Skip to content
SPECIFICTION
Get listed

Amazon Linux

aws.amazon.com

Free plan LinuxSelf-hosted
Visit aws.amazon.com
Spec score 8.0 #5 of 29 in Server Operating System

What it is

Amazon Linux is AWS’s portfolio of Linux-based operating systems for EC2 instances and Docker container workloads. Amazon Linux 2023 is an RPM-based general-purpose distribution designed for AWS integration and cloud scale. It is optimized for EC2 and works with Systems Manager and the AWS CLI. Versioned repositories lock machine images and container images to a package state while letting customers choose when to update. AWS provides an EC2 image launchable from the console, SDK or CLI, plus container images usable outside AWS, including local development. The distribution supports x86-64 and 64-bit ARM architectures, including Graviton2 or later on EC2, and uses DNF. AL2023 offers configurable SELinux and cryptographic policies, kernel live patching, and five years of support through June 2029. Amazon Linux 2027 is available as a public preview for non-production testing, with separate support limits.

Spec sheet

Product
Amazon Linux is a portfolio of modern Linux-based operating systems from AWS.Read 8 Oct 2026 · aws.amazon.com
Deployment
AWS provides an AL2023 Amazon Machine Image that can be launched through the EC2 console, AWS SDK, or CLI.Read 8 Oct 2026 · aws.amazon.com
Security
AL2023 includes configurable security policies such as SELinux modes and FUTURE or LEGACY system cryptographic policies.Read 8 Oct 2026 · aws.amazon.com
Support
AL2023 receives five years of support for each version and is supported until June 2029.Read 8 Oct 2026 · aws.amazon.com
AL2023 purpose
Amazon Linux 2023 is a general-purpose RPM-based Linux distribution designed to integrate with AWS services and run at scale in the cloud.Read 8 Oct 2026 · aws.amazon.com
AL2027 platforms
AL2027 preview AMIs are available for x86-64 and Graviton (aarch64) across commercial AWS Regions, and container base images are published to Amazon ECR Public Gallery.Read 8 Oct 2026 · aws.amazon.com
AL2027 preview
Amazon Linux 2027 is in public preview for testing non-production workloads and is built for cloud-native workloads on AWS.Read 8 Oct 2026 · aws.amazon.com
AL2027 security
AL2027 preview enables SELinux enforcing mode by default and includes AWS-LC alongside OpenSSL.Read 8 Oct 2026 · aws.amazon.com
AL2027 support limit
AWS Support agreements do not cover the AL2027 public preview, and AWS recommends keeping production workloads on AL2023 until general availability.Read 8 Oct 2026 · aws.amazon.com
EC2 integration
AL2023 is optimized for Amazon EC2 and integrates with AWS features and tools including Systems Manager and AWS CLI.Read 8 Oct 2026 · aws.amazon.com
Kernel maintenance
AL2023 kernel live patching can apply critical and important kernel security fixes without reboot or downtime.Read 8 Oct 2026 · aws.amazon.com
Notable limitation
AL2023 does not have Amazon Linux Extras; additional higher-level software packages are provided as namespaced packages through quarterly releases.Read 8 Oct 2026 · aws.amazon.com
Outside AWS
AL2023 images can be used outside AWS, but AWS Support Plans do not cover those uses.Read 8 Oct 2026 · aws.amazon.com
Updates
AL2023 locks AMIs and container images to a specific package repository version for deterministic behavior, while allowing customers to select when they take updates.Read 8 Oct 2026 · aws.amazon.com

Plans and prices

Amazon Linux 2023 Free No additional charge for the operating system · EC2 and other AWS service charges apply Read 8 Oct 2026 · aws.amazon.com
Amazon Linux 2027 (Preview) Free No additional licensing cost · Standard EC2 instance charges apply · AWS Support agreements do not cover the public preview Read 8 Oct 2026 · aws.amazon.com

Every Amazon Linux plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free operating system with no additional license charge
  • EC2 images and portable container images
  • Versioned repositories support deterministic updates
  • SELinux and configurable crypto policies
  • Support through June 2029 for AL2023

Limits

  • AWS service and EC2 charges still apply
  • AL2023 has no Amazon Linux Extras
  • AL2027 preview lacks AWS Support coverage
  • Outside-AWS use is outside Support Plans

Who it suits

It suits teams deploying Linux on Amazon EC2 or in Docker-compatible environments, including local development. The listed architectures and AWS management integrations fit cloud workloads.

Verdict

Amazon Linux provides AWS-focused Linux images, package management and lifecycle commitments at no operating-system charge. Choose AL2023 for supported production use; AL2027 is only a preview.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to Amazon LinuxAll alternatives →