Although Linux distributions are all based on the same kernel, they differ significantly in terms of their package managers, release cycles, support periods and configurations. The best choice depends on what you intend to use the system for: for a server, long-term support and stability are key, whilst for a desktop computer, convenience and up-to-date software are more important.

Servers

• Ubuntu (LTS): a distribution based on Debian and developed by Canonical, which is one of the most widely used on servers and in the cloud. Long-term support (LTS) releases are published every two years in April and receive general support for five years, which can be renewed with an Ubuntu Pro subscription. It is characterised by a large community, a wealth of documentation and up-to-date packages. Its package manager is apt.
• Debian: one of the oldest community-developed distributions, known for its stability and predictability. A new stable release is published roughly every two years, which receives full support for approximately three years, followed by security updates for a total of around five years as part of the Debian LTS project. It installs very little unnecessary software, making it ideal for servers. Its package manager is apt.
• AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux: free, compatible versions of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) that were created following the discontinuation of CentOS Linux. A major release receives updates for approximately 10 years, making them particularly suitable for long-term servers. Their package manager is dnf. The differences between the two are covered in the comparison of AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux, whilst other RHEL-based systems are covered in the summary presenting the best Red Hat-based distributions.
• CloudLinux OS: the commercial, licence-based, RHEL-compatible distribution designed specifically for shared hosting servers. It provides per-account resource limits and isolation; our cPanel hosting plans also run on this.

CentOS Linux no longer receives updates: version 8 reached the end of its support cycle at the end of 2021, whilst version 7 reached the end of its support cycle on 30 June 2024. Its successor, CentOS Stream, is a developer preview of the next point release of RHEL; therefore, AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux are now generally preferred for production servers.

For desktop computers

• Linux Mint: Ubuntu-based, with a user interface similar to Windows, which is why it is often recommended to those switching from Windows.
• Fedora: a community-driven distribution supported by Red Hat, which is the first to introduce new technologies. A new release is published every six months, and each release is supported for approximately 13 months; it is therefore less suitable for server use.
• openSUSE: available in two versions. Leap is a fixed-release, stable system, whilst Tumbleweed is a continuously updated (rolling release) system.
• Arch Linux: a continuously updated, minimalist distribution that users build themselves. Recommended for advanced users.

Which one should you choose for a VPS?

If you are not yet familiar with any of these systems, choosing Ubuntu LTS or Debian will give you access to plenty of guides and ready-made solutions. If you are running software that requires an RHEL-compatible system, or are looking for the longest possible support, choose AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux. Whichever you choose, the KVM VPS provides full root access, so you can configure the system to suit your own needs. When switching to a new major release, the guide on updating Ubuntu and Debian will help.