Ubuntu vs CentOS

by Gralio Feb 27, 2025

Ubuntu and CentOS are both popular Linux distributions catering to different needs. Ubuntu offers a user-friendly experience with a vast software library, while CentOS provides a stable and reliable platform ideal for server environments. Choose Ubuntu for ease of use and software availability, and CentOS for long-term stability and enterprise-level reliability.

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 1869 reviews and 59 websites, saving 10 hours, 52 minutes of reading.

Ubuntu

Website LinkedIn Twitter

CentOS

LinkedIn Twitter

About

Ubuntu is a free, open-source operating system known for its speed and user-friendliness. Popular with developers, Ubuntu offers a secure platform for both daily tasks and professional software development. It boasts a large collection of applications and is compatible with a wide range of hardware, from modern laptops to older computers. Ubuntu also integrates well with enterprise environments, especially with the added support of Ubuntu Pro.

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.

Summary

Main difference

Ubuntu is known for its user-friendliness and large software library, making it suitable for both desktop and server use. CentOS, derived from Red Hat Enterprise Linux, prioritizes stability and a long support lifecycle, making it ideal for server environments requiring robust reliability.

Relative strengths of Ubuntu (compared to CentOS)

Wider software compatibility and a larger application ecosystem.
More user-friendly desktop environment, suitable for a broader range of users.
Faster access to the latest software and updates.

Relative weaknesses of Ubuntu (compared to CentOS)

Shorter support lifecycle compared to CentOS, potentially requiring more frequent upgrades.
Community support, while large, is not as focused on enterprise-level stability as CentOS.
Desktop-focused features might consume more resources than CentOS's minimalist server approach.

Who should use Ubuntu VS. CentOS

Ubuntu, a user-friendly and secure open-source operating system, caters to individuals, developers, and organizations. Praised for its ease of use and robust software library, Ubuntu offers a customizable platform suitable for various tasks, from daily computing to professional development. However, some users have noted limitations in hardware compatibility and default settings.

CentOS is a stable, cost-effective server operating system. Businesses praise its reliability and community support, but some users have noted occasional bugs. It's a strong option for companies seeking a free, enterprise-grade alternative to Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

Ideal for businesses of all sizes.
Strong fit for Education and IT.

Ideal for businesses of all sizes, especially in IT.
Best fit for the software and IT industries.

Ubuntu and CentOS 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 desktop OS

Supported

Ubuntu is the leading open-source desktop OS, used by millions globally.

Not supported

CentOS is open-source, but primarily a server OS, not the leading desktop OS.
Essential daily apps

Supported

Ubuntu supports Firefox, Chrome, Discord, Steam, and OBS Studio.

Supported

CentOS supports essential daily apps like Firefox, Chrome, Discord, Steam, and OBS Studio through manual installation.
Built-in security features

Supported

Ubuntu prioritizes security with regular updates, firewalls, and features like kernel live patching.

Supported

CentOS on AWS Marketplace supports security features like CIS hardening and regular updates.
Driver availability

Supported

Ubuntu offers extensive driver support, including for NVIDIA graphics cards.

Supported

CentOS supports a wide range of hardware through its device drivers.
Processor compatibility

Supported

Ubuntu supports a variety of processors, including x86 and ARM architectures.

Supported

CentOS supports various processors, including ARM and x86 architectures.
KVM support

Supported

Ubuntu supports KVM for virtual machine management.

Supported

CentOS supports KVM for virtual machine management.

Qualities

Value and Pricing Transparency

No data

No data
Customer Service

No data

No data
Ease of Use

No data

No data
Reliability and Performance

No data

No data
Ease of Implementation

No data

No data
Scalability

No data

No data

Ubuntu and CentOS Pricing

No data

See full Pricing page

No data

We couldn't find a pricing page for CentOS.

Ubuntu and CentOS review insights

Users love

Easy to use and setup.
Robust and stable.
Large software library.
Strong community support.
Customizable and flexible.

Renowned for its stability and reliability in server environments.
Strong community support and extensive documentation.
Easy dependency management and package installation with YUM.
Cost-effective and open-source, providing a free alternative to RHEL.
Prioritizes security features and receives regular updates.

Users dislike

Limited hardware compatibility.
Default desktop environment can be improved.
Snap packages can be slow.
Default data collection practices.
Occasional driver issues.

Occasional bugs and instability issues can arise, particularly with updates.
Limited software compatibility compared to distributions like Ubuntu.
Lack of support for some CRM applications.
Recent changes and discontinuation introduce uncertainty.
Delayed updates compared to other distributions.

Ubuntu and CentOS Ratings

G2

4.5/5

(1484)
Glassdoor

3.1/5

(373)

G2

4.4/5

(388)

Company health

Employee growth

19% increase in the last year

14% increase in the last year

Web traffic

11% decrease in the last quarter

Financing

May 2013 - $13M

No data

How important is a wide range of pre-installed desktop applications?

The importance of a wide range of pre-installed desktop applications depends on the intended use case. Ubuntu is mentioned as having a wide range of such applications, making it potentially more appealing for users who want a ready-to-use desktop environment for various tasks. CentOS, being server-oriented, likely has fewer pre-installed desktop applications, focusing instead on server-related tools and services. This makes CentOS more suitable for server deployments where a full desktop environment isn't required.

Which operating system offers a longer, more predictable support lifecycle?

CentOS, being derived from Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), inherits its longer support lifecycle. RHEL and, by extension, CentOS are known for their long-term stability and predictable update schedules, making them suitable for enterprise environments requiring minimal disruption. While Ubuntu also offers long-term support releases, CentOS's lineage gives it a more established track record in this regard.

What are the advantages of Ubuntu?

Ubuntu's advantages include its user-friendliness, making it accessible to a broader audience, a larger software library offering more application choices, and a wider range of hardware compatibility, catering to diverse user needs. It also benefits from a larger and more active community, leading to quicker issue resolution and more readily available resources. Finally, Ubuntu's focus on desktop environments makes it better suited for general-purpose computing tasks.

What are the disadvantages of Ubuntu?

Users have reported that Ubuntu has limited hardware compatibility compared to other operating systems, its default desktop environment could be improved, snap packages can be slow, default data collection practices may be a concern for privacy-conscious users, and occasional driver issues can occur.

Alternatives to Ubuntu and CentOS

Debian

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.

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.

Rocky Linux

Rocky Linux is a free and open-source operating system designed for businesses and professionals. It's built to be practically identical to Red Hat Enterprise Linux, offering a stable and reliable platform for various tasks like running web servers or managing data. A key benefit is its long-term support, ensuring stability and updates for your systems. It's also designed for easy migration from other similar systems, making it a convenient choice for businesses familiar with enterprise Linux environments.

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.

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.

How are we doing?

Is this information helpful to you? Is there anything we are missing?

Did this help you select your product?

Other issues? Vote & Let us know