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Amazon Linux 2

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Ratings

G2
4.5/5
(66)

Amazon Linux 2 description

Amazon Linux 2 is a free operating system designed by Amazon for businesses running applications on their cloud platform, AWS. It's designed for speed and security, receives regular updates, and helps developers build and test applications efficiently. While offering long-term support, it also provides access to the newest software versions. This makes it a stable yet modern choice for businesses using AWS.


Who is Amazon Linux 2 best for

Amazon Linux 2 is a free, secure operating system optimized for AWS. Users praise its speed, pre-installed AWS tools, and cost-effectiveness, especially for EC2. However, some find the documentation challenging and external tool support limited. Ideal for businesses of all sizes using AWS, it simplifies development and deployment on the platform.

  • Ideal for small to enterprise-level businesses leveraging AWS.

  • Best fit for businesses operating within the AWS ecosystem.


Amazon Linux 2 features

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Supported

Amazon Linux 2 is compatible with EC2, which uses Xen virtualization for its instances.

Supported

Amazon Linux 2 provides regular security updates, including kernel live patching, for five years.

Supported

Amazon Linux 2 offers long-term support until June 30, 2026, including security and bug fixes.

Qualities

We evaluate the sentiment that users express about non-functional aspects of the software

Value and Pricing Transparency

Rather positive
+0.5

Ease of Use

Strongly positive
+0.88

Reliability and Performance

Strongly positive
+1

Ease of Implementation

Strongly positive
+1

Scalability

Rather positive
+0.33

Amazon Linux 2 reviews

We've summarised 66 Amazon Linux 2 reviews (Amazon Linux 2 G2 reviews) and summarised the main points below.

Pros of Amazon Linux 2
  • Lightweight and easy to learn.
  • Pre-installed AWS integration tools.
  • Optimized for AWS performance.
  • Cost-effective, especially for EC2 instances.
  • Regular security updates and long-term support.
Cons of Amazon Linux 2
  • Difficult documentation for beginners.
  • Limited external tools support.
  • Limited software packages compared to other distributions.
  • Vendor lock-in makes migration difficult.

Amazon Linux 2 pricing

The commentary is based on 8 reviews from Amazon Linux 2 G2 reviews.

Amazon Linux 2 is free to use, but users will incur costs for other AWS services used, such as Amazon EC2 instances.

Users sentiment

Rather positive
+0.5

See the Amazon Linux 2 pricing page.

  • Amazon Linux 2 has a free plan.


Amazon Linux 2 alternatives

  • Logo of Red Hat Enterprise Linux
    Red Hat Enterprise Linux
    Better for larger enterprises and companies prioritizing stability, security, and hybrid cloud environments. Offers broader industry applicability. More expensive.
    Read more
  • Logo of Amazon Linux 2
    Amazon Linux 2
    Easier to use and better value. Lacks Xen support and has lower reliability. Fewer software packages available.
    Read more
  • Logo of Debian
    Debian
    Better for users who prioritize free, open-source software with a large community. Wider industry applicability. Not optimized for AWS.
    Read more
  • Logo of Ubuntu Server
    Ubuntu Server
    Better for general server use cases. Wider industry applicability including Finance, E-commerce, and Media. More scalable and easier to implement. Growing faster than Amazon Linux 2. Stronger community support and documentation are frequently cited advantages by users.
    Read more
  • Logo of Ubuntu
    Ubuntu
    Better for individuals, developers, and broader industry use. More versatile and user-friendly. Wider software and hardware compatibility. Stronger community support and faster growth. Not specifically optimized for AWS.
    Read more
  • Logo of Windows 11
    Windows 11
    Better for general-purpose computing and broader industry use. More user-friendly and has wider software and hardware compatibility. Has significantly more momentum. Negative pricing sentiment.
    Read more

Amazon Linux 2 FAQ

  • What is Amazon Linux 2 and what does Amazon Linux 2 do?

    Amazon Linux 2 is a free, secure operating system optimized for AWS. It offers long-term support, regular updates, and seamless integration with AWS services, making it ideal for businesses running applications on the AWS cloud.

  • How does Amazon Linux 2 integrate with other tools?

    Amazon Linux 2 seamlessly integrates with AWS services like EC2, S3, and Lambda. It also includes pre-installed AWS integration tools, optimizing performance and simplifying development workflows within the AWS ecosystem.

  • What the main competitors of Amazon Linux 2?

    Top alternatives to Amazon Linux 2 include Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Debian, Ubuntu Server, and Ubuntu. These competitors offer varying degrees of stability, security, and community support, appealing to a broad range of users and use cases.

  • Is Amazon Linux 2 legit?

    Yes, Amazon Linux 2 is a safe and legitimate operating system offered by Amazon. It's specifically designed for use on their AWS cloud platform, making it a secure and reliable choice for businesses running applications in the AWS ecosystem. It's free to use and benefits from regular security updates and long-term support.

  • How much does Amazon Linux 2 cost?

    Amazon Linux 2 is free to use. However, costs may be incurred depending on the chosen instance type, storage, and other AWS services used with it. Therefore, consider your infrastructure needs when evaluating the overall cost.

  • Is Amazon Linux 2 customer service good?

    Customer reviews on Amazon Linux 2's support are positive. Users highlight its "great customer support," quick setup, and responsiveness to issues. While some mention slowdowns, the provider is actively addressing these concerns.


Reviewed 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.