G2

Archana M.

Software Engineer

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

10/16/2026

"Kali Linux: Packed with Pentesting Tools, Lightweight, and Backed by a Huge Community"

5/5

What do you like best about Kali Linux?

I use Kali Linux for penetration testing. One thing I like is that it already comes with a huge set of penetration-testing tools preinstalled, so I don’t need to install them manually, which saves a lot of time. It’s also lightweight, so I can run it on a low-end device as well.

Some development tools are already included in this OS, like Node.js and VS Code, so I can handle the development part too. After I develop a site, I can test it using the available penetration-testing tools such as Burp Suite, Nmap, and Wireshark. If I need other advanced tools, I can install them on this OS and uninstall them anytime.

The best part is the community is very large, and Kali Linux documentation and videos are easy to find, which helps me use this OS at a more advanced level. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Kali Linux?

This installation is very difficult, especially during partitioning. You also need to know some command-line commands, because installing certain tools or doing other tasks can be complicated and require command-line skills. Some penetration testing tasks, such as password cracking, may also require powerful hardware—especially a compatible GPU—to run efficiently. Wi‑Fi security testing may require an external Wi‑Fi adapter. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Kali Linux solving and how is that benefiting you?

Before using Kali Linux, I had to install penetration testing tools manually, and some advanced tools couldn’t be installed properly. Now, Kali Linux provides a huge set of penetration testing tools that are already installed. I can use tools like Burp Suite, Nmap, and Wireshark to test website security, scan networks, and analyze network traffic.

I can also develop websites using the available development tools and then test their security without switching to another operating system. If I need additional tools, I can install them and remove them as required. Since Kali Linux is relatively lightweight, I can run it on my low-end device and still handle many security testing tasks. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.