Debian vs Ubuntu
Debian draws more interest (#4 vs #9).
your computer is older or low on memory.
you're new to Linux or you run AI models or LLMs on your own GPU.
| Debian #4 · Debian | Ubuntu #9 · Debian | |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity rank (12 months) | 4 | 9 |
| Rank last month | 6 | 7 |
| Index | 298 | 296 |
| Family | Debian | Debian |
| Based on | - | Debian |
| First released | 1993 | 2004 |
| Latest release | 13.7 | 26.10 |
| Supported until | Aug 2028 | Jul 2027 |
| Telemetry (OS default) | Off unless you opt in | Off unless you opt in |
Pros and cons
Debian
Good
- Very stable and thoroughly tested
- Huge package archive
- Community-run with no company in control
Trade-offs
- Stable releases ship older software
- Less hand-holding at install than Ubuntu or Mint
- Non-free firmware and drivers may need extra steps on some hardware
Ubuntu
Good
- The most documented desktop Linux
- LTS releases supported for years
- Widely supported by commercial software and hardware vendors
Trade-offs
- Snap packages are the default for some apps, which some users dislike
- Stock GNOME is customised in ways that differ from upstream
- LTS software ages between releases
Questions
Is Debian or Ubuntu more popular?
Debian draws more interest over the last 12 months (#4 vs #9 in our popularity ranking). That measures interest, not installs.
Which is better for beginners, Debian or Ubuntu?
Ubuntu is the easier start: it's aimed at people new to Linux. Debian expects some Linux experience.
Which runs better on an older computer?
Debian is the lighter choice and is known for running well on older hardware.
Does Debian or Ubuntu collect telemetry?
Debian: off unless you opt in. Ubuntu: off unless you opt in. Apps you install have their own settings.
Is Ubuntu based on Debian?
Yes. Ubuntu is built on Debian, so most Debian software and guides also work on it.
Rankings from our composite index: English Wikipedia article views, DistroWatch page hits, GitHub stars and views on this site, built 2026-11-12. All of these measure interest, not installs. Repository activity from GitHub. Ratings come from signed-in LinuxStatistics users. "Pick if", pros and cons are LinuxStatistics editorial notes based on each project's own documentation. Release dates and support from endoflife.date (CC BY-SA 4.0).