Rocky Linux vs Ubuntu Linux comparison

Rocky Linux and Canonical are both solutions in the Operating Systems (OS) for Business category. Rocky Linux is ranked #4 with an average rating of 8.6, while Canonical is ranked #2 with an average rating of 8.9. Rocky Linux holds a 14.3% mindshare in OSB, compared to Canonical’s 11.5% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of Rocky Linux users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 95% of Canonical users who would recommend it.

Rocky Linux

Read 17 Rocky Linux reviews

12,000 Views
12,000 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

Ubuntu Linux

Read 150 Ubuntu Linux reviews

13,939 Views
13,660 Comparison Views

95% willing to recommend

Rocky Linux

Ubuntu Linux

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Oct 19, 2025

Ubuntu Linux and Rocky Linux are both strong contenders in the open-source operating systems market. Ubuntu seems to have the upper hand due to its security features, long-term support, and extensive package management.

Features: Ubuntu provides a customizable, open-source platform with a vast package management system, long-term support releases, and strong security features. Rocky Linux offers long-term enterprise support, RHEL compatibility, and acts as a replacement for CentOS.

Room for Improvement: Ubuntu could improve its system management tools for better enterprise integration and support for diverse hardware environments. Rocky Linux needs to define its identity and target audience more clearly, address minor integration issues, and enhance community documentation.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Ubuntu supports deployment across private, public, and hybrid clouds with extensive community resources and documentation. Its customer service is largely community-driven. Rocky Linux is primarily deployed on-premises and in hybrid cloud environments, needing clearer documentation for broader adoption.

Pricing and ROI: Both Ubuntu and Rocky Linux offer cost-effective solutions with no licensing fees. Ubuntu's open-source nature reduces costs by eliminating proprietary software needs. Rocky Linux provides competitive pricing and high ROI, especially for users transitioning from CentOS.

To learn more, read our detailed Rocky Linux vs. Ubuntu Linux Report (Updated: September 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Rocky Linux vs. Ubuntu Linux

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:

ROI

Sentiment score

3.9

Switching to Rocky Linux saved costs and time, enhanced problem resolution, and supported increased employee onboarding and organizational growth.

Sentiment score

6.8

Ubuntu Linux is free, extends older equipment lifespan, and efficiently manages tasks, offering significant cost savings over licensed systems.

When it comes to return on investment, a lot of money is saved since we moved from a purchased license to the open source provided by Rocky Linux.

Basil Jiji

Cloud Infrastructure Services at UST Global

ROI has been good as we have significant open source community involvement.

reviewer2758263

Technical Manager at HCLSoftware

I have seen a return on investment since there was definitely money saved at the time due to the lack of need for licensing since Rocky is available openly.

reviewer2772054

System Administrator at a computer software company with 5,001-10,000 employees

For more quotes and insights, download the Rocky Linux report

No quotes available

For more quotes and insights, download the Ubuntu Linux report

Customer Service

Sentiment score

4.1

Rocky Linux customer service is reliable, with quick responses, good documentation, and high user satisfaction despite limited official reliance.

Sentiment score

6.4

Ubuntu users typically rely on community resources for support, with paid users satisfied by responsive customer service.

The support level is extraordinary, providing on-time assistance.

DILIP BHARADWAJ

Senior System Engineer at Al Jazeera Media Network

We have not yet needed to contact a vendor regarding Rocky Linux.

KRISTOF Laenen

Senior Network Engineer at KLC bvba

Even if we raise a support ticket, we receive a resolution or a reply from the team within two business days.

Basil Jiji

Cloud Infrastructure Services at UST Global

For more quotes and insights, download the Rocky Linux report

They responded well, understood that the issue was not on my end, and provided a patch within two days.

David Stevenson

Manging Director at Winworth UK

The community around Ubuntu Linux is beneficial, providing answers to questions and assisting with issues.

Thong Nguyen

Bachelor of Engineering at Vaasan ammattikorkeakoulu VAMK University of Applied Sciences

Ubuntu Linux has a comprehensive knowledge base for self-help.

Prashanth D

Techincal Support Engineer at Ibits Tech Solutions

For more quotes and insights, download the Ubuntu Linux report

Scalability Issues

Sentiment score

5.3

Rocky Linux is scalable and user-friendly, with organizations recommending automation tools for efficient setup and expansion.

Sentiment score

7.1

Ubuntu Linux is scalable and adaptable, effectively supporting various deployment sizes with proper hardware and technical expertise.

Even if the server is not responding and we want to attach the volume on another instance or a temporary instance, it is very easy and straightforward with no hiccups.

reviewer2758479

CloudOps Engineer at a computer software company with 10,001+ employees

It has handled growth or changing needs well.

reviewer2772054

System Administrator at a computer software company with 5,001-10,000 employees

The scalability is quite good, though there are some issues with Rocky Linux.

Jetsada Malaisirirat

System Engineer at clusterkit

For more quotes and insights, download the Rocky Linux report

In a server environment, it can seamlessly adapt to increased customer demand.

Thong Nguyen

Bachelor of Engineering at Vaasan ammattikorkeakoulu VAMK University of Applied Sciences

Any Linux is scalable in terms of capacity, and on a day-to-day basis, we use scalability options with the help of Kubernetes clusters.

reviewer2728158

Associate Cloud Operations Engineer at Acquia

So far, I do not have any issues related to security in Ubuntu Linux.

Salim Ahmed

System Administrator at mmcytech

For more quotes and insights, download the Ubuntu Linux report

Stability Issues

Sentiment score

7.1

Rocky Linux is praised for its stability, ease of use, scalability, and reliable performance on low-resource systems and hardware.

Sentiment score

7.8

Ubuntu Linux is praised for stability, especially LTS versions, despite occasional concerns with specific environments or newer hardware.

Rocky Linux is stable, scalable, and it is very much easier to use.

Basil Jiji

Cloud Infrastructure Services at UST Global

Rocky Linux is stable.

reviewer2764758

Software Engineer at CommScope

For more quotes and insights, download the Rocky Linux report

The system has been completely stable, which makes it deserve a perfect score.

PrashantSharma

BA at a computer software company with 11-50 employees

Ubuntu Linux is extremely stable and maintains uptime effectively.

David Stevenson

Manging Director at Winworth UK

Ubuntu Linux is generally stable, though there can be occasional issues with new hardware integration.

Thong Nguyen

Bachelor of Engineering at Vaasan ammattikorkeakoulu VAMK University of Applied Sciences

For more quotes and insights, download the Ubuntu Linux report

Room For Improvement

Rocky Linux needs identity clarity, better integrations, faster updates, improved security, API tools, documentation, and enhanced community support.

Ubuntu Linux needs better Windows compatibility, user-friendliness, robust tools, support, and marketing to improve integration and reach.

It is based on customer requirements, as they might want to use Rocky Linux or Ubuntu, depending on their needs.

Jetsada Malaisirirat

System Engineer at clusterkit

Rocky Linux could be improved by having more integration with Kubernetes.

Massimiliano Adamo

Linux architect at European Commission

Currently, it takes more than one month to release a new package or kernel, so speeding that up would help reduce reported vulnerability remediations.

Basil Jiji

Cloud Infrastructure Services at UST Global

For more quotes and insights, download the Rocky Linux report

There is a push towards integrating AI into software for various purposes like video and sound processing.

David Stevenson

Manging Director at Winworth UK

Stability issues occur when integrating new components due to physical or technical challenges.

Thong Nguyen

Bachelor of Engineering at Vaasan ammattikorkeakoulu VAMK University of Applied Sciences

Unlike CentOS, Ubuntu Linux lacks an easily accessible inbuilt repository where dependencies or packages are easily found.

Prashanth D

Techincal Support Engineer at Ibits Tech Solutions

For more quotes and insights, download the Ubuntu Linux report

Setup Cost

Rocky Linux is praised for its affordability and streamlined licensing, appealing to cost-conscious enterprises and AWS users.

Ubuntu Linux is an open-source, cost-effective operating system favored by enterprises, with minimal setup costs and optional paid support.

We switched to Rocky Linux because of the license price, and in our business, we don't need to have a higher cost as that is not a good idea.

Walid Alioua

Network Infrastructure Manager at SAGEMCOM

There is no extra cost for a license if we are purchasing Rocky Linux from the AWS Marketplace.

reviewer2758479

CloudOps Engineer at a computer software company with 10,001+ employees

Rocky Linux is free, and I can download it and deploy it in whatever environment I have, whether it be H3C, VMware, or Hyper-V.

Bakang Khunou

Server & Cloud Engineer at a tech services company with 1-10 employees

For more quotes and insights, download the Rocky Linux report

For an enterprise-wide scalable operating system with professional services, you can select Ubuntu Linux at a reasonable price.

Kadir Kokcu

Owner at a computer software company with 1-10 employees

The setup cost is free.

Kevin Haury

Head of mission at CapHornier

Ubuntu Linux is open-source, leading to cost savings through its free availability.

Thong Nguyen

Bachelor of Engineering at Vaasan ammattikorkeakoulu VAMK University of Applied Sciences

For more quotes and insights, download the Ubuntu Linux report

Valuable Features

Rocky Linux offers stability, cost savings, easy integration, and strong community support, making it ideal for critical systems management.

Ubuntu Linux provides security, performance, customization, and ease of use, making it ideal for beginners and enterprises.

Rocky Linux has positively impacted my organization, specifically through cost savings, because we did not have to buy any licenses or extra licenses of other distros, such as Oracle or Red Hat.

Rafael Dina

IT / IAM Senior Specialist at SAP

For production deployment, Rocky Linux is a great choice because it offers full RHEL compatibility without licensing costs, along with strong community support.

reviewer2758479

CloudOps Engineer at a computer software company with 10,001+ employees

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.

Massimiliano Adamo

Linux architect at European Commission

For more quotes and insights, download the Rocky Linux report

Ubuntu Linux's open-source nature supports community contributions, bolstering its development and support ecosystem.

Thong Nguyen

Bachelor of Engineering at Vaasan ammattikorkeakoulu VAMK University of Applied Sciences

Ubuntu Linux supports remote troubleshooting via SSH, allowing connection from anywhere, which is beneficial for troubleshooting server issues.

Prashanth D

Techincal Support Engineer at Ibits Tech Solutions

In terms of security, I am satisfied with Ubuntu Linux and I can rely on its security features more than I can with Windows.

Azaz Qurershi

Solution Architect at TB

For more quotes and insights, download the Ubuntu Linux report

Categories and Ranking

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

Ubuntu Linux

Ranking in Operating Systems (OS) for Business

2nd

Average Rating

8.6

Reviews Sentiment

7.6

Number of Reviews

150

Ranking in other categories

OpenStack (1st)

Mindshare comparison

As of October 2025, in the Operating Systems (OS) for Business category, the mindshare of Rocky Linux is 14.3%, up from 12.2% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Ubuntu Linux is 11.5%, down from 18.1% 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 (%)
Ubuntu Linux	11.5%
Rocky Linux	14.3%
Other	74.2%

Operating Systems (OS) for Business

Featured Reviews

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.

Read full review

Salim Ahmed

System Administrator at mmcytech

Has supported secure application hosting and reliable server management

I find the GUI to be good in Ubuntu Linux, and I appreciate the open SSH. The fact that it is free since it is open and open-source is why I appreciate it and feel it is secured. We have multiple different kinds of support related to Ubuntu Linux, including official support and other options. I am currently using laptops, desktops, and servers, and Ubuntu Linux supports all these devices. If I need it for Raspberry Pi or something similar, I can download another Linux distribution. Ubuntu Linux is scalable, especially for servers. We prefer using Ubuntu Linux Servers rather than Windows. The biggest advantage of Ubuntu Linux for me is that it is open-source, secured, and scalable.

Read full review

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

14%

Comms Service Provider

12%

University

11%

Manufacturing Company

Computer Software Company

13%

Comms Service Provider

10%

University

10%

Educational Organization

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	5
Large Enterprise	13

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	84
Midsize Enterprise	21
Large Enterprise	52

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Rocky Linux?

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

See all answers

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.

See all answers

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...

See all answers

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...

See all answers

What do you like most about Ubuntu Linux?

It has a good support system for loading databases.

See all answers

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 installations or support.

See all answers

Comparisons

Fedora Linux vs Rocky Linux

Compared 26% of the time

Debian vs Rocky Linux

Compared 18% of the time

Oracle Linux vs Rocky Linux

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

More Rocky Linux Competitors

Oracle Linux vs Ubuntu Linux

Compared 13% of the time

openSUSE Leap vs Ubuntu Linux

Compared 11% of the time

SUSE Linux Enterprise vs Ubuntu Linux

Compared 10% of the time

Windows Server vs Ubuntu Linux

Compared 9% of the time

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) vs Ubuntu Linux

Compared 7% of the time

More Ubuntu Linux Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Rocky Linux

October 2025

Download Rocky Linux product report

Buyer's Guide

Ubuntu Linux

October 2025

Download Ubuntu Linux product report

Also Known As

No data available

Ubuntu

Overview

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

Ubuntu Linux is an open-source platform known for its robust security, ease of use, and rapid performance. Its lightweight design and comprehensive support system make it ideal for diverse IT environments, providing seamless management and scalability options.

Ubuntu Linux stands out with its open-source nature that allows extensive customization and access to a broad range of free software. It is widely praised for its stability and a vast package repository offering regular updates, enhancing its usefulness across different sectors. The platform is equipped with a lightweight design and excellent community support, making it scalable and easy to manage. While it could improve in areas like Windows software compatibility and user interface refinement, its benefits in enterprise management and development projects are undeniable. Improved documentation, better hardware integration, and enhanced third-party application compatibility are additional focal points to consider.

What are the key features of Ubuntu Linux?

Robust Security: Offers strong security protocols to protect user data.
Rapid Performance: Delivers fast and efficient processing speeds.
Open-source Customization: Provides extensive customization options.
Vast Package Repository: Features frequent updates and diverse software choices.
Lightweight Design: Ensures optimal performance even on limited resources.
Community Support: Backed by excellent community resources for assistance.

What benefits should be considered from reviews?

Resource Efficiency: Efficient utilization of system resources for enhanced performance.
Development Flexibility: Supports a wide range of programming and development tasks.
Enterprise Compatibility: Suited for large-scale enterprise solutions and cloud computing.
Scalability: Capable of managing and scaling across different environments.
Troubleshooting Support: Comprehensive community support for troubleshooting issues.

Ubuntu Linux is prominently implemented in industries for tasks such as server management, application deployment, and software development. Its resource efficiency and open-source tool compatibility make it a favorite for programming, research, and cybersecurity. Companies frequently use it for web hosting, cloud services, and managing multi-user enterprise solutions.

Canonical

Sample Customers

Information Not Available

Samsung, eBay, AT&T, Walmart, Cisco, Time Warner Cable, Bloomberg, Best Buy, Dell, Intel, Microsoft, Ericsson, Orange, Wells Fargo

Buyer's Guide

Rocky Linux vs. Ubuntu Linux

September 2025

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