Debian vs. Ubuntu for Server Use, Which One to Choose (2024)

If you’re setting up a new server, one of the most critical decisions is the operating system you’ll be using.

Debian and Ubuntu are used both as a desktop OS and a server. They are two of the most popular Linux distributions in history. As everybody knows,Ubuntu is a Debian-based distribution.

Still, it is not an exact copy, and there are significant similarities and great differences between the two. In other words, they are two sides of the same coin.

When it comes to taking a look at the servers of these two OSs and choosing which one is the better one, it should be said that this decision heavily depends on your preferences.

You may have heard that Debian is a distro for experts and Ubuntu for beginners. That is true, so far as it goes. However, that distinction is more historical than contemporary.

Release Model: Debian Stable vs. Ubuntu LTS

One of the most apparent differences between Debian and Ubuntu is how these two distributions are released. Debian has its tiered model based on stability. On the other hand, Ubuntu has regular LTS (Long-Term Support) releases.

Debian Stable releases are supported for a year after the next stable release. So stable releases come out when they’re ready.

Unfortunately, this makes Debian a little unpredictable, as you won’t know when you need to upgrade until you know when the next stable will be finalized.

So if a stable comes out every two years, and you started on a stable release right at its launch, you get three years of updates.

Ubuntu has a much more traditional model. First, the developers make sure to release the LTS version every two years.So with the Ubuntu LTS release, you get five years of support, regardless of any new LTS releases.

This means you should be able to deploy the latest LTS on a box and not worry about it not getting security updates for years and years.

Ubuntu has an advantage over Debian when you have more than a handful of servers or just some applications that can’t afford any downtime for testing upgrades or don’t have the time to spend a day/week testing upgrades.

Software: Debian Stable vs. Ubuntu LTS

Both distros use the same package management system, and you’ll often find software packaged for both. Below the surface, however, there are some key differences to be aware of.

Debian’s Stable release is insanely stable. There are few distributions in the same league regarding rock-solid reliability. But, Debian being very stable comes at a cost.

You won’t be able to use all the latest releases of the software and all the newest bleeding-edge technologies. At least not out of the box.

The software in Debian Stable is usually reasonably outdated. It’s typically outdated when the distribution first ships, but that’s not a problem for servers.

Debian takes a strict stance on free software. They see proprietary software as a sort of last resort. Therefore, you won’t find any proprietary software in a default Debian installation.

Instead, the project ships it all in a separate repository that you must manually enable after the installation.

In addition, if you need nonfree software, you need to add nonfree and contrib sections to every repo.

On the other hand, while Debian discourages proprietary software, Ubuntu developers keep an open mind when it comes to proprietary software. As a result, Ubuntu provides proprietary software in its repositories consisting of hardware drivers.

While these add hardware support and functionality to the system, some users frown upon having commercial software on their system. But Ubuntu has perhaps the largest repositories and best driver support of any distro. However, you might not need all that.

Ubuntu also has Personal Package Archives, commonly known as PPAs, available. These let you easily install packages not available in the official Ubuntu repositories.

As a result, this makes installing a more comprehensive range of software much more straightforward than on Debian.

Performance and Stability

The question of performance with Ubuntu and Debian is pretty simple. Both of these systems perform exceptionally, and you will have a blast if you are looking for a system that functions without any mistakes or struggles.

Debian is a lightweight system, which makes it super fast. As Debian comes bare minimum and is not bundled or prepacked with additional software and features, it makes it super fast and lightweight than Ubuntu.

One important thing to note is that Ubuntu may be less stable than Debian. Debian is praised on forums for its stability, and you may have even heard someone talk about how easy it is to manage Debian servers since nothing goes wrong. That’s not to say that Ubuntu is unstable, but simply that Debian carries a reputation for being more stable.

Debian Stable gets updates only when they are tested and accepted by Debian’s development team, which is very good for stability and security. As a result, updates are usually very smooth and stable.

On the other hand, Ubuntu has a schedule, and updates are not always smooth.

Support

When it comes to open-source software, community support may decide whether the project will be successful. For example, Debian and Ubuntu stand well with the community, and they have a reputation for being popularoperating systems.

Canonical is a company that stands behind Ubuntu and offers support for this OS. Apart from that, thousands of volunteers and enthusiasts also work on improving this operating system. Of course, Debian relies on the communityand those willing to help, which also works great.

Ubuntu’s support team can be hiredto help you with installation, updating, and troubleshooting the system. Unfortunately, Debian has no such support team and relies on a group of volunteers.

Debian and Ubuntu are well maintained and supported Linux distributions. One aims to provide a super solid distribution supported by a large community; the other provides the latest but stable software backed by a corporate, Canonical.

Bottom Line

Expert or Beginner? Free or proprietary? Ease of use or control? Cutting edge or stability?

As you notice, the choosing between Ubuntu and Debian often comes down to what is more important to you and your business.

If popularity matters to you, the official statistics emphasize that Ubuntu is the more popular Linux distro. Of all the Linux servers, Ubuntu runs 32% of them, while Debian has a 15% market share.

Debian remains a popular option for those who value stability over the latest features. Ubuntu servers are also relatively stable, but the simple truth remains that the systems aren’t as time-tested as Debian Stable systems.

However, no matter how you decide, you shall hardly go wrong. Ubuntu and Debian didn’t become, by chance, the leading Linux server distros for all the differences mentioned above.

However, Ubuntu’s and Debian’s joint dominance suggests that either is a good choice, so long as you can understand your priorities.

If you have anything to add, please leave a comment below.