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Oracle Solaris vs Ubuntu Linux comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive SummaryUpdated on Jul 16, 2025

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
8.2
Oracle Solaris is praised for efficiency, integration, performance, and low maintenance, despite cost variability and complex ROI assessment.
Sentiment score
7.2
Ubuntu Linux provides high ROI by extending equipment life, eliminating costly software licenses, and supporting big data processing.
In terms of ROI, there have been performance improvements because Oracle Solaris is lighter.
 

Customer Service

Sentiment score
6.0
Oracle Solaris customer service is available 24/7, reliable, knowledgeable, but sometimes slow; improvements in speed and expertise needed.
Sentiment score
6.5
Ubuntu Linux users benefit from extensive community resources and documentation, often resolving issues without needing direct technical support.
They responded well, understood that the issue was not on my end, and provided a patch within two days.
The community around Ubuntu Linux is beneficial, providing answers to questions and assisting with issues.
Ubuntu Linux has a comprehensive knowledge base for self-help.
 

Scalability Issues

Sentiment score
8.1
Oracle Solaris offers exceptional scalability and performance, especially with SPARC processors, supporting smooth hardware transitions and virtualization.
Sentiment score
7.1
Ubuntu Linux offers exceptional scalability and flexibility, thriving in server environments with Kubernetes and Docker, benefiting cost-conscious organizations.
Regarding vertical scalability, Oracle Solaris is probably one of the most scalable operating systems in the industry.
In a server environment, it can seamlessly adapt to increased customer demand.
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.
 

Stability Issues

Sentiment score
8.3
Oracle Solaris is renowned for its unparalleled stability, minimal downtime, and solid performance, earning high praise from users.
Sentiment score
7.8
Ubuntu Linux is known for stability and reliability, though challenges exist with virtual machines, new hardware, and user experience.
The system has been completely stable, which makes it deserve a perfect score.
Ubuntu Linux is extremely stable and maintains uptime effectively.
Ubuntu Linux is generally stable, though there can be occasional issues with new hardware integration.
 

Room For Improvement

Oracle Solaris needs improvements in compatibility, user experience, training, marketing, and performance for better adoption and usability.
Ubuntu Linux needs improved software compatibility, system management, user interface, stability, hardware support, gaming, security, and enterprise capabilities.
Oracle Solaris needs to improve its compatibility with office tools like Excel.
There is a push towards integrating AI into software for various purposes like video and sound processing.
Stability issues occur when integrating new components due to physical or technical challenges.
Unlike CentOS, Ubuntu Linux lacks an easily accessible inbuilt repository where dependencies or packages are easily found.
 

Setup Cost

Oracle Solaris offers performance and security, though licensing costs and complexities may be high compared to Linux alternatives.
Ubuntu Linux is cost-effective with community support, no licensing fees, and optional professional services, offering significant savings.
I find the pricing of Oracle Solaris to be affordable compared to competitors like Windows.
For an enterprise-wide scalable operating system with professional services, you can select Ubuntu Linux at a reasonable price.
The setup cost is free.
Ubuntu Linux is open-source, leading to cost savings through its free availability.
 

Valuable Features

Oracle Solaris excels in virtualization, security, and stability, with robust features making it ideal for critical applications.
Ubuntu Linux is popular for its security, performance, flexibility, user-friendliness, customization, community support, scalability, and free licensing.
The operating system is lightweight, which makes it easier to use on an average computer compared to systems like Windows.
Ubuntu Linux's open-source nature supports community contributions, bolstering its development and support ecosystem.
Ubuntu Linux supports remote troubleshooting via SSH, allowing connection from anywhere, which is beneficial for troubleshooting server issues.
In terms of security, I am satisfied with Ubuntu Linux and I can rely on its security features more than I can with Windows.
 

Categories and Ranking

Oracle Solaris
Ranking in Operating Systems (OS) for Business
10th
Average Rating
8.6
Reviews Sentiment
7.6
Number of Reviews
51
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 August 2025, in the Operating Systems (OS) for Business category, the mindshare of Oracle Solaris is 2.0%, down from 3.5% 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

Peter Karlsson - PeerSpot reviewer
Advanced security and predictive features improve IT management capabilities
There can always be enhancements. The usability can be enhanced, and they need to enhance the web management. In Linux, you have the Cockpit that is fairly useful. The Oracle Solaris similar features are more cumbersome to use because they are designed for more advanced users, so the ease of use for novice system administrators might be something that should be improved. There are things with ZFS I would to see improved when it comes to device removal, the ability to shrink a Z-pool, and to be able to remove devices and restructure a Z-pool without having to rebuild it from scratch. There are other technical and feature functions that are a couple of layers deeper than what most people are looking for.
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.
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Financial Services Firm
12%
Computer Software Company
11%
Manufacturing Company
10%
University
9%
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

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 suitable for enterprises that are already Oracle solution users. I found Linux to be ...
What do you like most about Oracle Solaris?
We use the solution as an internal operating system.
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Oracle Solaris?
I find the pricing of Oracle Solaris to be affordable compared to competitors like Windows.
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?
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.
 

Also Known As

Solaris 11, Solaris
Ubuntu
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

Siemens, IVV
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 Oracle Solaris vs. Ubuntu Linux and other solutions. Updated: July 2025.
865,295 professionals have used our research since 2012.