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SUSE Linux Enterprise vs Ubuntu Linux comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive SummaryUpdated on Aug 7, 2024

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

SUSE Linux Enterprise
Ranking in Operating Systems (OS) for Business
7th
Average Rating
8.6
Reviews Sentiment
7.3
Number of Reviews
32
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
7.7
Number of Reviews
139
Ranking in other categories
OpenStack (1st)
 

Mindshare comparison

As of April 2025, in the Operating Systems (OS) for Business category, the mindshare of SUSE Linux Enterprise is 7.2%, down from 8.9% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Ubuntu Linux is 14.0%, down from 22.5% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Operating Systems (OS) for Business
 

Featured Reviews

Dominique Locksley - PeerSpot reviewer
Has good kernel modules and upgrades
I like how the tool handles kernel modules and upgrades - we rarely have issues after upgrades, unlike with other Linux distributions like Oracle Linux or Ubuntu. The kernel module management is excellent. Changes made in one version typically work the same in other versions too, which isn't always the case with other distributions. There's also lots of information and community support available if you run into any problems, both on the official website and in forums and user groups. I know many people who use it specifically, so it's easy to get independent support if needed. I've been working with the tool for a long time, since 2003, before they became SUSE Linux Enterprise. It's always been one of the most admin-friendly Linux versions.
Kevin Haury - PeerSpot reviewer
Linux's advanced terminal empowers versatile usage and ongoing secure development
Initially, there was nothing complicated. It's easy since I have many years of experience with it. However, if I were a beginner with Linux, it could be completely disruptive compared to Windows. So, I would have to spend some time practicing with Linux to understand how it works and how I can accomplish the same tasks compared to Windows. Maybe one month, at least.

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Pros

"SUSE Linux's most valuable feature is the documentation - there is a lot of documentation about how to create custom servers."
"The technical support services are good."
"YaST simplifies the server management of SUSE allowing for a centralized utility to control most of the server functions."
"Linux is easy to use. You have more control on a Unix system."
"It is very easy to maintain, migrate and upgrade."
"The most valuable features of the solution are patching and the BTRFS file system."
"The most important feature is the automatic kernel lifecycle subscription, which is critical for us because the server cannot go down once we start offering any services on the cluster."
"The initial setup is simple and takes five minutes for deployment and if you have automation in place, it will take four minutes."
"The initial setup is very easy."
"Stable and easy to use solution."
"It is stable and modern."
"The solution is stable."
"There are many features I like about this solution, but one that stands out, is that it allows me to easily install new packages and to have recent packages available."
"The solution is scalable."
"More people should use this solution."
"The solution is stable."
 

Cons

"They should probably just make clustering a bit simpler and also provide more descriptive log files for cluster services."
"The solution has to be fine-tuned with better documentation."
"The software management side was a bit difficult, especially compared to Ubuntu."
"The interface could improve."
"The price of SUSE Linux Enterprise could improve, it is too expensive."
"The solution could be more stable."
"The platform doesn't support certain APMs."
"If you want to do something simple like changing an IP number, you have to be quite aware of all the configuration files where you will change that."
"The user interface must be more user-friendly for non-technicians."
"At times, it can be complex when we are trying to integrate or when we are trying to set up some features."
"After only a week of using the solution, we haven't really found any limitations or missing features."
"Could be better support for graphic drivers and support from the hardware lenders."
"Ubuntu Linux needs to improve its stability. I would like it to show the battery percentage at the screen top."
"The solution must provide more integrations."
"A problem we have encountered when installing the package is that certain packages are not available, which requires downloading of them on our part."
"In general, Windows is easier to use and friendlier to deal with than Ubuntu."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The license we pay is for Oracle. We make use of the community edition."
"Regarding pricing, everybody would want it to be cheaper."
"The platform is affordable."
"SUSE Linux Enterprise is reasonably priced compared to other operating systems. I find it's a much better option for us than Oracle, for example, because of the pricing structure. The pricing is easier to explain to clients and makes it easier to get clients' commitment. The licensing is also simpler to manage and keep track of. Their responsiveness is great - they give feedback very quickly when we ask questions about licensing or other aspects. This helps ensure we're always at the gold standard regarding licensing and everything related to SUSE Linux Enterprise."
"I have to pay for a license in order to get support."
"As far as licensing goes, there is nothing unusual here. The price and model have worked fine for my organization."
"There is no license for this solution, there is only a subscription of support available."
"When we first implemented this product, we had licenses for support."
"I don't need to pay for the license."
"Ubuntu Linux has a free version, especially if you don't require support."
"There is not a license needed for the solution. You only have to pay for technical support."
"It is free."
"Ubuntu is a free product."
"We don't pay any fees."
"The solution is free."
"It is open-source. We don't have to pay for its license."
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
15%
Manufacturing Company
12%
Government
9%
Financial Services Firm
8%
Computer Software Company
14%
University
11%
Manufacturing Company
9%
Educational Organization
8%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
 

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about SUSE Linux Enterprise?
The initial setup is simple and takes five minutes for deployment and if you have automation in place, it will take four minutes.
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for SUSE Linux Enterprise?
I used the open-source version, so there were no setup costs.
What needs improvement with SUSE Linux Enterprise?
The software management side was a bit difficult, especially compared to Ubuntu. The software manager was different, making it challenging to install certain applications. Additionally, I encounter...
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.
 

Also Known As

No data available
Ubuntu
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

Air India, Akademicki Szpital Kliniczny (ASK), Allone, Altran, Apollo, ARCHIVA, Asia Innovatory Management School, ATLAS ELEKTRONIK GmbH, AutoData Norge AS, Baldor Electric, Business Connexion, CASIO, Ciclum Farma, Delta Lloyd, Edumate , HPE,  SAP SE,  Lenovo, BMW, T-Systems, UCX, Turners & Growers, Shenzhen Development Bank, Bosch Group, JK Tyres & Industries, IOCL, European Space Agency, Daimler AG, China Minsheng Banking Corp, Café Coffee Day, Unisys,  Petrochina Company Ltd, Fitch Ratings, ABeam Consulting Co Ltd, Tyro Payments, Rackspace, Pacific Textiles, ...
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 SUSE Linux Enterprise vs. Ubuntu Linux and other solutions. Updated: March 2025.
845,040 professionals have used our research since 2012.