Rocky linux VS CentoOS Which one is better?
With CentOS discontinuing as a downstream rebuild of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), many users have been left wondering which distribution can fill the gap it left behind. Rocky Linux has emerged as a strong contender, promising stability, enterprise-grade reliability, and full binary compatibility with RHEL. But is Rocky Linux better than CentOS, or is it just a temporary solution?
Let’s explore Rocky Linux, compare it to CentOS, and determine whether it’s the right choice for your server environment or enterprise infrastructure.
What is Rocky Linux?
Rocky Linux is an open-source, community-driven distribution built to be 100% binary compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux. It was developed directly in response to Red Hat’s decision to shift CentOS from a downstream RHEL rebuild to CentOS Stream, which tracks just ahead of RHEL rather than behind it. This change created a gap for users who relied on CentOS’s predictable stability.
Rocky Linux is named after Rocky McGaugh, a co-founder of CentOS, and was launched by Gregory Kurtzer, the other co-founder. The aim was to continue CentOS’s original mission of providing a free, reliable, and production-ready enterprise Linux environment.
Brief History of Rocky Linux
The development of Rocky Linux began shortly after Red Hat announced that CentOS Linux would be phased out in favor of CentOS Stream. This move was controversial, especially for users and businesses that relied on CentOS’s RHEL-compatible release cycle.
In response, Gregory Kurtzer announced the formation of the Rocky Enterprise Software Foundation (RESF) to create a new distribution that would continue where CentOS left off. The first stable release of Rocky Linux (version 8.4) was made available in June 2021, only a few months after AlmaLinux — another CentOS alternative — was launched.
Why Choose Rocky Linux?
Rocky Linux quickly gained traction thanks to its familiar architecture, commitment to openness, and a development team with deep knowledge of enterprise Linux systems. Below are some reasons why it has become a popular choice:
1. Full RHEL Compatibility
Rocky Linux aims for 1:1 binary compatibility with RHEL. This means any RHEL software should run identically on Rocky Linux. It makes migration from CentOS and even RHEL itself seamless.
2. Long-Term Stability
Like CentOS, Rocky Linux is built for long-term support and stability. It avoids frequent updates and changes, making it ideal for production environments, mission-critical systems, and large enterprise workloads.
3. Active Development & Transparent Governance
The Rocky Enterprise Software Foundation ensures that the project is developed in the open, with transparent processes and decisions made by the community, not a single corporate entity. This structure inspires confidence among users and contributors alike.
4. Easy Migration Tools
The team behind Rocky Linux has developed tools like migrate2rocky to make switching from CentOS, AlmaLinux, or even RHEL as simple as possible.
5. Open Source & Community-Driven
Unlike CentOS Stream, a staging area for RHEL changes, Rocky Linux is developed after RHEL releases, following the traditional CentOS model. This ensures a stable, well-tested environment that adheres to enterprise needs.
Disadvantages of Rocky Linux
Despite its strengths, Rocky Linux is still relatively new and has a few potential drawbacks worth considering:
1. Limited Track Record
While the early signs are promising, Rocky Linux hasn’t been around long enough to establish a deep history of performance across diverse use cases. Some organizations may hesitate to adopt a system without a long-term support track record.
2. Dependency on Community and Sponsors
Rocky Linux relies on donations, sponsors, and community contributions to sustain development. While major companies have stepped in to support the project, long-term sustainability still depends on continued community engagement and funding.
3. Slower Updates
Rocky Linux prioritizes stability over cutting-edge features. As a result, newer software packages and tools may take longer. This might not suit developers or users who require the latest software versions.
Rocky Linux vs. CentOS Stream
To decide whether Rocky Linux is better than CentOS, it’s essential to understand what CentOS has become. CentOS Stream now functions as a pre-release version of RHEL, meaning it’s not as stable or tested as traditional CentOS was.
While CentOS Stream may appeal to developers who want to see what’s coming in RHEL before it’s released, it’s less suitable for production environments due to its frequent updates and potential for bugs.
By contrast, Rocky Linux continues the legacy of the original CentOS: stable, consistent, and production-ready. This makes it a better fit for enterprise servers and mission-critical infrastructure.
Who Should Use Rocky Linux?
Rocky Linux is ideal for:
System administrators are looking for a stable and secure server OS.
Companies that previously relied on CentOS for production workloads.
Cloud and HPC environments that require RHEL compatibility.
Educational and research institutions need free, open-source enterprise-level Linux.
Rocky Linux is a solid choice if you’re running services like web servers, databases, or virtual machines and need consistency across deployments.
Alternatives to Rocky Linux
If you’re exploring options beyond Rocky Linux, here are a few alternatives to consider:
AlmaLinux
Also created in response to CentOS’s discontinuation, AlmaLinux offers RHEL binary compatibility and is maintained by the AlmaLinux OS Foundation, a non-profit organization.
Ubuntu
A very popular Linux distribution with long-term support (LTS) versions. While it isn’t RHEL-compatible, Ubuntu offers great community support and is easy to use.
openSUSE Leap
Backed by SUSE, this distribution provides enterprise-grade tools and a strong development community. It’s especially suitable for desktop use and some enterprise environments.
Final Verdict: Is Rocky Linux Better than CentOS?
Considering CentOS’ shift to a more experimental role via CentOS Stream and the need for a stable, RHEL-compatible platform, Rocky Linux is currently a better option for users who need reliability and long-term support.
Its growing community, backing from experienced developers, and alignment with enterprise needs make it a worthy successor to CentOS. While it’s still early in its journey, Rocky Linux has shown strong potential and is already being adopted widely.
