Debian and Ubuntu are two popular Linux distributions. In this deep dive we will guide you on the key differences between them from perspective of both corporate enterprise and personal productivity or pleasure usage. After reading this blog post you should be in a better position to decide to select Ubuntu or Debian.
Stewardship, Licensing, Community and Cost

Where as Debian is 100% fully committed to free software as defined by the Debian Free Software Guidelines, Ubuntu is created by Canonical and does have a fundamental profit motive, to get customers and revenue. That does not mean the profit motive prevents the creation of an amazing Open Source Linux distribution, because Ubuntu is one of the world’s most popular distributions, so clearly the profit motive is helping them. However based on your needs and use cases, its important to know the difference that Debian is 100% pure open source, and Ubuntu is mostly open source, but with various enterprise and commercial extensions and offerings.

Debian was created by Ian Murdock in 1993 and intended Debian to be a distribution “by the community, for the community,” aiming for stability, reliability, and adherence to free software principles.

Mark Shuttleworth, a South African entrepreneur and philanthropist, founded Ubuntu in 2004. Shuttleworth aimed to create a Linux distribution that was user-friendly, accessible, and well-supported for both desktop and server environments.

The result of these origination stories reflects back to what the intention was, Debian a stable and reliable distribution by the community and 100% free; and Ubuntu a distro that delights its users with amazing and friendly interfaces and capabilities.

Debian is completely free to download, use, and redistribute, with support provided by a global community through forums, mailing lists, and extensive documentation. While the Debian Project does not offer official paid support, enterprises can opt to hire external consultants or service providers for tailored assistance.

Ubuntu is free to download, use, and redistribute, adhering to open-source principles while including free software. It also offers optional proprietary drivers and codecs to enhance hardware compatibility, all at no additional cost for personal or enterprise use. For those seeking professional assistance, Canonical provides enterprise-grade support through subscription plans tailored for individuals and organizations. While annual support costs typically start around $200 per system, pricing can vary significantly based on options, volume, and packaging, and may change over time. Additionally, Ubuntu’s popularity makes it easy to find third-party companies or consultants who can provide support.

Administration and Command Differences

Believe it or not, Ubuntu is actually a derivative work of Debian. Instead of creating an entire distribution from scratch, the Ubuntu team leverages Debian as its base, which means there are many similarities between them. The core tools like apt, dpkg, and systemctl are used in both distributions for package management and service management. However to make the OS more user friendly Ubuntu adds various features.

Ubuntu includes support for Personal Package Archives (PPAs), making it easy for users to install software from third-party repositories. A PPA is a specialized software repository designed for Ubuntu, maintained by individual developers or teams, and often provides software not available in the official Ubuntu repositories. Users can add a PPA to their system with a single command (e.g., add-apt-repository), giving them access to the hosted software. Once added, the software can be installed and updated seamlessly through the regular package manager (apt).

Both Debian and Ubuntu use systemd as the default init system for managing services, replacing older systems like SysVinit or Upstart. Administrators can manage services using the same systemctl commands to start, stop, enable, disable, or check their status. Debian provides a minimal environment with fewer pre-installed services and grants administrators greater manual control over which services are enabled or running after installation. Non-essential services are not automatically configured, which reduces resource usage but requires additional setup. Ubuntu, on the other hand, offers a more feature-complete default environment with pre-installed and pre-configured services. Essential services, such as network management and the display manager, are often enabled by default, ensuring a smoother and more user-friendly out-of-the-box experience.

Installation and Upgrade Process

The installation and upgrade process of Debian vs Ubuntu is one of the first places you will see a difference, that is meaningful.

Debian offers a text-based installation interface with an optional graphical mode. The setup process requires manual configuration for tasks such as disk partitioning, selecting desktop environments, and enabling non-free repositories. Separate installation images are available for desktop and server editions, along with a minimal ISO for downloading only the necessary components during setup. Additionally, media codecs and proprietary drivers are not included by default and must be installed manually.

Ubuntu features a clean and user-friendly graphical installer designed for simplicity. It includes automated disk partitioning and pre-configured defaults, significantly reducing the need for manual setup. This streamlined process makes Ubuntu highly accessible to beginners. The installation comes with proprietary drivers and codecs pre-installed, ensuring excellent out-of-the-box hardware compatibility. It is optimized for quick deployment, allowing users to start working immediately after installation. Additionally, pre-installed software and tools make the system ready for use with minimal post-installation setup required.

Both are acceptable, but generally Ubuntu is going to be easier for beginners or advanced beginners, and Debian arguably is more customizable.

Upgrades in Ubuntu are designed to be automated and user-friendly, thanks to tools like do-release-upgrade. This utility simplifies the process by guiding users through each step, ensuring that all packages are upgraded efficiently while minimizing the risk of errors. With Ubuntu, users can perform upgrades directly from the command line or through a graphical interface, making it accessible even for those with limited technical expertise. The process handles dependencies automatically, checks for potential issues, and provides solutions where possible, significantly reducing the complexity and effort required during upgrades. This streamlined approach is particularly beneficial for enterprise environments where minimizing downtime and ensuring a smooth transition are critical.

In contrast, Debian’s upgrade process, especially for Stable systems, requires more manual oversight and attention to detail. Administrators need to carefully prepare for upgrades by modifying the sources.list file to point to the new release repositories, ensuring that dependencies are resolved, and addressing any configuration conflicts that may arise. Because Debian prioritizes stability, some software may become outdated over time, requiring administrators to decide whether to backport features or replace packages. The process often involves reviewing documentation, manually resolving issues, and testing thoroughly to prevent disruptions. While this approach gives experienced users greater control over the upgrade process, it demands a higher level of expertise and time investment, making it more suited for advanced administrators and highly stable environments.

Release Cycles

Major Debian releases occur approximately every 2–3 years. The Debian team prioritizes stability above all else, rigorously testing each release to ensure reliability. This focus on stability often comes at the cost of introducing the latest features, but it guarantees a robust and dependable system for critical use cases. Each Stable release is fully supported for three years by the Debian Security Team, during which updates include security patches and critical bug fixes. After the initial three years, the release transitions to the Debian Long Term Support (LTS) phase for an additional two years, with a dedicated team providing security updates for core packages. Support for less critical or niche packages during the LTS phase may be limited. For some releases, an Extended LTS (ELTS) phase is also available, offering support beyond the standard five years. ELTS is typically provided by third-party vendors and is designed for enterprises requiring extended security maintenance.

Ubuntu adheres to a predictable release schedule, with new versions released every six months, in April and October. Every two years, an LTS (Long-Term Support) version is introduced, supported for five years, or up to ten years with Ubuntu Pro. Non-LTS releases are supported for nine months and are intended for users who want access to the latest features and innovations.

This release policy reflects the audience intended for each distribution.

Packages and Software Availability

Debian offers a vast and highly stable repository with tens of thousands of packages. However, it does not include non-free or proprietary packages by default; users must manually enable the “non-free” repository if needed. Debian typically provides older, well-tested software versions, prioritizing stability over the latest features, which can result in updates lagging behind Ubuntu. For users with sufficient technical expertise, Debian allows the creation of custom systems with tailored configurations, offering granular control over package versions and dependencies.

Ubuntu, while featuring a slightly smaller repository than Debian, includes a mix of open-source and proprietary software for enhanced user convenience. It supports Personal Package Archives (PPAs), making it easy to access third-party and custom software, often providing newer versions than those available in the main repository. Ubuntu frequently updates its packages, especially in non-LTS releases, delivering quicker access to the latest features compared to Debian.

Hardware Compatibility

Debian is more likely to encounter compatibility issues on consumer-grade PCs and laptops, particularly with proprietary components like Wi-Fi cards, GPUs, and fingerprint sensors. By default, Debian excludes proprietary drivers and firmware to adhere to its open-source principles, requiring users to manually enable the “non-free” repository and install additional drivers. This lack of proprietary support can lead to common issues such as missing Wi-Fi drivers, limited out-of-the-box support for NVIDIA/AMD GPUs, and challenges with hybrid graphics setups. Troubleshooting and manual configuration are often necessary, making Debian less ideal for out-of-the-box functionality on consumer hardware.

In contrast, Ubuntu automatically detects and configures most hardware during installation, including graphics cards, wireless adapters, and multimedia devices. This makes Ubuntu ideal for users seeking a plug-and-play experience with minimal troubleshooting. Ubuntu also includes tools like the “Additional Drivers” utility, which simplifies the process of installing or updating drivers for proprietary components such as Wi-Fi, touchpads, graphics, and power management features. Thanks to its inclusion of proprietary firmware and drivers by default, Ubuntu rarely encounters significant hardware issues on consumer PCs and laptops, ensuring a smoother and more user-friendly experience.

Performance Comparison

Fundamentally, there is no inherent performance difference between these two distributions. However, Ubuntu’s out-of-the-box setup and Debian’s customizable nature can create different user experiences. Advanced users may prefer Debian for its lean installation and greater control, while beginners might find Ubuntu’s automation and defaults provide a more streamlined and performant experience.

Debugging and Performance Tools

Debian includes debian-debug packages, which offer debug symbols for core applications in a consistent and predictable manner. Canonical, on the other hand, provides specific tools unique to Ubuntu, such as Apport, a crash reporting and analysis tool that automatically detects and collects debugging information for crashes. Additionally, Ubuntu offers Landscape, an enterprise-focused system monitoring and management tool designed for centralized performance monitoring, available as a paid feature.

Backup and Cloning Tools

Debian does not include default backup or cloning tools pre-installed but supports basic Linux tools like rsync for manual backups. In contrast, Ubuntu often includes user-friendly backup tools like Deja Dup (a GUI frontend for duplicity) in its default desktop installation, offering an easy-to-use solution for personal backups.

Debian lacks native integrations with modern enterprise backup systems but works seamlessly with open-source tools like Bacula or Amanda. Ubuntu, on the other hand, offers better support for enterprise-grade tools such as Veeam or NetBackup, along with commercial integrations for cloud-based backup solutions. Additionally, Canonical’s enterprise support plans, such as Landscape, provide tools for centralized backup and system management, further enhancing Ubuntu’s suitability for enterprise environments.

Automation Apis

Debian does not include dedicated system automation APIs by default, staying true to its philosophy of minimalism and flexibility. Automation on Debian is typically achieved using standard Linux tools, scripting languages like Bash or Python, and open-source frameworks such as Ansible, Puppet, or Chef. Advanced users can also implement bespoke enterprise automation through custom scripting and configurations.

Ubuntu, on the other hand, provides better out-of-the-box support for automation, offering native tools and integrations that simplify system management. It includes cloud-init, a widely used industry standard for automating server initialization in multi-cloud environments. Pre-installed on Ubuntu server images, cloud-init streamlines deployment and setup. Additionally, Canonical offers the Landscape API for enterprise customers, enabling centralized automation and management of multiple Ubuntu systems. This API supports automated package updates, configuration changes, and resource monitoring across fleets of servers or desktops.

Cloud Hosting Options

Debian provides official images on major cloud platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Microsoft Azure. These images are minimal, offering a clean and stable environment for users to customize as needed. However, updates and maintenance of Debian cloud images are community-driven, which can result in slower adoption of cloud-specific features compared to Ubuntu.

Ubuntu, on the other hand, is deeply integrated into public cloud platforms, with optimized images maintained and updated directly by Canonical. These images ensure compatibility with the latest cloud platform features. Additionally, Ubuntu offers specialized cloud variants like Ubuntu Pro, which include enhanced security updates, compliance certifications, and enterprise-grade features.

Third Party Commercial Software Application Support

Ubuntu is widely regarded as the go-to Linux distribution for third-party commercial software, making it more likely to receive official vendor support. Major enterprise applications, such as Docker, Kubernetes, VMware tools, database platforms, and proprietary software like Zoom or Slack, frequently provide pre-built Ubuntu packages or Snap packages. Canonical’s enterprise partnerships with companies like Microsoft, AWS, and Google further ensure official support for Ubuntu across various applications and cloud services. Additionally, many modern cloud-native and containerized applications prioritize Ubuntu compatibility, leveraging its strong presence in public cloud environments.

In contrast, while Debian is a highly stable and reliable platform, it is less commonly supported directly by third-party software vendors. Users often need to adapt Ubuntu packages or build software from source to run on Debian, which can pose challenges for those with less technical experience.

Summary and Conclusion

Debian is a community-driven distribution fully committed to free software, prioritizing stability, reliability, and customizability. In contrast, Ubuntu is a Canonical-driven distribution that emphasizes user-friendliness, enterprise readiness, and enhanced compatibility through the inclusion of some proprietary components.

Debian is best suited for advanced users who prefer manual configurations and a lean, customizable environment. On the other hand, Ubuntu is beginner-friendly, offering pre-configured tools, automated installation, and easy upgrades, making it accessible to less technical users.

For home and personal use, Debian provides limited out-of-the-box support for proprietary hardware, often requiring manual driver installation. In contrast, Ubuntu excels in hardware compatibility with pre-installed proprietary drivers and firmware, significantly reducing setup challenges and providing a smoother experience.

In terms of third-party software support, Debian receives less direct support from vendors, often requiring users to adapt software or build it from source. Ubuntu, however, is widely supported by third-party vendors, with pre-built packages readily available for enterprise applications.

Debian is ideal for advanced users, stable servers, or enterprises seeking open-source-only environments with maximum control. Meanwhile, Ubuntu is perfect for beginners, enterprise environments, cloud deployments, and users needing strong vendor or hardware support.

Comments around the web

We found some interesting comments on the web about this topic:

“Pushing snaps so aggressively has also pushed away an incredible amount of users from Ubuntu.” — mok0 from Reddit, 2022

“I prefer Debian now as I know what I want. I used to be on Ubuntu but over the years bloat and forced choices made me go to Debian.” — pycvalade from Reddit, 2022

However less comments from Ubuntu fans, maybe they don’t comment online and are just happy with the product. Ubuntu is widely popular so I guess for some people it just works.





More...