Ubuntu vs Debian

A detailed side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right Linux distribution for your needs.

Feature Comparison

FeatureUbuntuDebian
BaseDebianIndependent
DesktopmacOS-likeWindows-like
Release CycleLTSStable
Skill LevelGUI-onlyCLI-native
HardwareModernModern
KernelStableStable
PackagesFlatpak/SnapFlatpak/Snap
PhilosophyCorporateHardened FOSS
MutabilityTraditionalTraditional
GPU SupportNVIDIA, AMD, IntelNVIDIA, AMD, Intel
WorkloadsDevelopment, GeneralDevelopment
StatusStableStable

About Ubuntu

Ubuntu is a Linux distribution based on Debian and composed primarily of free and open-source software. Developed by the British company Canonical and a community of contributors under a meritocratic governance model, Ubuntu is released in multiple official editions: Desktop, Server, and Core for IoT and robotic devices.

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About Debian

Debian is a Linux distribution developed by the Debian Project, established by Ian Murdock in August 1993.

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