RHEL 10 vs Ubuntu 24.04 | Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing the right Linux distribution for your needs can feel like navigating a maze, especially with so many powerful options available. Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 10 and Ubuntu 24.04 are two of the most popular choices for businesses, developers, and hobbyists in 2025. Both are robust, reliable, and packed with features, but they cater to different use cases. RHEL 10, released in May 2025, is known for its enterprise-grade stability and support, while Ubuntu 24.04, launched in April 2024, shines with its user-friendliness and open-source flexibility. In this blog, we’ll compare these two giants across key areas to help you decide which one suits your goals. Whether you’re running a server, building applications, or setting up a desktop, let’s find the perfect fit for you!
Table of Contents
- Overview of RHEL 10 and Ubuntu 24.04
- Feature Comparison Table
- Performance and Stability
- Ease of Use and Installation
- Software Ecosystem and Package Management
- Security Features
- Support and Community
- Cost and Licensing
- Best Use Cases
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Overview of RHEL 10 and Ubuntu 24.04
RHEL 10: Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 is a commercial Linux distribution designed for enterprise environments. Released in May 2025, it builds on RHEL 9 with a newer kernel (6.12), enhanced AI integration via Lightspeed AI, and full support for post-quantum cryptography. RHEL 10 is tailored for servers, cloud deployments, and mission-critical applications, offering long-term support until May 2030.
Ubuntu 24.04: Ubuntu 24.04 (Noble Numbat) is a free, open-source Linux distribution developed by Canonical. Launched in April 2024, it’s a Long Term Support (LTS) release, supported until April 2029. With Linux kernel 6.8 and Python 3.12, Ubuntu is versatile, catering to desktops, servers, and cloud environments, with a focus on accessibility for beginners and developers.
Both distributions are powerhouses, but RHEL 10 leans toward enterprise stability, while Ubuntu 24.04 emphasizes flexibility and ease of use. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to see how they stack up.
Feature Comparison Table
Here’s a quick comparison of key features to give you a snapshot of RHEL 10 and Ubuntu 24.04.
| Feature | RHEL 10 | Ubuntu 24.04 |
|---|---|---|
| Kernel Version | 6.12 | 6.8 |
| AI Integration | Lightspeed AI | None |
| Image Mode | Full Support | Limited |
| Post-Quantum Crypto | Yes, FIPS Compliant | No |
| Display System | Wayland Only | Wayland (Default), X11 |
| Python Version | 3.12 | 3.12 |
| Support End | May 2030 | April 2029 |
| Package Manager | DNF (RPM) | APT (DEB) |
| Cost | Subscription-Based | Free (Optional Paid Support) |
Performance and Stability
RHEL 10: Built for enterprise workloads, RHEL 10 uses Linux kernel 6.12, offering improved performance for high-demand applications like databases and virtualization. Its rigorous testing ensures rock-solid stability, making it ideal for mission-critical servers. Features like Lightspeed AI optimize resource allocation for AI workloads, and full image mode support ensures consistent system deployments.
Ubuntu 24.04: With kernel 6.8, Ubuntu 24.04 delivers strong performance for both desktops and servers. It’s optimized for cloud environments like AWS and Azure, with a focus on responsiveness for general use. While stable as an LTS release, it may receive faster updates than RHEL, which can introduce minor bugs but also quicker feature rollouts.
Verdict: RHEL 10 wins for enterprise stability and AI-driven workloads, while Ubuntu 24.04 is better for general-purpose performance and faster updates.
Ease of Use and Installation
RHEL 10: Installation requires a Red Hat subscription or developer account, which can be a hurdle for beginners. The Anaconda installer is straightforward but less intuitive than Ubuntu’s. The desktop environment (GNOME 46) is clean but tailored for enterprise users, requiring familiarity with tools like dnf for package management.
Ubuntu 24.04: Ubuntu’s installer (Ubiquity) is user-friendly, with a graphical interface that guides beginners through partitioning and setup. The default GNOME desktop is polished and intuitive, and tools like Ubuntu Software Center simplify app installation. Snap packages (snap install) make software management accessible.
Verdict: Ubuntu 24.04 is more beginner-friendly due to its intuitive installer and desktop experience, while RHEL 10 suits users comfortable with enterprise setups.
Software Ecosystem and Package Management
RHEL 10: Uses the DNF package manager (dnf install) with RPM packages, offering a curated repository of enterprise-grade software. It supports Flatpak for desktop apps and Podman for containers, but the software selection is smaller due to Red Hat’s focus on stability. Third-party repositories like EPEL can expand options.
Ubuntu 24.04: Employs APT (apt install) with DEB packages, providing access to a vast repository, including the Ubuntu Software Center and PPAs (Personal Package Archives). Snap packages ensure easy installation of apps like Firefox and VS Code, making Ubuntu ideal for developers and desktop users.
Verdict: Ubuntu 24.04 offers a broader software ecosystem, especially for desktop and development needs, while RHEL 10 prioritizes enterprise software reliability.
Security Features
RHEL 10: Excels in security with SELinux (Security-Enhanced Linux) enabled by default, offering fine-grained access control. It includes post-quantum cryptography (FIPS-compliant) and advanced firewall management with firewalld. Regular security patches and Red Hat Insights provide proactive vulnerability monitoring.
Ubuntu 24.04: Uses AppArmor for application security, which is simpler than SELinux but less granular. It supports ufw (Uncomplicated Firewall) for easy firewall setup and offers timely security updates. Ubuntu’s open-source nature allows community-driven security fixes, but it lacks RHEL’s enterprise-grade compliance tools.
Verdict: RHEL 10 is the choice for high-security enterprise environments, while Ubuntu 24.04 offers solid security for general use.
Support and Community
RHEL 10: Backed by Red Hat’s commercial support, including 24/7 assistance and detailed documentation (docs.redhat.com). Support requires a subscription, but the Red Hat Developer Program offers free access for non-production use. The community is smaller but highly professional, with forums like r/redhat.
Ubuntu 24.04: Offers a vibrant community through forums (ubuntuforums.org), Ask Ubuntu, and Reddit’s r/Ubuntu. Canonical provides optional paid support via Ubuntu Advantage, but most users rely on free community resources. Regular LTS updates ensure long-term reliability.
Verdict: Ubuntu 24.04 has a larger, more accessible community, while RHEL 10 offers premium enterprise support.
Cost and Licensing
RHEL 10: Requires a paid subscription for production use, starting at $350/year for standard support. The Red Hat Developer Program provides free access for up to 16 systems in non-production environments, but enterprise deployments can be costly.
Ubuntu 24.04: Completely free for personal and commercial use, with optional Ubuntu Advantage subscriptions ($150–$1,500/year) for enterprise support. This makes Ubuntu more budget-friendly, especially for startups and individuals.
Verdict: Ubuntu 24.04 is the cost-effective choice, while RHEL 10’s subscription model suits organizations needing dedicated support.
Best Use Cases
RHEL 10:
- Enterprise servers and data centers requiring maximum stability and compliance.
- AI and machine learning workloads leveraging Lightspeed AI.
- Organizations needing FIPS-compliant security and long-term support (until 2030).
- DevOps teams using Ansible and Podman for automation and containers.
Ubuntu 24.04:
- Developers building applications with a wide range of tools and libraries.
- Small businesses or startups seeking free, flexible solutions.
- Desktop users wanting an intuitive, customizable interface.
- Cloud deployments on platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
Verdict: RHEL 10 is ideal for enterprise and high-security environments, while Ubuntu 24.04 suits developers, small businesses, and desktop users.
Conclusion
Choosing between RHEL 10 and Ubuntu 24.04 depends on your specific needs and resources. RHEL 10 shines in enterprise settings, offering unmatched stability, advanced security (SELinux, post-quantum crypto), and AI integration with Lightspeed AI. Its subscription-based model and long-term support make it perfect for large organizations running mission-critical systems. On the other hand, Ubuntu 24.04 is a versatile, free option with a user-friendly interface, vast software ecosystem, and strong community support, ideal for developers, startups, and desktop users. If budget and ease of use are priorities, Ubuntu 24.04 is the way to go. For enterprise-grade reliability and support, RHEL 10 is the better choice. Evaluate your goals, try both in a virtual machine, and pick the one that aligns with your vision. Happy Linux-ing!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is RHEL 10?
RHEL 10 is a commercial Linux distribution by Red Hat, released in May 2025, designed for enterprise servers and cloud with advanced security and AI features.
What is Ubuntu 24.04?
Ubuntu 24.04 (Noble Numbat) is a free, open-source Linux distribution by Canonical, launched in April 2024, ideal for desktops, servers, and cloud.
Which has better performance, RHEL 10 or Ubuntu 24.04?
RHEL 10 excels in enterprise workloads, while Ubuntu 24.04 offers strong general-purpose performance with faster updates.
Is RHEL 10 free to use?
RHEL 10 requires a subscription for production use, but the Red Hat Developer Program offers free access for non-production environments.
Is Ubuntu 24.04 free?
Yes, Ubuntu 24.04 is free for personal and commercial use, with optional paid support via Ubuntu Advantage.
Which is easier to install, RHEL 10 or Ubuntu 24.04?
Ubuntu 24.04’s Ubiquity installer is more beginner-friendly than RHEL 10’s Anaconda installer.
What package manager does RHEL 10 use?
RHEL 10 uses DNF (dnf install) with RPM packages for software management.
What package manager does Ubuntu 24.04 use?
Ubuntu 24.04 uses APT (apt install) with DEB packages, plus Snap for easy app installation.
Which is more secure, RHEL 10 or Ubuntu 24.04?
RHEL 10 offers enterprise-grade security with SELinux and post-quantum cryptography, while Ubuntu 24.04 uses simpler AppArmor.
Does RHEL 10 support AI workloads?
Yes, RHEL 10 includes Lightspeed AI for optimizing AI and machine learning tasks.
Does Ubuntu 24.04 support AI workloads?
Ubuntu 24.04 supports AI tools through third-party software but lacks native AI integration like RHEL 10.
Which has better desktop support?
Ubuntu 24.04’s polished GNOME desktop and Ubuntu Software Center make it better for desktop users.
Which is better for servers, RHEL 10 or Ubuntu 24.04?
RHEL 10 is preferred for enterprise servers due to its stability and support, while Ubuntu 24.04 suits smaller or cloud-based servers.
What is the support duration for RHEL 10?
RHEL 10 is supported until May 2030.
What is the support duration for Ubuntu 24.04?
Ubuntu 24.04 is supported until April 2029.
Can I use RHEL 10 for development?
Yes, RHEL 10 supports development with tools like Podman and Ansible, but it’s less flexible than Ubuntu.
Is Ubuntu 24.04 good for beginners?
Yes, its intuitive interface and vast community make Ubuntu 24.04 ideal for beginners.
Does RHEL 10 support containers?
Yes, RHEL 10 uses Podman for container management, with strong enterprise integration.
Does Ubuntu 24.04 support containers?
Yes, Ubuntu 24.04 supports containers via Docker and LXD, with easy setup for developers.
How do I choose between RHEL 10 and Ubuntu 24.04?
Choose RHEL 10 for enterprise stability and security; pick Ubuntu 24.04 for flexibility, cost, and ease of use.
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