CentOS Stream and Garuda Linux represent two different philosophies in the Linux ecosystem. CentOS Stream is ideal for developers targeting enterprise environments, while Garuda Linux caters to gamers with performance optimizations. This page compares their features, strengths, and ideal use cases.
The upstream choice
The gaming powerhouse
TL;DR: Pick CentOS Stream for enterprise and development environments. Pick Garuda Linux for gaming and performance.
How they stack up across key categories.
CentOS Stream is more suited for users familiar with Linux, offering a stable platform with fewer desktop-focused enhancements.
Garuda Linux is designed to be user-friendly with its visually appealing interface and pre-installed gaming tools, though it can be resource-intensive.
CentOS Stream focuses on stability and enterprise use, providing a no-frills desktop experience.
Garuda Linux offers a highly customized KDE Plasma desktop with a focus on aesthetics and usability.
CentOS Stream is stable but continuously evolving, providing a preview of the next RHEL release.
Garuda Linux, as a rolling release, may experience occasional stability issues but offers the latest features.
CentOS Stream provides continuous updates as it serves as a development preview for RHEL.
Garuda Linux offers frequent updates with its rolling release model, ensuring access to the latest software.
CentOS Stream has access to a wide range of enterprise-level software through EPEL and compatible repositories.
Garuda Linux provides extensive access to software through the Arch User Repository (AUR) and official Arch repositories.
CentOS Stream does not include any privacy-focused features by default but benefits from Red Hat's security practices.
Garuda Linux emphasizes privacy with options for secure browsing and includes tools to enhance user privacy.
CentOS Stream has strong community support and detailed documentation due to its alignment with RHEL.
Garuda Linux has a growing community with forums and wikis, supported by its base in the Arch community.
CentOS Stream does not focus on gaming but can be configured for it with additional effort.
Garuda Linux is optimized for gaming with pre-installed tools and drivers, making it an excellent choice for gamers.
Quick recommendations for common scenarios.
Pick: Garuda Linux
Garuda's user-friendly interface and gaming optimizations make it a smoother transition for Windows users.
Pick: CentOS Stream
CentOS Stream's alignment with RHEL makes it ideal for tutorials focused on enterprise environments.
Pick: CentOS Stream
CentOS Stream's stability and moderate resource requirements make it more suitable for older hardware.
Pick: Garuda Linux
Designed with gaming in mind, Garuda offers optimized performance and pre-installed gaming tools.
Pick: CentOS Stream
CentOS Stream's enterprise focus provides a stable and reliable platform for professional environments.
Pick: Garuda Linux
Garuda's visually appealing interface and ease of use make it ideal for simple daily desktop tasks.
Quick answers to common questions.
CentOS Stream serves as a rolling preview of the next minor RHEL release, providing a platform for developers to test and prepare for future RHEL updates.
Yes, Garuda Linux aims to be user-friendly with its visually appealing interface and pre-configured settings, though it can be resource-intensive.
Garuda Linux is optimized for performance, especially in gaming, whereas CentOS Stream focuses on stability and might be less performance-optimized for desktop use.
Both CentOS Stream and Garuda Linux offer live environments, allowing you to try them without installing to see which fits your needs.
CentOS Stream is compatible with enterprise-level software through EPEL, while Garuda Linux has access to a wide range of software via AUR and Arch repositories.
Garuda Linux, being based on Arch, supports a wide range of hardware with the latest drivers, while CentOS Stream provides stable support, especially for server hardware.
CentOS Stream offers a continuous update model as an upstream RHEL, while Garuda Linux follows a rolling release model, providing frequent updates.
Switching between these distros requires a complete reinstallation as they are designed for different purposes; backups and a clear understanding of each system are recommended before switching.
Generate a clean "vs" page for any two distros.
