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CentOS vs Oracle Linux vs Ubuntu Linux comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive Summary

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Mindshare comparison

As of August 2025, in the Operating Systems (OS) for Business category, the mindshare of CentOS is 4.7%, down from 8.4% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Oracle Linux is 8.4%, down from 15.4% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Ubuntu Linux is 12.2%, down from 20.1% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Operating Systems (OS) for Business
 

Featured Reviews

Mahender Nirwan - PeerSpot reviewer
In-depth documentation available and command-line utility works well
One issue I recently faced, but I think it was due to my IT support guys, was that when the server storage gets full, the service crashes. It's very difficult to regain access and stability in that situation. That could be improved. So, the stability might be improved. But I don't think it's a CentOS-level issue. The system administrators need to come up with a solution for that, but I don't think it's CentOS's fault. I haven't done any research [R&D] on this issue. There's one thing for sure. We recently migrated from CentOS 7 to CentOS 9, and it was a bit difficult. For example, updating Windows is simple; you just download it, and it takes about 15-20 minutes. But that's not the case with migrating from CentOS 7 to 9. We had to back up the entire server, launch a new server, and then restore the backup to the new server. We couldn't directly migrate. I think that was a bit of a problem. The setup and updates are not that new in CentOS.
Thomas Waltair - PeerSpot reviewer
Provides outstanding performance and resource savings with effective customer service
The solution works closely with the operating system kernel, which gives better performance in terms of multi-threading and a distributed database. We work based on Oracle specifications, and whenever there are critical patches and vulnerability tests, we update with the latest security patches. The collaboration with Oracle WebLogic and other Oracle tools enhances performance as well.
PrashantSharma - PeerSpot reviewer
Performs efficiently but requires overcoming a learning curve
There are many differences between Ubuntu Linux and Windows as they are totally different systems. You need to have more knowledge about Linux before using Ubuntu Linux. Although it is designed as a desktop system, basic knowledge is still required. Windows can be used by any layman, which is the main difference. I do not know much about security breaches or potential issues. The Wi-Fi and wireless capabilities work perfectly fine. Excluding the learning curve, I would rate it a 10. However, considering the learning curve, I would give it a six or seven. My advice would be to have patience. Overall rating: 10 out of 10.

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Pros

"The solution is easy to use but not as easy as Windows."
"The solution is open source."
"The solution is easy to troubleshoot."
"The pricing is good. We pay a minimal fee."
"It has all the features of Red Hat, but you don't have to pay for the subscription."
"It has minimal updates compared to other distributions."
"It's a good and stable system. It provides everything you need for web servers and database servers."
"We particularly like that we can remove the graphic user interface to minimize attack settings for the operating system."
"Ultimately, Oracle Linux as a product rates nine out of ten."
"The solution provides the best return on investment."
"It is a good solution, and the performance is good."
"Very stable."
"We don't have any failing cases. Oracle releases regular hot patches, so we don't have many difficulties."
"It is a stable solution with a secure operating system."
"It has a good amount of mount points."
"It is very compatible because it's from the same product family, so it makes the work very easy."
"Linux-based operating system with good stability, good patching, and a straightforward setup."
"I rate Ubuntu Linux ten all the way."
"The security is very good."
"It keeps you secure from virus and malware attacks."
"I strongly recommend Ubuntu Linux to most customers."
"As we have repositories in my country, the ease of use and the open source nature of the solution are valuable features."
"The setup is fairly easy."
"If there is a virus going into the network, it has to pass through an Ubuntu server, which can't be infected by the virus. So, there are less viruses on our systems."
 

Cons

"In the future, CentOS will no longer be compatible with Red Hat."
"CentOS could be improved with more user-friendly monitoring."
"CentOS is not easy."
"CentOS is very close to the end of life."
"The YUM install manager can be improved. It is below average as compared to the other install managers. This is the only major problem that I see with CentOS. They should reduce dependency on the YUM manager."
"It would be ideal if Red Hat would continue the CentOS versions in an open-source format. They seem to be moving away from that. Now only paid versions are available."
"If CentOS could add Office features then that would be beneficial. Additionally, the UI could improve."
"It would be useful if reporting were included as part of the basic license."
"The security could improve in the solution."
"There can be improvements to the documentation capabilities."
"I think the pricing could be improved to be more competitive."
"The installation documentation needs to be improved"
"The technical support for Oracle Linux is just okay. It is not as helpful or friendly as their application support."
"For usability, the GUI options during the initial setup could be included with advanced functionalities that are now currently only possible on the CLI."
"It could be easier to reach a higher support level."
"What we found in moving from Oracle Linux 6 to Oracle Linux 7 was the whole interfacing with the application and the fact that operating had all changed, all the commands had changed. You need to be aware that there is some kind of training, some kind of handover required for your technical guys, understanding different ways of interacting with it. Bear that in mind."
"The migration part when migrating an application or one version of Ubuntu Linux to another is quite hectic. During the process, one or many applications might crash."
"One of the reasons people don't use Ubuntu on servers is because they are not as secure as Red Hat."
"Ubuntu might work for a bigger company, but I don't think so. Again, you would have to get the right people to do it. You need somebody technical. If you have a bunch of people who aren't technical, then it is just going to be a headache trying to get a feel for it or teach them."
"Better integration between the interface of the software and the operating system itself would be a benefit in the future."
"It can have more security."
"The solution could be better integrated with Microsoft."
"The main challenge is restoring the system from a crashed state, which can be complicated for non-technical users."
"The repository needs to be kept up to date all of the time."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The solution is open-source and does not have any costs or licensing fees."
"This is an open source solution."
"I'm not required to pay a licensing fee."
"It is open-source, which means it is a free product. It has a one-time deployment cost."
"There is no license required for this solution."
"CentOS is an expensive solution. There are other solutions that are rated at the top that are not expensive, such as Red Hat."
"Once you buy the license, Linux will provide you with yearly or monthly patches, so your systems will be scalable for a long time."
"CentOS is a free solution."
"The price of Oracle Linux could be less expensive for those who are running a small freelance company, such as I do. We use the solution fully but the income that you're receiving is slow."
"The solution is free."
"The cost is relatively affordable."
"Low-cost solution."
"We pay for a license for this solution annually."
"The product's pricing is cheap. The tool's pricing is yearly."
"It is an expensive solution for us."
"Nowadays, Oracle is very open toward price negotiation; they negotiate well with their clients"
"There are no payments to be made towards any licensing costs attached to the solution."
"The solution does not come with a licensing fee."
"Ubuntu Linux is open-source and available to use free of charge."
"It's an open-source solution that can be used free of charge."
"This is a free solution."
"It is not a very expensive solution."
"Ubuntu pricing is reasonable."
"Ubuntu Linux is an open-source product that is free to use."
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Comparison Review

it_user281973 - PeerSpot reviewer
Aug 24, 2017
It's improved our company's system environments that run Oracle databases.
Red Hat is mission critical to our environment Red Hat has improved the mission critical environments running Oracle databases, while CentOS has improved our web environment and MySQL. Oracle and SAP Environment and all HPC environments. 10 years No issues Very stable i don´t find any problem…
 

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
16%
Manufacturing Company
9%
Financial Services Firm
7%
Educational Organization
7%
Computer Software Company
13%
Manufacturing Company
9%
Financial Services Firm
8%
Educational Organization
7%
Computer Software Company
13%
University
10%
Comms Service Provider
9%
Manufacturing Company
8%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
 

Questions from the Community

Which would you choose - RHEL (Red Hat Enterprise Linux) or CentOS?
Red Hat Enterprise Linux is fantastic. It is an inexpensive solution that has excellent security, performance, and st...
What do you like most about CentOS?
CentOS is very easy to use, and all the commands are user-friendly.
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for CentOS?
CentOS is a free product with free updates. There are third-party companies available for support, but they charge va...
How does Oracle Linux compare with Solaris?
When comparing Oracle Linux and Solaris, I believe that Linux is more secure and more flexible. It is also very suita...
Which would you choose - Ubuntu Linux or Oracle Linux?
Ubunto Linux is a complete Linux operating system that is freely available with both community and professional suppo...
What do you like most about Ubuntu Linux?
It has a good support system for loading databases.
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Ubuntu Linux?
My experience with the pricing for Ubuntu Linux is that I always use the free version, so I never paid for any instal...
What needs improvement with Ubuntu Linux?
I always use just the LTS versions of Ubuntu Linux, but I found recently some software that needs the 20.04 version, ...
 

Comparisons

 

Also Known As

CentOS 7 (x86_64) - with Updates HVM
Oracle Enterprise Linux
Ubuntu
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

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Samsung, eBay, AT&T, Walmart, Cisco, Time Warner Cable, Bloomberg, Best Buy, Dell, Intel, Microsoft, Ericsson, Orange, Wells Fargo
Find out what your peers are saying about Red Hat, Canonical, Oracle and others in Operating Systems (OS) for Business. Updated: July 2025.
864,574 professionals have used our research since 2012.