Kali Linux Alternatives

Open Source Kali Linux Alternatives

Kali Linux is a Debian-based Linux distribution aimed at advanced penetration testing and security auditing of computer systems and networks. Kali Linux contains several hundred pre-installed tools which are geared towards vari.. read more.

According to people there are many software similar to it, and the best alternative to Kali Linux is Debian which is both free and open source. Other highly recommended applications include Tails (Free) , Arch Linux (Free) and Manjaro Linux (Free).
In total people have suggested 40 alternatives to Kali Linux that share similarities by use case and feature set. In this list with its current filter selection you'll find 37 Open Source Kali Linux alternatives.

Debian

Debian is a free and open-source operating system and GNU/Linux distribution that is openly developed by the community-supported Debian Project. The distribution was first released in 1993 and today it is the base of many other Linux-based distribution such as the popular Ubuntu. The project includes over 59000 packages, precompiled software bundled up for easy installation on your machine.

Free & Open Source
👍 Most people think Debian is a good alternative to Kali Linux.

Tails

The Amnesic Incognito Live System or Tails for short is a portable operating system that protects you against surveillance and censorship. The operating system can started from a USB stick on any macOS, Linux or Windows computer, leaving no trace on that computer after it has been shutdown. Allowing you to make any computer into a Tails protect environment free of surveillance. Tails includes a variety of open source tools that can be used to browse the web, edit document and communicate saftley. Including Tor, Tor Browser, Pidgin, Network Manger, VeraCrypt, GNUPG, MAT, KeePassXC, GtkHash and many more.

Free & Open Source
👍 Most people think Tails is a good alternative to Kali Linux.

Arch Linux

A highly modular, flexible and lightweight Linux distribution for computers with x86-64 processors. Arch Linux is a free and openly developed by the Arch community and released under the GNU General Public License.

Free & Open Source
👍 Most people think Arch Linux is a good alternative to Kali Linux.

Manjaro Linux

A Linux-based distribution suitable for newcomers and experienced computer users alike. With Manjaro Linux the user have full control over your operating system and hardware, without restrictions. Manjaro Linux is developed and distributed free and open-source under a rolling release cycle that allows anyone to take part in the development of the operating system. This makes it ideal for people who want to learn how Linux works and how it is different to other operating systems.

Free & Open Source

Pop!_OS

Pop!_OS is a free and open-source Linux operating system for STEM and creative professionals who use their computer as a tool to discover and create. Pop!_OS is openly developed and released by the Linux hardware manufacturer System76. With Pop!_OS  you can unleash your potential on secure, reliable open source software. Pop!_OS is designed for fast navigation, easy workspace organization, and fluid, convenient workflow. Your operating system should encourage discovery, not obstruct it.

Free & Open Source

openSUSE

The makers' choice for sysadmins, developers and desktop users. openSUSE, formerly SUSE Linux and SuSE Linux Professional, is a free and open-source Linux distribution. openSUSE is openly developed by SUSE Software Solutions Germany GmbH and the community.

Free & Open Source

Ubuntu MATE

Ubuntu MATE is a free an open-source Linux distribution that is openly developed by the community. The distribution is provided with the MATE desktop environment which is a fork of GNOME 2. In February 2015, Ubuntu MATE gained the official Ubuntu flavour status from Canonical Ltd. To this day, Ubuntu MATE is loved by MATE desktop users as it brings the stability of Ubuntu together with their favorite Linux desktop environment.

Free & Open Source

Ubuntu Budgie

Ubuntu Budgie is an official community flavor of the Linux distribution Ubuntu featuring the Budgie desktop. It combines the stable and thoroughly-tested Ubuntu core with a modern, lightweight and traditional-looking desktop developed by the Solus project. The desktop is adaptable to any device, keeping them fast and usable. 

Free & Open Source

Fedora

Fedora is a free and open-source Linux distribution developed by the community-supported Fedora Project. The project is primarily sponsored by the IBM subsidiary Red Hat while also receiving additional support from other companies. Fedora is used both on desktops and on servers where it power enterprise-level systems and provides the latest datacenter technologies.

Free & Open Source

Kubuntu

Kubuntu is a Linux distribution that provides all you need to have fun and be effective your computer. It's a great free and open-source alternative to Windows or macOS. Kubuntu unites Ubuntu with KDE and the Plasma desktop environment, bringing you a full set of applications. The installation includes productivity, office, email, graphics, photography, and music applications ready to use at startup.

Free & Open Source

Ubuntu Touch

Ubuntu Touch is a free and open-source mobile operating system maintained by the UBports community. The OS was first create by Canonical LTD, the company behind the Linux distribution, Ubunutu. With Ubuntu Touch, you can use your mobile devices in a free and open manner. Ubuntu Touch also allows you to turn your phone into a desktop computer using the "desktop mode"

Free & Open Source

Xubuntu

A light-weight Linux distribution intended for both new and experienced Linux users. Xubuntu comes with the Xfce desktop environment by default which use fewer system resources than the default Ubuntu GNOME desktop. Xubuntu was officially released on 1 June 2006 and has seen active development since. It is openly maintained by the community and released free of charge under the GNU General Public License.

Free & Open Source

How Are These Kali Linux Alternatives Generated?

Information found on this page is crowd-sourced by the community and contains the most agreed upon Open Source Kali Linux alternatives. You can use this information to find similar software to Kali Linux for specific platforms with various pricing options and licenses. Anyone that have previously used Kali Linux can suggest alternatives, vote on the accuracy of other users claims, and help more people in the process of doing so.

This page was last updated on Sun 23 Jan 2022 (3 weeks, 1 day ago).