OpenSUSE vs Proxmox VE

OpenSUSE and Proxmox VE compared on the facts that matter: release model, desktop, package management, init system, memory floor and installation size.

Side by side

OpenSUSEProxmox VE
Familyrpmdeb
Release modelVersioned releasesVersioned releases
DesktopKDE PlasmaWeb interface
Package managerZYpp (libzypp, RPM)APT (dpkg)
Init systemsystemdsystemd
Immutable rootNoNo
Wayland by defaultYesN-a
Minimum RAM2 GB1 GB
ISO size4.2 GB1.6 GB
Latest kernel4.4.76—
Releases archived1412
Latest release1 October 202521 May 2026

What differs

Package manager

OpenSUSE ships ZYpp (libzypp, RPM); Proxmox VE ships APT (dpkg).

Minimum RAM

Proxmox VE runs on less memory: 1024 MB against 2048 MB.

Shared traits

Both systems share more than they differ: the table above lines up the current facts side by side.

Verdict

Both are solid choices for their goals — the practical differences are in the table and the points above. Full range tables for each are on their distro pages.

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FAQ

Which one is easier for beginners?

Check the installer row and minimum RAM: a graphical installer with a low memory floor is the friendlier first step.

Where do the numbers come from?

From the current release snapshots of each distribution archived by the linux2u.ru team.