Software Alternatives & Startups

Whonix VS Devuan GNU+Linux

Compare Whonix VS Devuan GNU+Linux and see what are their differences

Whonix logo Whonix

Whonix aims at preserving your privacy and anonymity by helping you use your applications...

Devuan GNU+Linux logo Devuan GNU+Linux

Debian without Systemd
  • Whonix Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-01-20
  • Devuan GNU+Linux Landing page
    Landing page //
    2020-01-19

Whonix features and specs

  • Strong Anonymity
    Whonix is designed to provide strong anonymity by routing all internet connections through the Tor network, preventing IP leaks and making user activities difficult to trace.
  • Isolation
    The use of two virtual machines (Gateway and Workstation) enforces a separation between the network and application layers, adding an additional layer of security.
  • Reproducible Builds
    Whonix utilizes reproducible builds, which allow users to verify that their copy of the software matches the source code, enhancing trustworthiness.
  • Usable Tor Integration
    It provides a user-friendly way to route applications through Tor without requiring deep network knowledge.
  • Open Source
    Whonix is open-source software, allowing users to audit the code for security vulnerabilities and transparency.

Possible disadvantages of Whonix

  • Performance Overhead
    Running Whonix requires considerable system resources, as it involves running two virtual machines, which can lead to performance degradation.
  • Complex Setup
    Setting up Whonix can be difficult for users not familiar with virtual machines or Tor, requiring a steeper learning curve compared to more straightforward privacy tools.
  • Limited Software Availability
    Some software available in standard Linux distributions may not be readily available or perform well in Whonix, limiting functionality.
  • Network Speed
    Tor inherently slows down internet connections due to its relaying method, which can be further affected by the dual VM setup of Whonix.
  • Reliance on Tor
    Whonix's reliance on the Tor network means any issues or attacks on Tor can affect Whonix's performance and reliability.

Devuan GNU+Linux features and specs

  • Systemd-Free
    Devuan does not use systemd as its init system, which appeals to users who prefer alternative init systems like sysvinit due to systemd's complexity and perceived centralized control.
  • Stability
    Devuan aims to provide a stable and consistent operating environment by forking from Debian without using systemd, suitable for users who value stability over the latest features.
  • Compatibility
    Devuan maintains a high level of compatibility with Debian, allowing users to access a wide range of software packages available in the Debian repositories, minus those requiring systemd.
  • Privacy and Control
    By avoiding systemd, some users feel they have greater control over their system's processes, enhancing privacy and reducing potential data collection.

Possible disadvantages of Devuan GNU+Linux

  • Limited Software Support
    Some modern software packages that depend on systemd may not be available or function optimally on Devuan, potentially limiting choices for users requiring such software.
  • Smaller Community
    As a relatively niche distribution compared to Debian, Devuan has a smaller community, which may result in less community support and fewer resources or tutorials.
  • Delayed Updates
    Updates on Devuan may lag behind other distributions, as it takes time to ensure compatibility without systemd, which might affect users seeking the latest software features or security fixes.
  • Complex Migration
    Users migrating from systemd-based systems may face complexities or a steeper learning curve as they adapt to different init systems used in Devuan.

Whonix videos

Whonix 15 - Anonymous Web Browsing

More videos:

  • Review - Internet Security Part II: Tor Whonix Tails Comparison and Review
  • Review - Whonix Linux 15.0.0.9.4

Devuan GNU+Linux videos

Devuan GNU+Linux 3.0.0 overview | software freedom, your way

More videos:

  • Review - Devuan GNU+Linux presented at FSCONS 2016

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Whonix and Devuan GNU+Linux)
Operating Systems
59 59%
41% 41
Linux Distribution
58 58%
42% 42
Linux
66 66%
34% 34
Open Source
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Whonix and Devuan GNU+Linux

Whonix Reviews

Best Linux distro for privacy and security of 2024
As it runs in a virtual machine, Whonix is compatible with all operating systems that can run Virtualbox. Virtual machines can only use a portion of your real system's resources, so Whonix will not necessarily perform as fast as an OS that has been installed to a local hard drive.
Top 5 Secure Operating Systems for Privacy and Anonymity
Meanwhile, the Whonix-Workstation provides a safe, isolated workspace so you can carry out your online activities. This virtual machine is intentionally kept separate from the host operating system and the Whonix-Gateway, establishing a highly secure environment. As a result, even if the Whonix-Workstation were to be compromised, an attacker would still be unable to access...
The 5 Best Privacy-Focused Operating Systems
Developed by the Tor Project, Whonix is another privacy-focused OS that relies on virtualization, but it's specifically designed for use within a virtual machine. This Linux distribution routes all your internet traffic through the Tor network, ensuring strong anonymity and privacy.
Avoid The Hack: 11 Best Privacy Friendly Operating Systems (Desktops)
Whonix focuses on privacy, security, and anonymity. It aims to realistically addresses common attack vectors, possibly protecting users from zero-day vulnerability exploitation. Whonix can be figured to run in a "live mode" similar to TAILS, though this is not Whonix's default.
Best Secure Linux Distros for Enhanced Privacy & Security
Whonix has recently added an amnesic live mode that “forgets” user’ activities - not leaving traces on disk. The distro is currently working to create a unified desktop experience. Whonix developer Patrick Schleizer explains, “Our upcoming Whonix-Host extends many of our usability and hardening features to the entire desktop.”

Devuan GNU+Linux Reviews

We have no reviews of Devuan GNU+Linux yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Whonix should be more popular than Devuan GNU+Linux. It has been mentiond 13 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.

Whonix mentions (13)

  • When downloading and exmaning files from the darkweb, what is the safest option for opening a file in virtualbox tails.
    Virtual box Tails is pointless. Just use Whonix.. To examine files also use VirusTotal. Source: over 3 years ago
  • currently running tails over vm on the most secure settings for both programs what could be a point of weakness like would u recommend a vpn a proxy chain? what would u recommend for extra anonymity?
    Running TAILS in a virtual machine for anonymity is a fools errand. Research Whonix and its independent gateway and workstation VM. Configured correctly the only network interface of the workstation is the gateway over Tor providing a higher assurance of security. Source: almost 4 years ago
  • Firefox with tor?
    Whonix is a Linux-based environment that can theoretically transport any TCP/IP application over Tor and greatly reduces the potential for IP leaks by having a secondary 'gateway' that runs Tor independent from the client device over a private network. Source: over 4 years ago
  • How to Code Anonymously, Part 2: Network Security
    The previous strategy is great, but it's actually easier and more effective to just use Whonix. Whonix is a Linux distro - designed to be run out of VirtualBox - that implements all the goodness of the previous strategy. Even better, it comes with a novel network architecture that involves two virtual machines for extra protection:. - Source: dev.to / over 4 years ago
  • Qubes os Team - issue report
    Since this appears in sys-whonix, I suggest reporting this to the Whonix team. Source: almost 5 years ago
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Devuan GNU+Linux mentions (7)

  • Store birth date in systemd for age verification
    Hello, as always: imho. (!) idk the exact procedure which will apply to enter the birth-date on such a system, but if other comments are correct: just enter what you want! There will be no real possibility to tie this to anything "legal" / to "enforce" any "official" check of lets say your passport or other governmental id. And if in my personal opinion (!) the pretty crazy guy behind the systemd-project tries to... - Source: Hacker News / 6 months ago
  • User and Admin Documentation?
    I'm a new user with first install. Are there any user guides / admin guides available? I'm not seeing much documentation available at devuan.org -- maybe my eyes glaze over(?). Source: over 3 years ago
  • I removed Gnome and snapd from Ubuntu and it turns out the system underneath is reasonably lightweight with 130M ram and 2.8G disk usage.
    If Canonical spin a variant without systemd, possibly choosing Devuan as the base, it'll be great. Possibly, less resource hungry. Source: over 4 years ago
  • Trisquel GNU/Linux
    Trisquel's FAQ says: > Why should I use Trisquel instead of one of the better-known distributions? > There are literally hundreds of GNU/Linux distributions designed to fill every conceivable niche. Only a handful of them are entirely free software; Trisquel is one such distribution. ... But I disagree. Trisquel is based on ubuntu, and uses systemd. Not just as some optional init system you can remove -... - Source: Hacker News / over 4 years ago
  • Move from Ubuntu?
    If you're experienced, look at Devuan Chimaera. BTW, I always felt Gnome is the most productive work environment with that UI. I think Cinnamon may come close. Source: almost 5 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Whonix and Devuan GNU+Linux, you can also consider the following products

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

Gentoo - The website of Gentoo, a flexible Linux or BSD distribution.

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.

Debian - Debian is a free distribution of the GNU/Linux operating system.

Parrot OS - The best choice for security experts, developers and crypto-addicted people.

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