Devuan vs Q4OS
Devuan: Debian without systemd, with a choice of init. Q4OS: A classic desktop on Debian, with a Trinity edition for old PCs. Here is how they differ, and which one suits you.
Quick verdict
- BeginnersQ4OSQ4OS is rated beginner; Devuan is intermediate.
- GamingTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- Older hardwareQ4OSQ4OS needs about 1 GB of RAM versus 2 GB.
- Latest softwareTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- Long-term stabilityDevuanDevuan changes less between upgrades.
Specs compared
| Feature | Devuan | Q4OS |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity rank (30d) | #37 | #42 |
| Latest version | — | — |
| Based on | Debian | Debian Stable |
| Release model | Stable | Stable |
| Desktop | Xfce, KDE Plasma, more | KDE Plasma, Trinity |
| Package management | APT | APT |
| Init system | sysVinit, OpenRC or runit | systemd |
| Experience level | Intermediate | Beginner |
| Suggested RAM | 2 GB+ | 1 GB+ |
| Architectures | x86_64 | x86_64 |
| First released | 2014 | 2013 |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Good for | Servers, Everyday use, Older hardware | Older hardware, Everyday use |
Key differences
- Devuan is based on Debian, while Q4OS is based on Debian Stable.
- Devuan ships Xfce, KDE Plasma, more; Q4OS ships KDE Plasma, Trinity.
- Devuan uses sysVinit, OpenRC or runit as its init system; Q4OS uses systemd.
- We suggest about 2 GB of RAM for Devuan and 1 GB for Q4OS.
- Devuan is best for intermediate users; Q4OS for beginner users.
Choose Devuan if…
- choice of init system
- debian-compatible packages
- suitable for servers and desktops
Some software expects systemd
Full Devuan profileChoose Q4OS if…
- trinity edition runs on very old hardware
- windows-like appearance
- debian Stable foundation
Trinity looks dated
Full Q4OS profileDevuan vs Q4OS: FAQ
Is Devuan better than Q4OS?
Neither is better for everyone. Devuan is the stronger pick for long-term stability; Q4OS for beginners, older hardware.
Which uses less RAM, Devuan or Q4OS?
Q4OS is lighter: we suggest about 1 GB versus 2 GB. The desktop you choose affects memory use more than the distribution itself.
Is Devuan based on Q4OS?
No. Devuan is based on Debian; Q4OS is based on Debian Stable.
Can I switch from Devuan to Q4OS 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.