Red Hat (RHEL) vs. Debian - Which OS is better?

Though RHEL and Debian are both Linux distributions, they have fundamentally different approaches. The winner in the Red Hat vs. Debian comparison largely depends on your intended use of the platform.

RHEL vs. Debian for work or play?

Debian has been a well-known and popular Linux distribution since its release in 1993. This free operating system not only serves as the foundation for derivatives like Ubuntu but is also actively maintained and developed by a large community of contributors. Debian is recognized for being very stable and lean and is entirely open source. In contrast, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), distributed since 2002 and succeeding Red Hat Linux (developed since 1994), is targeted primarily at companies.

As the market leader in commercial Linux distributions, RHEL supports a wide range of programs and is suitable for desktop, server, and cloud environments. To access its packages and support, users need to purchase licenses. Red Hat Enterprise Linux is known for its exceptional stability, security, flexibility, and user-friendliness. We’ve compared the two operating systems to determine who wins the Red Hat vs. Debian duel.

Target groups and intended use

Both systems cater to different target groups with their distinct features. Red Hat Enterprise Linux is designed for commercial use, providing a robust portfolio for businesses. It offers exceptional stability, security, and flexibility, meeting the diverse needs of companies of all sizes. With various plans available, RHEL can be used for desktop, server, or cloud computing. However, the sometimes-costly support contracts may not be worthwhile for private users.

This issue doesn’t apply to Debian, which is completely open source and provides a wide range of software packages for various needs. It is well-suited for smaller companies, organizations, and institutions with limited budgets or a preference for open-source solutions. Additionally, Debian is ideal for private users, developers, and those familiar with the core principles of Linux. It’s no coincidence that Debian and Linux are often used interchangeably.

Software and compatibility

When comparing the number of software packages, Debian clearly leads with over 50,000 free and open-source programs available in its repository. In contrast, Red Hat offers a smaller selection of a few thousand programs, but all are certified and thoroughly tested. Red Hat provides tailored solutions for various applications, from development and databases to virtualization, all adhering to high security standards. However, Debian has limited availability of commercial software, which may not always be compatible with the platform.

Package management

Debian provides a range of package management tools, including dpkg, APT, aptitude, synaptic, and tasksel. In contrast, Red Hat uses its own package manager, RPM, along with the corresponding file format. For package management, Red Hat relies on YUM (Yellowdog Updater, Modified) and DNF (Dandified Yum) as standard tools.

Releases

Compared to many other Linux distributions, the release policy for Red Hat and Debian is quite distinct. Debian offers three variants for each version: stable, testing, and unstable. The stable version is released only after extensive testing, ensuring stability but sometimes resulting in older software. Red Hat, on the other hand, focuses solely on stable releases, with careful testing before launch. Consequently, there can be a gap of two to five years between Red Hat releases.

Support options

RHEL and Debian also have notable differences in their support options. Red Hat provides commercial support for all its products, including courses and training, with quick response times. Red Hat offers three support phases: “Full Support” for five years from the initial release, including regular updates and security patches; “Maintenance Support” for the next five years; and “Extended Life Phase” for an additional two years, during which bug fixes can be added.

Debian doesn’t offer official support services. However, it benefits from a large community that provides help and produces extensive documentation available for free. Debian aims to provide security updates for each version for at least five years.

Which Linux OS wins between Red Hat and Debian?

The winner in the Red Hat vs. Debian comparison depends on your specific needs. Debian is a well-known Linux distribution for good reason, offering a broad range of options. Although it may not always be the most up to date, it is highly stable and cost-effective. If you’re looking for an ideal operating system for experimentation or to use with various open-source packages, Debian is a solid choice.

For companies, RHEL clearly stands out. It combines high stability with tailored, individual support. If you need a system that is reliable, consistently up-to-date, and offers excellent data protection, Red Hat Enterprise Linux is the top choice.