Side by side
Kali Linux vs Pop!_OS
Both stand on operating systems. 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 Linux
Choose Pop!_OS for a free Linux desktop with adjustable tiling, flexible panels, and APT and Flatpak support. Check the installation requirements first: Secure Boot must be disabled, and the guide calls for 4 GB RAM and 20 GB storage.
Visit Pop!_OSThe facts
| Kali Linux | Pop!_OS | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Runs on | Android, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows | Linux |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | kali.org | system76.com |
| On operating systems | #3 of 42 | #7 of 42 |
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.
Pop!_OS: what it does well
- Free to download and use.
- Automatic window tiling works with a mouse or keyboard.
- Launcher searches apps, files, the web, and more.
- Supports APT, Flatpak, and Ubuntu-compatible tools.
- Full-disk encryption is provided during installation.
What to know first
- Installation requires Secure Boot to be disabled.
- Installation guide lists 4 GB RAM and 20 GB storage.
- Requires compatible computer hardware.
Alternatives to Kali Linux Alternatives to Pop!_OS The whole list