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 #2 with an average rating of 8.8, while Canonical is ranked #3 with an average rating of 8.9. Rocky Linux holds a 13.0% mindshare in OSB, compared to Canonical’s 10.1% 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 18 Rocky Linux reviews

11,556 Views
11,556 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

Ubuntu Linux

Read 150 Ubuntu Linux reviews

12,723 Views
12,341 Comparison Views

95% willing to recommend

Rocky Linux

Ubuntu Linux

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Nov 13, 2025

Ubuntu Linux and Rocky Linux compete in the open-source operating systems category. Based on the provided comparisons, Ubuntu appears to have the upper hand due to its large support community, user-friendly interface, and vast software accessibility.

Features: Ubuntu Linux offers a large community for support, user-friendly access to a wide range of software, and long-term support releases for extended security updates. It provides fast boot times and extensive customization capabilities. Rocky Linux, as a successor to CentOS, provides stability aligned with RHEL, ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructures without licensing costs, strong security, compatibility with enterprise applications, and long-term support.

Room for Improvement: Ubuntu Linux needs enhanced compatibility with Windows software and improved system management tools for better enterprise integration. Users report third-party application and hardware support issues and request a simpler user interface. Rocky Linux could benefit from clearer identity messaging and improved integration tools, especially for audio in virtual machines and Active Directory. Faster package release and more comprehensive security advisory documentation are also needed.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Ubuntu Linux provides easy deployment with robust community support, helping users self-resolve issues using online resources. Although official technical support is lacking, the community-driven approach is effective. Rocky Linux, deployable in various environments, is considered more technical, requiring more documentation for enterprise deployment and troubleshooting, though community forums are abundant.

Pricing and ROI: Ubuntu Linux and Rocky Linux are both open-source and cost-effective, lacking licensing fees. Ubuntu offers a strong ROI with high stability and ease of use, alongside optional paid support, favoring big data deployments. Rocky Linux provides cost benefits, maintaining enterprise stability during CentOS transitions. Its alignment with RHEL reduces overhead by eliminating licensing fees while offering enterprise-grade support for high ROI.

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

Buyer's Guide

Rocky Linux vs. Ubuntu Linux

December 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

4.3

Transitioning to Rocky Linux yields cost savings and efficient support, though ROI remains partially evaluated due to retained resources.

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 a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees

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

reviewer2758263

Technical Manager at a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees

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

4.5

Rocky Linux is reliable with minimal customer support needed; community resources are effective, and official support responds promptly.

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 a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees

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

5.6

Rocky Linux is praised for scalability, ease of integration, and effective performance in scalable and high availability environments.

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 a tech vendor with 1,001-5,000 employees

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

7.3

Rocky Linux is praised for stability, reliability, and ease of use on low-resource systems, receiving high user satisfaction ratings.

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 a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees

Rocky Linux is stable.

reviewer2764758

Software Engineer at a comms service provider with 10,001+ employees

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 improvements in software availability, documentation, integration issues, updates, Kubernetes support, and security solutions to satisfy user needs.

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 a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees

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

Enterprise clients find Rocky Linux economical, with options as low as $10 yearly, enhancing affordability compared to VMware.

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 enhances reliability and efficiency with strong community support, stability, easy migration, scalability, and cost savings.

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 a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees

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

2nd

Average Rating

8.6

Reviews Sentiment

5.6

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Ubuntu Linux

Ranking in Operating Systems (OS) for Business

3rd

Average Rating

8.6

Reviews Sentiment

7.6

Number of Reviews

150

Ranking in other categories

OpenStack (1st)

Mindshare comparison

As of December 2025, in the Operating Systems (OS) for Business category, the mindshare of Rocky Linux is 13.0%, up from 13.0% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Ubuntu Linux is 10.1%, down from 16.3% 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	13.0%
Ubuntu Linux	10.1%
Other	76.9%

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.

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

13%

Comms Service Provider

13%

University

11%

Manufacturing Company

Computer Software Company

12%

Comms Service Provider

10%

University

10%

Manufacturing Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	5
Large Enterprise	14

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	84
Midsize Enterprise	21
Large Enterprise	53

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 am not an expert on Rocky Linux, but I do not have anything to say regarding improvements; I think it is doing better. I chose a rating of eight out of ten because Rocky Linux must grow more; it ...

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What is your primary use case for Rocky Linux?

My main use case for Rocky Linux is for the Nutanix environment, where we have a data center and everything is hosted there, including all the services and systems. Rocky Linux is the main OS of th...

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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 24% of the time

Debian vs Rocky Linux

Compared 22% of the time

Oracle Linux vs Rocky Linux

Compared 11% of the time

openSUSE Leap vs Rocky Linux

Compared 8% of the time

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) vs Rocky Linux

Compared 8% of the time

More Rocky Linux Competitors

Oracle Linux vs Ubuntu Linux

Compared 13% of the time

SUSE Linux Enterprise vs Ubuntu Linux

Compared 10% of the time

openSUSE Leap 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

December 2025

Download Rocky Linux product report

Buyer's Guide

Ubuntu Linux

December 2025

Download Ubuntu Linux product report

Also Known As

No data available

Ubuntu

Overview

Rocky Linux provides enterprise-grade stability and seamless Red Hat compatibility, coupled with extensive community support. Known for easy setup and minimal maintenance, its open-source nature ensures cost-effectiveness, making it ideal for critical systems.

Rocky Linux is an open-source operating system valued for its compatibility with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, making it an attractive choice for organizations migrating from CentOS. It focuses on stability, security, and long-term support, crucial for critical systems. Users benefit from seamless integration with automation tools and its strong community backing. While it offers ease of setup and package availability, areas like software availability and faster updates need enhancement. The system's UX design supports productivity, with potential improvements in documentation and security integration helping to maintain competitive advantages.

What Are the Key Features?

Enterprise-Grade Stability: Designed for reliability in mission-critical environments.
Red Hat Compatibility: Ensures seamless integration with existing Red Hat setups.
Community Support: Backed by a strong, active community providing assistance.
Ease of Setup: User-friendly installation process for quick deployment.
Minimal Maintenance: Requires reduced effort for upkeep.
Security and Clustering: Advanced features for enhanced system security.

What Benefits Should Users Expect?

Cost-Effectiveness: Open-source status reduces overall costs.
Improved Productivity: UX design and package availability streamline workflows.
Scalability: Supports growing business needs with long-term support.
Seamless Integration: Compatible with automation and monitoring tools.
Migration Ease: Smooth transition for CentOS users.

Rocky Linux is widely implemented across numerous industries as a server platform and backend OS, supporting web hosting, big data projects, and cloud infrastructure. Companies in IT environments like Nutanix data centers and high-performance computing choose it for its compatibility with open-source tools, making it favored for automation with Ansible and monitoring through Prometheus.

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

December 2025

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