Since Red Hat Enterprise Linux is based completely on free and open source software, Red Hat makes available the complete source code to its enterprise distribution through its FTP site to anybody who wants it.

Is Red Hat Linux free?

The no-cost Red Hat Developer Subscription for Individuals is available and includes Red Hat Enterprise Linux along with numerous other Red Hat technologies. Users can access this no-cost subscription by joining the Red Hat Developer program at Joining the program is free.

Why Red Hat Linux is not free?

When a user is not able to freely run, procure, and install the software without also having to register with a license server/pay for it then the software is no longer free. While the code may be open, there’s a lack of freedom. So according to the ideology of open source software, Red Hat is not open source.