CentOS Stream vs Xubuntu
| CentOS Stream | Xubuntu | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Paid from | Free | — |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | Linux, self-hosted | Linux |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Device types | Servers, workstations, cloud instances, and containers | desktop computers |
| CPU architectures | CentOS Stream 10: AMD/Intel 64-bit (x86_64_v3), ARM 64-bit (ARMv8.0-A), IBM Power (POWER9), IBM Z (z14) | x86_64 (Intel or AMD 64-bit) |
| Support lifecycle | CentOS Stream 10 maintained until 2030; roughly five-year lifecycle. CentOS Stream 9 end-of-life: 2027-05-31. | Regular releases: 9 months; LTS releases: 3 years |
| Built-in management | DNF repositories and package management | Software Updater; Software & Updates settings; Software Center |
| App compatibility | BaseOS and AppStream repositories; RPM packages; Xwayland compatibility layer for legacy X11 applications | APT/DEB packages, Snap, Flatpak, AppImage, PPAs |
| Deployment models | Physical-device installation media; cloud images; container images; Vagrant boxes | Installed on compatible computers; live USB/DVD trial |
Both are listed in Best Operating Systems. On The Geeks Club, CentOS Stream scores higher on our published basis.