Best Penetration Testing Software 2025
Kali Linux, Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, Cobalt Strike: the most used penetration testing software in 2025, their features, costs and who they suit.
In this article
Penetration testing is one of the most complex and strategic activities in cybersecurity. To run effective penetration tests, ethical hackers rely on advanced tools capable of simulating real-world attacks, uncovering security flaws and verifying how well IT infrastructure actually holds up.
Dozens of tools exist, each with different features, complexity levels and use cases. In this article we look at which software is most used in 2025, its key features, pros and cons, and how to choose the right one for the type of test you need to run.
Overview of the market-leading tools
Here is a selection of the software most used by security professionals:
Kali Linux: A Linux distribution built for penetration testing, with hundreds of tools pre-installed. It is the de facto standard for anyone working in security.
Metasploit Framework: An open-source platform for developing, testing and running exploits. Excellent for testing system vulnerabilities and building custom payloads.
Burp Suite: An advanced tool for security testing on web applications. Widely used in application security contexts (OWASP Top 10), available in both free and professional editions.
Nmap and Zenmap: Nmap is a network scanning tool, Zenmap is its graphical interface. Extremely useful for mapping open ports and active services, and for laying the groundwork for a simulated attack.
Wireshark: A real-time network traffic analyser. Used to capture packets and analyse protocols, very useful for understanding what is really happening at the network level.
Aircrack-ng: A tool for testing Wi-Fi network security. It lets you analyse encryption protocols and spot weak points in wireless systems.
Cobalt Strike: A commercial suite geared towards Red Team work and advanced attack simulations. It integrates post-exploitation capabilities and sophisticated payload management.
Features, cost and complexity
Each tool has its own level of accessibility, ranging from ease of use to the need to write custom scripts. Here are a few criteria to keep in mind:
Free vs paid: Kali Linux, Nmap, Wireshark and Metasploit are open-source and free, ideal for teams with strong technical skills. Burp Suite Professional and Cobalt Strike are paid tools, but they offer advanced features and dedicated support.
Graphical interface vs command line: Tools like Zenmap and Burp Suite offer a GUI. Others, such as Metasploit, require you to be comfortable with the command line.
Test objective: If you are working on web applications, Burp Suite is an excellent choice. For network or server testing, Kali + Nmap + Metasploit form an effective combination. For testing wireless networks, Aircrack-ng is the standard.
Professional level: Cobalt Strike is a choice for enterprises or professional red teams. It offers complex simulations and advanced evasion and persistence tools.
Which to choose based on the type of test
Here is a quick guide for matching software to the type of penetration test:
External tests on the corporate network: Kali Linux, Nmap, Metasploit
Web application tests (black-box or grey-box): Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP (open-source alternative)
Wireless or physical tests: Aircrack-ng, WiFi Pineapple (hardware)
Advanced tests with a red team: Cobalt Strike, BloodHound (for Active Directory)
Software choice also depends on how mature your organisation's security posture is. Companies that want a structured approach can turn to specialised security partners such as TN Solutions.
To see how these tools fit into a broader process of business analysis and protection, we recommend reading our guide to vulnerability assessment and penetration testing, designed to help companies of every size build a modern, effective and compliant defence perimeter.
Investing in the right tools means simulating today the attacks you could face tomorrow, avoiding costs, crises and reputational damage.
Related Service: Professional Penetration Testing
If you want to move from tools to a structured test on your infrastructure, our dedicated penetration test page covers methodology, scope and the report you receive, delivered by our experienced engineers.
Frequently asked questions
Is penetration testing software legal to use?
Yes, but only in an authorised context. Tools like Metasploit, Burp Suite or Cobalt Strike are powerful, but using them on systems you do not own, or without explicit authorisation, is illegal. In a business context, tests must be pre-authorised and documented, with ethical objectives and always under contract.
Which tools are essential for a penetration tester in 2025?
A minimum kit includes Kali Linux (a full distribution), Metasploit (exploitation), Burp Suite (web analysis), Nmap (network scanning), Wireshark (sniffing) and tools like Dirb or Gobuster for enumeration. In advanced contexts, Cobalt Strike, BloodHound and Impacket are essential for post-exploitation and attacks on Windows networks.
Is a tool like Burp Suite also useful for non-experts?
Yes, to some extent: Burp Suite has a fast learning curve and a free edition that is useful for beginners, but to make the most of its features (automated scanning, intruder, advanced repeater) you need experience in web application testing. It is also a good tool for QA, secure development or bug bounty work.
Is a local toolkit like Kali Linux better than a cloud platform?
It depends on the operating context. Kali Linux is optimal for local tests and full control, but it requires adequate hardware and ongoing maintenance. Cloud platforms (Pentest-as-a-Service or SaaS tools) offer scalability and automatic updates with less direct control. More structured companies often combine both: local tools for manual testing, cloud platforms for automation and reporting.
What is the difference between Metasploit and Cobalt Strike?
Metasploit is open-source, modular and widely used during the exploit phase. Cobalt Strike, on the other hand, is a commercial tool built for red teams, with advanced post-exploitation, pivoting and stealth simulation capabilities. Cobalt Strike is closer to a real persistent attack, while Metasploit is ideal for standard testing and learning.
Are there automated tools for running an end-to-end pen test?
Yes, frameworks like AttackForge, Pentera, Core Impact or the advanced modules in Nessus and Burp Suite Pro guide the user through every phase of the test (reconnaissance, scan, exploit, report). However, no automated software replaces expert judgement: these tools are ideal for recurring tests, while manual testing remains essential in complex environments.
Which software is best suited to teams working in DevSecOps?
You need tools that integrate into CI/CD pipelines, such as OWASP ZAP, Nuclei, Burp Suite API, Trivy or Snyk: they let you run automated tests during deployment, checking for vulnerabilities in code, packages, containers and cloud environments, to catch problems before release.
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