Since the shift of CentOS to CentOS Stream, users and businesses have been on the hunt for a stable alternative. Two popular contenders have emerged: AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux. Both are fully compatible with RHEL (Red Hat Enterprise Linux) and offer long-term support, but each has distinct advantages and development models. This article explores the key differences and similarities between AlmaLinux vs Rocky Linux, helping you decide which one best suits your needs.

Origins of AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux

Both distributions were created in response to CentOS switching to CentOS Stream, which left users searching for a suitable RHEL-compatible alternative.

AlmaLinux, backed by CloudLinux, is an open-source, community-driven project designed to be a 1:1 binary-compatible fork of RHEL. Its goal was to provide a production-ready solution quickly after the announcement, offering stability and enterprise-grade support, while still being free and open-source.

Rocky Linux, founded by Gregory Kurtzer, co-founder of CentOS, took a different route. It is fully community-driven, reflecting the original ethos of CentOS. Rocky Linux was named in memory of Rocky McGaugh, another co-founder of CentOS, and aims to restore the community’s trust in a free and open-source RHEL alternative with complete transparency and user-focused development.

AlmaLinux vs Rocky Linux: Development Models

The main distinction between AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux lies in how they are developed and maintained.

AlmaLinux, though community-driven, benefits from the commercial support of CloudLinux, providing a more structured development process. This backing ensures fast updates, professional support, and an enterprise-grade approach, making AlmaLinux ideal for businesses seeking a stable, long-term RHEL-compatible distribution.

In contrast, Rocky Linux is entirely driven by its community, making decisions collectively and operating independently from corporate influence. The Rocky Linux Foundation coordinates the development efforts, and volunteers from across the world contribute to keeping the project aligned with users' needs. This makes Rocky Linux a great choice for those who value open-source freedom and community-driven projects.

Performance and Stability

Both AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux are RHEL-compatible and deliver the same level of performance and stability that users have come to expect from Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Whether you need a reliable system for server operations, cloud computing, or enterprise-level applications, both distributions offer excellent performance.

AlmaLinux, with CloudLinux’s support, tends to offer faster updates and security patches, making it especially appealing to enterprises that need quick responses to vulnerabilities and bugs. The company’s involvement ensures that AlmaLinux remains a solid and stable option for long-term use.

While Rocky Linux is community-driven, it still maintains a high level of stability. The Rocky Linux community is highly active and dedicated to providing timely updates and maintaining security. The performance of Rocky Linux matches that of AlmaLinux, making it a great alternative for users who prioritize open-source integrity over commercial backing.

Migration and Support

Both AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux offer seamless migration tools, making it easy for CentOS users to transition to either system with minimal disruption. These tools ensure smooth migrations with little to no configuration changes.

AlmaLinux stands out for businesses needing enterprise-grade support, as CloudLinux offers paid support packages, service-level agreements (SLAs), and long-term assistance. This level of professional backing makes it a preferred choice for companies that require more than community-based help.

Rocky Linux, though lacking in formal commercial support, has a highly engaged community. With forums, online resources, and active contributors, users can still find plenty of help. For those who are comfortable relying on community support, Rocky Linux remains a strong, viable option.

Long-Term Sustainability: AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux?

When considering the long-term sustainability of each distribution, both AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux have shown great potential.

AlmaLinux benefits from CloudLinux’s financial and technical backing, providing a stable, sustainable future. With regular updates, security patches, and professional support, AlmaLinux is well-positioned for long-term use.

Rocky Linux, despite its community-driven nature, has proven to be equally sustainable. The dedication of its user base, along with the organization of the Rocky Linux Foundation, ensures that the project will continue to thrive as a true open-source alternative.

Conclusion: 

The choice between AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux depends on your specific needs and preferences.If you're a business or user requiring enterprise-level support, fast updates, and a structured development process, AlmaLinux may be the better choice. Its CloudLinux backing ensures a stable, professional-grade experience, with commercial support available for those who need it.