Devuan vs Debian: how they differ
Devuan and Debian 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: Devuan is built on Debian, while Debian is built independently rather than on another distribution.
- Desktop: Devuan uses Xfce; Debian uses GNOME.
- Software tools: both use apt, so install commands are the same.
- Releases: both follow numbered releases on a fixed schedule.
- Memory: about 1 GB for Devuan against about 2 GB for Debian is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Choose Devuan if
You are among the people who want Debian without systemd.
Choose Debian if
You are among the people who value stability, long-lived releases and a community-run project.
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? Devuan 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 Devuan USB drive or the Debian USB drive. Learn more: what is Devuan and what is Debian.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Devuan or Debian?
Neither is better for everyone. Choose by what you need: Devuan suits people who want Debian without systemd, while Debian suits people who value stability, long-lived releases and a community-run project.
Can I install both Devuan and Debian?
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, Devuan or Debian?
Devuan uses numbered releases on a fixed schedule; Debian uses numbered releases on a fixed schedule.