Link copied to clipboard # Debian vs Ubuntu Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/debian/ubuntu/export.csv) DebianUbuntu[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **Debian** No pricing available **Ubuntu** Free Trial No pricing available **Pricing Insights** from reviews Time to Implement **Debian** 2 months Based on 23 responses **Ubuntu** 2 months Based on 158 responses Return on Investment **Debian** 14 months Based on 20 responses **Ubuntu** 10 months4 months sooner Based on 121 responses Perceived Cost **Debian** $$$$$ **Ubuntu** $$$$$ Average Discount **Debian** 14% **Ubuntu** 14% **Pros & Cons** from reviews **Debian** [ Ease of Use (20) ](https://www.g2.com/products/debian/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1499927&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Reliability (16) ](https://www.g2.com/products/debian/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1499251&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Outdated Technology (9) ](https://www.g2.com/products/debian/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1497567&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Lack of Features (8) ](https://www.g2.com/products/debian/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1501544&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) **Ubuntu** [ Ease of Use (337) ](https://www.g2.com/products/ubuntu/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1072988&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Linux/Ubuntu OS (299) ](https://www.g2.com/products/ubuntu/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1071828&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Compatibility Issues (141) ](https://www.g2.com/products/ubuntu/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1072885&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Driver Issues (104) ](https://www.g2.com/products/ubuntu/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1072259&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Integrations **Debian** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_92678e42a1cad1b80e7d257e3636e25e/android-studio.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Android Studio ](https://www.g2.com/products/android-studio/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_9d00048205a466c174da3c77093a1336/apache-maven.png "Product Avatar Image") Apache Maven ](https://www.g2.com/products/apache-maven/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_b3390b4cc3d92e87d570895f7358c003/aws-lambda.jpg "Product Avatar Image") AWS Lambda ](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-lambda/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_dd1391a4645e8459903fe21583c920c8/docker-hub.png "Product Avatar Image") Docker hub ](https://www.g2.com/products/docker-hub/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/debian/integrations) **Ubuntu** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_809aa88d3571ee805a47d8fb156ba412/apache-kafka.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Apache Kafka ](https://www.g2.com/products/apache-kafka/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_9d00048205a466c174da3c77093a1336/apache-maven.png "Product Avatar Image") Apache Maven ](https://www.g2.com/products/apache-maven/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_c6bfab1d2650fe8be0e5aec2c46900e6/audacity.png "Product Avatar Image") Audacity ](https://www.g2.com/products/audacity/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_1651718cccc95df24af2423a690c4a17/aws-cloud.jpg "Product Avatar Image") AWS Cloud ](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-cloud/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/ubuntu/integrations) Screenshots **Debian** No screenshot available **Ubuntu** ![Ubuntu screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/1477518/Screenshot-2025-06-25-at-11.38.51.png) **Ratings** from reviews Meets Requirements **Debian** 9.0 9.0159 **Ubuntu** 9.0 9.01,894 Ease of Use **Debian** 8.4 8.4160 **Ubuntu** 8.7 8.71,914 Ease of Setup **Debian** 8.6 8.6106 **Ubuntu** 9.0 9.0931 Ease of Admin **Debian** 8.9 8.967 **Ubuntu** 8.7 8.7654 Quality of Support **Debian** 8.4 8.4151 **Ubuntu** 8.3 8.31,738 Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **Debian** 8.8 8.866 **Ubuntu** 8.7 8.7573 Product Direction (% positive) **Debian** 9.3 9.3144 **Ubuntu** 9.1 9.11,789 **Features** ratings from reviews Operating System 9.5 36 9.0 301 Container Engine Not enough data 9.1 61 Cloud Management Platforms Not enough data 8.7 52 Server Virtualization Not enough data 8.9 97 Security Compliance Not enough data 8.4 52 IoT Operating Systems Not enough data 9.0 43 User Insights **Reviewers' Company Size** Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 47.9% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 31.3% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 20.9% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 47.9% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 31.3% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 20.9% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 47.4% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 33.0% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 19.6% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 47.4% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 33.0% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 19.6% **Reviewers' Industry** [![Debian](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_d8ee572841e069ed16147ca23a2b9144/debian.jpg "Debian")](https://www.g2.com/products/debian/reviews) Debian Information Technology and Services 24.6% Computer Software 14.6% Computer & Network Security 8.5% Telecommunications 7.5% Computer Networking 5.0% Other 39.7% [![Ubuntu](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/4b0cb18835a92aa4bb723c4d488c6400/ubuntu.svg "Ubuntu")](https://www.g2.com/products/ubuntu/reviews) Ubuntu Information Technology and Services 26.4% Computer Software 25.0% Computer & Network Security 5.5% Higher Education 3.4% Internet 2.8% Other 36.8% FAQs ## Debian vs Ubuntu FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between Ubuntu vs Debian? Debian is rated slightly higher for overall satisfaction and support, while Ubuntu leads in ease of setup and is more widely adopted among small businesses. | [Ubuntu](https://www.g2.com/products/ubuntu/reviews) | [Debian](https://www.g2.com/products/debian/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.5/5 (2,400 reviews) | 4.6/5 (223 reviews) | | Small-Business | Small-Business | | 9.0 | 8.6 | | 8.3 | 8.4 | | Open Source (213 all-time mentions) | Stability (16 all-time mentions) | ### How do the pricing models of Ubuntu and Debian compare? Debian and Ubuntu are both considered strong values, with reviewers expressing high satisfaction with their free and open-source models. - **Ubuntu:** Reviewers consistently highlight Ubuntu as a free, open-source operating system that eliminates licensing costs and provides strong value for both personal and business use. - **Debian:** Debian is praised for being completely free and open source, with reviewers noting its lack of licensing costs and suitability for extending hardware life and reducing infrastructure expenses. ### What are the best alternatives to Ubuntu and Debian? The top three alternatives to Ubuntu and Debian are Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Windows 11, and iOS. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Ubuntu](https://www.g2.com/products/ubuntu/reviews) | 4.5/5 (2,400 reviews) | Small-Business | Free, open source | Open Source (213 all-time mentions) | | [Debian](https://www.g2.com/products/debian/reviews) | 4.6/5 (223 reviews) | Small-Business | Free, open source | Stability (16 all-time mentions) | | [Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://www.g2.com/products/red-hat-enterprise-linux/reviews) | 4.6/5 (977 reviews) | Enterprise | — | Enterprise-grade stability | | [Windows 11](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-11/reviews) | 4.5/5 (4,322 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Modern user interface | | [iOS](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-ios/reviews) | 4.6/5 (1,585 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Mobile ecosystem integration | ### Which Operating System features should I prioritize when comparing Ubuntu and Debian? Buyers comparing Ubuntu and Debian should prioritize stability, ease of setup, security features, package management, and community support. - **Stability:** Debian: 16 all-time mentions; Ubuntu: 135 all-time mentions for reliability. - **Ease of Setup:** Ubuntu: 9.0; Debian: 8.6. - **Security Features:** Ubuntu: 76 all-time mentions; Debian: 6 all-time mentions. - **Package Management:** Debian: APT package management praised in recent reviews; Ubuntu: APT and Snap support cited in reviews. - **Community Support:** Ubuntu: 213 all-time mentions for open source and strong community; Debian: 7 all-time mentions for community support. ### What are the pros and cons of Ubuntu vs Debian? Ubuntu's headline strength is its open-source accessibility and ease of setup, while Debian's is its stability and reliability. - **Ubuntu strengths:** Open source (213 all-time mentions), speed/performance (179), reliability (135), customization (104), regular updates (96), security features (76), easy management (31). - **Ubuntu trade-offs:** Limited software (104), update issues (63), installation difficulties (53), limited gaming (42), poor UI/UX (30), app incompatibility (22). - **Debian strengths:** Ease of use (20), reliability (16), stability (16), open source (11), security (9), community support (7), customization (7), flexibility (7), long-term support (7), easy setup (6), regular updates (6), security features (6). - **Debian trade-offs:** Outdated technology (9), lack of features (8), difficult setup (7), driver issues (5). ### Is Ubuntu or Debian better for small businesses? Ubuntu is the better fit for small businesses, as it is more widely adopted in this segment and praised for its user-friendly setup and strong community support. - **Ubuntu:** Largest segment is Small-Business; reviewers highlight its ease of use, straightforward setup, and robust community support as key benefits for small business environments. - **Debian:** Largest segment is Small-Business; reviewers note its stability and reliability, but mention a steeper learning curve and more manual configuration compared to Ubuntu. ### Which Operating System platform has better integrations? Ubuntu is favored for integrations, with more reviewer-cited third-party tool mentions and broader ecosystem references. - **Ubuntu:** GIMP (13 all-time mentions), GitHub (5), Wireshark (3). - **Debian:** Ubuntu (32 all-time mentions as an integration), Docker (10). ### How do Ubuntu and Debian compare on customer support? Debian and Ubuntu are rated at parity for Quality of Support, with scores of 8.4 and 8.3 respectively, indicating similar reviewer satisfaction. - **Ubuntu:** Reviewers frequently cite strong community support, extensive documentation, and active forums as key support resources. - **Debian:** Reviewers highlight excellent documentation, active community forums, and reliable long-term support as core strengths. ### Which is easier to implement, Ubuntu or Debian? Ubuntu scores higher on Ease of Setup (9.0 vs 8.6), making it the easier platform to implement according to reviewers. - **Ubuntu:** Reviewers consistently describe the setup process as straightforward, with many citing easy installation and user-friendly onboarding, especially for those new to Linux. - **Debian:** Reviewers note that Debian's setup is reliable and offers excellent control, but often requires more manual configuration and is less polished for beginners compared to Ubuntu. Alternatives **Debian Alternatives** ![Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_3042cb71cbf8ba9820007715c12aea60/red-hat-enterprise-linux.jpg "Red Hat Enterprise Linux") [ Red Hat Enterprise Linux ](/products/red-hat-enterprise-linux/reviews) ![Windows 7](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487565509/windows-7.svg "Windows 7") [ Windows 7 ](/products/windows-7/reviews) ![Oracle Linux](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_3f5575e82b67a95d23834e8db8dabb67/oracle-linux.png "Oracle Linux") [ Oracle Linux ](/products/oracle-linux/reviews) ![CentOS](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487565579/centos.svg "CentOS") [ CentOS ](/products/centos/reviews) **Ubuntu Alternatives** ![Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_3042cb71cbf8ba9820007715c12aea60/red-hat-enterprise-linux.jpg "Red Hat Enterprise Linux") [ Red Hat Enterprise Linux ](/products/red-hat-enterprise-linux/reviews) ![Windows 11](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_13aba37ae908d9cf29a2452925257ccc/windows-11.jpeg "Windows 11") [ Windows 11 ](/products/windows-11/reviews) ![Apple iOS](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487565505/apple-ios.svg "Apple iOS") [ iOS ](/products/apple-ios/reviews) ![Android](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487565506/android.svg "Android") [ Android ](/products/android/reviews)