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# Ubuntu vs Windows 8 Comparison - What are their main differences?

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UbuntuWindows 8[+ Add Product](#)

Reviews

**Ubuntu** [

4.5/5(2,408)

](https://www.g2.com/products/ubuntu/reviews#reviews)

**Windows 8** [

3.7/5(587)

](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-8/reviews#reviews)

Pricing

**Ubuntu**
Free Trial

No pricing available

**Windows 8**
No pricing available

**Pricing Insights**
from reviews

Time to Implement

**Ubuntu**
2 monthsFaster

Based on 158 responses

**Windows 8**
4 months

Based on 39 responses

Return on Investment

**Ubuntu**
10 months13 months sooner

Based on 121 responses

**Windows 8**
23 months

Based on 30 responses

Perceived Cost

**Ubuntu**
$$$$$

**Windows 8**
$$$$$

Average Discount

**Ubuntu**
14%

**Windows 8**
14%

Pros & Cons

**Ubuntu**
[
Ease of Use (334)
](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 (139)
](https://www.g2.com/products/ubuntu/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1072885&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Limited Software (102)
](https://www.g2.com/products/ubuntu/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1072475&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)

**Windows 8**
[
Speed/Performance (18)
](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-8/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1531327&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Ease of Use (13)
](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-8/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1532180&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Unfriendly Interface (14)
](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-8/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1532205&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Usage Difficulty (11)
](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-8/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1531089&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)

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)

**Windows 8**
[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_e89d21750715f4646ed61c011b2917dc/adobe-acrobat.png "Product Avatar Image")

Adobe Acrobat

](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-acrobat/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_6bb9d7c1ecfe4fe6e24f36b4124e03c0/google-cloud-storage.png "Product Avatar Image")

Google Cloud Storage

](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-storage/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_033aa224b72b00b72e8860e4e6401efc/microsoft-excel.png "Product Avatar Image")

Microsoft Excel

](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-excel/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_69054bc7d40597b06fc3905720ccc914/microsoft-outlook.png "Product Avatar Image")

Outlook

](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-outlook/reviews)[
View all
](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-8/integrations)

Screenshots

**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)

**Windows 8**
 ![Windows 8 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/29282/uploads_2F870f5ae9-f09c-47e8-869e-2608995505b8_2FWindows_8_Screenshot_2.png)

Ratings

Meets Requirements

**Ubuntu**

9.0

9.01,891

**Windows 8**

7.8

7.8438

Ease of Use

**Ubuntu**

8.7

8.71,911

**Windows 8**

7.7

7.7448

Ease of Setup

**Ubuntu**

9.0

9.0927

**Windows 8**

8.3

8.3185

Ease of Admin

**Ubuntu**

8.7

8.7653

**Windows 8**

7.7

7.7117

Quality of Support

**Ubuntu**

8.3

8.31,735

**Windows 8**

7.7

7.7399

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**Ubuntu**

8.7

8.7572

**Windows 8**

7.4

7.4100

Product Direction (% positive)

**Ubuntu**

9.1

9.11,787

**Windows 8**

6.1

6.1425

Features

Operating System[Hide 14 FeaturesShow 14 Features](javascript:void(0);)

9.1

296

8.3

67

Memory Management - Operating System

RAM management

9.1(won by 0.6)

205

 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors)

8.5

47

App Management

10.0(won by default)

5

Not enough data

File Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Device Management - Operating System

I/O management

8.7(won by 0.4)

231

8.3

40

Backup and Recovery - Operating System

Data backup

8.7(won by 0.1)

179

8.6

42

Error Detection - Operating System

System operations monitoring

8.8(won by 1.0)

192

 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors)

7.8

41

Additional Functionality

Data Security

10.0(won by default)

5

Not enough data

System Updates

7.4(won by default)

7

Not enough data

For Developers

10.0(won by default)

7

Not enough data

Generative AI

Not enough data

Not enough data

User Interface

Not enough data

Not enough data

Resource Allocation

Not enough data

Not enough data

AI Copilot

Not enough data

Not enough data

Desktop Interface

Not enough data

Not enough data

Cloud Management Platforms[Hide 49 FeaturesShow 49 Features](javascript:void(0);)

8.7

51

Not enough data

Functionality

Cloud Consolidation

9.0(won by default)

41

Not enough data

Cloud Orchestration

8.8(won by default)

43

Not enough data

Cloud Optimization

8.8(won by default)

42

Not enough data

Management

Cloud Cost Analytics

8.8(won by default)

42

Not enough data

Cloud Security

9.0(won by default)

40

Not enough data

Security Management

8.7(won by default)

38

Not enough data

Cloud Backup and Recovery

8.7(won by default)

40

Not enough data

Capacity Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Compliance Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Configuration Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

User Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Workflow Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Application Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Cost Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Storage Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Change Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Disaster Recovery

Not enough data

Not enough data

Multi-Cloud Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Service Level Agreement (SLA) Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Audit Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Patch Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Inventory Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Agentic AI - Cloud Management Platforms

Autonomous Task Execution

8.2(won by default)

25

Not enough data

Cross-system Integration

8.3(won by default)

25

Not enough data

Decision Making

8.4(won by default)

26

Not enough data

Data Integration

Not enough data

Not enough data

Third-Party Integrations

Not enough data

Not enough data

Additional Functionality

Performance Analysis

Not enough data

Not enough data

Service Catalog

Not enough data

Not enough data

Activity Tracking

Not enough data

Not enough data

Anomaly Detection

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Visualization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Alerts/Notifications

Not enough data

Not enough data

Multitenancy

Not enough data

Not enough data

Generative AI

Not enough data

Not enough data

Self Service Portal

Not enough data

Not enough data

Network Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

API

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting & Statistics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Import/Export

Not enough data

Not enough data

AI Copilot

Not enough data

Not enough data

Search/Filter

Not enough data

Not enough data

Access Controls/Permissions

Not enough data

Not enough data

Database Support

Not enough data

Not enough data

Cloud Encryption

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Migration

Not enough data

Not enough data

Event Logs

Not enough data

Not enough data

Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Server Virtualization[Hide 42 FeaturesShow 42 Features](javascript:void(0);)

8.9

97

Not enough data

Performance

Scalability

9.4(won by default)

78

Not enough data

Portability

9.4(won by default)

74

Not enough data

Data Recovery

8.7(won by default)

73

Not enough data

Disaster Recovery

Not enough data

Not enough data

Functionality

OS Integration

9.3(won by default)

74

Not enough data

Resource Saving

9.1(won by default)

76

Not enough data

Performance Management

9.2(won by default)

72

Not enough data

Security

9.5(won by default)

74

Not enough data

Third-Party Integrations

Not enough data

Not enough data

User Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Compliance Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Task Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Agentic AI - Server Virtualization

Autonomous Task Execution

8.2(won by default)

45

Not enough data

Multi-step Planning

8.5(won by default)

45

Not enough data

Cross-system Integration

8.6(won by default)

46

Not enough data

Adaptive Learning

8.4(won by default)

45

Not enough data

Proactive Assistance

8.4(won by default)

44

Not enough data

Decision Making

8.6(won by default)

45

Not enough data

File Transfer

Not enough data

Not enough data

Additional Functionality

Cloud Computing

Not enough data

Not enough data

Archiving & Retention

Not enough data

Not enough data

Issue Tracking

Not enough data

Not enough data

Virtual Machine Migration

Not enough data

Not enough data

Server Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Status Tracking

Not enough data

Not enough data

Secure Login

Not enough data

Not enough data

Activity Dashboard

Not enough data

Not enough data

API

Not enough data

Not enough data

Graphical User Interface

Not enough data

Not enough data

Secure Data Storage

Not enough data

Not enough data

Alerts/Escalation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Generative AI

Not enough data

Not enough data

Virtual Server

Not enough data

Not enough data

Remote Update/Installation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Verification

Not enough data

Not enough data

AI Copilot

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting & Statistics

Not enough data

Not enough data

VDI

Not enough data

Not enough data

Database Support

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Synchronization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Replication

Not enough data

Not enough data

Virtual Machine Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Container Engine[Hide 9 FeaturesShow 9 Features](javascript:void(0);)

9.1

61

Not enough data

Application Support

Deployment

9.3(won by default)

50

Not enough data

Interface support

8.9(won by default)

42

Not enough data

Processor support

9.3(won by default)

37

Not enough data

Application Support

9.1(won by default)

47

Not enough data

System Capability

Self Healing High Availability

8.8(won by default)

35

Not enough data

Orchestration

9.0(won by default)

41

Not enough data

Scalability

9.2(won by default)

39

Not enough data

Security

Automatic Security Updates

9.1(won by default)

43

Not enough data

Security updates

9.0(won by default)

42

Not enough data

IoT Operating Systems[Hide 4 FeaturesShow 4 Features](javascript:void(0);)

9.0

43

Not enough data

Security

Access Controls

8.9(won by default)

36

Not enough data

Network Security

9.3(won by default)

37

Not enough data

Compliance

9.0(won by default)

34

Not enough data

Cryptography

8.6(won by default)

33

Not enough data

Security Compliance[Hide 59 FeaturesShow 59 Features](javascript:void(0);)

8.4

52

Not enough data

Generative AI - Security Compliance

Predictive Risk

8.4(won by default)

39

Not enough data

Automated Documentation

8.5(won by default)

37

Not enough data

Additional Functionality

HIPAA Compliant

Not enough data

Not enough data

Workflow Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Secure Data Storage

Not enough data

Not enough data

Third-Party Integrations

Not enough data

Not enough data

Access Controls/Permissions

Not enough data

Not enough data

Consent Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Mapping

Not enough data

Not enough data

Audit Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

API

Not enough data

Not enough data

Role-Based Permissions

Not enough data

Not enough data

Policy Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Single Sign On

Not enough data

Not enough data

Risk Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Search/Filter

Not enough data

Not enough data

Template Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Multi-Language

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Visualization

Not enough data

Not enough data

User Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

PIA/DPIA

Not enough data

Not enough data

Alerts/Notifications

Not enough data

Not enough data

Sensitive Data Identification

Not enough data

Not enough data

Self Service Portal

Not enough data

Not enough data

Archiving & Retention

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Import/Export

Not enough data

Not enough data

Risk Assessment

Not enough data

Not enough data

Activity Dashboard

Not enough data

Not enough data

Document Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

PCI Compliance

Not enough data

Not enough data

Incident Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Governance

Not enough data

Not enough data

Compliance Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Customizable Templates

Not enough data

Not enough data

AI Copilot

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting & Statistics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Generative AI

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Storage Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

File Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Customizable Reports

Not enough data

Not enough data

Performance Metrics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Risk Analysis

Not enough data

Not enough data

Intrusion Detection System

Not enough data

Not enough data

Log Analysis

Not enough data

Not enough data

Security Auditing

Not enough data

Not enough data

Log Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting/Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Risk Alerts

Not enough data

Not enough data

PCI Assessment

Not enough data

Not enough data

Vulnerability Scanning

Not enough data

Not enough data

Event Logs

Not enough data

Not enough data

File Integrity Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Exceptions Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Synchronization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Compliance Tracking

Not enough data

Not enough data

Activity Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Audit Trail

Not enough data

Not enough data

Secure Login

Not enough data

Not enough data

Show 1 feature category with incomplete data

Governance, Risk & Compliance[Hide 45 FeaturesShow 45 Features](javascript:void(0);)

Not enough data

Not enough data

Additional Functionality

Incident Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Evidence Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Risk Alerts

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting & Statistics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Third-Party Integrations

Not enough data

Not enough data

Workflow Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Risk Analysis

Not enough data

Not enough data

Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance

Not enough data

Not enough data

Single Sign On

Not enough data

Not enough data

Compliance Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Policy Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Reporting

Not enough data

Not enough data

Audit Trail

Not enough data

Not enough data

Assessment Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

HIPAA Compliant

Not enough data

Not enough data

Operational Risk Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Document Storage

Not enough data

Not enough data

Enterprise Risk Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Visualization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Configurable Workflow

Not enough data

Not enough data

Vendor Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

IT Risk Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

User Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Issue Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Internal Controls Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

AI Copilot

Not enough data

Not enough data

Environmental Compliance

Not enough data

Not enough data

Customizable Reports

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Import/Export

Not enough data

Not enough data

Risk Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

API

Not enough data

Not enough data

Document Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Risk Assessment

Not enough data

Not enough data

Activity Dashboard

Not enough data

Not enough data

Task Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Audit Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Generative AI

Not enough data

Not enough data

Governance

Not enough data

Not enough data

Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA)

Not enough data

Not enough data

Alerts/Notifications

Not enough data

Not enough data

FDA Compliance

Not enough data

Not enough data

Secure Data Storage

Not enough data

Not enough data

Approval Process Control

Not enough data

Not enough data

Version Control

Not enough data

Not enough data

User Insights

Reviewers' Company Size

[![Ubuntu](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/4b0cb18835a92aa4bb723c4d488c6400/ubuntu.svg "Ubuntu")](https://www.g2.com/products/ubuntu/reviews)

Ubuntu

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)

47.4%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)

33.1%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)

19.5%

[![Windows 8](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487565509/windows-8.svg "Windows 8")](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-8/reviews)

Windows 8

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)

46.3%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)

28.4%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)

25.4%

Small-Business

(50 or fewer emp.)

47.4%

46.3%

Mid-Market

(51-1000 emp.)

33.1%

28.4%

Enterprise

(\> 1000 emp.)

19.5%

25.4%

Reviewers' Industry

[![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

26.3%

Computer Software

25.0%

Computer & Network Security

5.6%

Higher Education

3.5%

Internet

2.8%

Other

36.9%

[![Windows 8](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487565509/windows-8.svg "Windows 8")](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-8/reviews)
Windows 8

Information Technology and Services

19.5%

Computer Software

14.2%

Education Management

4.6%

Higher Education

4.0%

Computer & Network Security

3.8%

Other

53.8%

FAQs

## Ubuntu vs Windows 8 FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 14, 2026

### What is the difference between Windows 8 vs Ubuntu?

Ubuntu stands out from Windows 8 with a higher G2 rating, stronger support scores, and a top-cited strength in open source flexibility, while Windows 8 is recognized for speed and performance but faces more usability trade-offs.

| | [Windows 8](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-8/reviews) | [Ubuntu](https://www.g2.com/products/ubuntu/reviews) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| G2 Rating (reviews) | 3.7/5 (584 reviews) | 4.5/5 (2,400 reviews) |
| Largest Segment | Small-Business | Small-Business |
| Ease of Setup score | 8.3 | 9.0 |
| Quality of Support score | 7.6 | 8.3 |
| Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | Speed/Performance (20 all-time mentions) | Open Source (213 all-time mentions) |

### How do the pricing models of Windows 8 and Ubuntu compare?

Ubuntu is considered the stronger value by reviewers, with higher satisfaction on price and cost-related dimensions.

- **Windows 8:** Reviewers note that Windows 8 offered good performance for its price, but some considered the Pro version expensive relative to its improvements.
- **Ubuntu:** Reviewers consistently highlight Ubuntu as a free, open-source alternative that eliminates licensing costs and provides strong value for both personal and business use.
- **Switching-reason:** Many reviewers cite cost savings and the elimination of license fees as key reasons for switching from Windows 8 to Ubuntu.

### What are the best alternatives to Windows 8 and Ubuntu?

The top 3 alternatives to Windows 8 and Ubuntu are Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Android, and Windows 11.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Windows 8](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-8/reviews) | 3.7/5 (584 reviews) | Small-Business | Priced for performance, but Pro version considered expensive by some reviewers | Speed/Performance (20 all-time mentions) |
| [Ubuntu](https://www.g2.com/products/ubuntu/reviews) | 4.5/5 (2,400 reviews) | Small-Business | Free and open source, eliminates licensing costs | Open Source (213 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 reliability |
| [Android](https://www.g2.com/products/android/reviews) | 4.6/5 (1,283 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Mobile flexibility |
| [Windows 11](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-11/reviews) | 4.5/5 (4,322 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Modern features and improved UI |

### Which Operating System features should I prioritize when comparing Windows 8 and Ubuntu?

Buyers comparing Windows 8 and Ubuntu should prioritize speed/performance, ease of use, security features, customization, and software compatibility.

- **Speed/Performance:** Windows 8 (20 all-time mentions), Ubuntu (179 all-time mentions)
- **Ease of Use:** Windows 8 (15 all-time mentions), Ubuntu (8.7 score)
- **Security Features:** Windows 8 (5 all-time mentions), Ubuntu (76 all-time mentions)
- **Customization/Personalization:** Ubuntu (104 all-time mentions), Windows 8 (—)
- **Software Compatibility:** Windows 8 (4 all-time mentions for compatibility), Ubuntu (104 all-time mentions for limited software)

### What are the pros and cons of Windows 8 vs Ubuntu?

Ubuntu’s headline strength is its open-source flexibility and reliability, while Windows 8 is most recognized for speed and performance.

- **Windows 8 strengths:** Speed/Performance (20 all-time mentions), Ease of Use (15), User-Friendly (13), Touch Compatibility (11), Security/Safety (5), Compatibility (4)
- **Windows 8 trade-offs:** Unfriendly Interface (14), Menu Issues (11), Usage Difficulty (11), Poor UI/UX (7), Compatibility Issues (6), Performance Issues (5)
- **Ubuntu strengths:** Open Source (213), Speed/Performance (179), Reliability (135), Customization/Personalization (104), Security Features (76), Regular Updates (96)
- **Ubuntu trade-offs:** Limited Software (104), Update Issues (63), Installation Difficulties (53), Limited Gaming (42), Poor UI/UX (30), App Incompatibility (22)

### Is Windows 8 or Ubuntu better for small businesses?

Ubuntu is the better fit for small businesses, with higher reviewer satisfaction and a strong presence in the small-business segment.

- **Windows 8:** Small-Business segment; reviewers note ease of use and compatibility, but highlight usability challenges and discontinued support.
- **Ubuntu:** Small-Business segment; reviewers consistently cite cost savings, reliability, and strong community support as key benefits for small businesses.

### Which Operating System platform has better integrations?

Ubuntu is favored for integrations, with more reviewer-cited third-party tool compatibility and higher mention counts.

- **Windows 8:** Integrates with Microsoft Word (recent reviews mention this integration).
- **Ubuntu:** Integrates with GIMP (13 all-time mentions), GitHub (5), and Wireshark (3), with reviewers highlighting its compatibility with a wide range of development and security tools.

### How do Windows 8 and Ubuntu compare on customer support?

Ubuntu outperforms Windows 8 on Quality of Support by a margin of 0.7 points, a material difference per the Delta Rule.

- **Windows 8:** Reviewers report mixed support experiences, with scores ranging from 2.0 to 7.0 and several noting challenges after official support ended.
- **Ubuntu:** Reviewers consistently highlight strong community support, extensive documentation, and responsive help, reflected in its 8.3 support score.

### Which is easier to implement, Windows 8 or Ubuntu?

Ubuntu is easier to implement than Windows 8, with a 0.7-point higher Ease of Setup score and strong reviewer sentiment.

- **Windows 8:** Reviewers describe setup as straightforward for most, but note confusion due to interface changes and split settings.
- **Ubuntu:** Reviewers consistently praise Ubuntu for its simple installation process, lightweight requirements, and extensive community resources that ease onboarding.

Alternatives

**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)

**Windows 8 Alternatives**

 ![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)

 ![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)