Debian vs Ubuntu Server

by Gralio Feb 27, 2025

Debian and Ubuntu Server are both open-source operating systems catering to different needs. Debian offers greater flexibility and a wider software selection but can be more challenging for beginners. Ubuntu Server prioritizes user-friendliness and server-specific features, making it suitable for server deployments and cloud environments.

At Gralio.ai we help to simplify your decision-making process by offering detailed, side-by-side software comparisons like this one, to help you confidently choose the tool that aligns with your business goals.

This comparison was created by analysing 411 reviews and 60 websites, saving 2 hours, 47 minutes of reading.

Debian

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Ubuntu Server

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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 Server is a free, open-source operating system designed for running servers and other infrastructure. Known for its reliability and security, it's frequently used for web servers, databases, and cloud computing. Ubuntu Server offers regular updates, a large support community, and compatibility with various hardware and software. Its predictable release schedule and long-term support options make it a popular choice for businesses of all sizes.

Summary

Main difference

Debian prioritizes stability and a vast software repository, making it ideal for diverse applications. Ubuntu Server focuses on server-specific features and ease of use, benefiting server administrators and cloud deployments.

Relative strengths of Debian (compared to Ubuntu Server)

Wider software selection: Debian offers a larger software repository.
Enhanced stability: Debian's strict release cycle prioritizes stability over cutting-edge features.
Stronger community support: Debian benefits from a larger and more established community.

Relative weaknesses of Debian (compared to Ubuntu Server)

Steeper learning curve: Debian's flexibility can be daunting for beginners.
Potentially outdated packages: Debian's stability focus may lead to older software versions.
Less frequent updates: Debian's release cycle is slower, resulting in less frequent updates.

Who should use Debian VS. Ubuntu Server

Debian, a free and open-source OS, is praised for its stability and security. A strong community and wide software selection make it ideal for users ranging from individuals to large organizations. While installation can be challenging for beginners, experienced users appreciate the flexibility. Some users have noted outdated software versions as a drawback.

Ubuntu Server is a reliable and secure open-source operating system ideal for businesses needing a robust platform for their infrastructure. Praised for its ease of use and active community support, it simplifies server management. However, some users find troubleshooting complex issues challenging. Best for medium to large enterprises seeking a cost-effective and scalable server solution.

Ideal for businesses of all sizes seeking a stable and secure open-source OS.
A good fit for IT, but adaptable to various industries needing a reliable foundation.

Best fit for medium to large enterprises (101+ employees).
Suitable for most industries, especially strong fit for Software, IT, and Telecommunications.

Debian and Ubuntu Server features

Supported

Partially supported

Not supported

Type in the name of the feature or in your own words tell us what you need

Open Source Software

Supported

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

Supported

Ubuntu Server is open-source, allowing free use, distribution, modification, and community contribution.
100% Open Source

Supported

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

Supported

Ubuntu Server is open-source, allowing community contributions and modifications.
Secure Software

Supported

Debian provides regular security updates and addresses vulnerabilities.

Partially supported

Ubuntu Server receives regular security updates for core components, but enhanced security requires Ubuntu Pro.
KVM support

Supported

Debian supports KVM for creating and managing virtual machines.

Supported

Ubuntu Server supports KVM for virtual machine management.
System Configuration

Supported

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

Supported

Ubuntu Server offers various tools for configuring system settings, including Netplan and systemd-resolved.
Driver availability

Supported

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

Supported

Ubuntu Server offers extensive driver support, including NVIDIA and certified hardware.

Qualities

Value and Pricing Transparency

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Customer Service

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Ease of Use

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Reliability and Performance

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Ease of Implementation

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Scalability

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Debian and Ubuntu Server Pricing

No data

We couldn't find a pricing page for Debian.

Ubuntu Pro offers three support levels: Self-Support, With Infra support, and With full support. Each level comes with different features like security patching, kernel livepatch, system management, and compliance. Ubuntu Pro also offers additional support for software-defined storage like Ceph and Swift and fully managed services for OpenStack, Kubernetes, LMA, and MAAS.

Plans

See full Pricing page

Debian and Ubuntu Server review insights

Users love

Free and open-source.
Strong security features.
Wide range of software options.
Large and active community support.
Stable and reliable.

Simple and user-friendly command-line interface (CLI).
Reliable and stable for production workloads.
Large and active community and extensive documentation.
Easy installation process and regular security updates.
Free and open-source with a wide range of available software.

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.

Complex Troubleshooting can sometimes require advanced Linux knowledge.
GUI can be slow and needs improvement in app installations.
Not all hardware is supported, requiring community or paid support for compatibility.
Snap packages can conflict with non-Snap packages.
Software compatibility issues can arise when installing specific or legacy software.

Debian and Ubuntu Server Ratings

G2

4.6/5

(168)
Capterra

4.6/5

(22)

G2

4.5/5

(225)
Glassdoor

3.1/5

(373)

Company health

Employee growth

1% increase in the last year

19% increase in the last year

Web traffic

2% increase in the last quarter

11% decrease in the last quarter

Financing

No data

May 2013 - $13M

How easy is Debian's installation compared to Ubuntu Server's for novice users?

Debian is generally considered more challenging to install than Ubuntu Server, especially for novice users. While both are command-line based for server installations, Ubuntu Server's installer is often described as more streamlined and user-friendly. Debian's installer offers more granular control and customization options, which can be overwhelming for beginners. User reviews specifically mention Debian's installation process as a difficulty.

Which product offers better long-term support for server infrastructure, Debian or Ubuntu Server?

Ubuntu Server offers better long-term support for server infrastructure due to its Long Term Support (LTS) releases which provide five years of security updates and maintenance. While Debian also offers long-term support, Ubuntu's LTS releases are more frequent and predictable, making planning and maintenance easier for system administrators. Additionally, Ubuntu Server benefits from commercial support options through Canonical, providing businesses with additional resources and expertise for critical infrastructure.

What are the advantages of Debian?

Debian's advantages include its strong focus on stability and security, stemming from its rigorous testing and release process. It boasts a vast repository of open-source software and a large, active community providing extensive support. This makes Debian highly versatile and adaptable for various use cases, while ensuring long-term reliability.

What are the disadvantages of Debian?

Debian can be challenging for new users due to its complex installation process. Software versions can sometimes be outdated compared to other distributions. Official support for non-free software and drivers is limited, potentially requiring manual installation and troubleshooting. Finally, some users experience difficulties with wireless and Bluetooth drivers.

Alternatives to Debian and Ubuntu Server

Arch

Arch Linux is a free, open-source operating system primarily designed for experienced computer users. It emphasizes user customization and control, offering a highly flexible and minimal system. Unlike operating systems with pre-installed software, Arch Linux users build their system from scratch, choosing only the components they need. While not as user-friendly as other operating systems, Arch Linux offers greater flexibility and control for users comfortable managing their own system.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux

Red Hat Enterprise Linux is a stable operating system used by businesses of all sizes. It's known for its flexibility and security, especially important for companies moving operations online. Red Hat offers support, helping your business use this system whether your data is stored locally, or accessed through the cloud.

Ubuntu Desktop

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.

Mageia

Mageia is a free, open-source operating system designed for both personal computers and servers. It's built on Linux and is run by a non-profit organization with a community of hundreds of developers. Mageia prioritizes stability and security, making it a solid option for both individuals and businesses.

Amazon Linux 2

Amazon Linux 2 is a server operating system designed by Amazon Web Services (AWS) for businesses running applications in the cloud. It's reliable, secure, and frequently updated with the latest software. Amazon Linux 2 provides a user-friendly interface and can be easily deployed on various cloud platforms, making it a stable and efficient choice for businesses hosting applications on AWS.

CentOS

CentOS is a free computer operating system built on top of the popular Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Offering a stable and reliable platform, it's a popular choice for businesses wanting a cost-effective alternative without sacrificing enterprise-grade features. CentOS is ideal for companies looking for a long-term solution, as it's known for its extended support lifecycle and large, active community.

Page co-authored by

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.

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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