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 8.9, while Canonical is ranked #3 with an average rating of 9.1. Rocky Linux holds a 10.2% mindshare in OSB, compared to Canonical’s 8.8% 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 19 Rocky Linux reviews

12,433 Views
12,433 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

Ubuntu Linux

Read 150 Ubuntu Linux reviews

13,455 Views
12,917 Comparison Views

95% willing to recommend

Rocky Linux

Ubuntu Linux

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Feb 15, 2026

Ubuntu Linux and Rocky Linux compete in the operating systems category, catering to both enterprise environments and developers. Ubuntu appears to have the upper hand because of its established community support and broader deployment environments suited for varied purposes, including development and desktop solutions. Rocky Linux offers strong compatibility with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), essential for enterprises focused on stability and long-term support.

Features: Ubuntu Linux provides strong security measures, faster boot and software loading times, and robust support for open-source software without licensing fees. It also offers long-term stability through LTS releases, ease of customization, and community support ideal for development and desktop use. Rocky Linux delivers compatibility with RHEL, ensuring enterprise-level stability and security with excellent long-term support.

Room for Improvement: Ubuntu Linux could enhance Windows software compatibility, integrate better system management tools for enterprises, and improve desktop experiences and software packaging. For Rocky Linux, challenges lie in ensuring timely updates and security patches, particularly RLSA details. Integration with systems like Active Directory and improved documentation are areas for potential enhancement.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Ubuntu Linux supports various deployment environments, from on-premises to hybrid cloud setups, with extensive community support and online resources for troubleshooting. Most support comes from community forums rather than paid services. Rocky Linux, while supporting similar environments, faces challenges with timely security updates but benefits from workflows familiar to CentOS users, backed by a growing community.

Pricing and ROI: Both Ubuntu Linux and Rocky Linux are open-source platforms, free to download and use without licensing fees, offering significant cost savings. Ubuntu achieves high ROI through its free availability and resource efficiency, while Rocky Linux remains attractive for maintaining a low-cost infrastructure, ensuring strong ROI through minimal expenses on licensing and support.

To learn more, read our detailed Rocky Linux vs. Ubuntu Linux Report (Updated: March 2026).

Buyer's Guide

Rocky Linux vs. Ubuntu Linux

March 2026

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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

4.6

Rocky Linux reduces costs, maintenance time, and boosts community support, leading to significant savings and resource onboarding opportunities.

Sentiment score

6.9

Ubuntu Linux offers cost savings and high ROI by eliminating paid licenses, extending equipment life, and enhancing performance.

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.

BasilJiji

System Engineer at a retailer with 10,001+ employees

Using Rocky Linux reduced server maintenance time by approximately 30-40%, cut licensing costs compared to paid Linux distributions, and lowered deployment issues by 25%.

Erivieccio Erivieccio

Sys Admin at a consultancy with 51-200 employees

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

reviewer2758263

Technical Manager at a tech vendor with 10,001+ 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

4.7

Rocky Linux support is reliable with active community help, excellent customer support, and a preference for in-house assistance.

Sentiment score

6.5

Users primarily rely on community forums for Ubuntu support, appreciating the proactive and comprehensive help for troubleshooting issues.

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.

BasilJiji

System Engineer at a retailer 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

5.9

Rocky Linux is highly scalable, easily automated, Red Hat compatible, and suitable for diverse environments from small to large clusters.

Sentiment score

7.2

Ubuntu Linux effectively scales across environments, praised for reliability and adaptability with tools like containers and Kubernetes.

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

Rocky Linux scales very well, from small virtual machines to large clusters.

Erivieccio Erivieccio

Sys Admin at a consultancy with 51-200 employees

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 501-1,000 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, ease of use, scalability, and performance on low-resource systems without complexity.

Sentiment score

7.8

Ubuntu Linux is praised for its high stability and reliability, especially LTS versions, in development and server management.

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

BasilJiji

System Engineer at a retailer 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 users seek better Kubernetes integration, faster updates, improved Windows support, and enhanced documentation for better overall experience.

Ubuntu Linux requires enhanced software compatibility, user interface, documentation, hardware integration, marketing, and improved update and firewall systems.

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.

BasilJiji

System Engineer at a retailer 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

Rocky Linux is valued for its cost-effectiveness and stability, offering enterprise-level features without licensing fees.

Ubuntu Linux is favored by enterprises for its cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and optional support services, enhancing affordability.

The lack of a subscription fee saves money while still giving enterprise-grade stability.

Erivieccio Erivieccio

Sys Admin at a consultancy with 51-200 employees

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

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, RHEL compatibility, seamless CentOS migration, enterprise support, cost savings, and strong security for efficient workflows.

Ubuntu Linux impresses with security, speed, and flexibility, offering stability, customization, and robust package management for diverse applications.

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

8.8

Reviews Sentiment

5.7

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

7.3

Number of Reviews

150

Ranking in other categories

OpenStack (1st)

Mindshare comparison

As of March 2026, in the Operating Systems (OS) for Business category, the mindshare of Rocky Linux is 10.2%, down from 14.8% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Ubuntu Linux is 8.8%, down from 14.5% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Operating Systems (OS) for Business Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
Rocky Linux	10.2%
Ubuntu Linux	8.8%
Other	81.0%

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

Comms Service Provider

14%

University

11%

Computer Software Company

10%

Manufacturing Company

Comms Service Provider

11%

University

10%

Manufacturing Company

Computer Software Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	6
Large Enterprise	16

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	85
Midsize Enterprise	22
Large Enterprise	52

Questions from the Community

What needs improvement with Rocky Linux?

One area for improvement is the ecosystem of pre-built third-party packages. Sometimes, I need to build from source. Additionally, documentation for niche use cases could be more detailed. Otherwis...

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What is your primary use case for Rocky Linux?

I use Rocky Linux for production web servers. It runs Apache with Moodle, for example. I primarily use Rocky Linux for stable, production-ready services. I also use it for containerized workloads a...

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What advice do you have for others considering Rocky Linux?

I give this review a rating of 10.

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 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

What needs improvement with Ubuntu Linux?

I was thinking that Ubuntu Linux and Windows would work on the same machine. With Windows 11, they came together, so it is a good thing. On the GUI, when I use SSH or PuTTY or what is called a cons...

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Comparisons

Debian vs Rocky Linux

Compared 22% of the time

Fedora Linux vs Rocky Linux

Compared 20% of the time

Oracle Linux vs Rocky Linux

Compared 9% 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 16% of the time

SUSE Linux Enterprise vs Ubuntu Linux

Compared 9% of the time

openSUSE Leap vs Ubuntu Linux

Compared 8% of the time

Windows Server vs Ubuntu Linux

Compared 7% 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

March 2026

Download Rocky Linux product report

Buyer's Guide

Ubuntu Linux

February 2026

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

March 2026

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