AlmaLinux vs RHEL - A Detailed Comparison
AlmaLinux aims to run the software that runs on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), but it is a separate project with a different owner. This page sets out what the official documents say, and nothing beyond that.
Compatibility with RHEL
Section titled “Compatibility with RHEL”The AlmaLinux FAQ states that in July 2023 the project shifted its goal from being a downstream rebuild of RHEL to maintaining ABI compatibility with RHEL. If software or kernel modules that work on RHEL fail on AlmaLinux, the project considers that a bug. AlmaLinux 9 follows the RHEL 9 line and AlmaLinux 10 follows RHEL 10.
Lifecycle
Section titled “Lifecycle”| AlmaLinux | RHEL | |
|---|---|---|
| Support windows (versions 9 and 10) | version 9: active until 2027-05-31, security until 2032-05-31; version 10: active until 2030-05-31, security until 2035-05-31 | a 10-year life cycle across three phases: Full Support, Maintenance Support and Extended Life Phase |
| Version 9 | active until 2027-05-31, security until 2032-05-31 | see Red Hat’s life cycle pages for dates |
| Minor releases | a minor release ends support when the next one is published | Red Hat lists paid options for longer coverage of eligible minor releases |
Red Hat’s life cycle page lists Extended Life Cycle Premium for eligible minor releases and renewable one-year Long-Life term extensions after that; these are sold separately by Red Hat. The AlmaLinux release notes give the published support dates above.
Ownership and cost
Section titled “Ownership and cost”The AlmaLinux FAQ states that AlmaLinux is owned and managed by the AlmaLinux OS Foundation, a 501(c)(6) non-profit, and that AlmaLinux OS will be free and open at all times. RHEL is a Red Hat product; check Red Hat’s own terms for what each subscription or extended option includes.
Moving to AlmaLinux
Section titled “Moving to AlmaLinux”The AlmaLinux FAQ names the almalinux-deploy tool for migrating a single host from CentOS or another Enterprise Linux distribution, and says it can be used to migrate any number of servers. See Online migration. Keep a snapshot of the source system and read Migration rollback first.
What this page does not decide
Section titled “What this page does not decide”It does not compare package contents, performance or the quality of support. If your organization requires a vendor contract, a certification or one of Red Hat’s extended coverage options, check those requirements against Red Hat’s documents directly. Compatibility with RHEL is AlmaLinux’s stated goal, not a guarantee for every package.