: Void uses runit as its init system and service supervisor. · voidlinux.org, 9 Oct 2026
Package manager: XBPS is Void’s package manager and supports installing, updating, and removing software. · voidlinux.org, 9 Oct 2026
Privacy: Void’s PopCorn usage reporting is opt-in, is not installed or enabled by default, and reports package names, versions, and host CPU architecture. · docs.voidlinux.org, 9 Oct 2026
Project model: Void Linux is an independent distribution developed entirely by volunteers. · voidlinux.org, 9 Oct 2026
Release model: Void describes itself as a stable rolling release that users install once and update routinely. · voidlinux.org, 9 Oct 2026
Support: The project directs users to its #voidlinux IRC channel on Libera.Chat and the Void Linux subreddit for questions. · docs.voidlinux.org, 9 Oct 2026
What it does: Void is a general purpose operating system based on the monolithic Linux kernel. · voidlinux.org, 9 Oct 2026