Side by side
Kali Linux vs OWASP ZAP
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.
Free plan Open source AndroidLinuxMac+2
Kali Linux offers a broad security-testing environment across many deployment types, with live and custom-image options. Its intended audience is experienced users, and official support is limited to the operating system and packaging.
Visit Kali Linux Free plan Open source APIExtensionLinux+3
ZAP combines web scanning with automation, API imports, and CI options at no charge. Check installer requirements and the project's release-support limits before choosing it.
Visit OWASP ZAPThe facts
| Kali Linux | OWASP ZAP | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Runs on | Android, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows | API, Extension, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | kali.org | zaproxy.org |
| On penetration testing software | #1 of 34 | #2 of 34 |
Kali Linux: what it does well
- Free of charge.
- Supports live USB use without altering the host OS.
- Custom ISO images can be built.
- Packages and repositories are signed.
- Available across virtual, cloud, container, and ARM environments.
What to know first
- Documentation assumes Linux familiarity.
- Official support excludes penetration-testing and tool-use help.
- Some tools in the non-free section are not open source.
- Unsupported repositories can break Kali.
OWASP ZAP: what it does well
- Free and open source.
- Active and passive scans, spidering, alerts, and scan policies.
- YAML automation supports API imports and report generation.
- GitHub Actions support baseline, full, and API scans.
- Dynamically installable add-ons usually need no restart.
What to know first
- Windows and Linux installers require Java 17 or higher.
- The team supports only the latest full release.
- Current releases are unsigned, though checksums are provided.
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