Best Red Hat Enterprise Linux alternatives
Distributions that share Red Hat Enterprise Linux’s purpose, family, release model, or desktop, ordered by how closely they match. Each one lists what it has in common and a link to a full side-by-side comparison.
- 1Red Hat Enterprise Linux vs Rocky Linux
Rocky Linux#32 in rankings
An enterprise Linux built to match RHEL. Rocky Linux is a community enterprise distribution started by one of CentOS’s original founders after CentOS Linux ended.
- Also suited to servers and development
- Also Red Hat Enterprise Linux-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: based on RHEL-compatible.
- 2Red Hat Enterprise Linux vs AlmaLinux
AlmaLinux#33 in rankings
A community enterprise Linux for servers. AlmaLinux is a free, community-governed enterprise Linux that remains binary-compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux application interfaces.
- Also suited to servers and development
- Also Red Hat Enterprise Linux-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: based on RHEL-compatible.
- 3Red Hat Enterprise Linux vs CentOS Stream
CentOS Stream#39 in rankings
The continuously delivered upstream of RHEL. CentOS Stream sits just ahead of Red Hat Enterprise Linux: changes land here before the next RHEL minor release.
- Also suited to servers and development
- Also Red Hat Enterprise Linux-based
- Same stable release model
Key difference: based on RHEL upstream.
- 4Red Hat Enterprise Linux vs Debian
Debian#3 in rankings
A dependable foundation that takes its time. Debian Stable favors well-tested packages and predictable behavior.
- Also suited to servers and development
- Same stable release model
- Same intermediate experience level
Key difference: based on Independent.
- 5Red Hat Enterprise Linux vs openSUSE Leap
openSUSE Leap
A stable openSUSE for workstations and servers. openSUSE Leap is the fixed-release sibling of Tumbleweed, sharing its code base with SUSE Linux Enterprise.
- Also suited to servers and development
- Same stable release model
- Same intermediate experience level
Key difference: based on SUSE Linux Enterprise.
- 6Red Hat Enterprise Linux vs Alpine Linux
Alpine Linux#26 in rankings
Small, simple, security-minded, and container-friendly. Alpine Linux is an independent distribution built on musl libc and BusyBox.
- Also suited to servers and development
- Same stable release model
- Offers GNOME
Key difference: based on Independent.
- 7Red Hat Enterprise Linux vs Ubuntu
Ubuntu#1 in rankings
Broad support, from your laptop to your server. Ubuntu provides a widely documented desktop and server platform.
- Also suited to servers and development
- Same stable release model
- Offers GNOME
Key difference: based on Debian.
- 8Red Hat Enterprise Linux vs NixOS
NixOS#9 in rankings
Your whole system, described in configuration. NixOS uses declarative configuration and the Nix package manager to make system changes repeatable.
- Also suited to servers and development
- Same stable release model
- Offers GNOME
Key difference: based on Independent.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Red Hat Enterprise Linux?
Rocky Linux is the closest match: also suited to servers and development; also red hat enterprise linux-based. AlmaLinux and CentOS Stream are also strong options.
Why switch from Red Hat Enterprise Linux?
Common reasons are its tradeoffs: production use requires a subscription; conservative desktop software. An alternative can keep what you like while avoiding these.