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CentOS vs Ubuntu Linux comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive SummaryUpdated on Aug 7, 2024

Review summaries and opinions

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

Categories and Ranking

CentOS
Ranking in Operating Systems (OS) for Business
6th
Average Rating
8.4
Reviews Sentiment
7.1
Number of Reviews
69
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
Ubuntu Linux
Ranking in Operating Systems (OS) for Business
2nd
Average Rating
8.6
Reviews Sentiment
7.7
Number of Reviews
148
Ranking in other categories
OpenStack (1st)
 

Mindshare comparison

As of June 2025, in the Operating Systems (OS) for Business category, the mindshare of CentOS is 4.8%, down from 8.8% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Ubuntu Linux is 12.9%, down from 21.4% 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.
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 vendor updates the tool regularly to solve vulnerabilities."
"It has all the features of Red Hat, but you don't have to pay for the subscription."
"Offers useful information and has good compatibility."
"You can work with the UI or in command line, if you prefer."
"The user access level is most valuable. When you do administration with CentOS, the number of customizations that you can do for each user is higher than other solutions. It is very customizable."
"It is better than Ubuntu Linux."
"The most valuable feature of CentOS is the speed and it is very easy to use."
"It's easy to install."
"It's offered as open-source, and therefore does not cost anything to use."
"I would rate Ubuntu Linux a nine out of ten as a total rating."
"The GUI is user-friendly."
"There are several manuals online that are free and available to help you."
"There are many good automation features in Ubuntu."
"There's ample documentation available for most features, and I find it straightforward to use."
"It is a widely used and stable solution. Community members can offer support and technical guidance."
"The solution is flexible and user-friendly."
 

Cons

"CentOS NetworkManager is an area of concern in the solution that needs improvement, and it is the same with other products from Red Hat."
"The solution must improve its security."
"CentOS could improve by having troubleshooting logs."
"They could build more options into the wizard."
"GUI could be merged and expansion simplified."
"As an open-source solution, there isn't much technical support."
"The price of CentOS could improve."
"The solution could improve by being more user-friendly."
"The product should provide more automation."
"There is not a lot of support for applications in Ubuntu Linux. In the industry, most of the applications work for Windows and Mac. There should be better integration with applications in the future."
"More security features are needed to protect the current file system to prevent attacks."
"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."
"We use and have previously used Windows 10 which is a lot better."
"Ubuntu Linux needs to improve its stability. I would like it to show the battery percentage at the screen top."
"Occasionally, we have problems with stability."
"The solution's initial setup is complex, and its technical support is not very good."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"CentOS is cheaper compared to Windows."
"There are no costs for CentOS, it is open-source."
"This is an open source solution."
"There are no licensing fees for CentOS."
"We use the free, open-source solution because we cannot afford the price for Linux."
"The solution is not subscription-based, unlike Red Hat."
"It's free."
"The solution is open source."
"I don't need to pay for the license."
"There is not a license needed for the solution. You only have to pay for technical support."
"It's an open-source solution that can be used free of charge."
"It is open-source. We don't have to pay for its license."
"The solution is open source and its use is included in the monthly fees we pay."
"Ubuntu Linux is free."
"It's an open source solution, but you can make donations if you'd like to."
"The product is cheap compared to Windows."
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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
17%
Manufacturing Company
9%
Financial Services Firm
8%
Government
7%
Computer Software Company
14%
University
10%
Manufacturing Company
8%
Comms Service Provider
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 stability, and also lots of features. I specifically like that the solution has fe...
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 varying amounts for their services.
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 support. This solution is suitable for both desktop and server use. It has a very app...
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?
The cost is not much, and I am not sure about the licensing cost because a separate team handles it.
 

Comparisons

 

Also Known As

No data available
Ubuntu
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

Information Not Available
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 CentOS vs. Ubuntu Linux and other solutions. Updated: June 2025.
856,873 professionals have used our research since 2012.