When searching for a CentOS substitute, many people consider AlmaLinux vs Rocky Linux as the primary option. Both distributions face fierce rivalry for corporate customers, which stems from Red Hat’s decision to switch from CentOS to CentOS Stream and the goal to maintain a reliable, long-term support system.
AlmaLinux, supported by CloudLinux, and Rocky Linux, led by Gregory Kurtzer, are among the founders of CentOS Linux. Comparing Rocky Linux vs AlmaLinux is a useful exercise for teams thinking about corporate Linux distributions in the post-CentOS EOL period, as both have numerous successful versions and are ready for use in corporate installations.
Keep reading and exploring to learn the Alma vs Rocky comparison. Moreover, we will also let you know which is better for cloud deployments between Rocky Linux 9 vs AlmaLinux 9.
Table of Contents
AlmaLinux vs Rocky Linux: What Are They?
Before getting into the Rocky Linux vs AlmaLinux comparison, let’s first understand what they are and how they work.
What is AlmaLinux?
CloudLinux, a business renowned for its efforts to improve the security and reliability of Linux servers, created AlmaLinux. It had an announcement in December 2020. Moreover, it had a launch event in March 2021. AlmaLinux is a free, open-source, grassroots project that functions as a one-for-one binary compliant with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, or RHEL.
AlmaLinux, like Rocky Linux, has a commitment to providing support and upgrades for every version for about ten years. In order to guarantee that customers have timely access to updates and new features, the operating systems also attempt to issue updates in tandem with new RHEL versions.
Nevertheless, AlmaLinux has chosen to become ABI-compatible with RHEL rather than continuing to be 1-to-1 binary-compatible with RHEL. AlmaLinux intends to employ CentOS Stream source code, which Red Hat still makes accessible, to do this. Therefore, we’ve come up with an AlmaLinux vs Rocky Linux comparison so that you can better understand the best one.
The AlmaLinux OS Foundation became a reality to manage the project and make sure AlmaLinux remains that way. Its name, which comes from the Latin word for “soul,” reflects its goal of serving as the center of the community. Let’s now discuss Rocky Linux before getting into Rocky Linux vs AlmaLinux differences.
What is Rocky Linux?
Gregory Kurtzer, a co-founder of CentOS, launched the Rocky Linux package manager as soon as Red Hat said it would only be concentrating on CentOS Stream. Rocky Linux was introduced in December 2020 to bridge the gap left by the outdated CentOS by offering a reliable and consistent platform derived from RHEL sources. In June 2021, Rocky Linux package manager released its first stable version.
Rocky Linux was developed by CentOS creator Gregory Kurtzer to create an operating system that served the same function as CentOS. RHEL binary compatibility is maintained by the downstream distribution.
The Rocky Enterprise Software Foundation oversees the project, providing the rights to distribute the software, ensuring its software remains freely available and free from corporate association, just as it did during the glorious times of the earlier predecessor. Rocky Linux provides a number of advantages, including a robust security design, a thriving community, and a focus on developing a production-ready platform for a variety of uses.
Unlike proprietary operating systems, Linux’s open-source architecture allows users to easily modify and distribute the code. Therefore, it is fostering a collaborative community that pushes continuous progress. Linux serves a wide range of applications, from personal computers to enterprise-level programs, with its numerous distributions, or “distros.” Let’s now discuss the main AlmaLinux vs Rocky Linux comparison for better understanding.
Also Read: 400+ Linux Basic Commands You Should Know
Rocky Linux vs AlmaLinux: Key Differences
Here is the Rocky Linux vs AlmaLinux comparison you must know in 2025:
Support And Community
AlmaLinux has a strong and diverse community; the AlmaLinux OS Foundation is always here to assist. By means of several forms of broad participation, the Foundation guarantees that the program remains free and open to all. It offers official forums, specialist IRC channels, and mailing lists, among other support channels available to users.
Regular incremental updates and prompt problem-solving are ensured via a community-driven development approach.
The Rocky Enterprise Software Foundation supports Rocky Linux with a focus on the community-driven paradigm. Participation from the users working on this project is quite active and aggressive. Rapid development and widespread acceptance are obvious in such a situation.
Speaking of support of AlmaLinux vs Rocky Linux, Rocky Linux offers an option of support through community forums, chat channels, and mailing lists to patrons. The RESF also provides detailed documentation and frequent updates to cover the distribution from servers with other distributions, for example, the server running on Kali Linux.
Cycle of Release And Stability
Since both Rocky Linux vs AlmaLinux follow the RHEL release schedule, timely upgrades and compatibility are guaranteed. Both distributions are quick to recompile and release their respective versions once a new RHEL version becomes available. However, the difference in efficiency and timings can have a notice.
On the other hand, AlmaLinux continuously exhibits quicker turnaround times for security patches, upgrades, and patches. Its community-controlled, effective development and distribution pipeline was developed from CloudLinux’s established infrastructure. Users will benefit from faster access to important security updates as a result, including the ability to backport improvements from upstream projects that Red Hat hasn’t yet adopted. Also, check out our premium Linux Shared Hosting Services!
Enterprise Adoption and Support
The degree of enterprise support available is one of the biggest distinctions between Rocky Linux 9 vs AlmaLinux 9. Because AlmaLinux, which is supported by CloudLinux, provides professional support choices, it is a desirable alternative for companies that want dependable and prompt technical assistance. The participation of CloudLinux also improves the overall experience for AlmaLinux users by providing them with more tools and resources.
Despite remaining mostly community-driven, enterprise adoption of Rocky Linux has been increasing. Rocky Linux is professionally supported by a number of partners, serving businesses in need of enterprise-grade solutions. In this case, your particular corporate support requirements and the degree of certainty you want from your operating system supplier may determine which of AlmaLinux vs Rocky Linux is best for you.
Also Read: Debian vs Ubuntu: Which Linux Distribution Is Right For You?
Performance
Like CentOS, AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux are both production-ready, enterprise-grade operating systems, and their performance is similar since they are identical RHEL rebuilds. The employment of bespoke software could be the only reason for the performance discrepancy.
The most recent iterations of Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux are built on top of the upstream kernel version 5.14, which includes enhancements for cloud and container development. This kernel improves user authentication logs, SELinux efficiency, and security, just like Linux system administration.
Both Rocky Linux vs AlmaLinux differences operating systems that run corporate applications both on-premises and in the cloud, because of their lightning-fast speed.
Tooling And Ecosystem
In order to facilitate a seamless transition from CentOS, AlmaLinux provides a range of tools for developers and server administrators. Numerous third-party tools and programs support the distribution. AlmaLinux is easier to incorporate into current infrastructures because of its support.
Rocky Linux is compatible and simple to integrate since it is readily available through a wide range of third-party tools and applications. In keeping with the CentOS scenario, Rocky Linux provides extensive system development and administration tools.
Funding
A nonprofit is in charge of AlmaLinux. AlmaLinux receives a $1 million yearly sponsorship from CloudLinux and other sponsors, such as WebPros and Black Host, to ensure that the distribution will continue and remain free forever. Since 2009, CloudLinux has been in use. Because of CloudLinux’s longevity and this annual funding cap, users may be guaranteed that AlmaLinux will always have money for upgrades. This makes AlmaLinux the best choice in our AlmaLinux vs Rocky Linux comparison.
The Rocky community runs the Rocky Linux OS. Rocky Linux’s original sponsor and service provider, Ctrl IQ (CIQ), has contributed $26 million to the distribution. Since this is a one-time investment, further funding will be required down the road.
Target Market and Use Cases
Businesspeople, developers, and IT specialists seeking a reliable, enterprise-friendly operating system are the target audience for AlmaLinux. AlmaLinux is the ideal choice for businesses looking for dependable production environments without the related expenses because it is a one-to-one binary compatible with the Red Hat Enterprise Linux family tree. Database administration, software development, and cloud-based anonymous web hosting are typical applications.
Rocky Linux, in contrast, dedicates itself to community involvement and employs efficient open governance, which allows it to adapt to the operational requirements of the user. Rocky Linux is most popular in high-performance computers, virtualization settings, and Linux cloud deployments.
AlmaLinux vs Rocky Linux: Which One to Choose in 2025?
It’s difficult to decide between AlmaLinux vs Rocky Linux because they’re both excellent. Your use case and particular requirements will determine which option is best for you. This isn’t really a differentiator for either, as both can handle any workload that runs on Red Hat Linux.
However, AlmaLinux provides a little more freedom. With support from CloudLinux, it’s also a well-liked option for managed service providers (MSPs), web hosting companies, and companies that want a little more flexibility. Organizations that need enterprise-grade assistance without rigorous adherence to upstream RHEL will find it ideal. This is because both Rocky Linux vs AlmaLinux distributions offer security updates and long-term support.
Conclusion
Both AlmaLinux vs Rocky Linux are great alternatives to CentOS, and each has its own advantages and community support. Although the goal and target audience of both operating systems are the same, users and businesses who are previously using CentOS are now searching for alternatives. Individual tastes will determine which option is best for them. Both OSes have the same performance, stability, and learning curve because they are 1:1 RHEL forks. Rocky Linux vs AlmaLinux differences provide stable and high-performing systems, whether it is for community governance or commercial support. Comment below if you have any queries about the Rocky Linux vs AlmaLinux comparison.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What Is Better, AlmaLinux Or Rocky Linux?
AlmaLinux distinguishes itself by its quicker update cycle, wider platform coverage, and cooperative attitude to the Linux community. Even though both AlmaLinux vs Rocky Linux provide RHEL compatibility and extended support windows.
What Are The Disadvantages Of AlmaLinux?
This distribution is stable but not state-of-the-art because it is downstream for updates. Because of this, upgrading to new software versions presents certain challenges, much like with CentOS.
Is AlmaLinux The Same As RHEL?
Since Red Hat had an announcement of the official release of RHEL 10. Many firms that are using AlmaLinux in production may decide to forego this release because it is a near-clone of RHEL. This is because its features are exactly the same, but there may be subtle variations in the code.
What Did Rocky Linux Replace?
After Red Hat said that CentOS Linux would be discontinued in favor of CentOS Stream, Rocky Linux was developed as a substitute for CentOS Linux.