What are the top 3 CentOS alternatives?

With support having ended in summer, users need a CentOS alternative. Three particularly effective options are RHEL, Rocky Linux, and AlmaLinux.

What are the consequences for CentOS: End of support

It’s official, CentOS 7 EOL has reached its End of Life (EOL). The popular Linux distribution was discontinued on June 30, 2024, which means that users will have to look for an alternative to CentOS as soon as possible. Launched in 2004, CentOS was created by the CentOS project as a binary-compatible clone of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). The team used RHEL’s source packages to create a free version that mimics the paid platform’s functionality, minus the costly support contracts.

After initial disputes, Red Hat and CentOS merged in 2014 to jointly develop the free alternative. However, this collaboration has ended. Since summer 2023, Red Hat no longer provides its source code for free, and support for RHEL 7 is also ending. This means no further updates or security patches will be available, making the OS insecure to use. If you’ve been using CentOS, it’s time to migrate to another operating system. We outline the advantages and disadvantages of the top CentOS alternatives.

RHEL: the proprietary CentOS alternative

The most obvious alternative to CentOS is its ‘original’, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). Launched in 2002, RHEL was built on Red Hat Linux to provide a stable Linux OS for business customers. Today, it leads the commercial Linux distribution market and is used by high-profile organisations, including the International Space Station (ISS) and the US Department of Defense.

Advantages

• Stability and security: RHEL has always been regarded as a particularly stable Linux distribution. Applications and updates undergo thorough and rigorous testing, supported by a robust security architecture. Additionally, its extended maintenance cycles offer extra security and reliability for the system.
• Areas of application: Whether you’re looking for a solution for desktop, server, cloud computing or container virtualisation, RHEL provides a custom-fit platform with all structures, programs and individual support.
• Compatibility: RHEL’s versatility extends to both software and hardware support. Many development companies collaborate closely with RHEL, ensuring smooth integration, and leading server manufacturers also provide robust support for the system.
• Package management: Red Hat Enterprise Linux features two powerful package management tools: RPM and YUM. These tools enable quick and seamless installation, configuration, and updating of software.
• User-friendliness: From the initial setup to daily use, RHEL works intuitively. This means that even users without much prior knowledge can work with the operating system. You can find out how to install RHEL 9 in our Digital Guide.
• Support: Red Hat provides extensive training, documentation, and expert support for its Enterprise version, along with long-term support that includes regular security patches and updates. Each version is supported for up to twelve years.

Disadvantages

• Licensing: The main drawback of Red Hat’s alternative compared to CentOS is its cost. RHEL requires a paid subscription and support contracts, which can be prohibitively expensive for small companies or private individuals.

Rocky Linux: an unofficial successor

Following the announcement of CentOS’s end, co-founder Gregory Kurtzer revealed an unofficial successor called Rocky Linux. This alternative aims to replicate the functionality of the original CentOS Linux OS.

Advantages

• Compatibility: Like CentOS, Rocky Linux is binary compatible with RHEL, ensuring it functions similarly to both the paid version and its predecessor. It’s also suitable for cloud-based applications. The transition from CentOS is streamlined with the migrate2rocky tool.
• Open source: Rocky Linux is entirely free and will be developed long-term by a dedicated community, including former CentOS team members. They’re committed to maintaining the original CentOS approach.
• Stability: Rocky Linux prioritises stability, ensuring reliable data and system performance. Updates undergo thorough vetting, minimising associated risks.

Disadvantages

• Experience: As a relatively new distribution, Rocky Linux has limited documentation, and its future updates or versions remain uncertain. While initial developments are promising, the lack of experience may concern businesses.
• Bumpy start: Red Hat’s move to stop providing its source code impacted Rocky Linux, which had relied on it. Although a workaround has been established, this situation highlighted Rocky Linux’s initial dependency on Red Hat.

AlmaLinux: simple migration, smaller offering

The history of AlmaLinux is comparable to that of Rocky Linux. After Red Hat announced the end of CentOS, CloudLinux developed a CentOS alternative, which first saw a stable release in 2021. AlmaLinux is now maintained by the non-profit AlmaLinux OS Foundation.

Advantages

• Open Source: Just like CentOS, AlmaLinux is also free and open source. A dedicated community continuously develops the distribution and offers all packages and updates at no cost.
• Migration: Designed explicitly as a CentOS successor, AlmaLinux simplifies migration. Existing CentOS installations can be easily transferred, and usage remains largely consistent with its predecessor.
• Stability: AlmaLinux prioritises stability, with updates rigorously tested before installation. It also features robust security tools to ensure strong protection.

Disadvantages

• Package offer: Compared to many other options, AlmaLinux has a somewhat smaller package offer. However, there are now more and more options.
• Up-to-dateness: Updates and new features are rolled out relatively slowly, meaning the system may not always be up to date with the latest developments.