Devuan vs openSUSE Leap
Devuan: Debian without systemd, with a choice of init. openSUSE Leap: A stable openSUSE for workstations and servers. Here is how they differ, and which one suits you.
Quick verdict
- BeginnersTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- GamingTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- Older hardwareDevuanDevuan needs about 2 GB of RAM versus 4 GB.
- Latest softwareTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- Long-term stabilityTieBoth are a similar fit here.
Specs compared
| Feature | Devuan | openSUSE Leap |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity rank (30d) | #37 | Not ranked |
| Latest version | — | 16.0 (Oct 1, 2025) |
| Based on | Debian | SUSE Linux Enterprise |
| Release model | Stable | Stable |
| Desktop | Xfce, KDE Plasma, more | KDE Plasma, GNOME, Xfce |
| Package management | APT | Zypper · RPM |
| Init system | sysVinit, OpenRC or runit | systemd |
| Experience level | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Suggested RAM | 2 GB+ | 4 GB+ |
| Architectures | x86_64 | x86_64, aarch64 |
| First released | 2014 | 2015 |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Good for | Servers, Everyday use, Older hardware | Servers, Everyday use, Development |
Key differences
- Devuan is based on Debian, while openSUSE Leap is based on SUSE Linux Enterprise.
- Devuan ships Xfce, KDE Plasma, more; openSUSE Leap ships KDE Plasma, GNOME, Xfce.
- Software comes from APT on Devuan and Zypper · RPM on openSUSE Leap.
- Devuan uses sysVinit, OpenRC or runit as its init system; openSUSE Leap uses systemd.
- We suggest about 2 GB of RAM for Devuan and 4 GB for openSUSE Leap.
Choose Devuan if…
- choice of init system
- debian-compatible packages
- suitable for servers and desktops
Some software expects systemd
Full Devuan profileChoose openSUSE Leap if…
- enterprise-derived base with community releases
- btrfs snapshots for recovery
- predictable release cycle
Desktop applications age during a release
Full openSUSE Leap profileDevuan vs openSUSE Leap: FAQ
Is Devuan better than openSUSE Leap?
Neither is better for everyone. Devuan is the stronger pick for older hardware; openSUSE Leap for a different set of needs.
Which uses less RAM, Devuan or openSUSE Leap?
Devuan is lighter: we suggest about 2 GB versus 4 GB. The desktop you choose affects memory use more than the distribution itself.
Is Devuan based on openSUSE Leap?
No. Devuan is based on Debian; openSUSE Leap is based on SUSE Linux Enterprise.
Can I switch from Devuan to openSUSE Leap without losing files?
Back up your home folder first. If /home is on a separate partition you can reinstall without formatting it, but a clean install with restored backups is safest.