CentOS Stream and Ubuntu are two of the most popular Linux distributions, each catering to different needs. This page compares their features, strengths, and weaknesses to help you decide which is best for your use case, whether it's enterprise-grade stability or user-friendly desktop experience.
Continuous Innovation
User-Friendly Linux
TL;DR: Pick CentOS Stream for enterprise stability and innovation. Choose Ubuntu for user-friendly desktop simplicity.
How they stack up across key categories.
CentOS Stream is more complex, designed for users familiar with Linux or those in enterprise environments.
Ubuntu is renowned for its ease of use, making it a great choice for beginners and desktop users.
CentOS Stream offers a more utilitarian approach, often used with minimal desktop environments suited for server tasks.
Ubuntu provides a polished and intuitive desktop experience with GNOME by default, appealing to everyday desktop users.
CentOS Stream offers enterprise-grade stability, though it's a rolling release and may occasionally introduce new changes.
Ubuntu's LTS versions are highly stable, with regular security updates ensuring a reliable experience.
CentOS Stream delivers continuous updates, previewing features that will appear in the next RHEL release.
Ubuntu offers regular updates with clearly defined release cycles, including every two years for LTS versions.
CentOS Stream has access to enterprise software through the EPEL repository, though less variety than Ubuntu.
Ubuntu's vast repositories and support for PPAs provide access to a wide range of software, both open-source and proprietary.
CentOS Stream follows standard Linux privacy norms, though its focus is more on enterprise than individual users.
Ubuntu's default data collection settings have raised privacy concerns, but users can adjust these settings.
CentOS Stream has a strong community focused on enterprise use, with excellent RHEL-aligned documentation.
Ubuntu boasts one of the largest and most active communities, providing extensive documentation and support forums.
CentOS Stream is not typically the first choice for gaming, given its enterprise focus and lack of optimized desktop environments.
Ubuntu supports gaming well with Steam and Proton compatibility, making it a popular choice for Linux gamers.
Quick recommendations for common scenarios.
Pick: Ubuntu
Ubuntu's user-friendly interface and extensive documentation make it easier for new Linux users.
Pick: Either
Both distributions have excellent community support and documentation, making them suitable for learning.
Pick: Ubuntu
Ubuntu offers lightweight variants like Xubuntu or Lubuntu, optimizing performance on older systems.
Pick: Ubuntu
Ubuntu provides better support for gaming with Steam and Proton, offering a wider range of games.
Pick: CentOS Stream
CentOS Stream's alignment with RHEL makes it ideal for enterprise environments and professional use.
Pick: Ubuntu
Ubuntu's intuitive interface and software availability make it perfect for everyday desktop tasks.
Quick answers to common questions.
CentOS Stream is a rolling-release version of CentOS, aligned with RHEL, while Ubuntu is a Debian-based distribution. They are not directly related but serve different user bases.
Ubuntu is more beginner-friendly due to its user-friendly interface and extensive resources designed for new Linux users.
Both distros perform well, but Ubuntu's GNOME desktop may feel heavier than CentOS Stream's typical minimal setups. Performance can vary based on chosen desktop environments and hardware.
Yes, both CentOS Stream and Ubuntu offer live environments that allow you to test the OS without installing it on your system.
Ubuntu generally offers broader software compatibility, especially for proprietary applications, while CentOS Stream focuses on enterprise software.
Ubuntu typically offers better out-of-the-box hardware support due to its widespread use and community contributions, while CentOS Stream may require additional steps for newer hardware.
CentOS Stream continuously updates with a rolling release model, while Ubuntu offers regular releases every six months and LTS versions every two years.
Switching is possible but may require adjustments due to differences in package management and default configurations. It is advisable to back up data before switching.
Generate a clean "vs" page for any two distros.
