Debian vs Ubuntu Desktop

by Gralio Apr 10, 2025

Debian and Ubuntu Desktop are both open-source operating systems, but cater to different user experiences. Debian is known for its stability and vast software library, while Ubuntu Desktop emphasizes user-friendliness and ease of setup.

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This comparison was created by analysing 546 reviews and 59 websites, saving 3 hours, 31 minutes of reading.

Logo of Debian
Logo of Ubuntu Desktop

About

Debian is a free and open-source operating system known for its stability and security. It's like the foundation of a house, providing the core software to run your computer system. Debian offers a wide range of applications and software, making it suitable for various purposes. It stands out for its large, active community of developers who ensure its reliability and provide support.
Ubuntu Desktop is a free and open-source operating system for personal computers. It offers a user-friendly interface, a wide range of pre-installed applications for everyday tasks, and a strong emphasis on security and privacy. Known for its stability and compatibility, Ubuntu Desktop is suitable for both personal and professional use. It is supported by a large and active community that provides help and resources. Ubuntu Desktop can be installed on a wide range of hardware, from older PCs to modern laptops.

Summary

Main difference
Debian prioritizes stability and a vast software repository, appealing to experienced users comfortable with customization. Ubuntu Desktop offers a more user-friendly experience with a focus on ease of use and pre-installed applications, making it suitable for beginners and everyday users.

Relative strengths of Debian (compared to Ubuntu Desktop)

  • Wider software selection available in its repositories.

  • Greater stability and fewer updates.

  • More control over the system.

Relative weaknesses of Debian (compared to Ubuntu Desktop)

  • Steeper learning curve and less user-friendly interface.

  • Can require more manual configuration for hardware and software.

  • Software may be older compared to Ubuntu Desktop.

Who should use Debian VS. Ubuntu Desktop

Debian, a free and open-source OS, is praised for its stability and security. Users love its wide range of software and strong community support, but some find the installation challenging. Perfect for tech-savvy individuals, developers, and sysadmins seeking a flexible and reliable foundation.

Ubuntu Desktop is a free, open-source operating system known for its user-friendly interface and robust security. Its active community provides ample support and resources. Users praise its speed and customizability, while some note occasional kernel crashes and battery drain. Particularly well-suited for individual users and software developers.

  • Ideal for small to medium businesses (1-1000 employees), offering excellent fit and scalability.

  • Particularly well-suited for the Software, IT, and Telecommunications industry, providing a robust and flexible platform.

  • Ideal for small businesses, medium businesses, and large enterprises.

  • Best fit for the Software, IT, and Telecommunications industry.

Debian and Ubuntu Desktop features

Supported
Partially supported
Not supported
Type in the name of the feature or in your own words tell us what you need

  • Operating System Compatibility
    Supported

    Debian itself doesn't ensure compatibility with other operating systems, but it can be used in environments where multiple operating systems coexist through virtualization or containerization.

    Supported

    Ubuntu Desktop supports running alongside other operating systems via dual booting or virtualization.

  • Open Source Software
    Supported

    Debian is free to use, distribute, and modify, with publicly available source code.

    Supported

    Ubuntu Desktop is free to use, distribute, and modify, with publicly accessible source code.

  • 100% Open Source
    Supported

    Debian is 100% open source if you select only open-source packages during installation.

    Partially supported

    Ubuntu is mostly open-source but includes some proprietary drivers and firmware.

  • Driver availability
    Supported

    Debian has a wide range of drivers, but proprietary drivers may require manual installation.

    Supported

    Ubuntu Desktop has a comprehensive set of device drivers and tools for managing them.

  • System Configuration
    Supported

    Debian supports system configuration through various tools, including debconf and GNOME System Tools.

    Supported

    Ubuntu Desktop allows configuring system settings via a graphical System Settings Manager.

  • Processor compatibility
    Supported

    Debian supports a wide range of processors, from x86 to ARM.

    Supported

    Ubuntu Desktop supports a wide range of processors, especially 64-bit CPUs.

Qualities

  • Value and Pricing Transparency
    +1
    Strongly positive sentiment
    +1
    Strongly positive sentiment
  • Ease of Use
    +0.5
    Rather positive sentiment
    +0.62
    Rather positive sentiment
  • Reliability and Performance
    +0.71
    Strongly positive sentiment
    +0.47
    Rather positive sentiment
  • Ease of Implementation
    +0
    Neutral sentiment
    +0.33
    Rather positive sentiment
  • Scalability
    +1
    Strongly positive sentiment
    No data

Debian and Ubuntu Desktop Pricing

No data

User sentiment

Strongly positive
+1
We couldn't find a pricing page for Debian.
No data

User sentiment

Strongly positive
+1

See full Pricing page

Debian and Ubuntu Desktop review insights

546 reviews analysed from and

Users love

  • Free and open-source.
  • Strong security features.
  • Wide range of software options.
  • Large and active community support.
  • Stable and reliable.
  • User-friendly GNOME interface.
  • Open-source and customizable.
  • Strong security features and regular updates.
  • Efficient performance, often faster than other operating systems.
  • Active community support.

Users dislike

  • Difficult installation process for new users.
  • Software versions can be outdated.
  • Limited official support for non-free software and drivers.
  • Wireless and Bluetooth driver issues can occur.
  • Certain proprietary software and games are not available or fully compatible.
  • Occasional kernel crashes when under heavy RAM usage.
  • Battery drain is a concern on laptops.
  • Some UI customizations are locked until you install gnome tweaks.
  • Gnome being a snap package.

Debian and Ubuntu Desktop Ratings

  • G2
    4.6/5
    (168)
  • Capterra
    4.6/5
    (22)
  • G2
    4.5/5
    (356)
  • Glassdoor
    3.1/5
    (373)

Company health

Employee growth

1% increase in the last year
16% increase in the last year

Web traffic

3% decrease in the last quarter
28% increase in the last quarter

Financing

No data
February 2013 - $13M

How does each OS's driver support impact hardware compatibility?

Debian's driver support, while broad, can require manual installation for proprietary drivers, potentially impacting compatibility with some hardware. Ubuntu Desktop, on the other hand, boasts a more comprehensive set of drivers and tools for managing them, suggesting potentially broader hardware compatibility out-of-the-box. However, user reviews mention some persistent issues with specific hardware like wireless and Bluetooth for Debian, and battery drain on laptops for Ubuntu.

Which product offers a smoother initial setup for non-Linux users?

Ubuntu Desktop offers a smoother initial setup for non-Linux users. While both are open-source and free, Ubuntu is known for its user-friendly interface and ease of use, explicitly mentioned as a strength by users. Debian, while stable and secure, is generally considered more challenging for beginners due to its more technical installation process and occasional driver issues.

What are the advantages of Debian?

Debian's advantages include a stronger focus on stability and security due to its rigorous testing and release process, making it ideal for mission-critical systems. It also boasts a wider range of available software packages and deeper community support, offering greater flexibility and problem-solving resources.

What are the disadvantages of Debian?

Debian can have a difficult installation process for new users, and software versions can sometimes be outdated. It also has limited official support for non-free software and drivers, and users occasionally report issues with wireless and Bluetooth drivers.

Alternatives to Debian and Ubuntu Desktop

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Free, open-source Linux OS; innovative, customizable, tailored editions.
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Logo of Ubuntu
debian vs Ubuntu
User-friendly Linux operating system, free, secure, and versatile.
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Logo of CentOS
debian vs CentOS
Free, stable enterprise Linux rebuilt for the community.
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Logo of Arch
debian vs Arch
DIY Linux: Build your ideal system with complete control.
Read more
Logo of Ubuntu Server
debian vs Ubuntu Server
Reliable and secure operating system for servers and cloud.
Read more
Logo of Linux Mint
debian vs Linux Mint
User-friendly desktop operating system with familiar look and feel.
Read more
Page co-authored by
MK
Michal Kaczor
CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

TT
Tymon Terlikiewicz
CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

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