AlmaLinux vs openSUSE: how they differ
AlmaLinux and openSUSE are often considered side by side. This page compares what each one is built on, how it looks, how software is installed, how updates arrive and what hardware it needs.
Key differences
- Foundation: AlmaLinux is built to stay compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, while openSUSE is built independently rather than on another distribution.
- Desktop: AlmaLinux uses GNOME; openSUSE uses KDE Plasma or GNOME.
- Software tools: AlmaLinux uses dnf; openSUSE uses zypper, so the commands you learn for one do not carry over.
- Releases: AlmaLinux uses long-term releases that stay supported for years; openSUSE uses a curated model where updates are released in tested batches.
- Memory: about 2 GB for AlmaLinux against about 4 GB for openSUSE is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Choose AlmaLinux if
You are among the people running servers or workstations who want Red Hat Enterprise Linux compatibility and long support.
Choose openSUSE if
You are among the people who like a carefully engineered system with strong snapshot rollback, in rolling (Tumbleweed) or fixed (Leap) form.
Quick answers
- Which is easier for a beginner? Neither is aimed at first-time users. If this is your first Linux system, try a beginner-friendly distribution first.
- Which suits older hardware? AlmaLinux asks for less memory.
- Can I try both? Yes. Start each from a live USB drive without installing, or put both on one drive with Ventoy.
Browse the AlmaLinux USB drive or the openSUSE USB drive. Learn more: what is AlmaLinux and what is openSUSE.
Software commands compared
- AlmaLinux:
sudo dnf install name - openSUSE:
sudo zypper install name
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, AlmaLinux or openSUSE?
Neither is better for everyone. Choose by what you need: AlmaLinux suits people running servers or workstations who want Red Hat Enterprise Linux compatibility and long support, while openSUSE suits people who like a carefully engineered system with strong snapshot rollback, in rolling (Tumbleweed) or fixed (Leap) form.
Can I install both AlmaLinux and openSUSE?
Yes. Install each one on its own partition, or try both from a live USB drive first. See dual booting for the idea, which also works between two Linux systems.
Which gets updates faster, AlmaLinux or openSUSE?
AlmaLinux uses long-term releases that stay supported for years; openSUSE uses a curated model where updates are released in tested batches.