Debian vs. Ubuntu: Which Linux distro is right for you?

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ZDNET’s key takeaways

• Debian and Ubuntu are similar, but they’re not the same
• Debian is more stable, and Ubuntu is easier to use.
• I’d only recommend one of them to users new to Linux.

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Ubuntu is based on Debian, and hundreds of distributions are based on Ubuntu. They are both known for their stability.

Ubuntu and Debian, however, are not the same.

Which should you choose?

I’ve been using Ubuntu-based distributions for a very long time. Currently, my distribution of choice is Pop!_OS, but I’ve also used Zorin OS, elementary OS, Ubuntu, Bodhi Linux, Linux Mint, and a host of others along the way.

Given that Debian is often referred to as the “mother of all distributions,” it would seem logical to think that these Ubuntu-based distros are similar enough to be interchangeable.

That is not the case.

Also: 5 of the easiest, quickest Linux distros to install – and I’ve tried them all

Debian and Ubuntu have enough differences that make each the best option for certain users.

Let’s dive into this.

Debian: Who’s it for?

Debian serves as the base for the distribution that underlies many others. Like Ubuntu, Debian utilizes the APT package manager, the systemd init service, the AppArmor access control system, and features a handy graphical installer.

Also: Debian 13 arrives with major updates for Linux users – what’s new in ‘Trixie’

From there, the similarities start to fade.

A slower pace

One of the biggest differences between Debian and Ubuntu is the pace at which they are released. While Ubuntu benefits from an every-six-month release cycle, Debian does not have a fixed schedule for releases. The Debian development team’s goal is to release a new iteration every two years.

Part of the reason for this slower pace is that the developers do a lot of software testing to ensure a release is as stable as possible. This is why Debian has a reputation for being one of the most stable operating systems on the market.

The problem with such a release cycle is that you wind up with software that “seems” out of date — but that’s not actually the case. Although a lot of software that goes along with a Debian release isn’t the latest-greatest, it’s still very much viable (and still supported). In other words, Debian only includes software packages that are still receiving updates.

A bit more secure

By nature, Linux is a very secure operating system, and Debian benefits from that. However, unlike so many distributions that automatically add your user (created during installation) to the sudo group (for admin use), Debian does not.

To run an Admin task in Debian, you must do so via the root user. 

Some consider this an unnecessary step;  however, it does add a bit more security to the system. Since standard users are not part of the admin group, if a malicious user gains access to the system, they can only cause damage via the root account. As long as you’ve assigned a very strong/unique password to the root user, the chances of that happening are greatly lessened.

Limited package management

Unlike Ubuntu, Debian does not ship with one of the universal package managers (Snap or Flatpak), which means APT is your tool for installing packages. You can, however, install either (or both) Snap or Flatpak if you like.

There are several reasons for not including a universal package manager, including philosophical differences, concerns about performance and disk space, and the belief in the power of APT.

This does mean that, out of the box, you have fewer apps that can be installed (especially of the proprietary nature). However, as I mentioned, you can always install either one or both.

Is Debian right for you?

As I said, Debian is one of the most stable operating systems available. If you want unmatched stability in your OS, Debian is the way to go.

However, if you’re new to Linux, Debian might not be the best choice. Not only do you have to deal with the root user account, but you’ll also need to take care of a few additional tasks, some of which may involve the command line. 

My take on Debian is that it’s for those who like Ubuntu but have grown out of the simplicity and would like a distribution that uses a more traditional approach to package management. Some might say that Debian is best suited for admins, but I consider it a great option for those who’ve cut their teeth on Ubuntu and are looking for something a bit more “old school.”

Ubuntu: Who’s it for?

Ubuntu is based on Debian; however, on the surface, you’d think they were two totally different distributions. Interestingly, both distributions utilize the GNOME desktop environment. However, Canonical (the maintainer of Ubuntu) takes GNOME and tweaks it until it barely resembles the original.

Also: The easiest way to try out Ubuntu Linux

Ubuntu adds a side panel into the mix, so it resembles the Unity desktop that the distribution once used. For many, that side panel might raise an eyebrow, but it’s still as user-friendly as any bottom panel on the market.

Release schedule

Unlike Debian, Ubuntu has a much more robust release schedule. Like clockwork, you can count on a new release of Ubuntu every six months. April (.04) and October (.10), and the developers rarely miss a release date.

Then there are the Long Term Support (LTS) and Short Term Support (STS) releases. LTS releases enjoy a very long support window (up to 15 years), whereas STS releases get roughly nine months of support. I would always recommend the LTS releases, unless you want to always have the newest of the new.

Also: While Windows 10 users panic, Ubuntu makes extending support easy – here’s how

When you compare that to the five years a Debian LTS release gets, Ubuntu all of a sudden looks like the better option. But then again, are you really going to keep that same operating system on your computer for 15 years?

I doubt it.

The point is — you can.

Packages, package, packages

Out of the box, Ubuntu uses the APT package manager, but also includes the Snap universal package manager. That means you have more resources from which to install software. Some members of the Linux community do not enjoy this, as they would rather use the traditional package manager, APT. 

These are the most common complaints about Snap packages:

• Slow to install.
• Slow to start.
• Take too much RAM.
• Use too much disk space.
• Auto-update themselves without asking.

On the other hand, Snap packages make it easier to install some proprietary apps on Linux, and they are isolated from one another, adding an extra layer of security.

Hardware

Finally, Ubuntu offers some of the best hardware recognition available. This is primarily due to the inclusion of the HWE (Hardware Enablement) kernel, which provides support for significantly more modern hardware.

Debian uses a more traditional kernel, and due to its release cycle, the shipped kernel may seem somewhat outdated.

I’ve yet to install a modern Ubuntu release on a desktop or laptop that failed to recognize hardware.

Is Ubuntu right for you?

Which is more important to you: Ease of use or stability?

If stability is your priority, opt for Debian. If ease of use is your primary concern, consider Ubuntu.

That’s not to say that Ubuntu isn’t stable or that Debian isn’t easy to use; however, when you compare the two, those issues do stand out. Yes, Ubuntu is stable, but not quite as stable as Debian. Yes, Debian is easy to use, but not quite as easy as Ubuntu.

Both Debian and Ubuntu are excellent operating systems, but I would recommend only one of them to those new to Linux — Ubuntu.