Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

ArchStrike VS BlackArch

Compare ArchStrike VS BlackArch and see what are their differences

ArchStrike logo ArchStrike

An Arch Linux repository for security professionals and enthusiasts.

BlackArch logo BlackArch

BlackArch Linux is an Small Arch Linux iconArch Linux -based distribution for penetration testers...
  • ArchStrike Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-18
  • BlackArch Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-14

ArchStrike features and specs

  • Comprehensive Toolset
    ArchStrike provides a wide range of security and penetration testing tools, catering to professionals who need a complete toolkit.
  • Based on Arch Linux
    Leveraging Arch Linux as its foundation, ArchStrike benefits from Arch's flexibility, simplicity, and the Arch User Repository (AUR) for additional software.
  • Rolling Release
    ArchStrike is a rolling release distribution, ensuring users have access to the latest updates and features without the need for major version upgrades.
  • Community Support
    ArchStrike benefits from the support of an active community, providing forums and documentation to assist with troubleshooting and optimization.
  • Customizability
    Users can tailor their ArchStrike installation to fit their specific needs, similar to what is available in Arch Linux, allowing fine control over packages and system behavior.

Possible disadvantages of ArchStrike

  • Complex Installation
    Installing ArchStrike can be complex, especially for users not familiar with Arch Linux, requiring manual configuration and setup.
  • Steep Learning Curve
    Both Arch Linux and ArchStrike have a steep learning curve due to their minimalistic approach and reliance on user intervention for setup and configuration.
  • Stability Concerns
    As a rolling release distribution, there is a potential trade-off between cutting-edge features and system stability, which might require frequent maintenance.
  • Limited Documentation
    While there is community support, official documentation specific to ArchStrike may not be as comprehensive as some users require.
  • Resource Intensive
    As a platform for security tools, it may require significant system resources, which might not be ideal for older or less powerful hardware.

BlackArch features and specs

  • Extensive Tool Collection
    BlackArch boasts a repository of over 2700 tools tailored for penetration testing and security research, providing users with a comprehensive range of utilities.
  • Arch Linux Base
    Being based on Arch Linux, BlackArch benefits from the streamlined package management and rolling release model, allowing users to always have access to the latest updates and packages.
  • Customization
    The distribution allows for high levels of customization, enabling users to tailor their system to their specific testing needs and preferences.
  • Community Support
    BlackArch has an active community that contributes to its continuous development and improvement, providing assistance and enhancements.
  • Open Source
    As an open-source project, BlackArch allows users to contribute to its development, ensuring transparency and collaborative improvement.

Possible disadvantages of BlackArch

  • Complex Setup
    Due to its Arch Linux base, BlackArch may require a steeper learning curve and familiarity with Linux commands, which can be challenging for beginners.
  • Resource Intensive
    Running such a large suite of tools can be resource-intensive, requiring a system with significant RAM and processing power to perform optimally.
  • Not for All Users
    Its specialized focus on penetration testing and security research might not make it suitable for general-purpose computing needs.
  • Potential for Security Risks
    With access to powerful security tools, there's potential for misuse if proper precautions and ethical standards are not strictly adhered to.
  • Limited Official Documentation
    While community resources are available, official documentation might be sparse, posing challenges for users seeking comprehensive official guides.

ArchStrike videos

How to Install ArchStrike- Security Layer on Arch Linux

More videos:

  • Review - 003 ArchStrike Linux Chad Seaman

BlackArch videos

BlackArch Linux Review - Better Than Kali Linux?

More videos:

  • Review - BlackArch 2020.01.01

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to ArchStrike and BlackArch)
Linux
37 37%
63% 63
Operating Systems
37 37%
63% 63
Linux Distribution
30 30%
70% 70
Tool
60 60%
40% 40

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare ArchStrike and BlackArch

ArchStrike Reviews

Best Kali Linux Alternatives
Previously known as ArchAssault, ArchStrike is best known for having a number of security and penetration tools. If you are interested in ethical hacking, you can install ArchStrike instead of Kali Linux, and you will find plenty of security and tool options with this distro.
Source: linuxhint.com
The 22 Best Linux Distros for Hackers (Pentesting)
ArchStrike is one of the perfect operating systems for Arch Linux-based ethical hackers for security experts. ArchStrike provides a live desktop environment based on the Openbox window manager, along with an extra repository of 32 and 64-bit build security software.

BlackArch Reviews

Best Secure Linux Distros for Enhanced Privacy & Security
This popular pentesting distro hails from Arch Linux, and contains over 2,000 different hacking tools - allowing you to use whatever you need without having to download new tools. BlackArch Linux offers frequent updates, and can be run from a USB stick or CD or installed on your computer.
Top 10 Most Secure Linux Distros for Personal Use
BlackArch is based on Arch Linux, and it is a lightweight Linux distro designed for penetration tester, security researchers, and computer experts. This Linux distro provides multiple features, combined with 2,000+ cybersecurity tools that users can install according to their requirements. BlackArch can be used on any hardware, as it is a lightweight Linux distro and also a...
Source: linuxhint.com
Best Kali Linux Alternatives
BlackArch is an Arch Linux-based security research and penetration testing distribution. It contains a depository consisting of more than 2500 tools that are growing day by day. The collection of BlackArch tools can be built on top of Arch Linux.
Source: linuxhint.com
Top 15 Best Security-Centric Linux Distributions of 2020
Compared to other distros on this listed, BlackArch Linux is a relatively new project yet, it has been able to stand out as a reliable OS in the community of security experts. It ships with the user option to choose any of these desktop environments: Awesome, Blackbox, Fluxbox, or spectrwm, and as expected, it is available as a live DVD image and can be run from the...
Source: www.tecmint.com
The 22 Best Linux Distros for Hackers (Pentesting)
BlackArch Linux - a Linux-based ethical hacker operating system for intrusion testers and security researchers. The new version also has a total of 1400 intrusion testing tools, with the old ones updated and added, making it a mandatory download for hackers and security researchers.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, BlackArch should be more popular than ArchStrike. It has been mentiond 14 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

ArchStrike mentions (2)

  • Adding BlackArch TOOLS to Manjaro ?
    Adding BlackArch repos to Manjaro will make the system run into severe conflicts of packages. If you need an additional repo for pentesting then better check https://archstrike.org and follow their documentation. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Awesome Penetration Testing
    ArchStrike - Arch GNU/Linux repository for security professionals and enthusiasts. - Source: dev.to / over 3 years ago

BlackArch mentions (14)

  • Witchcraft
    I prefer the black arch logo over the red version. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Just started learning what is the better OS?
    Use ubuntu or debian until you get comfortable. I recommend at lest doing this once when you have time and a free machine, it will teach you a lot. Eventually you'll enjoy Slack and Arch installs a lot more than ubuntu and debain and mb BSD for some machines like your own encrypted cloud. Kali is just preloaded with tools for pentesting, you can install those tools on any machine, the ditro of linux is... Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Black Arch
    Black Arch for serious pen testers not for posers who run Kali as a daily driver. Source: about 2 years ago
  • how do I add penetration tools in vanilla arch
    If you want to jump ship, consider https://blackarch.org/ but don't come here asking for help (and given their install instructions, you might very well need assistance). Source: over 2 years ago
  • Protip: Use Wikipedia to find the proper download links for distros and software.
    There is also blackarch.org and blackarch.io, I really wonder if those isos cotain malware in some sort. Its funny that this tactic is even used on linux distros. Source: about 3 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing ArchStrike and BlackArch, you can also consider the following products

Kali Linux - Kali Linux is a Debian-derived Linux distribution designed for digital forensics and penetration...

Bugtraq - Bugtraq system offers the most comprehensive distribution, optimal, and stable with automated...

Parrot OS - The best choice for security experts, developers and crypto-addicted people.

Wifislax - Wifislax is a Slackware-based live CD containing a variety of security and forensics tools.

Caine - CAINE Computer Aided INvestigative Environment Live CD/DVD, computer forensics, digital forensics

SELKS - SELKS is a Debian-based live distribution designed for network security management.