Devuan vs Parrot OS
Devuan: Debian without systemd, with a choice of init. Parrot OS: Security tools and a privacy-minded home edition. 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 stabilityDevuanDevuan changes less between upgrades.
Specs compared
| Feature | Devuan | Parrot OS |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity rank (30d) | #37 | #38 |
| Latest version | — | — |
| Based on | Debian | Debian Stable |
| Release model | Stable | Stable |
| Desktop | Xfce, KDE Plasma, more | KDE Plasma |
| Package management | APT | APT |
| Init system | sysVinit, OpenRC or runit | systemd |
| Experience level | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Suggested RAM | 2 GB+ | 4 GB+ |
| Architectures | x86_64 | x86_64, aarch64, riscv64 |
| First released | 2014 | 2013 |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Good for | Servers, Everyday use, Older hardware | Security testing, Privacy |
Key differences
- Devuan is based on Debian, while Parrot OS is based on Debian Stable.
- Devuan ships Xfce, KDE Plasma, more; Parrot OS ships KDE Plasma.
- Devuan uses sysVinit, OpenRC or runit as its init system; Parrot OS uses systemd.
- We suggest about 2 GB of RAM for Devuan and 4 GB for Parrot OS.
Choose Devuan if…
- choice of init system
- debian-compatible packages
- suitable for servers and desktops
Some software expects systemd
Full Devuan profileChoose Parrot OS if…
- separate Security and Home editions
- anonSurf routes all traffic through Tor with one switch
- images for x86_64, ARM (including Raspberry Pi), and RISC-V
Security tooling is for authorized testing only
Full Parrot OS profileDevuan vs Parrot OS: FAQ
Is Devuan better than Parrot OS?
Neither is better for everyone. Devuan is the stronger pick for older hardware, long-term stability; Parrot OS for a different set of needs.
Which uses less RAM, Devuan or Parrot OS?
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 Parrot OS?
No. Devuan is based on Debian; Parrot OS is based on Debian Stable.
Can I switch from Devuan to Parrot OS 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.