Top 10 CentOS Alternatives & Competitors

(407)4.4 out of 5

If you are considering CentOS, you may also want to investigate similar alternatives or competitors to find the best solution. Other important factors to consider when researching alternatives to CentOS include ease of use and reliability. The best overall CentOS alternative is Ubuntu. Other similar apps like CentOS are Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Windows 7, macOS Sierra, and Oracle Linux. CentOS alternatives can be found in Operating Systems.

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Best Paid & Free Alternatives to CentOS

Ubuntu
Red Hat Enterprise Linux
Windows 7
macOS Sierra
Oracle Linux
Android
Kali Linux
Fedora

Top 10 Alternatives to CentOS Recently Reviewed By G2 Community

Browse options below. Based on reviewer data, you can see how CentOS stacks up to the competition, check reviews from current & previous users in industries like Information Technology and Services, Telecommunications, and Financial Services, and find the best product for your business.

Product Description

Reviewers say compared to CentOS, Ubuntu is:

Easier to set up

Easier to admin

Better at support

Categories in common with CentOS:

Operating System

Red Hat Enterprise Linux

By Red Hat

4.6/5

(942)

Product Description

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is a enterprise operating system designed to provide a secure, stable, and high-performance environment for modern IT infrastructures. It supports a wide range of applications across physical, virtual, and cloud environments, making it a versatile choice for businesses of all sizes. Key Features and Functionality: - Security: RHEL offers live kernel patching, security profiles, and adheres to security standards certifications, ensuring a robust defense against vulnerabilities. - Consistent Lifecycle: The operating system follows a predictable lifecycle with three phases: full support, maintenance support, and an extended life phase, providing long-term stability and planning capabilities. - Cloud Integration: RHEL is optimized for cloud environments and collaborates with major cloud providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, facilitating seamless workload migration and management. - Developer Access: Red Hat provides developers with free access to RHEL through the "Red Hat Enterprise Linux for Business Developers" platform, allowing up to 25 instances for development purposes. Primary Value and Solutions: RHEL addresses the need for a reliable and secure operating system that can handle diverse workloads across various environments. Its comprehensive security features mitigate risks, while the consistent lifecycle ensures long-term support and stability. The integration with leading cloud providers simplifies cloud adoption and management, and the provision of free developer access fosters innovation and accelerates application development. Overall, RHEL empowers organizations to build, deploy, and manage applications efficiently, aligning with business demands for production-readiness and operational excellence.

Reviewers say compared to CentOS, Red Hat Enterprise Linux is:

More expensive

Slower to reach roi

Better at support

Categories in common with CentOS:

By Microsoft

Product Description

Windows 7, released by Microsoft in October 2009, is a desktop operating system designed to enhance user experience and system performance. Building upon its predecessor, Windows Vista, it introduced a more intuitive interface and improved functionality, catering to both home and business users. Key Features and Functionality: - Redesigned Taskbar: The new taskbar allows users to pin applications for quick access and provides live previews of open windows, streamlining navigation. - Aero Snap and Aero Shake: These window management features enable users to easily organize open windows by snapping them to screen edges or minimizing all but the active window with a simple shake gesture. - HomeGroup: Simplifies home networking by allowing users to share files and printers across multiple PCs effortlessly. - Libraries: Aggregates files from various locations into unified views, making it easier to manage documents, music, pictures, and videos. - Improved Performance: Optimized for faster boot times and efficient resource management, Windows 7 delivers a more responsive computing experience. - Enhanced Security: Features like the Action Center provide a centralized location for security and maintenance notifications, while User Account Control (UAC) has been refined to be less intrusive. Primary Value and User Solutions: Windows 7 addresses the shortcomings of previous operating systems by offering a more stable and user-friendly environment. Its enhanced performance and intuitive features reduce system crashes and improve productivity. The streamlined interface and advanced window management tools allow users to multitask more effectively. Additionally, improved networking capabilities simplify the sharing of resources among multiple devices, making it an ideal solution for both personal and professional use.

Reviewers say compared to CentOS, Windows 7 is:

Slower to reach roi

More expensive

More usable

Categories in common with CentOS:

Operating System

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Oracle Linux

By Oracle

4.4/5

(327)

Product Description

Reviewers say compared to CentOS, Oracle Linux is:

Slower to reach roi

More expensive

Better at support

Categories in common with CentOS:

By Google

Product Description

Android Enterprise Management is a comprehensive solution designed to simplify the deployment, management, and security of Android devices within business environments. It offers a suite of tools that enable organizations to efficiently configure devices, enforce security policies, and manage applications across their workforce. This platform supports various device management scenarios, including employee-owned devices, company-owned devices, and dedicated devices for specific tasks. Key Features and Functionality: - Zero-Touch Enrollment: Facilitates the rapid deployment of devices by allowing them to be configured remotely upon first boot, reducing manual setup time. - Work Profiles: Creates a clear separation between work and personal data on devices, ensuring corporate information remains secure while respecting user privacy. - Managed Google Play: Enables IT administrators to distribute and manage applications efficiently, providing employees with access to approved apps while maintaining control over app installations. - Comprehensive Security Controls: Offers robust security features, including enforcing lock screens, encryption, and the ability to remotely wipe data from lost or stolen devices. - Flexible Management Options: Supports various device management modes, such as fully managed devices for work-only use and dedicated devices locked to specific functions. Primary Value and Solutions Provided: Android Enterprise Management addresses the challenges businesses face in managing a diverse range of Android devices by offering a unified platform that enhances security, streamlines device deployment, and simplifies application management. By leveraging these capabilities, organizations can ensure that their mobile workforce operates efficiently and securely, regardless of device ownership or usage scenarios.

Reviewers say compared to CentOS, Android is:

More expensive

More usable

Easier to set up

Categories in common with CentOS:

By OffSec

Product Description

Kali Linux is an open-source, Debian-based distribution tailored for advanced penetration testing and security auditing. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools and configurations, enabling users to focus on their security tasks without the need for extensive setup. Kali Linux is accessible across multiple platforms and is freely available to information security professionals and enthusiasts. Key Features and Functionality: - Extensive Toolset: Provides hundreds of pre-installed tools for various information security tasks, including penetration testing, security research, computer forensics, reverse engineering, vulnerability management, and red team testing. - Multi-Platform Support: Compatible with various platforms, ensuring flexibility and adaptability for different user needs. - Cloud Integration: Available as an Amazon Machine Image on AWS Marketplace, allowing users to deploy Kali Linux instances in the cloud efficiently. Primary Value and User Solutions: Kali Linux addresses the critical need for a robust and comprehensive security testing environment. By offering a vast array of tools and configurations out of the box, it enables security professionals to conduct thorough assessments, identify vulnerabilities, and strengthen defenses without the overhead of manual tool integration. Its availability on platforms like AWS further enhances its utility by providing scalable and on-demand access to a powerful security testing environment.

Reviewers say compared to CentOS, Kali Linux is:

More expensive

Better at support

Easier to admin

Categories in common with CentOS:

By Fedora

Product Description

Fedora IoT is a specialized edition of the Fedora Linux operating system, designed to provide a robust and flexible foundation for Internet of Things (IoT) and edge computing environments. It leverages the latest open-source technologies to deliver a container-based host system that runs efficiently on a variety of hardware platforms, including x86_64 and ARM architectures. This makes it particularly suitable for deploying workloads outside traditional data centers, such as on edge devices. Key Features and Functionality: - Leading Technology: Built on the latest advancements in open-source software, ensuring users have access to cutting-edge features and improvements. - Container-Based Architecture: Utilizes a container-based host system, facilitating efficient deployment and management of applications on edge devices. - Open-Source Ecosystem: Fully supported by the Fedora Project's free and open-source ecosystem, promoting transparency and community collaboration. - Flexibility: Offers a wide range of supported installation methods, accommodating diverse hardware configurations and user requirements. - Edge Support: Optimized for workloads computed outside traditional data centers, making it ideal for edge computing scenarios. - Hardware Compatibility: Developed in collaboration with hardware vendors to ensure excellent support across a broad spectrum of devices. Primary Value and User Solutions: Fedora IoT addresses the growing need for a secure, scalable, and adaptable operating system tailored for IoT and edge computing applications. By providing a container-based platform, it simplifies the deployment and management of applications on edge devices, enhancing operational efficiency. Its commitment to open-source principles ensures users benefit from a transparent and community-driven ecosystem, fostering innovation and continuous improvement. Additionally, Fedora IoT's flexibility and extensive hardware support enable organizations to deploy it across various devices and environments, effectively meeting the diverse challenges of modern IoT deployments.

Reviewers say compared to CentOS, Fedora is:

Slower to reach roi

Easier to set up

Easier to admin

Categories in common with CentOS:

Operating System

Linux Mint

By Linux Mark Institute

4.5/5

(179)

Product Description

Linux Mint is a community-driven Linux distribution that aims to provide a modern, elegant, and comfortable operating system that is both powerful and easy to use. Based on Ubuntu and Debian, it offers full multimedia support out of the box and comes bundled with a variety of free and open-source applications. The default desktop environment is Cinnamon, developed by the Linux Mint team, with MATE and Xfce available as alternatives. Linux Mint is available for x86-64 systems. Key Features and Functionality: - User-Friendly Interface: Linux Mint features the Cinnamon desktop environment, which combines modern design with traditional desktop elements, providing an intuitive and familiar user experience. - Comprehensive Software Suite: Pre-installed applications include LibreOffice for office productivity, Firefox for web browsing, Thunderbird for email management, and VLC media player for multimedia playback. - Multimedia Support: Out-of-the-box support for various multimedia formats, including MP3, MP4, and DVD playback, ensuring users can enjoy their media without additional configurations. - Software Management: The Software Manager allows easy installation and management of thousands of applications, while the Update Manager ensures the system remains secure and up-to-date. - Customization and Flexibility: Users can personalize their desktop with various themes, applets, and extensions, tailoring the system to their preferences. Primary Value and User Solutions: Linux Mint addresses the need for a user-friendly and fully functional operating system that caters to both beginners and experienced users. By providing a stable and secure environment with comprehensive multimedia support and a rich set of pre-installed applications, it eliminates the need for extensive post-installation configurations. Its commitment to simplicity and ease of use makes it an ideal choice for those transitioning from other operating systems or seeking a reliable Linux experience.

Reviewers say compared to CentOS, Linux Mint is:

Slower to reach roi

Easier to set up

More usable

Categories in common with CentOS:

By Apple

Product Description

Apple's iOS is a sophisticated mobile operating system that powers the iPhone, offering a seamless and intuitive user experience. With each iteration, iOS introduces innovative features and enhancements that elevate device functionality and user engagement. Key Features and Functionality: - Liquid Glass Design: iOS 26 introduces the Liquid Glass design, characterized by rounded, translucent elements that react dynamically to motion and user inputs, providing a visually engaging interface. - Visual Intelligence: This feature enables users to search, ask questions, and take actions directly with the content displayed on their iPhone screen, enhancing interactivity and efficiency. - Live Translation: Integrated into Messages, FaceTime, and Phone apps, Live Translation facilitates real-time communication across different languages, breaking down language barriers. - Enhanced Messaging: Users can personalize chats with new backgrounds and utilize polls in Messages, enriching the communication experience. - Advanced Privacy Controls: iOS 26 offers new screening tools in Phone, FaceTime, and Messages to help users manage distractions and maintain privacy. - CarPlay Enhancements: The latest update includes Live Activities and Tapbacks in CarPlay, providing more information at a glance and improving in-car connectivity. Primary Value and User Solutions: iOS delivers a cohesive and user-friendly platform that integrates cutting-edge technology with everyday usability. The introduction of the Liquid Glass design and Visual Intelligence in iOS 26 enhances the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the device, making interactions more intuitive. Features like Live Translation and enhanced messaging capabilities address the need for effective and personalized communication. Advanced privacy controls empower users to manage their digital environment, ensuring a secure and distraction-free experience. Overall, iOS continues to set the standard for mobile operating systems by combining innovation with user-centric design.

Reviewers say compared to CentOS, Apple iOS is:

More expensive

Slower to reach roi

Better at support

Categories in common with CentOS:

Operating System