Devuan vs Vanilla OS
Devuan: Debian without systemd, with a choice of init. Vanilla OS: An immutable GNOME desktop with containers for any package. Here is how they differ, and which one suits you.
Quick verdict
- BeginnersTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- GamingVanilla OSVanilla OS gets newer drivers and kernels faster.
- Older hardwareDevuanDevuan needs about 2 GB of RAM versus 4 GB.
- Latest softwareVanilla OSVanilla OS uses a atomic model; Devuan is stable.
- Long-term stabilityDevuanDevuan changes less between upgrades.
Specs compared
| Feature | Devuan | Vanilla OS |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity rank (30d) | #37 | Not ranked |
| Latest version | — | — |
| Based on | Debian | Debian Sid |
| Release model | Stable | Atomic |
| Desktop | Xfce, KDE Plasma, more | GNOME |
| Package management | APT | Apx · Flatpak |
| Init system | sysVinit, OpenRC or runit | systemd |
| Experience level | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Suggested RAM | 2 GB+ | 4 GB+ |
| Architectures | x86_64 | x86_64 |
| First released | 2014 | 2022 |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Good for | Servers, Everyday use, Older hardware | Immutable systems, Development, Everyday use |
Key differences
- Devuan is based on Debian, while Vanilla OS is based on Debian Sid.
- Devuan follows a stable release model; Vanilla OS is atomic.
- Devuan ships Xfce, KDE Plasma, more; Vanilla OS ships GNOME.
- Software comes from APT on Devuan and Apx · Flatpak on Vanilla OS.
- Devuan uses sysVinit, OpenRC or runit as its init system; Vanilla OS uses systemd.
- We suggest about 2 GB of RAM for Devuan and 4 GB for Vanilla OS.
Choose Devuan if…
- choice of init system
- debian-compatible packages
- suitable for servers and desktops
Some software expects systemd
Full Devuan profileChoose Vanilla OS if…
- atomic A/B updates
- apx for packages from other distributions
- vanilla GNOME experience
Young project with changing tooling
Full Vanilla OS profileDevuan vs Vanilla OS: FAQ
Is Devuan better than Vanilla OS?
Neither is better for everyone. Devuan is the stronger pick for older hardware, long-term stability; Vanilla OS for gaming, latest software.
Which uses less RAM, Devuan or Vanilla 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 Vanilla OS?
No. Devuan is based on Debian; Vanilla OS is based on Debian Sid.
Can I switch from Devuan to Vanilla 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.