Kali Linux Reviews

Name: Kali Linux
Brand: Kali Linux
Rating: 4.4 (13 reviews)

4.4 out of 5

13 reviews
100% willing to recommend

What is Kali Linux?

Kali Linux is widely used by organizations for penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, web application security, network audits, ethical hacking, and open-source intelligence, providing extensive free features.

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Kali Linux is the #9 ranked solution in top AWS Marketplace solutions and #11 ranked solution in top Operating Systems for Business. PeerSpot users give Kali Linux an average rating of 8.8 out of 10. Kali Linux is most commonly compared to Ubuntu Linux: Kali Linux vs Ubuntu Linux. Kali Linux is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 55% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 14% of all views.

Helped 838,640 peers since 2012

Featured reviews

GurpreetSingh4

Manager at Accenture company

Pre-installed tools can provide basic training and security measures, which is helpful. However, these tools may not be sufficient to secure your workload fully. That's why it's important to complement them with other specialized security tools to enhance your overall security. Before using Kali Linux, make sure you know its pros and cons. It's a good system to learn because it's the best choice for some situations. It has default firewall settings that block everything by default. It's up to the user to decide how much they want to open up. Learning Kali Linux takes time because it relies on command-line tasks instead of graphical interfaces. Practice is key to becoming comfortable with it.

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Aqeel Junaid

Junior Executive - Information Security at sunshine holdings

I have found the tool to be the most effective when we want to run the vulnerability assessment provided by the solution in our company for certain websites and applications so that we can find or detect issues. In our company, Kali Linux is used for most of the use case scenarios where vulnerability assessment is required. The areas I found to be the most effective from the perspective of security tasks are Zed Attack Proxy (ZAP), Metasploit, Wireshark, Nikto, and SQLMAP. There have been a lot of benefits from the pre-installed tools in the product, in terms of security auditing part in our company. There are also other operating systems on which you can run Kali Linux, where users are provided with a massive range of tools like BlackArch Linux and ParrotOS, which are useful for certain use cases. The product is good to start with, and it is good for penetration testing and vulnerability assessment. It is good for those who want to go into the line of website security. New users of the product should know the basics of Linux to be able to use the solution because it is an area that could be hard for many. The value derived from the use of the product in our company stems from the results it provides us. The reason to use the product is to get answers when you run a vulnerability assessment from a security perspective. The product provides an outcome that can be used to access the security posture of an application, and it can also help you find loopholes. In general, it can be used to test applications. I rate the tool a ten out of ten.

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Rohit Srivastava

IT Manager at PRATHAM SOFTWARE PRIVATE LIMITED

Sometimes, I do face challenges. There's an issue where sometimes during the initial installation, it doesn't install properly. It gives multiple errors like packages not installing, so we have to install those tools separately. For instance, if we want to install a network or other tools, we have to install those complete toolkits manually. So, the challenge is with the initial setup, where I sometimes get errors. Regarding wireless attacks, OS attacks, and social engineering... the tools should be easier to learn because I know everything very well, but some people in my team struggle to understand. If there were GUI interfaces for the tools, it would help me guide my team in using them step-by-step. Command lines are very difficult for other team members who know the tool's purpose but not the Linux commands. GUI interfaces need more improvement. So, the UI interface needs improvement to make it more visible and easier for users. Expert users can do everything without any issues, but new users will struggle.

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Kali Linux mindshare

Product category:

As of February 2025, the mindshare of Kali Linux in the Operating Systems (OS) for Business category stands at 1.7%, up from 0.1% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Operating Systems (OS) for Business

PeerAnalyst reports

Type	Title	Date
Category	Operating Systems (OS) for Business	Feb 21, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Feb 21, 2025	Download
Comparison	Kali Linux vs Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)	Feb 21, 2025	Download
Comparison	Kali Linux vs Ubuntu Linux	Feb 21, 2025	Download
Comparison	Kali Linux vs Oracle Linux	Feb 21, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Ubuntu Linux	4.3	15.1%	95%	139 interviews Add to research
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)	4.4	10.6%	97%	270 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

Kali Linux's valuable features include preloaded CVE scripts, extensive security tools like Nmap and Metasploit Framework, vast documentation, high scalability, and performance. It simplifies security tasks with tools like SQLMap and Burp Suite, offers a user-friendly interface, and includes advanced security measures for robust system protection. Its stability, multi-user capability, and low maintenance make it highly effective for network testing, penetration testing, and security assessments.

"In general, Kali Linux is used for hosting applications, developing new applications, and operating systems. It's also used in containers and nodes. The tool offers a smaller footprint than Windows because it lacks the functionality of graphical user interfaces. One advantage of Kali Linux is its lower maintenance requirements than Windows, with slower update cycles and easier maintenance procedures."
"The most effective features of Kali Linux include its stability as a Linux operating system, its flexibility in configuring resources such as partitions, its powerful and stable file system, and its multi-user capability, which allows for setting user privileges and rights. Additionally, Kali Linux provides access to a wide range of free and open-source applications for testing and development purposes."
"The solution's most valuable feature is that it is very easy to use."

Room for Improvement

Kali Linux needs automation for upgrades, integration of AI and GPT features, improved security, and a more user-friendly interface with easy-to-use GUI for tools. The installation process needs to be faster, especially within virtualized environments, and include fewer errors during the initial setup. Learning resources and features in the free version should be enhanced. Addressing UI issues in older versions and expanding application options are also necessary improvements.

"The tool is already stable and well-developed, so there's minimal feedback for enhancement or change. However, it should improve security, which is crucial, especially with the increasing use of Kali Linux in cloud environments."
"The tool is slightly difficult to learn."
"From an improvement perspective, it should be made possible for users to learn about the product easily."

ROI

Users reported a significant improvement in security testing efficiency using Kali Linux. Organizations experienced cost savings due to the extensive range of pre-installed tools, reducing the need for additional software purchases. Kali Linux's advanced features helped teams identify vulnerabilities faster, preventing potential breaches and associated costs. Additionally, users found the platform to be user-friendly, which minimized training expenses and increased overall productivity in cybersecurity operations.

Pricing

Enterprise users indicate that Kali Linux is cost-effective, noting it as a free, open-source product without licensing fees. Some users appreciate the value of its bundled tools despite mentioning optional perpetual licensing for enterprise editions. Overall, the cost of Kali Linux is seen as non-prohibitive, with many users taking advantage of its no-cost options while recognizing its extensive toolset.

"Kali Linux offers a perpetual license, meaning you pay for it once and can use it. While free versions of Linux are available, Kali Linux, being an enterprise edition, usually comes with a perpetual license. I rate its pricing a five out of ten."
"I have used the free version."
"The price is good because Kali Linux already provides a good bundle of tools."

Popular Use Cases

Kali Linux is used for penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and ethical hacking. It helps simulate attacks, perform security testing, and identify vulnerabilities in networks, web applications, and infrastructure. Users leverage various features for open-source intelligence, network audits, and malware scans. It supports virtual environments and offers a smaller footprint than Windows. Suitable for IT companies, banks, and other industries, it aids in learning Linux, hosting applications, and developing new applications.

Service and Support

Kali Linux has strong support due to its active communities and well-structured documentation. Users find technical assistance reliable through forums and online resources. However, customer support response time via email can be slow. Many users rely on community assistance and personal research to resolve issues. Some users have not contacted technical support directly, as most resources are accessible online. Community support is significant, with no reported difficulties.

Deployment

Kali Linux's initial setup is known for being straightforward and quick, often taking between 5 to 25 minutes. Users appreciate its ease of deployment on Oracle VM VirtualBox, cloud, and on-premises setups. While most find it easy, some suggest having programming skills for customization. Basic Linux knowledge is recommended. Users can set it up efficiently with the right hardware and frequently deploy it in under an hour. Some suggest improving the GUI interface and providing better training for basic users.

Scalability

Kali Linux offers good scalability capabilities, suitable for various user sizes and complex companies. Users can easily increase numbers due to professional licenses. Ratings for scalability range from seven to nine out of ten. Experienced users manage usage well. User numbers vary, with some needing more experience to handle scripts. Resources determine the ability to install multiple instances. It can be run on multiple applications, facilitating increased scalability.

Stability

Kali Linux receives high ratings for stability, frequently scoring between eight and ten out of ten. Users often mention it as very stable, particularly strong in virtualization environments. Occasional issues like lagging are mentioned, but these are typically system-dependent. Users report years of reliable use and successful project completions, especially in vulnerability assessments.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Kali Linux Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

14%

Comms Service Provider

12%

University

11%

Educational Organization

11%

Government

Financial Services Firm

Manufacturing Company

Healthcare Company

Energy/Utilities Company

Outsourcing Company

Hospitality Company

Retailer

Media Company

Insurance Company

Logistics Company

Legal Firm

Transportation Company

Consumer Goods Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Construction Company

Non Profit

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Agriculture

Compare Kali Linux with alternative products

Learn more about Kali Linux

Organizations run Kali Linux in virtualized environments alongside other operating systems, employing tools for automated scans, malware identification, infrastructure testing, and application development or hosting. These users benefit from lower maintenance requirements and a smaller footprint. The toolset includes Nmap, SQLMap, Metasploit, and Hydra, ensuring effective security assessments. Its high scalability, performance, user-friendly interface, and extensive documentation enhance the platform's usability. Known for stability, flexibility, and virus resistance, Kali Linux supports web security, troubleshooting, and configuration tasks comprehensively.

What are the most important features of Kali Linux?

Nmap: A network scanning tool for discovering hosts and services.
SQLMap: An SQL injection and database takeover tool.
Metasploit: A penetration testing platform with various exploit tools.
Hydra: A network log-in cracker supporting numerous protocols.
Documentation: Offers extensive resources for user guidance.
Stability: Provides a reliable and consistent operating environment.
Scalability: Adapts efficiently to growing security needs.
Performance: Ensures fast and efficient operations.
Virus Resistance: Enhances security through robust virus protection.

What benefits and ROI should users look for in reviews?

Cost Efficiency: Free tools reduce operational expenses.
Operational Efficiency: Lower maintenance needs and quick setup.
Enhanced Security: Robust tools for comprehensive security measures.
Flexibility: Adaptable to different environments and requirements.

Kali Linux can support industries in improving security through stable and flexible environments that resist viruses and provide extensive documentation. Users employ it for web security, troubleshooting, and configuring capabilities. Necessary improvements include automation, user-friendliness, and integrating AI and blockchain. Enhancements in security features, faster installations, and better learning tools are also essential. Machine learning integration and non-enterprise user functionalities can address current limitations.