CentOS vs AlmaLinux vs Rocky Linux on AWS
Since CentOS Linux 8 reached end-of-life in December 2021, the enterprise Linux landscape has shifted significantly. Three major distributions now compete for CentOS's former role as a free, RHEL-compatible operating system. Here's how they compare for AWS deployments.
CentOS Stream
CentOS Stream sits upstream of RHEL, receiving updates before they land in the next RHEL release. This makes it a rolling preview of what's coming to RHEL.
Best for: - Development and testing environments - Teams that want early access to RHEL features - Non-production workloads
Considerations: - Updates may introduce changes before RHEL stabilises them - Not a 1:1 binary-compatible RHEL replacement - Supported versions: Stream 9, Stream 10
AlmaLinux
AlmaLinux was created by CloudLinux as a direct CentOS replacement. It aims for 1:1 binary compatibility with RHEL.
Best for: - Production workloads requiring RHEL compatibility - Organisations migrating from CentOS 8 - Teams that value community governance (AlmaLinux OS Foundation)
Key features: - Binary-compatible with RHEL - 10-year support lifecycle - Available in x86_64 and ARM variants - Active community and transparent governance
Rocky Linux
Rocky Linux was founded by Gregory Kurtzer, the original CentOS creator, to provide a bug-for-bug RHEL-compatible distribution.
Best for: - Enterprise production environments - Teams that prioritised CentOS's original mission - Workloads requiring strict RHEL binary compatibility
Key features: - Bug-for-bug RHEL compatibility - Community-driven with enterprise backing - Available in x86_64 and ARM variants
Which Should You Choose on AWS?
For production workloads, both AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux are excellent choices. They offer:
- Full RHEL binary compatibility
- Long-term support
- Pre-configured AWS tools (CLI, SSM Agent, CloudWatch)
For development and testing, CentOS Stream gives you early access to upcoming RHEL features.
All Available on cloudimg
cloudimg offers pre-configured AMIs for all three distributions on AWS Marketplace:
- AlmaLinux 8, 9, and 10 (x86_64 and ARM)
- Rocky Linux 8 and 9 (x86_64 and ARM)
- CentOS Stream 9 and 10
All AMIs include 24/7 support, AWS CLI v2, Systems Manager Agent, and CloudWatch Agent pre-installed. Browse our full catalog to find your ideal Linux distribution.