Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is one of the cornerstones of the enterprise Linux ecosystem. Its stability, long-term support, and compatibility with multiple architectures make it a solid foundation for mission-critical environments. Numerous distributions have emerged from its source code, offering various proposals: some focus on being free community replacements, others adapt the system for web hosting services, and others transform it into versatile platforms for small businesses or development environments.
Below, we present an expanded and updated selection of the main Red Hat-based distributions, organized by relevance and purpose. Additionally, we include a comparative table to facilitate technical and functional analysis.
AlmaLinux
Created by the team behind CloudLinux, AlmaLinux was born as a direct response to CentOS’s shift toward CentOS Stream. It is a completely free and community-driven distribution, 1:1 compatible with RHEL. Its goal is to provide a solid, no-cost alternative for environments that depend on binary compatibility with Red Hat.
Rocky Linux
Founded by Gregory Kurtzer, one of the original creators of CentOS, Rocky Linux positions itself as a firm and reliable alternative for those who relied on traditional CentOS. It has been adopted by numerous universities, research centers, and companies requiring stability without commercial subscriptions.
CloudLinux OS
CloudLinux OS is a commercial distribution derived from RHEL, optimized for shared hosting providers. It offers advanced tools such as LVE (Lightweight Virtual Environment), CageFS, and support for multiple versions of PHP, all designed to isolate customer environments and maximize server performance.
CentOS Stream
Since 2021, CentOS Stream operates as a “continuous preview” of RHEL, positioned just before Red Hat’s stable releases. It is ideal for developers who want to test their applications in an environment very close to what will enter production under RHEL.
ClearOS
Designed for small and medium-sized businesses, ClearOS transforms any server into a multifunction gateway: firewall, VPN, mail server, proxy, etc. Everything is managed from a user-friendly web interface, making it an attractive solution for environments without specialized technical staff.
EuroLinux
A Polish distribution with a business focus, EuroLinux is fully compatible with RHEL. It offers commercial support versions and an open version for free access. It is widely used in both the public and private sectors in Central Europe, with carefully validated packages.
Fedora
Fedora is the testing ground where much of the technology that later reaches RHEL is developed. It is an innovative distribution, with frequent updates, and focuses on technical users and developers who want early access to new Linux technologies.
MIRACLE LINUX
🔗 https://www.miraclelinux.com
A Japanese distribution designed for enterprise environments with high data volumes. It is optimized for use on database servers and ensures high compatibility with RHEL. It has a strong presence in the Asian market.
Oracle Linux
🔗 https://www.oracle.com/linux
Oracle Linux, also based on RHEL, is widely used in environments where Oracle software, including databases and middleware, is deployed. It uses its optimized kernel (UEK – Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel) and is certified to run on enterprise hardware and clouds like AWS or Azure.
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
🔗 https://www.redhat.com/es/technologies/linux-platforms/enterprise-linux
RHEL is the original and commercial distribution developed by Red Hat. Its subscription model offers technical support, security updates, certifications for software and hardware, and a stability guarantee unique in the enterprise sector.
Comparative Table of RHEL-based Distributions
| Distribution | License Type | Compatibility with RHEL | Target Audience | Official Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AlmaLinux | Community | 1:1 binary | Businesses, servers, infrastructure | almalinux.org |
| Rocky Linux | Community | 1:1 binary | Businesses, data centers, science | rockylinux.org |
| CloudLinux OS | Commercial | High | Shared hosting | cloudlinux.com |
| CentOS Stream | Community | Upstream of RHEL | Developers, testers | centos.org |
| ClearOS | Commercial / Free | High | SMEs, routers, gateways | clearos.com |
| EuroLinux | Dual (Free and Commercial) | 100% compatible | European businesses | euro-linux.com |
| Fedora | Free | Partial (upstream) | Developers, enthusiasts | fedoraproject.org |
| MIRACLE LINUX | Free | High | Servers in Asia, databases | miraclelinux.com |
| Oracle Linux | Free / Commercial | High | Businesses, Oracle clients | oracle.com/linux |
| Red Hat Enterprise Linux | Commercial | 100% native | Businesses, public administration | redhat.com |
Conclusion
The universe of RHEL-based distributions offers a versatility that few ecosystems can match. From community options like AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux to specific enterprise solutions like CloudLinux and Oracle Linux, there is an alternative tailored to every need. With this guide and comparative table, any professional or company can choose the option that best fits their technical, financial, and support requirements.