RHEL-based or Debian-based Linux for your servers?
CentOS/AlmaLinux vs Ubuntu Server
AlmaLinux (the CentOS successor) or Ubuntu Server? Compare the two most popular server operating systems on stability, release cycle, package manager and hosting use.
AlmaLinux or Ubuntu Server?
AlmaLinux (the CentOS successor) is RHEL-compatible, the default OS for cPanel/WHM hosting (BeoHosting runs AlmaLinux 9), with 10 years of support and enterprise-grade stability. Ubuntu Server LTS is popular for modern apps (Node.js, Docker, Python), with a faster update cycle and 5 years of support. AlmaLinux is better for: shared hosting, cPanel, web apps. Ubuntu is better for: Docker, Node.js/Python, AI/ML, a modern stack. CentOS Stream is not for hosting (rolling release).
- AlmaLinux = cPanel default + 10-year LTS
- Ubuntu = modern stack + 5-year LTS
- AlmaLinux: DNF/YUM, Ubuntu: APT
- BeoHosting runs AlmaLinux 9
- CentOS Stream is NOT for hosting
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RHEL vs Debian ecosystem - Two worlds of Linux servers
CentOS was the most popular free server Linux based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). After Red Hat discontinued CentOS Linux in 2024, AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux took over the role of free RHEL clones with 1:1 binary compatibility.
Ubuntu Server is the most popular Debian-based distribution for servers, known for fresh software versions, excellent documentation and broad support on cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure).
BeoHosting runs AlmaLinux across its infrastructure thanks to its outstanding stability and 10-year support cycle. On VPS plans we offer a choice between AlmaLinux and Ubuntu Server.
Comparison table: AlmaLinux vs Ubuntu Server
A direct comparison of 13 key characteristics of both server operating systems.
* Comparison based on AlmaLinux 9.x and Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS (March 2026).
Stability, security and hosting compatibility
AlmaLinux (RHEL-based) is focused on stability - software packages are rigorously tested before inclusion, and updates do not introduce new features that could break existing configurations. This is crucial for hosting servers that must run 24/7.
Ubuntu Server delivers newer software versions sooner - PHP, Node.js, Python and other languages receive updates earlier. This is useful for development teams that want the latest features. Ubuntu also has better Docker support and broader cloud compatibility.
SELinux (AlmaLinux) vs AppArmor (Ubuntu) - both offer advanced security. SELinux is more complex but more powerful, while AppArmor is simpler to configure. On BeoHosting VPS, SELinux is pre-configured for optimal performance.
AlmaLinux (BeoHosting) - Advantages
- 10 years of support per release
- RHEL 1:1 binary compatibility
- Outstanding stability for production
- cPanel traditional platform
- SELinux advanced security
- DNF transactional model
- Enterprise-grade quality
- Conservative update policy
Ubuntu Server - Advantages
- Newer software versions sooner
- Native Docker support
- Default on AWS and GCP
- Broader community and documentation
- AppArmor (simpler security)
- Snap packages for isolation
- More frequent LTS release (every 2 years)
- More popular with developers
Migrating from CentOS - AlmaLinux or Ubuntu?
If you currently run CentOS 7 or CentOS 8, migrating to AlmaLinux is the simplest option - AlmaLinux offers an in-place migration tool (almalinux-deploy) that converts CentOS to AlmaLinux without reinstalling. All configurations, packages and services stay the same.
Migrating to Ubuntu Server requires a system reinstall because the package systems (RPM vs DEB) are entirely different. This involves reconfiguring all services (Apache/Nginx, PHP, MySQL, mail), which can be complex for production servers.
The BeoHosting team can help migrate your server to AlmaLinux or Ubuntu - including data transfer, service reconfiguration and testing before switching the DNS.
Conclusion: AlmaLinux for hosting, Ubuntu for development
For web hosting and production servers, AlmaLinux is the better choice - 10 years of support, outstanding stability, RHEL compatibility and the traditional cPanel platform make it ideal for hosting environments.
For development servers, containers and cloud, Ubuntu Server is more practical - newer software versions, better Docker support and broader cloud compatibility make it a favorite among developers.
BeoHosting runs AlmaLinux across its infrastructure for maximum stability. On VPS plans we offer both options. Contact us for help choosing or migrating.
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