CentOS vs Ubuntu – Which One Should You Choose in 2025?

Last Updated: February 11, 2025

If we talk about choosing the Linux distribution or other related works for personal use or your server, Ubuntu and CentOS are ideal and are considered as top contenders. Moreover, major shifts in the development and working of CentOS in the current era, and continued rise of Ubuntu, opting out of these two has become more important than it has ever been. Besides, the choice between these two is easy but requires consideration.

However, users need to know their needs, so they can better understand what they require for their work or business. Whether it’s small business, or enterprise, optimization, or security, both of these operating systems work well according to their given features. You can use whatever you want and begin working without any inconveniences. We have created this complete guide to help you understand which one system will suit your urgencies in 2025.

1. Understanding CentOS and Ubuntu:

Before diving in, the users need to understand the common difference or these operating systems actually are.

What is CentOS?

CentOS is a well known Community Enterprise Operating System that is an incredible version of RHEL, Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Moreover, it is a free, open source version. However, in 2021, when CentOS 8 reached its end life, Red Hat turned its convention to the newest version of CentOS Stream. It is a rolling release distribution and it worked as the analyzing group for RHEL updated in the future.

What is Ubuntu?

On the other hand, Ubuntu Linux is designed and created by Canonical which is the ideal and famous Linux distribution. Moreover, this is used all over the world for desktop systems, cloud computing, and servers and most importantly, it’s based on Debian. Ubuntu operating system comes with two latest version, including:

Long-Term Support, LTS versions: It is supported for 5 years because of its stability.
Regular releases: This one is updated after every six months, but unfortunately, it was supported for a shorter period of time.

2. Key Differences Between CentOS and Ubuntu

Features of CentOS Stream:
Its base system is based on the Rolling release of RHEL.
In other words, it’s less stable than RHEL and traditional CentOS.
Support cycle often offers free updates without fixed LTS.
YUM or DNF that is RPM-based, Package management.
For enterprise usage, it is less preferred after CentOS 8 EOL.
Easy and friendly to use for experienced Linux users.
Containers and cloud are supported but RHEL is preferred.

Further, it offers moderate community support.

Features of Ubuntu (LTS):

Stable and based on Debian
LTS version and is highly stable.
5 year LTS support cycle.
DED-based, APT Package Management.
Better for Enterprise Usage and is used all over the globe.
Easy to use and also comes in handy for even beginners or novice users.
Container support and strong Cloud support available.
Active and Large community support.

3. Which One Should You Choose in 2025?

For choosing the best operating system, you must have deeper insights into the features and functions of each of these free open source frameworks.

Choose CentOS Stream If:

You are easy and comfortable with YUM and RPM package management.
Further, you can take it for ground testing and analysis for RHEL growth.
In other words, if you don’t take offense to changes and regular yet frequent updates.
You wish to work in an environment based on RHEL.

Choose Ubuntu If:

DEB package management, if you prioritize apt-get.
You depend on Kubernetes, cloud services, and Docker.
Besides, if you like to have a user-friendly distribution.
Moreover, you want a long term supporting yet stable operating system.

4. The Verdict: Which One is Better in 2025?

As the CentOS moved away from its old and traditional role in the form of an enterprise-grade OS, and stable, multiple users and businesses have switched to alternative bases on RHEL such as AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux, and migrated from CentOS Linux 8 to Ubuntu.

For those developers who are working in the Red Hat Enterprise Linux environment, CentOS Stream can still be a valuable program but AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux provide more efficient and stable alternatives.
For cloud deployments and enterprises, Ubuntu Linux stands out and remains as perfect choice due to its widespread adoption, stability, and long term amazing support.
Final Recommendations:
If users want to take a preview of future Red Hat Enterprise Linux updated versions, CentOS Stream is an ideal choice.
On the other hand, if users like to have long-term support and stability, they should go with Ubuntu LTS operating system.

Choose the framework that matches your business or office work needs and enjoy.