Is Kali Linux still the best OS for Ethical Hacking or should I switch to Parrot Security OS?

All answers to this question.

I switched to Parrot because it runs better on my older laptop. It feels less bloated than Kali, and the "Sandboxed" tools give me an extra layer of security.

   Answered 2024-02-20 by Mary Young

• Mary makes a great point about system resources. If you're running your hacking OS in a Virtual Machine, Parrot's low overhead can make the experience much smoother.

     Commented 2024-02-21 by Patricia Hall

Kali Linux is the industry standard primarily because of its massive community support and the fact that almost every tutorial is written for it. It comes pre-loaded with every tool imaginable. However, Parrot Security OS is based on Debian Stable, making it slightly more "daily-driver" friendly. Parrot also includes "AnonSurf" by default, which is great for privacy. If you are working on a machine with limited RAM, Parrot's MATE edition will definitely feel snappier. Personally, I stick with Kali for professional engagements because of the consistency across different pentesting teams.

   Answered 2024-02-21 by Patricia Hall

Have you considered just using a custom-built Arch Linux setup with only the specific tools you need, or is the "out-of-the-box" experience a requirement for you?

   Answered 2024-02-24 by Daniel Lee

• Daniel, for a beginner or even a mid-level pro, building Arch from scratch is a huge time sink. Most of us prefer "out-of-the-box" because the tools are already configured with the right dependencies. Kali’s "meta-packages" are a lifesaver when you need to install an entire category of tools like kali-linux-wireless with one command. While Arch is fun for learning how a kernel works, in a fast-paced security environment, you need your tools ready to go immediately.

     Commented 2024-02-27 by Steven Harris