The discontinuation of CentOS as a stable, long-term RHEL alternative created a significant challenge for many. The project didn't exactly end, but it shifted its focus entirely to CentOS Stream, a rolling-release distribution that serves as the upstream for RHEL. While this new direction has its own merits, it meant the end of the CentOS that many people relied on: a free, enterprise-grade operating system with a long, predictable support life.

The void left by CentOS Linux was quickly filled by two new distributions, AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux, both aiming to provide a free, community-driven, and enterprise-grade operating system. While their shared purpose might make them seem interchangeable, a closer look reveals subtle but important distinctions in their philosophies, development models, and the communities behind them.

This article will break down the key differences and similarities between AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux, exploring their origins, governance, and technical approaches. We'll examine what each one brings to the table, helping you determine which is the best fit for your specific needs. Let's dive in.

Origins and governance

Both AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux were born from the need for a stable CentOS replacement, but their journeys began on different paths.

AlmaLinux was initially created by CloudLinux, a company with a long history in the hosting and server management space. It was quickly transitioned to the AlmaLinux OS Foundation, a non-profit organization that governs the project. This shift was designed to guarantee the distribution’s future remains in the hands of a diverse community, independent of any single corporate entity. The project has since evolved its strategy, choosing to focus on Application Binary Interface (ABI) compatibility with RHEL. This means that while it's not a bit-for-bit clone, any application designed to run on RHEL should work without issue on AlmaLinux, a more flexible approach that some users find appealing.

Rocky Linux, on the other hand, was founded by Gregory Kurtzer, who was also a co-founder of the original CentOS project. His vision was to create a true spiritual successor to CentOS, one that would be a "1:1 bug-for-bug" binary-compatible clone of RHEL. The project is managed by the Rocky Enterprise Software Foundation (RESF), a community-driven organization. Rocky Linux remains committed to its original mission, despite the challenges that Red Hat's changes to the RHEL source code have introduced. The community has had to find creative ways to maintain this compatibility, a process that reflects its dedication to the original CentOS ethos.

Technical details and update cycles

When it comes to the technical side of things, AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux are remarkably similar. Both are based on RHEL, so they use the same core components, including the DNF package manager and the RPM format. This shared foundation means that for most everyday tasks, the user experience is virtually identical.

Both distributions have also made a strong commitment to delivering updates and new releases in a timely manner. They aim to follow RHEL's release schedule closely, with updates typically arriving within a day or two of the upstream release. This guarantees that users on either platform can stay current with the latest security patches and features without significant delays. Any perceived difference in release speed between the two is often a matter of days and has little practical impact on most production environments.

Both AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux offer long-term support for their releases, mirroring the 10-year support lifecycle of RHEL. For example, both version 9 releases will be supported until 2032. This stability makes either a dependable choice for long-term deployments.

A quick comparison

Which one should you choose?

Deciding between AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux can feel like a choice between two sides of the same coin. For most users, either distribution will serve their needs perfectly. The technical differences are subtle and rarely affect day-to-day operations.

The real choice often comes down to the philosophy and community you prefer to align with.

If you value a broader, more flexible approach to compatibility and appreciate a distribution that has a strong corporate partner like CloudLinux providing support and resources, AlmaLinux may be the right choice for you. Its focus on ABI compatibility gives it room to innovate and add value without being locked into a strict cloning process. It's a pragmatic choice for those who need a reliable RHEL alternative that is also adaptable.

On the other hand, if you are a long-time CentOS user who values the tradition of a 1:1, "bug-for-bug" clone of RHEL, Rocky Linux might resonate more with you. It's a choice that honors the original spirit of CentOS and is backed by a community focused on transparency and open development.

In the end, you can't go wrong with either. Both offer the stability, security, and long-term support you need for enterprise applications. The best way to decide is often to try them both out, see which community's documentation and feel you prefer, and then commit to the one that fits best with your workflow.

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Frequently asked questions about AlmaLinux And Rocky Linux

What is the main difference between AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux?

The core difference is their approach to RHEL compatibility: AlmaLinux focuses on ABI (Application Binary Interface) compatibility, while Rocky Linux aims for 1:1 binary compatibility.

Which distribution has faster updates?

Both distributions are very fast, typically releasing updates and patches within one to two days of RHEL. The differences in speed are usually negligible for most use cases.

Are both AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux free to use?

Yes, both are completely free and open-source operating systems with no licensing costs.

Can I easily migrate from CentOS to either distribution?

Yes, both have dedicated migration tools. AlmaLinux's ELevate tool is powerful and supports migrations between various RHEL derivatives, while Rocky Linux provides a straightforward migration script called migrate2rocky.sh.

Do xTom and V.PS support these distributions?

Yes, xTom provides a range of dedicated server solutions that are fully compatible with both AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux. Our NVMe powered scalable KVM VPS service, V.PS, also fully supports both operating systems, giving you the flexibility to choose the one that best suits your needs.