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BlackArch Linux vs PenTest.WS

Both stand on penetration testing software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

BlackArch Linux

Free plan LinuxSelf-hosted

Choose BlackArch Linux if you work in penetration testing or security research and are comfortable with Arch Linux. Its large repository and multiple installation formats are useful for that audience; people new to Linux should look elsewhere because the project warns of a steep learning curve.

Visit BlackArch Linux

PenTest.WS

Free plan APILinuxMac+2

Choose PenTest.WS if you need to organize penetration testing engagements and produce configurable DOCX reports, or if Pro's collaboration and offline options fit your work. Hobby Tier has firm limits on findings and report templates, while Pro is priced at $249 a year per user.

Visit PenTest.WS

The facts

BlackArch LinuxPenTest.WS
Free planYesYes
Open sourceNot publishedNot published
Runs onLinux, Self-hostedAPI, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web
Lowest paid planFree or on requestHobby Tier: $4.95 a month
Plans published12
MakerNot publishedNot published
Websiteblackarch.orgpentest.ws
On penetration testing software#7 of 34#11 of 34

BlackArch Linux: what it does well

  • Repository lists 2,862 tools for individual or group installation.
  • Works as an unofficial user repository for Arch Linux installations.
  • Offers full, slim, and netinstall 64-bit ISO images.
  • Official OVA image supports VirtualBox, VMware, and QEMU.
  • Compatible with Arch Linux ARM and supported Aarch64 platforms.

What to know first

  • The project advises people unfamiliar with Linux or Arch Linux to avoid it.
  • The full ISO may cause update or installation conflicts.
  • There is no free trial; the distribution is offered as a free plan.

PenTest.WS: what it does well

  • Organizes hosts, services, vulnerabilities, and credentials.
  • Imports Nmap and Masscan XML scan data.
  • DOCX templates support conditional content and finding images.
  • RESTful API exposes engagements, hosts, ports, and other objects.
  • Offline mode stores data locally and needs no server.

What to know first

  • Hobby Tier limits each engagement to five findings.
  • Hobby Tier includes two DOCX reporting templates.
  • Pro engagement data does not sync with PenTest.WS cloud.
  • Pro costs $249 a year per user.

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