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Kali Linux vs Windows 10 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
Windows 10
Ranking in Operating Systems (OS) for Business
8th
Average Rating
8.2
Reviews Sentiment
4.5
Number of Reviews
281
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of July 2025, in the Operating Systems (OS) for Business category, the mindshare of Kali Linux is 2.4%, up from 0.4% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Windows 10 is 2.7%, down from 4.3% 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.
Deboprio Dutta - PeerSpot reviewer
Improved security features with gaming enhancements while supporting various features
I understand that Windows 11 supports quite a bit of additional features for people who are, for example, into high-end gaming and the features that support that kind of utility. It's not personally much of a thing for me, however, I've heard about differences between the two operating system versions. To the best of my knowledge, I think Windows 11 brings some AI features for Microsoft Copilot, which probably weren't as integrated into the previous version. There are the occasional bugs and issues that pop up, yet none are significant enough for me to consider a major update. Overall, it's a smooth experience.

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."
"Kali Linux is much better than other OS because it gives you a good set of tools. It is preferred for vulnerability assessments and cybersecurity."
"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 interface is good and straightforward to use."
"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 solution's stability is very good."
"We use the product for open-source intelligence and identifying vulnerabilities."
"The most valuable feature of Kali Linux is the attack it performs using a CVE script that's already on the internet."
"We use Windows 10 as an operating system for endpoints."
"I have found the product to be scalable."
"Windows 10 is easy to use."
"It is easy to use."
"The solution is useful for end-user computing."
"The product's initial setup phase was very simple, and I feel anyone can do it."
"I like how Windows 10 is quite stable."
"When comparing Windows 10 to Windows XP, Windows 10 is much better. The appearance is very good."
 

Cons

"The tool is slightly difficult to learn."
"From an improvement perspective, it should be made possible for users to learn about the product easily."
"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."
"The installation process of Kali Linux can be slow, particularly when installing and upgrading packages within virtualized environments."
"The product should improve its security features."
"Any new user or someone without deep expertise won't be able to understand how to scale or manage it"
"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."
"We'd always be happier if the enterprise version was a little bit lower in price."
"It would be better if it were more stable. Security could also be better."
"It takes a lot of time to boot Windows 10, and I want it to complete the booting process in two or three minutes. The search functionality in the product has glitches at times."
"The tool needs to include NetMeeting which helps people to collaborate."
"Security-wise, Windows 10 should be more stable."
"The solution could improve by adding more dashboards."
"Windows 10 could improve its security and they have not added anything extra to the solution from the previous versions."
"The solution could offer better integration capabilities."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Kali Linux is a free product, and you don't have to pay for a license."
"The price is good because Kali Linux already provides a good bundle of tools."
"The licensing fee is expensive compared to other products."
"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."
"The tool is open-source."
"I have used the free version."
"It is an open-source tool."
"There is no need to make any payments towards the licensing costs since it is a solution that is available for free."
"My company has opted for a volume-based license."
"The product is not that cheap."
"It is only a one-time purchase."
"I don't pay for my personal use. However, my company certainly has some licenses, but I'm not aware of what they pay for them."
"There is a license required for this solution and it could be less expensive."
"Pricing depends on the type of license."
"We already have a license for Windows 10 in our role as Microsoft partners."
"The licensing fees could be more flexible."
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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
11%
Manufacturing Company
10%
University
8%
Financial Services Firm
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...
What needs improvement with Windows 10?
There is an issue with using Outlook, as you have to acquire a license. The basic version offered by Windows 10 does not allow direct preview of emails, requiring downloads instead. If they could a...
What is your primary use case for Windows 10?
I am working with Aras PLM. We are using Aras PLM, Windows 10 and Jira. Teams has very good features. We are using soft phones.
 

Comparisons

 

Overview

Find out what your peers are saying about Kali Linux vs. Windows 10 and other solutions. Updated: July 2025.
863,901 professionals have used our research since 2012.