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CentOS Stream vs Red Hat Enterprise Linux

Versions, support lifecycles and key facts side by side. Dates update automatically from the release data.

AttributeCentOS StreamRed Hat Enterprise Linux
TypeLinux distributionLinux distribution
Project statusActiveActive
DeveloperThe CentOS Project (Red Hat)Red Hat (IBM)
Based onFedoraFedora
First release24 Sep 20192002
Release cadenceContinuously updated; a new major version every 3 years with RHELMajor release every 3 years; minor release every 6 months
Newest releaseCentOS Stream 10 · released Dec 2024Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 · released May 2025
Latest LTS——
Supported versions23
Longest supportCentOS Stream 10 — until May 2030Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 — until May 2035
OS familyLinuxLinux
Package formatRPM (DNF)RPM (DNF)
Init systemsystemdsystemd
RoleUpstream of RHEL, just ahead of the next minor release—
Architecturesx86_64, aarch64, ppc64le, s390xx86_64, aarch64, ppc64le, s390x
SupportAbout 5 years per major version10 years per major release (5 full + 5 maintenance), plus paid extended life cycle support
LicenseFree softwareSubscription; free Developer subscription for up to 16 systems
Default desktop—GNOME
Upstream—Fedora → CentOS Stream → RHEL
Guides on TecAdmin8 guides103 guides

Supported versions today

CentOS Stream

  1. 10 Until May 2030
  2. 9 Until May 2027

Red Hat Enterprise Linux

  1. 10 Until May 2035
  2. 9 Until May 2032
  3. 8 Until May 2029

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