--- title: Kali Linux Reviews meta\_title: 'Kali Linux Reviews 2026: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2' meta\_description: Filter 245 reviews by the users' company size, role or industry to find out how Kali Linux works for a business like yours. aggregate\_rating: rating\_value: 4.5 review\_count: 245 scale: '5' date\_modified: '2026-08-09' parent\_category: name: IT Infrastructure url: https://www.g2.com/categories/it-infrastructure --- # Kali Linux Reviews & Product Details Claimed ###### Profile Status This profile is currently managed by Kali Linux but has limited features. Are you part of the Kali Linux team? [Upgrade your plan](https://sell.g2.com) to enhance your branding and engage with visitors to your profile! Desktop Kali Linux is a specialized Linux distribution designed for penetration testing and security auditing. This Kali Linux VM (configured by Techlatest.net) with GUI Desktop interface is pre-installed with 2500+ wide variety of security tools that can be used for ethical hacking, vulnerability assessment, and other security-related tasks and made available on the leading Cloud Marketplaces so you can quickly and easily spin up an instance and start using its powerful security tools. Key Features: - GUI Based : Desktop Interface for easy and intuitive user experience. - Pre-installed Security Tools : 2500+ Comprehensive set of security tools, including Nmap, Metasploit Framework, Wireshark, Aircrack-ng, John the Ripper, Hydra, Nikto, Burp Suite, Sqlmap, THC-Hydra, among others. - Easy Deployment : With Desktop Linux Kali available on the Cloud Marketplace, you can quickly spin up an instance of the operating system on Cloud Platforms with just a few clicks. - High Performance : Cloud Platforms provide a reliable and high-performance infrastructure for running Desktop Linux Kali, ensuring that your security testing and auditing tasks can be completed quickly and efficiently. - Secure : Cloud Platforms provide a secure infrastructure for running Desktop Linux Kali, with features such as encryption at rest and in transit, security key management, and DDoS protection. - Use Cases: Kali Linux is an ideal solution for security professionals, ethical hackers, and other individuals or organizations that need to perform security testing and auditing. Its pre-installed security tools and easy deployment on Cloud Platforms make it a powerful and convenient solution for testing the security of networks, web applications, and other systems. - Legal & Ethical Use: It is important to note that the security tools included in the VM should only be used for legal and ethical purposes. - Disclaimer : Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and/or names or their products and are the property of their respective owners. We disclaim proprietary interest in the marks and names of others. * * * Seller [OffSec](https://www.g2.com/sellers/offsec) Discussions [Kali Linux Community](https://www.g2.com/products/kali-linux/discuss) Languages Supported English Solution Type Best-of-Breed Overview by Techlatest .Net (Enabling IT companies embrace latest tech.) Show More ## Value at a Glance Averages based on real user reviews. ### Time to Implement 2 months ### Return on Investment 11 months [ View More Pricing Information ](https://www.g2.com/products/kali-linux/pricing) ## Top-Rated Alternatives [ ![CentOS](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "CentOS") CentOS 4.4/5(425) ](https://www.g2.com/products/centos/reviews) [ ![Parrot Security OS](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Parrot Security OS") Parrot Security OS 4.4/5(60) ](https://www.g2.com/products/parrot-security-os/reviews) [ ![Arch](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Arch") Arch 4.4/5(45) ](https://www.g2.com/products/arch/reviews) [ View All Alternatives ](https://www.g2.com/products/kali-linux/competitors/alternatives) ## User Insights Average based on 245 real user reviews. Implementation Time 2 months Perceived Cost $$$$$ [Log in to unlock pricing and user insights](/login) ## Kali Linux Integrations (9) What do users say about integrations? Integration information sourced from real user reviews. [ ![Product Avatar Image](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Product Avatar Image") Android Studio ](https://www.g2.com/products/android-studio/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Product Avatar Image") Burp Suite ](https://www.g2.com/products/burp-suite/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Product Avatar Image") Metasploit ](https://www.g2.com/products/metasploit/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Product Avatar Image") OpenOffice ](https://www.g2.com/products/openoffice/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Product Avatar Image") Oracle VM ](https://www.g2.com/products/oracle-vm/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Product Avatar Image") pandas python ](https://www.g2.com/products/pandas-python/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Product Avatar Image") Splunk Enterprise ](https://www.g2.com/products/splunk-enterprise/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Product Avatar Image") VirtualBox ](https://www.g2.com/products/virtualbox/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Product Avatar Image") Visual Studio Code ](https://www.g2.com/products/visual-studio-code/reviews) Show More ![Arjun K.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Arjun K.") AK Arjun K. Software Engineer in Operations Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 5/18/2026 "Kali Linux Makes Security Testing Much Easier, But It Has a Learning Curve" 3.5/5 What do you like best about Kali Linux? I like that Kali Linux comes with almost every security and penetration testing tool already set up, so I don’t have to spend hours installing things manually. The interface feels lightweight and fast even on older systems, and the documentation/community support online is huge. It’s also really flexible since I can run it on a VM, USB, or even through WSL on Windows depending on what I’m working on. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Kali Linux? One thing I dislike about Kali Linux is that it can feel overwhelming if you’re not already comfortable with Linux or cybersecurity tools. Some updates occasionally break drivers or tools, especially Wi-Fi adapters, so troubleshooting can take time. It’s amazing for security testing, but I wouldn’t really recommend it as a daily operating system for casual use because stability and convenience aren’t always the main focus. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Kali Linux solving and how is that benefiting you? Kali Linux solves the problem of having to manually collect and configure dozens of cybersecurity tools for testing and research. Everything is already organized in one place, which saves a lot of setup time and makes learning penetration testing much easier. For me, it’s helpful because I can quickly test networks, websites, or lab environments without spending hours configuring different tools on a normal operating system. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More 5/26/2026 Current UserValidated ReviewerSource: Organic ![Dinesh Reddy V.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Dinesh Reddy V.") DV Dinesh Reddy V. Executive Data analyst Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 4/15/2026 "Powerful All-in-One Platform for Cybersecurity Learning" 4/5 What do you like best about Kali Linux? What I like best about Kali Linux is its powerful collection of built-in tools for cybersecurity and penetration testing. It provides everything in one place, which makes learning and practicing ethical hacking much easier. The interface is user-friendly compared to other security-focused systems, and it’s highly customizable. Overall, it’s a great platform for both beginners and professionals in cybersecurity. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Kali Linux? One thing I dislike about Kali Linux is that it’s not very beginner-friendly for regular users, especially if you’re new to Linux. It can also be unstable at times if not used properly, since it’s designed mainly for testing, not daily use. Some tools are complex and require strong technical knowledge to use effectively. Additionally, hardware compatibility and driver issues can sometimes be a hassle. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Kali Linux solving and how is that benefiting you? Kali Linux solves the problem of needing multiple tools for cybersecurity by providing a complete set of penetration testing and security tools in one platform. It helps identify vulnerabilities in systems, networks, and applications efficiently. For me, it makes learning ethical hacking and practicing real-world security scenarios much easier. It also saves time by having everything pre-installed and ready to use. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Current UserValidated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite AG Alex G. Senior Infrastructure Engineer Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 5/10/2026 "Essential OS for Penetration Testing" 4/5 What do you like best about Kali Linux? I really like Kali Linux for its focus on penetration testing, as it comes with a lot already installed, making it solid for quick local testing. The community support is huge, allowing me to quickly install and deploy solutions without wasting time on misconfigurations. This support, along with comprehensive libraries and documentation, helps me focus more on SIP-related testing. Its design in a WORM fashion makes it simple for other developers on my team to follow documentation and deploy a standard environment, which is very efficient. The time saved is precious, and Kali Linux's setup enables me to ship a golden image of supports or provide clear documentation for building and deploying a local testing environment. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Kali Linux? The overall adoption in the marketplace still needs improvement. Also, running Kali Linux on a daily basis for routine tasks doesn't work well since it's not designed for that purpose. I use other operating systems like Ubuntu or AL26 instead. It would be helpful to include more robust packages to install utilities commonly used and to segment those into focus areas like networking and security. Creating a 'lite' or 'daily' version of Kali Linux would also help in its adoption for daily tasks. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Kali Linux solving and how is that benefiting you? Kali Linux is great for penetration testing, offering quick local testing with strong community support, saving time on deployment. It's easy for my team to build a standard environment rapidly and shift focus to SIP-related testing thanks to the documentation. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerSource: Organic ![Sameer B.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Sameer B.") SB Sameer B. Information Technology Manager Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 5/7/2026 "Comprehensive Network Security but Needs Better Driver Support" 4/5 What do you like best about Kali Linux? Honestly, I like Kali Linux's out-of-the-box toolset. You just install it, and boom, you have over 600 tools ready to go. The specific feature that stands out for me is the undercover mode; it's super clever. It makes my desktop look like a standard Windows 10 or 11 environment, which is really helpful when I'm working in a public place or a cafe and don't want people staring at my screen wondering why I have a scary-looking Linux terminal. Plus, the initial setup is so easy. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Kali Linux? The biggest headache for me is definitely hardware drivers, especially for WiFi adapters. It's frustrating when kernel updates suddenly break your monitor mode or packet injection capabilities right before a project. You often end up spending hours trying to find a compatible driver patch. Another issue is that Kali isn't really meant to be a daily driver. If you try to use it for regular stuff like Zoom calls, printing documents, or managing Bluetooth headphones, you run into permission errors or dependency conflicts. It's built for security tools, and it makes everything else feel like a struggle. Plus, the rolling release model means that sometimes an update to one tool might break another tool you rely on, forcing you to troubleshoot the operating system instead of doing your actual work. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Kali Linux solving and how is that benefiting you? I use Kali Linux to check for weak spots in our office network. Instead of installing multiple tools manually, I simply boot Kali Linux for network security. The out-of-the-box toolset with over 600 tools is incredibly efficient. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerSource: Organic ![Khushal K.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Khushal K.") KK Khushal K. Trainee Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 4/28/2026 "Essential Toolkit for Cybersecurity Enthusiasts" 3.5/5 What do you like best about Kali Linux? I like Kali Linux because it gives us an all-in-one security toolkit that's purpose-built for cybersecurity. Unlike Windows or Ubuntu, it's designed specifically for security testing. It offers flexibility since you can run it as a live OS, virtual machine, dual boot, or even from a USB. I also appreciate the strong community and support, along with continuous updates. These are the things I like most about Kali Linux. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Kali Linux? The learning curve for Kali Linux is steep and not beginner-friendly, especially for those new to Linux or cybersecurity. Its UI isn’t easy to navigate for beginners. It’s not designed for daily use as a general-purpose OS like Windows or Ubuntu. The OS comes with hundreds of tools, which can feel overloaded since not all are frequently used. Some tools, particularly Metasploit, can be resource-intensive, making them heavy to run. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Kali Linux solving and how is that benefiting you? I use Kali Linux to solve tool fragmentation by providing pre-integrated tools like Metasploit and Wireshark, enabling deep network packet inspection, detecting suspicious traffic, and identifying misconfigurations. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerSource: Organic ![Debjit G.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Debjit G.") DG Debjit G. Research Intern Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 5/14/2026 "Purpose-Built for Network Security, Not for Everyday Use" 4/5 What do you like best about Kali Linux? I like how Kali Linux handles all the versioning and library conflicts. After installation, there is an environment where every tool is tested to work with others. The Kali maintainers push updates and test how tools interact, ensuring that if an update to a core library would break another major tool, the team holds the update or patches the tool first. It's easy to install using a Debian wizard, which is really convenient. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Kali Linux? It is poorly optimized for battery life and general productivity, hence it is not a good daily driver for standard work use or casuals. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Kali Linux solving and how is that benefiting you? I use Kali Linux because it solves workflow fragmentation by providing a repository of over 600 tools, eliminating complex dependencies. It handles versioning and library conflicts, creating an environment where all tools work together seamlessly. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerSource: Organic ![Nidhi S.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Nidhi S.") NS Nidhi S. Senior Research Associate 5/14/2026 "Best OS for Ethical Hacking, Simple Yet Powerful" 4/5 What do you like best about Kali Linux? I find Kali Linux to be the best OS for ethical hacking. It's easy to install and use, which I really appreciate. The operating system is clean, and I like the easy folder management. It's basically a clean Ubuntu OS, which can be started in any VM, making it very versatile. The initial setup is as simple as plug and play, which is fantastic. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Kali Linux? On VM, sometimes the OS is too slow. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Kali Linux solving and how is that benefiting you? Kali Linux is the best OS for ethical hacking and teaching. It's easy to install and use with clean OS and folder management. I can start it in any VM, but sometimes it's slow on VMs. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerSource: Organic ![ADITYA D.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "ADITYA D.") AD ADITYA D. Cyber Security Student Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 2/2/2026 "A Robust Tool for Cybersecurity Professionals" 4/5 What do you like best about Kali Linux? I use Kali Linux mainly for learning and practicing cybersecurity. It helps me perform penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and security analysis using built-in tools. I like that Kali Linux is purpose-built for cybersecurity work with a wide range of pre-installed penetration testing and security tools, which saves a lot of setup time. Having everything in one platform stands out as it saves time and makes it easier to test vulnerabilities and understand security weaknesses practically with tools like Nmap, Metasploit, and Burp Suite readily available. The organized tool categories and frequent updates make it very practical for hands-on learning and real-world security testing. The setup is fairly straightforward, especially with a virtual machine. The installation steps are clear, and most tools are ready to use after setup, which is manageable with basic Linux knowledge. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Kali Linux? Kali Linux is not very beginner-friendly and has a learning curve, especially for users new to Linux or cybersecurity. It’s also not ideal for everyday tasks like regular browsing or office work. On lower-end systems, performance can feel heavy, and some tools require proper knowledge and configuration to use effectively. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Kali Linux solving and how is that benefiting you? I use Kali Linux for learning and practicing cybersecurity with built-in tools, saving time on setup. It lets me perform penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and security analysis. The platform efficiently manages tools like Nmap, Metasploit, and Burp Suite, making testing and learning much more effective. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerSource: Organic ![Vishal Kumar C.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Vishal Kumar C.") VC Vishal Kumar C. SDE Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 5/1/2026 "Robust Pentesting Tools with Easy Setup" 4/5 What do you like best about Kali Linux? I appreciate that Kali Linux provides a lot of tools and commands needed for pentesting. I really like its terminal and I frequently use the terminal and tmux a lot. I also like that the base is light because a lot of UI software is not shipped, which makes it pretty easy to set up. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Kali Linux? The UI and everything I like it. I hope something like Siri is added to this Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Kali Linux solving and how is that benefiting you? I use Kali Linux for pentesting because it provides a lot of tools and commands required. I value the terminal and tmux features, and appreciate its lightweight base without unnecessary UI software. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More 5/4/2026 Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Rahul M.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Rahul M.") RM Rahul M. Manager Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 1/18/2026 "Industry-Standard, Well-Documented Kali Linux with Powerful Security Tools" 4/5 What do you like best about Kali Linux? What I like most about Kali Linux is that it’s developed according to industry standards, which helps keep the community active and the documentation well maintained. Because of that, it feels easy to use, even without a full installation—for example, by running it from a USB. On top of that, it includes a wide variety of tools that can help protect you from attackers. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Kali Linux? Kali Linux isn’t especially user-friendly for just anyone to pick up and use. You need at least some basic knowledge, along with a clear purpose for why you’re using it. It also tends to demand higher-end hardware; on lower-end systems, you may run into slow performance and sluggish processing. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Kali Linux solving and how is that benefiting you? Kali Linux helps me think like an attacker so I can build a stronger defense. Since I’m still learning, it’s also been a useful way for me to study ethical hacking and deepen my understanding of different defensive techniques and approaches. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerSource: Organic ## Questions about Kali Linux? Ask real users or explore answers from the community Get practical answers, real workflows, and honest pros and cons from the G2 community or share your insights. [ Ask about Kali Linux ](https://www.g2.com/products/kali-linux/discussions/new) ![Armend B.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Armend B.") AB Armend Binaku • Last activity 3 months ago How do I update my kali linux os form the terminal 2 Upvotes 3 [ Join the conversation ](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-do-i-update-my-kali-linux-os-form-the-terminal) ![AMAL P.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "AMAL P.") AP AMAL P • Last activity 3 months ago Can I enable support for all ubuntu-PPA package in Kali? 2 Upvotes 2 [ Join the conversation ](https://www.g2.com/discussions/can-i-enable-support-for-all-ubuntu-ppa-package-in-kali) [ View all Discussions ](https://www.g2.com/products/kali-linux/discuss) ## Pricing Insights Averages based on real user reviews. ### Time to Implement 2 months ### Return on Investment 11 months ### Average Discount 21% [ View More Pricing Information ](https://www.g2.com/products/kali-linux/pricing) Kali Linux Comparisons ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/small_square/small_square_0351bad380dd125f64cbb30d209b322c/blackarch.png "Product Avatar Image") BlackArch 4.3/5(21) [ Compare Now ](https://www.g2.com/compare/blackarch-vs-kali-linux) ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/small_square/small_square_1b7b58c7f3411b5867ec30607821a4f1/arch.png "Product Avatar Image") Arch 4.4/5(45) [ Compare Now ](https://www.g2.com/compare/arch-vs-kali-linux) ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/small_square/small_square_c773254455f8ca157da56a0fb65a0396/centos.png "Product Avatar Image") CentOS 4.4/5(425) [ Compare Now ](https://www.g2.com/compare/centos-vs-kali-linux) ##### ##### Kali Linux Features Memory Management - Operating System RAM management Device Management - Operating System I/O management Backup and Recovery - Operating System Data backup Error Detection - Operating System System operations monitoring [ View More Features ](https://www.g2.com/products/kali-linux/features) ##### Categories on G2 [Operating System](https://www.g2.com/categories/operating-system) ##### Explore More [Leading platform for sales enablement in tech](https://www.g2.com/discussions/leading-platform-for-sales-enablement-in-tech)[Which Oracle EBS resellers are highest rated for handling large-scale enterprise implementations based on user reviews?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-oracle-ebs-resellers-are-highest-rated-for-handling-large-scale-enterprise-implementations-based-on-user-reviews)[What business entertainment platforms connect to corporate event management systems automatically?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-business-entertainment-platforms-connect-to-corporate-event-management-systems-automatically) [Which release notes management platforms avoid common adoption failures after initial deployment?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-release-notes-management-platforms-avoid-common-adoption-failures-after-initial-deployment%20)[Starting a podcast and not sure whether Audacity or GarageBand is the better starting point, what do people actually end up sticking with once they get serious about audio quality?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/starting-a-podcast-and-not-sure-whether-audacity-or-garageband-is-the-better-starting-point-what-do-people-actually-end-up-sticking-with-once-they-get-serious-about-audio-quality)[Pros and Cons Details](https://www.g2.com/products/kali-linux/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons) [Show MoreShow Less](javascript:void(0);)