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CentOS vs Ubuntu Linux comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive SummaryUpdated on Aug 7, 2024

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Categories and Ranking

CentOS
Ranking in Operating Systems (OS) for Business
6th
Average Rating
8.4
Reviews Sentiment
7.2
Number of Reviews
68
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
Ubuntu Linux
Ranking in Operating Systems (OS) for Business
2nd
Average Rating
8.6
Reviews Sentiment
7.7
Number of Reviews
139
Ranking in other categories
OpenStack (1st)
 

Mindshare comparison

As of February 2025, in the Operating Systems (OS) for Business category, the mindshare of CentOS is 6.1%, down from 8.9% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Ubuntu Linux is 15.1%, down from 23.3% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Operating Systems (OS) for Business
 

Featured Reviews

Mahender Nirwan - PeerSpot reviewer
In-depth documentation available and command-line utility works well
One issue I recently faced, but I think it was due to my IT support guys, was that when the server storage gets full, the service crashes. It's very difficult to regain access and stability in that situation. That could be improved. So, the stability might be improved. But I don't think it's a CentOS-level issue. The system administrators need to come up with a solution for that, but I don't think it's CentOS's fault. I haven't done any research [R&D] on this issue. There's one thing for sure. We recently migrated from CentOS 7 to CentOS 9, and it was a bit difficult. For example, updating Windows is simple; you just download it, and it takes about 15-20 minutes. But that's not the case with migrating from CentOS 7 to 9. We had to back up the entire server, launch a new server, and then restore the backup to the new server. We couldn't directly migrate. I think that was a bit of a problem. The setup and updates are not that new in CentOS.
Kevin Haury - PeerSpot reviewer
Linux's advanced terminal empowers versatile usage and ongoing secure development
Initially, there was nothing complicated. It's easy since I have many years of experience with it. However, if I were a beginner with Linux, it could be completely disruptive compared to Windows. So, I would have to spend some time practicing with Linux to understand how it works and how I can accomplish the same tasks compared to Windows. Maybe one month, at least.

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Pros

"It has minimal updates compared to other distributions."
"I like its stability, performance, and usability."
"The scalability of CentOS is good. We can deploy the operating system in many hardware, laptops, and servers."
"I like how you can alternate certain things and minimize admin features on there and just let it run on specific scripts. It's nice. Even if I had to put it in a container, I'd still do it. I prefer Linux over Windows any day."
"It's easy to install."
"The latest version of this solution has everything built in, making it comprehensive and very easy to use."
"CentOS is very easy to use, and all the commands are user-friendly."
"It is a scalable and cost-effective product compared to public cloud solutions."
"For us, OpenStack is awesome. We want something that will be much simpler than a broad and complicated solution."
"It has a good support system for loading databases."
"The main distinguishing feature between Ubuntu and other Linux distribution is that Ubuntu has excelled at user-friendliness. It's very easy to use."
"Open source with a fast OS."
"The solution is easy to use"
"The tool's valuable feature is its pro security features. I also like the way it serves the infrastructure. The main thing is that each new update or version ensures it comes out with zero vulnerabilities—no high, medium, or low vulnerabilities."
"There are several manuals online that are free and available to help you."
"The feature that I have found the most valuable is that it is open source. It is also very easy to manage. We can manage it ourselves."
 

Cons

"CentOS is pretty old now, so I wouldn't recommend anyone use it."
"Currently, CentOS is not providing support, so you will not get new packages that are compatible with that operating system."
"Like every operating system, it could be more secure."
"As an open-source solution, there isn't much technical support."
"I have had a tough time with the product's scalability, making it an area where improvements are required."
"The solution’s stability could be improved."
"This solution is no longer suited to our business following the change they have made to the release process. It is no longer an enterprise solution."
"CentOS is very close to the end of life."
"Ubuntu Linux does not easily detect the drivers of new devices, and you need to do some trial and error for some of the third parties porting into it."
"The solution could be better integrated with Microsoft."
"A problem we have encountered when installing the package is that certain packages are not available, which requires downloading of them on our part."
"It can be improved in terms of user-friendliness for inexperienced users. It also has a lot of scope for improvement in terms of deployment. It is kind of hard for inexperienced users, and the learning curve is very steep. There is not really good documentation for new professionals. Even we are using network servers to install it."
"I would like to see the group policies and the GUI improved in the next release."
"Could be even more light weight than it currently is."
"In general, Windows is easier to use and friendlier to deal with than Ubuntu."
"An easier to configure firewall would be a good add-on."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"It is open-source, which means it is a free product. It has a one-time deployment cost."
"This is a free solution."
"There are no licensing fees. CentOS is a free solution."
"The solution is free of cost to use."
"I use the free version."
"The solution is not subscription-based, unlike Red Hat."
"It's free."
"This is an open source solution."
"We don't pay a licensing fee for the solution."
"It is open source, so it is free. There is no licensing fee."
"The solution is free."
"Ubuntu Linux is an open-source product that is free to use."
"It's an open-source solution that can be used free of charge."
"There is not a license needed for the solution. You only have to pay for technical support."
"It is open-source. We don't have to pay for its license."
"The main advantage of Unix is that it's free."
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Comparison Review

it_user281973 - PeerSpot reviewer
Aug 24, 2017
It's improved our company's system environments that run Oracle databases.
Red Hat is mission critical to our environment Red Hat has improved the mission critical environments running Oracle databases, while CentOS has improved our web environment and MySQL. Oracle and SAP Environment and all HPC environments. 10 years No issues Very stable i don´t find any problem…
 

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
17%
Manufacturing Company
9%
Government
8%
Financial Services Firm
8%
Computer Software Company
14%
University
10%
Manufacturing Company
9%
Educational Organization
8%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
 

Questions from the Community

Which would you choose - RHEL (Red Hat Enterprise Linux) or CentOS?
Red Hat Enterprise Linux is fantastic. It is an inexpensive solution that has excellent security, performance, and stability, and also lots of features. I specifically like that the solution has fe...
What do you like most about CentOS?
CentOS is very easy to use, and all the commands are user-friendly.
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for CentOS?
I am not responsible for the setup cost in my company, so I am unsure about the cost of the license.
Which would you choose - Ubuntu Linux or Oracle Linux?
Ubunto Linux is a complete Linux operating system that is freely available with both community and professional support. This solution is suitable for both desktop and server use. It has a very app...
What do you like most about Ubuntu Linux?
It has a good support system for loading databases.
 

Comparisons

 

Also Known As

No data available
Ubuntu
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

Information Not Available
Samsung, eBay, AT&T, Walmart, Cisco, Time Warner Cable, Bloomberg, Best Buy, Dell, Intel, Microsoft, Ericsson, Orange, Wells Fargo
Find out what your peers are saying about CentOS vs. Ubuntu Linux and other solutions. Updated: January 2025.
832,138 professionals have used our research since 2012.