Software Alternatives & Startups

Void Linux VS Ubuntu

Compare Void Linux VS Ubuntu and see what are their differences

Void Linux

Void is a general purpose operating system, based on the monolithic Linux kernel.

Rating
0 reviews
Ubuntu

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

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Ubuntu seems to be a lot more popular than Void Linux. While we know about 242 links to Ubuntu, we've tracked only 1 mention of Void Linux.

social mentions
1 vs 242
Linux Distribution popularity
6% vs 94%
alternatives listed
101 vs 240+

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

Void Linux
Ubuntu
Website voidlinux.eu ubuntu.com
Pricing —
Open source Official pricing
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Void Linux 6 features
Ubuntu 5 features
  • Rolling Release Model
    Void Linux follows a rolling release model, ensuring that users always have access to the latest software versions without the need for major upgrades.
  • Runit Init System
    Void uses the Runit init system, which is lightweight and fast, providing quick boot times and simple service management.
  • XBPS Package System
    The X Binary Package System (XBPS) is Void's custom package manager, known for its speed and flexibility.
  • Musl Support
    Void offers the option to use the Musl C library instead of the traditional GNU C Library (glibc), which is beneficial for those needing minimal and lightweight setups.
  • Independence from Systemd
    Void Linux does not use systemd, making it a good choice for users who prefer alternatives to this init system and its related software ecosystem.
  • Strong Documentation
    Void Linux provides comprehensive and user-friendly documentation, making it easier for users to troubleshoot and learn about the system.

Possible disadvantages

  • Smaller Community
    Void Linux has a relatively small user base and community compared to more popular distributions, which can lead to less community support and fewer third-party resources.
  • Limited Software Repositories
    The software repositories are not as extensive as those of larger distributions, sometimes requiring users to compile software from source or seek alternatives.
  • Learning Curve
    Void Linux can be challenging for beginners due to its minimalist design and the need for manual configuration.
  • Less Commercial Support
    Void Linux lacks commercial backing and enterprise-level support, which may be a concern for professional and business environments.
  • Hardware Compatibility
    Users might encounter hardware compatibility issues out-of-the-box, especially with newer hardware, requiring manual configuration or driver installation.
  • Lack of Proprietary Software
    Void Linux does not include proprietary software by default, which may require additional steps for users who need such software.
  • Open Source
    Ubuntu is an open-source operating system, meaning it's free to use, distribute, and modify. This allows users to customize their system to their liking and contributes to a large community of developers constantly improving the system.
  • Security
    Ubuntu places significant emphasis on security, providing regular updates and including a built-in firewall and virus protection. Its Unix-based kernel design adds an additional layer of security.
  • User-Friendly
    Ubuntu is designed to be user-friendly with an intuitive interface, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced users. The Ubuntu Software Center simplifies the installation of applications.
  • Community Support
    An active and vast community of users and developers helps to solve issues and improve the OS. There are numerous forums, guides, and documentation available.
  • Performance
    Ubuntu tends to have better performance than some other operating systems on older hardware. It is less resource-intensive, leading to faster performance on a range of devices.

Possible disadvantages

  • Software Compatibility
    Some software and applications, particularly those designed for Windows or macOS, may not be available or fully compatible with Ubuntu. Users might need to find alternatives or use compatibility layers like Wine.
  • Gaming
    While gaming on Linux, including Ubuntu, has improved, it still lags behind Windows in terms of the availability and performance of games. Many popular titles do not have native Linux support.
  • Learning Curve
    Although user-friendly, transitioning to Ubuntu from another OS can involve a learning curve, especially for users unfamiliar with Linux commands and terminal operations.
  • Driver Support
    Users might face issues with hardware compatibility, as some device manufacturers do not provide Linux drivers. This can affect peripherals like printers, graphics cards, and network adapters.
  • Professional Software
    Certain professional-grade software in fields like video editing, graphic design, or specialized industry applications may not have Linux versions or equivalents. Professionals might need to dual-boot or use another OS for specific tasks.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

Void Linux
Ubuntu

Overall verdict

  • Void Linux is a solid choice for experienced Linux users seeking a lightweight and customizable operating system with a different approach from most mainstream distributions. However, it may not be the best option for beginners due to its unconventional setup and lack of extensive documentation compared to more popular distributions.

Why this product is good

  • Void Linux is a unique, independently developed Linux distribution known for its simplicity, speed, and customization options. It's not based on any other distribution, making it appealing to advanced users who prefer more control over their system. Void Linux uses the runit init system instead of the more common systemd, resulting in potentially faster boot times and lower resource consumption. It features a minimalist approach, allowing users to build their system from the ground up, and integrates a rolling release model ensuring that users receive the latest updates and features without waiting for major release cycles.

Recommended for

    Void Linux is recommended for advanced users and Linux enthusiasts who enjoy tinkering with their system and have a good understanding of Linux-based operating systems. It's also suitable for users interested in exploring alternatives to systemd or looking for a rolling release distribution that emphasizes minimalism and system responsiveness.

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Ubuntu is generally considered a good operating system, particularly for those seeking a cost-effective, robust, and secure alternative to other operating systems like Windows or macOS.

Why this product is good

  • Ubuntu is a popular Linux distribution known for its user-friendliness, stability, and strong community support. It is a free open-source operating system that regularly receives updates and security patches, contributing to its reliability. Additionally, Ubuntu offers extensive documentation, making it accessible for beginners and versatile enough for advanced users.

Recommended for

  • Beginners looking to explore Linux due to its user-friendly graphical interface.
  • Developers and IT professionals preferring a stable and open-source environment.
  • Individuals and organizations seeking a secure OS for servers and cloud computing.
  • Users who require software tools available on a Linux platform and prefer regular updates.
  • Students and researchers needing access to scientific and development tools.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Void Linux 3 videos + Add
Ubuntu 6 videos + Add

Void Linux First Impression Install & Review

More videos

  • - Void Linux Cinnamon | Installation and First Impressions
  • - Void Linux Review - For The Record

Ubuntu 19.10 Review | The Best GNOME Desktop, Yet?

More videos

  • - Review: Ubuntu 19.10 "Eoan Ermine"
  • - Ubuntu 19.04, My Review (And Why Most Users Should Avoid It)
  • - Ubuntu 24.04: An Excellent Linux Distro
  • - Ubuntu's Decline
  • - Ubuntu 24.04 Review: Why It's Time to Change Ubuntu's Release Cycle

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
Void Linux
Ubuntu
6% 6%
94% 94%
3% 3%
97% 97%
100% 100%
0% 0%
4% 4%
96% 96%

User comments

Share your experience with using Void Linux and Ubuntu. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

Void Linux no reviews yet
Ubuntu no reviews yet
  • Top 9 Fastest Linux Distros in 2024
    linuxsimply.com · Feb 2024

    Anyway, Void Linux uses the XBPS (X Binary Package System) package manager, and it doesn’t natively support Synaptic, which is a graphical package management tool commonly associated with Debian-based systems....

  • Top 9 Fastest Linux Distros in 2024
    linuxsimply.com · Feb 2024

    Ubuntu and Mint are both based on Debian and share many similarities. However, some differences may impact performances in certain use cases. For example, Ubuntu tends to be more resource-heavy than Mint, especially...

  • 10 Most Popular Linux Distros of the Year 2023
    linux.how2shout.com · Nov 2023

    Ubuntu also has some lightweight games like chess and Sudoku. GNOME Files, formerly known as Nautilus, is the default file manager. It is recognized for its strong community support, regular releases, and focus on...

  • 12 Best Linux Distros You Should Use
    beebom.com · Aug 2023

    Ubuntu uses Snaps for package management, and the latter is the reason the Linux community has started repelling it. They completely dropped out-of-the-box support for Flatpaks, as we mentioned in our Ubuntu 23.04...

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Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

Void Linux 1 mention
Ubuntu 242 mentions
  • Best Distro for grandparents?
    Https://itsfoss.com/void-linux-crisis/, the main website voidlinux.eu has been taken by somone else and is now a spanish blog filled with BS and without https. Source: over 4 years ago
  • Introduction to Linux For Data Engineers, Including Practical use for Vi and Nano
    Data Engineers (DEs) are involved in building and maintaining systems that collect, store, and prepare data for data scientists and analysts to use. To be able to achieve this, they employ various techniques and tools, and one of these... - Source: dev.to / 8 months ago
  • Introduction to Linux for Data Engineers
    Ubuntu: One of the most widely used and popular Linux distributions. It is user-friendly and recommended for beginners. - Source: dev.to / 8 months ago
  • Reclaim Your Tech: Why Microsoft’s Windows 10 EOL Is Linux’s Golden Opportunity
    The tools are ready. The community is welcoming. And the best part !! You don’t need to be a tech expert to make the switch. Distributions like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, or Pop!_OS are designed for everyone, with intuitive interfaces and... - Source: dev.to / 12 months ago

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Alternatives to Void Linux and Ubuntu

When comparing Void Linux and Ubuntu, you can also consider the following products.