What is VzLinux?

VzLinux is a free, open source Linux distribution from Virtuozzo, binary compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux. It has served for over twenty years as the base and guest operating system for Virtuozzo’s virtualisation and OpenVZ products.

Optimised to run in containers, virtual machines and on bare metal, it is a solid, CentOS-compatible choice with a strong virtualisation pedigree.

Visit the official VzLinux website →

Key facts

TypeEnterprise Linux distribution
Based onRed Hat Enterprise Linux
Package managerDNF (RPM)
Release cadenceTracks RHEL major releases
LicenceFree and open source
First released2021 (public)

Versions on our VPS

89

VzLinux 8 and 9 are 1:1 binary compatible with RHEL 8 and 9. VzLinux 9 is the current generation.

Why run VzLinux on a Lucid Cloud VPS

A container-optimised, RHEL-compatible base from a virtualisation specialist.

Built for virtualisation

Refined over 20+ years as the base OS for Virtuozzo and OpenVZ, so it is at home in virtual environments.

RHEL compatible

1:1 binary compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and a straightforward CentOS replacement.

Lean and container-ready

Optimised to run efficiently in containers and virtual machines, keeping overhead low.

Best suited to

Container hostsVirtualisationCentOS replacementRPM-based workloads

VzLinux VPS FAQs

Common questions about running VzLinux on a VPS, answered.

What is VzLinux?
VzLinux is a free, RHEL-compatible Linux distribution from Virtuozzo, used for over 20 years as the base and guest OS for its virtualisation products.
Is VzLinux a good CentOS replacement?
Yes. It is 1:1 binary compatible with RHEL, like AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux, so it works as a CentOS successor.
What is VzLinux best at?
It is optimised for containers and virtualisation, making it a strong base for virtual machine and container workloads.


Deploy VzLinux in minutes

Spin up VzLinux on a fast, guaranteed-resource VPS with full root access and instant scaling. Choose self-managed or add fully managed support.

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