Try our new research platform with insights from 80,000+ expert users
SUSE Linux Enterprise Logo

SUSE Linux Enterprise pros and cons

Vendor: SUSE
4.3 out of 5
713 followers
Start review

Pros & Cons summary

Buyer's Guide

Get pricing advice, tips, use cases and valuable features from real users of this product.
Get the report

Prominent pros & cons

PROS

Out-of-the-box SLES supported all hardware components and was easy to set up with advanced configuration options.
YaST simplifies server management by providing a centralized utility for control.
SUSE Linux Enterprise is secure, stable, and easy to configure, especially for those not familiar with command lines.
The flexibility of Linux makes it suitable for web-based applications and easy manipulation.
The inbuilt HANA firewall and comprehensive documentation enhance the value of SUSE Linux Enterprise.

CONS

SUSE Linux Enterprise is not addressed directly by Security Technical Implementation Guides, complicating security policy adherence in Department of Defense environments.
Technical support provided by SUSE Linux Enterprise is considered unimpressive, with room for significant improvements.
KDE desktop environment experiences stability issues, though most server functions remain unaffected.
Price adjustments are needed as SUSE Linux Enterprise is seen as expensive compared to competitors, with recent significant pricing increases.
Error handling lacks transparency, often providing generic errors that complicate troubleshooting efforts.
 

SUSE Linux Enterprise Pros review quotes

reviewer1053252 - PeerSpot reviewer
Aug 2, 2021
The initial setup is very straightforward.
GJ
Feb 20, 2023
The most valuable feature of the solution is the installation part...We don't face any issues related to the operating system or application.
TO
Jan 17, 2023
It's easy to set up.
Learn what your peers think about SUSE Linux Enterprise. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: June 2025.
860,168 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Dominique Locksley - PeerSpot reviewer
Sep 2, 2024
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.
reviewer1542159 - PeerSpot reviewer
Mar 31, 2021
The solution offers a secure operation system.
DD
Feb 6, 2018
Out-of-the-box SLES supported all of our HBAs and hardware specific components.
DS
Jan 12, 2024
The product's initial setup phase was easy.
AnuragModi - PeerSpot reviewer
Nov 29, 2023
The tool’s idempotency ensures all configurations are in place at all times.
NT
Jul 29, 2020
The most valuable feature is that there is an inbuilt HANA firewall.
Kevin Honde - PeerSpot reviewer
Sep 29, 2020
The main feature is that Linux is flexible to work with for most web-based applications.
 

SUSE Linux Enterprise Cons review quotes

reviewer1053252 - PeerSpot reviewer
Aug 2, 2021
Red Hat has more packages that are available than SUSE does. I'd love to see more projects based on SUSE.
GJ
Feb 20, 2023
I don't like the frequency of updates, especially if they're only from the vendor.
TO
Jan 17, 2023
They should probably just make clustering a bit simpler and also provide more descriptive log files for cluster services.
Learn what your peers think about SUSE Linux Enterprise. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: June 2025.
860,168 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Dominique Locksley - PeerSpot reviewer
Sep 2, 2024
Additionally, error handling needs improvement. The system should be more transparent when there's an error, rather than just declaring a generic error. It would be helpful if it could provide more specific information about the problem on that particular system. As it stands, you can waste a lot of time trying to troubleshoot these vague errors.
reviewer1542159 - PeerSpot reviewer
Mar 31, 2021
The free version sometimes has security holes.
DD
Feb 6, 2018
When working in a Department of Defense environment, Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) have to be followed. SLES is not really addressed directly here. It did make following security policy difficult.
DS
Jan 12, 2024
The quality of support offered by SUSE Linux Enterprise is not that great, making it an area where improvements are required.
AnuragModi - PeerSpot reviewer
Nov 29, 2023
The product must improve its UI.
NT
Jul 29, 2020
We have had trouble integrating Autodesk with the SUSE manager.
Kevin Honde - PeerSpot reviewer
Sep 29, 2020
I would like to see better functionality for interacting with cloud-based systems.