Kali Linux
Debian-based Linux distribution for penetration testing, security research and digital forensics.
Updated · AppBreakup editorial · Linux, Windows, Android
Is Kali Linux free?
Yes, free and open source
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About Kali Linux
Kali Linux is the most widely used distribution for penetration testing and security auditing. It is maintained by OffSec, succeeded the earlier BackTrack project, and is built on Debian with several hundred preconfigured tools such as Nmap, Metasploit, Burp Suite, Wireshark, sqlmap and Aircrack-ng. Metapackages let you install tool sets for specific jobs, and the kernel is patched for wireless packet injection. Kali runs almost anywhere: installer and live images for PCs, prebuilt virtual machines, ARM boards like the Raspberry Pi, containers, cloud images, Windows Subsystem for Linux (with Win-KeX for a full desktop) and NetHunter for Android phones. It is free, open source and will stay free according to the project. The documentation is extensive, but Kali is aimed at security professionals and learners, not as an everyday desktop, and the docs assume you already know Linux.
Best for: Security professionals and students who want the standard, well-documented pentesting toolkit..
Kali Linux pricing (checked Nov 8, 2026)
Each line is quoted from Kali Linux's own site, with the page it came from.
| Plan or term | What it says | Checked | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Nov 8, 2026 | kali.org |
Pros and cons
What works
- Industry-standard toolset, preconfigured and ready to use
- Runs on bare metal, VMs, ARM, cloud, WSL and Android
- Large community and extensive free documentation
Why people leave
- Not designed as a general-purpose daily desktop
- Docs assume prior Linux experience
- Smaller repository of security tools than BlackArch
Kali Linux vs Ubuntu and Debian
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Kali Linux: common questions
What is Kali Linux?
Kali Linux: Debian-based Linux distribution for penetration testing, security research and digital forensics. Best for security professionals and students who want the standard, well-documented pentesting toolkit. Available for Linux, Windows and Android.
Is Kali Linux free?
Yes. Kali Linux is free, open-source software.
How much does Kali Linux cost?
Kali Linux is free and open source. Price: Free. Checked on Kali Linux's own site, November 2026.
Is Kali Linux open source?
Yes.
What platforms does Kali Linux run on?
Kali Linux is available for Linux, Windows and Android.
What are the best alternatives to Kali Linux?
The highest-ranked Kali Linux alternatives right now are Ubuntu and Debian. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.
Kali Linux vs Ubuntu: what's the difference?
Both Kali Linux and Ubuntu are free and open source. Only Kali Linux runs on Windows and Android.