AlmaLinux vs Rocky Linux: Choosing the Best CentOS Alternative for You

Introduction

Since the transition of CentOS to CentOS Stream, users have been looking for reliable, stable alternatives that maintain RHEL compatibility. Two of the top contenders are AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux. Both were created to provide the same stability as CentOS while catering to different user needs. In this post, we’ll explore the key differences and similarities between AlmaLinux vs Rocky Linux and help you decide which one best fits your environment.

Origins of AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux

The launch of both AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux was a direct response to Red Hat’s decision to reposition CentOS. These two distributions were designed to maintain the open-source community’s need for RHEL-compatible environments.

AlmaLinux, backed by CloudLinux, emerged quickly, providing users with a 1:1 RHEL binary-compatible distribution. Created with long-term stability in mind, AlmaLinux is designed for both enterprises and individual users looking for a dependable CentOS replacement. CloudLinux has extensive experience in developing Linux distributions, which ensures professional support and a solid infrastructure.

Rocky Linux, on the other hand, was founded by Gregory Kurtzer, one of the original CentOS creators. Named after Rocky McGaugh, this project aims to uphold the original mission of CentOS—offering a community-driven and transparent RHEL-compatible distribution. Rocky Linux’s community involvement and open-source ethos appeal to users who prefer a distribution free from corporate influence.

AlmaLinux vs Rocky Linux: Development and Support

One of the main distinctions between AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux lies in their development and support approaches.

AlmaLinux, while community-led, benefits significantly from the support of CloudLinux. This partnership ensures timely updates, professional support services, and a clear roadmap for the future. CloudLinux’s commercial backing means that users can expect rapid security patches and enterprise-grade support, making AlmaLinux ideal for mission-critical systems.

On the flip side, Rocky Linux takes pride in being a completely community-driven project. The Rocky Linux Foundation ensures that the project remains transparent and open-source. This makes Rocky Linux an excellent choice for those who value community collaboration and open development practices without corporate oversight.

Performance and Stability

Both AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux are renowned for their RHEL compatibility and provide the same level of performance and stability. This makes them perfect alternatives to CentOS for enterprise servers, cloud deployments, and development environments.

AlmaLinux, thanks to its CloudLinux backing, often releases faster security updates and patches, which makes it more suitable for businesses that need quick responses to vulnerabilities. This ensures that users relying on AlmaLinux can maintain secure and stable operations at all times.

Rocky Linux is no different when it comes to performance and stability. Its active community ensures that regular updates and patches are delivered promptly. The community-driven nature of Rocky Linux provides a unique advantage for users who prefer greater control over how their operating system is developed and maintained.

Migration Process

Migrating from CentOS to either AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux is simple and well-documented. Both distributions offer migration tools that make it easy to switch without needing a full reinstall.

For enterprises that require formal support, AlmaLinux stands out due to the professional support services provided by CloudLinux, including SLAs and guaranteed updates. This is ideal for organizations that need assured support in their Linux environments.

For users comfortable relying on community-driven resources, Rocky Linux provides excellent documentation, active forums, and community support channels to help with the transition. Its strong community backing makes it a viable option for users who don’t require paid support packages.

Community and Support Models

The support models of AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux reflect their differing development approaches.

AlmaLinux offers a mix of community involvement and commercial support. Backed by CloudLinux, users have access to professional-grade support, making it a great option for enterprises seeking long-term stability with the benefit of expert help. The structured development model guarantees fast updates and security patches.

In contrast, Rocky Linux is driven entirely by its community. The Rocky Linux Foundation governs the project, ensuring transparency and independence. Community forums, documentation, and online resources form the backbone of Rocky Linux support, catering to those who prefer collaborative, open-source environments.

Sustainability and Longevity

Both AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux are well-positioned for long-term sustainability.

AlmaLinux benefits from CloudLinux’s financial and technical backing, ensuring consistent updates, security patches, and infrastructure improvements. This corporate backing makes AlmaLinux an attractive option for businesses needing reliable long-term stability and enterprise-grade service.

Rocky Linux, with its strong community-driven approach, is also built for longevity. The Rocky Linux Foundation ensures that the project remains community-focused, and its vibrant community participation ensures the continued success and relevance of the distribution in the long run.

Conclusion:

If your priority is enterprise-grade support, fast updates, and a clear development roadmap, AlmaLinux is the ideal choice. Its backing by CloudLinux ensures long-term stability and support, making it an excellent option for enterprises and users needing professional-grade reliability.