Debian vs Rocky Linux comparison

Debian and Rocky Linux are both solutions in the Operating Systems (OS) for Business category. Debian is ranked #23, while Rocky Linux is ranked #4 with an average rating of 8.6. Debian holds a 4.0% mindshare in OSB, compared to Rocky Linux’s 14.3% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of Rocky Linux users are willing to recommend the solution.

Debian

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Rocky Linux

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100% willing to recommend

Debian

Rocky Linux

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Sep 9, 2025

Rocky Linux and Debian are both open-source operating systems competing in the server and enterprise environment category. Debian appears to have the upper hand due to its extensive features and flexibility, making it suitable for diverse use cases.

Features: Rocky Linux offers seamless RHEL compatibility, enhancing migration efficiency for enterprises, reliable security updates, and stability. It also provides focused enterprise support. Debian provides a vast package ecosystem, unmatched stability, and a robust community support network, offering flexibility for various applications.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Debian's deployment is well-documented and community-driven, featuring a streamlined package management system for ease. Its strong community support is a key asset. Rocky Linux provides straightforward deployment for enterprises following RHEL standards and emphasizes migration ease. Documentation is excellent for both, with Debian benefiting from a strong community and Rocky focusing on enterprise support.

Pricing and ROI: Rocky Linux and Debian are free. Rocky targets enterprises aiming to reduce costs while keeping RHEL compatibility. Debian's extensive package system can deliver cost savings in development and deployment. ROI from Debian comes from its long-term stability and flexibility, while Rocky appeals to those seeking a cost-effective RHEL alternative with an enterprise focus.

To learn more, read our detailed Operating Systems (OS) for Business Report (Updated: September 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Operating Systems (OS) for Business

September 2025

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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

Debian

Ranking in Operating Systems (OS) for Business

23rd

Average Rating

0.0

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Rocky Linux

Ranking in Operating Systems (OS) for Business

4th

Average Rating

8.8

Reviews Sentiment

5.3

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of October 2025, in the Operating Systems (OS) for Business category, the mindshare of Debian is 4.0%. The mindshare of Rocky Linux is 14.3%, up from 12.2% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Operating Systems (OS) for Business Market Share Distribution
Product	Market Share (%)
Rocky Linux	14.3%
Debian	4.0%
Other	81.7%

Operating Systems (OS) for Business

Featured Reviews

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Massimiliano Adamo

Linux architect at European Commission

Has supported seamless migrations and enabled running complex data workloads securely

The best features Rocky Linux offers include clustering and all the packages from Red Hat.Rocky Linux has impacted my organization very positively because we migrated everything from CentOS and Windows servers to Rocky Linux. Everything is clear, with good packaging, and now it's version 9.6, which is very important for us due to security problems since we are in Europe. Rocky Linux is very good for security and other aspects. Since migrating to Rocky Linux, I've seen specific outcomes such as improved security because CentOS stopped the project, and security patches aren't being released. We need to maintain a system similar to Red Hat, which is very stable and has many features such as file system, topology, and containers.

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Comms Service Provider

14%

Computer Software Company

10%

Educational Organization

Media Company

Computer Software Company

14%

Comms Service Provider

12%

University

11%

Manufacturing Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

No data available

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	5
Large Enterprise	13

Questions from the Community

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What do you like most about Rocky Linux?

It's very simple to work with, easy to learn, and know where things are.

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What needs improvement with Rocky Linux?

I have no suggestions regarding how Rocky Linux can be improved. I haven't identified any areas that need improvement yet.

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What is your primary use case for Rocky Linux?

As a Cloud Ops Engineer, we are setting up the server on the EC2 machine with Rocky Linux, while also doing some setup related to the frameworks for Ruby. We are installing their dependencies relat...

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Comparisons

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Compared 5% of the time

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Compared 5% of the time

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) vs Debian

Compared 4% of the time

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Fedora Linux vs Rocky Linux

Compared 26% of the time

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Compared 17% of the time

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Compared 10% of the time

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) vs Rocky Linux

Compared 7% of the time

openSUSE Leap vs Rocky Linux

Compared 7% of the time

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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Operating Systems (OS) for Business

September 2025

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Rocky Linux

October 2025

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Also Known As

Debian 12

No data available

Overview

Debian is a reliable open-source operating system ideal for servers and desktops. With its wide array of packages and stable releases, it suits developers and organizations seeking dependable performance and security.

Debian stands out for its stability and extensive package repository, making it a go-to choice for developers. Its open-source nature ensures transparency and flexibility. Debian's package management system, APT, simplifies software installation and updates. Its security updates are regular and prompt, ensuring systems are protected. With support for multiple architectures, Debian caters to various environments from desktops to large-scale servers.

What are the key features of Debian?

Package Management: APT tool for efficient software installation and updates.
Security: Regular security updates maintain robust protection.
Open Source: Community-driven with transparency and flexibility.
Architecture Support: Compatibility with diverse hardware systems.
Stability: Reliable performance across server and desktop configurations.

What benefits and ROI should be considered in reviews?

Cost Efficiency: Free distribution reduces expenses.
Performance: Stable and reliable for demanding applications.
Customizability: Open-source nature allows tailored solutions.
Community Support: Extensive community for troubleshooting and advice.

Debian is widely used in industries such as web hosting, scientific research, and education, where reliability and long-term support are priorities. Its flexibility allows it to be adapted for specialized applications in scientific computing or educational environments, ensuring it meets industry-specific technical requirements.

Debian

Rocky Linux is a robust and secure enterprise-grade operating system designed as a drop-in replacement for CentOS. Its primary use case is to provide a stable and reliable platform for organizations to run their critical workloads and applications.

The most valuable functionality of Rocky Linux lies in its compatibility with CentOS, ensuring a seamless transition for organizations already using CentOS. It offers long-term support, regular security updates, and a predictable release cycle, providing stability and reliability for mission-critical systems.

Rocky Linux helps organizations by offering a free and open-source alternative to CentOS, which was discontinued by Red Hat. It allows businesses to continue using their existing CentOS-based infrastructure without the need for costly migrations or vendor lock-in. With its strong community support and active development, Rocky Linux ensures a sustainable and community-driven future for CentOS users.

Moreover, Rocky Linux is built with security in mind, providing robust features like SELinux and secure defaults. This helps organizations protect their data and systems from potential threats and vulnerabilities.

Rocky Linux

Buyer's Guide

Operating Systems (OS) for Business

September 2025

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