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OpenBSD VS Qubes OS

Compare OpenBSD VS Qubes OS and see what are their differences

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OpenBSD logo OpenBSD

FREE, multi-platform 4.4BSD-based UNIX-like operating system

Qubes OS logo Qubes OS

Qubes is a security-oriented, free and open-source operating system for personal computers that allows you to securely compartmentalize your digital life.‎Download Mirrors · ‎Qubes R4.
  • OpenBSD Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-10-17
  • Qubes OS Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-13

OpenBSD features and specs

  • Security
    OpenBSD is known for its focus on security. It undergoes rigorous code auditing, has a proactive security approach, and includes features like secure memory management and privilege separation.
  • Stability
    The operating system is well-known for its stability and reliability, due to its minimalist approach and an emphasis on creating a robust user experience.
  • Documentation
    OpenBSD provides comprehensive and thorough documentation, making it easier for users to understand and utilize its features effectively.
  • Cryptography
    The system includes strong cryptography and has been a pioneer in developing and implementing various cryptographic techniques and software.
  • Simplicity
    OpenBSD focuses on simplicity in its design and functionality, reducing unnecessary complexities and streamlining the user experience.

Possible disadvantages of OpenBSD

  • Hardware Support
    OpenBSD may have limited hardware support compared to other operating systems, which can pose challenges for users with modern or specialized hardware.
  • Software Availability
    It can lack the breadth of software availability found on more popular platforms like Linux or Windows, which might limit its use for certain applications or tasks.
  • Performance
    Some users may find that OpenBSD prioritizes security over performance, resulting in slower performance compared to other systems optimized for speed.
  • Limited Community
    The user community for OpenBSD is smaller relative to other open-source operating systems, which can lead to less support and community-driven resources.
  • Learning Curve
    For new users, especially those not familiar with Unix-like systems, OpenBSD can present a steep learning curve due to its unique configuration and system management.

Qubes OS features and specs

  • Security
    Qubes OS is designed with security in mind, implementing strong isolation mechanisms based on Xen-based virtualization to compartmentalize various tasks and applications.
  • Compartmentalization
    By isolating different activities into separate virtual machines (VMs), Qubes OS minimizes the damage that can be done by compromised applications or malware.
  • Privacy
    The compartmentalization, combined with features like Whonix integration for anonymous internet use, offers strong privacy protections for users.
  • Advanced Networking
    Qubes OS includes advanced networking capabilities, allowing users to create secure and separated network environments within isolated VMs.
  • Flexibility
    Users can run different operating systems within Qubes OS, as it supports various Linux distributions and Windows VMs, making it versatile for various needs.

Possible disadvantages of Qubes OS

  • Resource-Intensive
    Qubes OS requires substantial hardware resources, including a large amount of RAM and storage, which can be a barrier for users with older or less powerful hardware.
  • Learning Curve
    The advanced security features and unique architecture require a steep learning curve, potentially making it challenging for less technically proficient users.
  • Compatibility Issues
    Not all hardware is fully compatible with Qubes OS, particularly some specific GPUs and wireless chips, which can limit the usability on various devices.
  • Performance Overhead
    Running multiple VMs simultaneously can introduce performance overhead, impacting the speed and responsiveness of the system.
  • Limited Application Support
    Some applications may not be fully compatible or available in a suitable version for the isolated VMs in Qubes OS, potentially limiting functionality.

Analysis of Qubes OS

Overall verdict

  • Qubes OS is generally regarded as a highly secure operating system, especially suitable for users who need strong protection against cyber threats. Although it offers advanced security features, its complexity and resource requirements may not make it the ideal choice for everyone.

Why this product is good

  • Qubes OS is considered a good operating system because it focuses on security through compartmentalization. By utilizing virtualization, Qubes OS isolates different tasks and applications in separate virtual machines, reducing the risk of malware or other malicious activities affecting the entire system. This architecture enhances privacy and security, making it an attractive choice for users who prioritize these aspects.

Recommended for

    Qubes OS is recommended for security-conscious individuals, privacy advocates, journalists, researchers, and IT professionals who manage sensitive data or perform at-risk operations. It is also suitable for technical users who are comfortable navigating and managing a Linux-based environment and who value security over ease of use.

OpenBSD videos

+ Add

Intro to most secure OS OpenBSD with sexiest Manjaro DeepIn Linux

More videos:

  • Review - Why I Switched From Arch Linux to OpenBSD
  • Review - Product Review - OpenBSD 6.3

Qubes OS videos

+ Add

Qubes OS Review | Windows Integration

More videos:

  • Review - Qubes OS Part 1: Overview and Features
  • Tutorial - Qubes OS Tutorial | Install, Config, and Introduction

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to OpenBSD and Qubes OS)

OpenBSD

Qubes OS

Operating Systems
23 23%
Operating Systems
77% 77
Linux
24 24%
Linux
76% 76
Linux Distribution
23 23%
Linux Distribution
77% 77
Security & Privacy
65 65%
Security & Privacy
35% 35

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare OpenBSD and Qubes OS

OpenBSD Reviews

Best free Linux router and firewall distributions of 2023
These systems are not intended for routers. They are general-purpose operating systems and should not really be used as routers. Similar to OpenBSD and VyOS, you will have to configure everything by hand without a Web Interface. It's easy to make a mistake and leave a hole that exposes internal systems to attackers.
Source: teklager.se

Qubes OS Reviews

The 10 Best Immutable Linux Distributions in 2024
Given the nature of immutable distributions, a strong emphasis on security is essential. Distributions that implement robust security measures, whether through sandboxing applications, using secure package management systems, or providing advanced isolation techniques (like in Qubes OS), were given priority.
Source: www.fosslinux.com
Best Linux distro for privacy and security of 2024
Thanks to its radically different approach, Qubes does have a learning curve. However it isn’t abrupt enough to prevent you from using the distro like a normal Linux installation. Qubes is based on Fedora and uses the Xfce desktop environment. But instead of a list of apps, its application menu lists several qubes such as work, personal, untrusted, each of which rolls the...
Source: www.techradar.com
Top 5 Secure Operating Systems for Privacy and Anonymity
In short, Qubes is an operating system that separates tasks and applications into distinct VMs and further isolates them using containers. By leveraging these technologies, Qubes OS can deliver enhanced performance and security.
Source: www.stationx.net
The 5 Best Privacy-Focused Operating Systems
Qubes OS is a unique privacy-focused Linux distribution that prioritizes security through virtualization. It allows you to create isolated virtual machines (VMs) for different tasks, enhancing privacy and security. Each VM runs separately, reducing the risk of data leaks and malware infections.
Source: www.makeuseof.com
Avoid The Hack: 11 Best Privacy Friendly Operating Systems (Desktops)
Qubes is unique in that it uses Xen-based virtualization, which enables strong isolation of different pieces of software - which can include operating systems. Multiple operating systems can run at the same time through Qubes - and they won't even "know" other operating systems exist.
Source: avoidthehack.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Qubes OS should be more popular than OpenBSD. It has been mentiond 71 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

OpenBSD mentions (13)

  • Can't import bookmarks in Firefox
    Thank you. I appreciate the answer. I was grokking the openbsd.org website for quite a while and didn't see anything like this. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • fw_update: yes//SHA256.sig: No such file or directory
    I seem to be able to ping openbsd.org, as I see 64 bytes from... continuously. However, when I try to install software such as doas pkg_add vim I get Can't find vim. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Configuring a simple router with OpenBSD
    OpenBSD is a security-first Unix-like operating system belonging to the BSD family of operating systems. It is best known for the OpenSSH project founded in 1999 under the OpenBSD umbrella which has garnered widespread adoption beyond OpenBSD, including the infamous Linux operating system and even Microsoft Windows (since Windows 10). - Source: dev.to / about 2 years ago
  • Why Artix?
    There are Gentoo variants with precompiled binary packages and backward compatibility. Redcore , Calculate, Pentoo, Funtoo and others. By OpenBSD I mean. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Help, Installing OpenBSD for first time.
    (unable to get list from openbsd.org, but that is OK). Source: over 2 years ago
View more

Qubes OS mentions (71)

View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing OpenBSD and Qubes OS, you can also consider the following products

BioCatch - Seamless and secure online experiences are built with BioCatch behavioral biometrics. We’re more than just fraud prevention. Our solution powers your digital growth.

Tails - Tails is a Debian based live CD/USB with the goal of providing complete Internet anonymity for the...

FreeBSD - FreeBSD is an advanced operating system for x86 compatible (including Pentium® and Athlon™)...

Ubuntu - Ubuntu is a Debian Linux-based open source operating system for desktop computers.

Deep Instinct - Deep Instinct is revolutionizing cyber security, offering advanced cyber security solutions that harness the power of deep learning analytics with unprecedented deep machine learning and AI prediction models.

Linux Mint - Linux Mint is one of the most popular desktop Linux distributions and used by millions of people.

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