Fedora Silverblue vs Vanilla OS
Fedora Silverblue: An atomic GNOME desktop with a way back. 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.
- GamingTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- Older hardwareTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- Latest softwareTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- Long-term stabilityTieBoth are a similar fit here.
Specs compared
| Feature | Fedora Silverblue | Vanilla OS |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity rank (30d) | Not ranked | Not ranked |
| Latest version | — | — |
| Based on | Fedora | Debian Sid |
| Release model | Atomic | Atomic |
| Desktop | GNOME | GNOME |
| Package management | rpm-ostree · Flatpak | Apx · Flatpak |
| Init system | systemd | systemd |
| Experience level | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Suggested RAM | 4 GB+ | 4 GB+ |
| Architectures | x86_64, aarch64 | x86_64 |
| First released | 2018 | 2022 |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Good for | Development, Everyday use, Immutable systems | Immutable systems, Development, Everyday use |
Key differences
- Fedora Silverblue is based on Fedora, while Vanilla OS is based on Debian Sid.
- Software comes from rpm-ostree · Flatpak on Fedora Silverblue and Apx · Flatpak on Vanilla OS.
Choose Fedora Silverblue if…
- atomic operating system updates
- rollback to previous deployments
- container-focused development workflow
Different workflow from a conventional desktop
Full Fedora Silverblue 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 profileFedora Silverblue vs Vanilla OS: FAQ
Is Fedora Silverblue better than Vanilla OS?
Neither is better for everyone. Fedora Silverblue is the stronger pick for a different set of needs; Vanilla OS for a different set of needs.
Which uses less RAM, Fedora Silverblue or Vanilla OS?
Both need about 4 GB of RAM for a comfortable desktop. The desktop environment affects memory use more than the distribution.
Is Fedora Silverblue based on Vanilla OS?
No. Fedora Silverblue is based on Fedora; Vanilla OS is based on Debian Sid.
Can I switch from Fedora Silverblue 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.