Parrot Security OS

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61 reviews
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4.4
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2013
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Parrot Security OS

61 reviews

Parrot Security OS is a free and open-source GNU/Linux distribution based on Debian, tailored for security experts, developers, and privacy-conscious users. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for penetration testing, digital forensics, reverse engineering, and software development, all within a lightweight and flexible environment. Key Features and Functionality: - Extensive Toolset: Parrot Security OS includes over 600 tools for various cybersecurity operations, such as penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and digital forensics. - Multiple Editions: The distribution offers several editions to cater to different user needs: - Security Edition: Designed for penetration testing and red team operations, providing a full arsenal of ready-to-use tools. - Home Edition: Aimed at daily use, privacy, and software development, with the option to manually install security tools as needed. - IoT Edition: Compatible with Raspberry Pi devices, suitable for embedded systems. - Docker Images: Pre-packaged Docker images for easy deployment in containerized environments. - Lightweight and Modular: Parrot Security OS is efficient even on older hardware, allowing users to select and install only the components they need. - Rolling Release Model: The system follows a rolling release model, ensuring users have access to the latest updates and features. - Privacy and Anonymity Tools: Built-in tools like AnonSurf, Tor, and I2P facilitate anonymous web browsing and enhance user privacy. Primary Value and User Solutions: Parrot Security OS provides a robust and versatile platform for cybersecurity professionals and enthusiasts. Its extensive toolset and modular design allow users to conduct comprehensive security assessments, develop software, and maintain privacy without the need for additional installations. The lightweight nature of the OS ensures optimal performance across a wide range of hardware, making it accessible to a broad user base. By integrating privacy-focused tools, Parrot Security OS addresses the growing need for secure and anonymous computing environments.

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Parrot Security OS Reviews

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Archana M.
Software EngineerSmall-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
10/10/2026
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Review source: G2 invite
Incentivized Review

Parrot OS: Developer-Friendly, Packed with Tools, and Lightweight

Parrot OS is a very good OS for both developers and ethical hackers. In this OS, some development tools are already installed, so we don't need to install them again, like Node.js, VS Code, etc. This allows us to start development easily. Additionally, this OS provides many penetration testing tools, so I can use those as well without needing to switch OS. I can develop a site and then test my website's security. If we need more advanced tools, I can install and use them. This is a Linux-based OS, so we can easily run Docker as well. The best part is that it doesn't consume much more memory than Windows.
Verified User in Information Technology and Services
UI
Verified User in Information Technology and Services
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
09/22/2026
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Verified Current User
Review source: G2 invite
Incentivized Review

Lightweight, Secure, and Tool-Rich OS for Modern Cybersecurity

Parrot OS is a super light and simpler OS for security and testing use cases in the modern software era. Being lightweight makes it portable, super fast, and less system resource heavy. Yet all this doesn't affect anywhere in the overall build and use of the OS, as it's a highly secure and modern OS, making it perfect for VMs and light machines. The set of tools like Wireshark, Metasploit, SQLmap, and John the Ripper are all powerful and efficient tools supported by Parrot OS for modern cybersecurity use cases. The support and community are too well pushing regular updates and patches, making it highly stable and reliable. Overall, the OS is super refined and smooth in regular use. The hardware support for external IO is well supported too. Being open source makes it very convenient and no cost for anyone to use. I do use it in my Oracle VM sometimes to check some known vulnerabilities and do some testing of websites to make them more secure. Having a VM on a mid-spec PC, Parrot seems better than the heavier option, Kali Linux.
Andrew G.
AG
Andrew G.
IT Help Desk TechnicianMid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
05/13/2026
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Verified Current User
Review source: G2 invite

Wide Range of Built-In Pentesting Tools, Easy to Learn and Navigate

There’s a wide range of built-in tools for pentesting and/or hacking. The OS also makes it easy to learn, explore, and navigate these tools.

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Palermo, Italy

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What is Parrot Security OS?

Parrot Security OS is a comprehensive, versatile, and secure distribution of Linux specifically designed for security experts, penetration testers, and those working in the domain of computer forensics and security research. Created to provide a balance between security, privacy, and development, Parrot Security OS features a broad range of tools for vulnerability analysis, cryptography, and anonymity. This operating system is built on Debian and comes with a custom hardened Linux kernel, providing a lightweight and resource-friendly environment coupled with a sleek MATE desktop. Parrot Security OS is ideal for those who appreciate a ready-to-use system that includes a vast arsenal of security tools with minimal resource overhead.

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Year Founded
2013