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Kali Linux vs Oracle Linux comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive SummaryUpdated on Aug 7, 2024

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Categories and Ranking

Kali Linux
Ranking in Operating Systems (OS) for Business
11th
Average Rating
8.8
Reviews Sentiment
7.7
Number of Reviews
13
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
Oracle Linux
Ranking in Operating Systems (OS) for Business
3rd
Average Rating
8.4
Reviews Sentiment
7.6
Number of Reviews
119
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of August 2025, in the Operating Systems (OS) for Business category, the mindshare of Kali Linux is 2.5%, up from 0.5% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Oracle Linux is 8.4%, down from 15.4% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Operating Systems (OS) for Business
 

Featured Reviews

Rohit Srivastava - PeerSpot reviewer
SQLmap for web application testing and good for web application penetration testing, network testing, vulnerability assessment of any devices or domains
Sometimes, I do face challenges. There's an issue where sometimes during the initial installation, it doesn't install properly. It gives multiple errors like packages not installing, so we have to install those tools separately. For instance, if we want to install a network or other tools, we have to install those complete toolkits manually. So, the challenge is with the initial setup, where I sometimes get errors. Regarding wireless attacks, OS attacks, and social engineering... the tools should be easier to learn because I know everything very well, but some people in my team struggle to understand. If there were GUI interfaces for the tools, it would help me guide my team in using them step-by-step. Command lines are very difficult for other team members who know the tool's purpose but not the Linux commands. GUI interfaces need more improvement. So, the UI interface needs improvement to make it more visible and easier for users. Expert users can do everything without any issues, but new users will struggle.
Thomas Waltair - PeerSpot reviewer
Provides outstanding performance and resource savings with effective customer service
The solution works closely with the operating system kernel, which gives better performance in terms of multi-threading and a distributed database. We work based on Oracle specifications, and whenever there are critical patches and vulnerability tests, we update with the latest security patches. The collaboration with Oracle WebLogic and other Oracle tools enhances performance as well.

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Pros

"In general, Kali Linux is used for hosting applications, developing new applications, and operating systems. It's also used in containers and nodes. The tool offers a smaller footprint than Windows because it lacks the functionality of graphical user interfaces. One advantage of Kali Linux is its lower maintenance requirements than Windows, with slower update cycles and easier maintenance procedures."
"I use the tool with Nmap to perform network audits. We use it to find vulnerabilities in our network through attacks. It's for those who want to launch or create viruses or perform attacks on systems. With Kali Linux, you can conduct penetration testing for networks, web applications, and Android mobile apps."
"The solution's stability is very good."
"The tools available in Kali Linux are incredibly effective for conducting security assessments."
"I'm mostly using for the web security web application, so end map and the troubleshoot will it's my price, and it's available in ColliNX."
"The most effective features of Kali Linux include its stability as a Linux operating system, its flexibility in configuring resources such as partitions, its powerful and stable file system, and its multi-user capability, which allows for setting user privileges and rights. Additionally, Kali Linux provides access to a wide range of free and open-source applications for testing and development purposes."
"The interface is good and straightforward to use."
"The solution's most valuable feature is that it is very easy to use."
"Oracle Linux's most valuable feature is flexibility."
"The platform is stable, and there is no risk of viruses, unlike the Microsoft platform."
"There is full compatibility with RedHat-based operating systems, in particular Centos, which we widely deployed before Oracle Linux (OL)."
"It is very compatible because it's from the same product family, so it makes the work very easy."
"The most valuable features are performance, frequent update patches, and security."
"Very stable."
"The tool's performance is good."
"The graphical interface is fine. And the documentation is extremely valuable."
 

Cons

"The product should improve its security features."
"The installation process of Kali Linux can be slow, particularly when installing and upgrading packages within virtualized environments."
"The tool is slightly difficult to learn."
"I would like for them to offer more features for the free version in order for users to test them in their internal environment before purchasing."
"There can be some lagging issues because the product gets stuck at times, making it an area of concern where improvements are required."
"Unfortunately, my current tool runs on Windows 10, and its use is restricted to enterprise versions. Integrating this tool or similar functionalities into Kali Linux for non-enterprise users would be incredibly valuable."
"The tool is already stable and well-developed, so there's minimal feedback for enhancement or change. However, it should improve security, which is crucial, especially with the increasing use of Kali Linux in cloud environments."
"From an improvement perspective, it should be made possible for users to learn about the product easily."
"The installation documentation needs to be improved"
"The documentation has room for improvement."
"Oracle Linux performs best on Linux or Unix. However, you cannot get the same performance or stability in Windows."
"We would like to see the cloud setup to be evolved, to allow for setting up of clusters of the operating system for this solution."
"They could introduce the same level of remote capabilities, which are available with VMware applications to build distant environments."
"Expertise in Oracle Linux is not extensive, so it was challenging to find someone with experience in this technology."
"Pricing could be improved."
"I feel that Oracle Linux should improve to have a graphical interface that would be much more user-friendly, similar to Ubuntu, so that people who want to interface with the Oracle servers can have Oracle Linux desktop on their personal laptops as well."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"I have used the free version."
"Kali Linux is a free product, and you don't have to pay for a license."
"Kali Linux offers a perpetual license, meaning you pay for it once and can use it. While free versions of Linux are available, Kali Linux, being an enterprise edition, usually comes with a perpetual license. I rate its pricing a five out of ten."
"I use it free of charge."
"The tool is open-source."
"There is no need to make any payments towards the licensing costs since it is a solution that is available for free."
"Kali Linux is open source."
"The licensing fee is expensive compared to other products."
"We pay an annual subscription."
"The solution is free."
"We are currently operating the solution using a license-based version. We get licenses per machine."
"We have a yearly license, and I think Oracle charges too much."
"There is a license required for this solution and we are on an annual license."
"The solution is less expensive than Solaris and allows for use of existing hardware."
"This is an open-source product that can be used free of charge."
"The price of Oracle Linux could be less expensive for those who are running a small freelance company, such as I do. We use the solution fully but the income that you're receiving is slow."
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Comms Service Provider
14%
Computer Software Company
13%
University
12%
Educational Organization
11%
Computer Software Company
14%
Manufacturing Company
9%
Financial Services Firm
8%
Educational Organization
8%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
 

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Kali Linux?
I use the tool with Nmap to perform network audits. We use it to find vulnerabilities in our network through attacks. It's for those who want to launch or create viruses or perform attacks on syste...
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Kali Linux?
Kali Linux offers a perpetual license, meaning you pay for it once and can use it. While free versions of Linux are available, Kali Linux, being an enterprise edition, usually comes with a perpetua...
What needs improvement with Kali Linux?
The tool is already stable and well-developed, so there's minimal feedback for enhancement or change. However, it should improve security, which is crucial, especially with the increasing use of Ka...
How does Oracle Linux compare with Solaris?
When comparing Oracle Linux and Solaris, I believe that Linux is more secure and more flexible. It is also very suitable for enterprises that are already Oracle solution users. I found Linux to be ...
Which would you choose - Ubuntu Linux or Oracle Linux?
Ubunto Linux is a complete Linux operating system that is freely available with both community and professional support. This solution is suitable for both desktop and server use. It has a very app...
 

Comparisons

 

Also Known As

No data available
Oracle Enterprise Linux
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

Information Not Available
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Find out what your peers are saying about Kali Linux vs. Oracle Linux and other solutions. Updated: July 2025.
865,384 professionals have used our research since 2012.