CentOS Stream and Rocky Linux are both derived from Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), catering to different user needs. This page explores their differences to help you choose the right one for your specific requirements.
Continuous innovation
Enterprise stability
TL;DR: Pick CentOS Stream for development and testing. Pick Rocky Linux for stable, production environments.
How they stack up across key categories.
CentOS Stream is straightforward for developers familiar with RHEL.
Rocky Linux offers a familiar experience to previous CentOS users.
CentOS Stream uses the GNOME desktop by default, similar to RHEL.
Rocky Linux also defaults to GNOME, providing a stable desktop experience.
CentOS Stream offers a rolling-release model, which may affect stability.
Rocky Linux focuses on stability, mirroring RHEL's point releases.
Frequent updates provide access to new features and changes ahead of RHEL.
Updates follow RHEL's schedule, ensuring stability and predictability.
Access to bleeding-edge updates, but may require manual testing.
Software aligned with RHEL, ensuring compatibility and support.
CentOS Stream respects user privacy, with no data collection by default.
Rocky Linux maintains user privacy, similar to CentOS.
Strong community with a focus on development and innovation.
Robust community focused on stability and enterprise support.
Not optimized for gaming but can run Steam and other platforms with additional setup.
Similar to CentOS Stream, requires additional setup for gaming.
Quick recommendations for common scenarios.
Pick: Either
Both provide a GNOME desktop experience familiar to new Linux users.
Pick: Rocky Linux
Its stability and compatibility with RHEL make it ideal for structured learning.
Pick: Either
Both are lightweight enough to run on older hardware with proper configurations.
Pick: Either
Neither is optimized for gaming, but both can be configured to support gaming.
Pick: Rocky Linux
Its stability and long-term support make it suitable for professional environments.
Pick: CentOS Stream
Offers cutting-edge features for users who want the latest updates.
Quick answers to common questions.
CentOS Stream is upstream of RHEL, offering a rolling-release model, while Rocky Linux is a downstream RHEL clone focusing on stability.
Both distros use GNOME by default and are similar in user experience, but Rocky Linux's focus on stability may be easier for beginners.
Performance is similar as both are derived from RHEL, but CentOS Stream may have variations due to its frequent updates.
Yes, both offer live environments that can be booted from USB to try before installation.
Rocky Linux ensures compatibility with RHEL, while CentOS Stream may have newer versions of software, potentially introducing compatibility issues.
Hardware support is robust for both, with wide driver availability due to their RHEL heritage.
CentOS Stream has a rolling-release cycle, while Rocky Linux follows RHEL's point release schedule for stability.
Switching involves migrating data and ensuring compatibility, but tools and community guides can assist with the process.
Generate a clean "vs" page for any two distros.
