BlackArch Linux

blackarch.org · checked 9 Oct 2026

#8 · Offensive Security #14 · Penetration Testing Software

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How it plugs in

—Public API

NoOpen source

YesFree tier

Signal on Offensive Security5.9#8 of 22

BlackArch Linux is an Arch Linux based penetration testing distribution for penetration testers and security researchers.

Pricing

BlackArch LinuxFree Linux distribution and repository; full, slim, and netinstall ISOsFree

As blackarch.org lists them, checked 9 Oct 2026.

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Runs on

Web
Windows
Mac
Linux
iOS
Android

Facts

Website: blackarch.org
Price: Free tier
Free trial: No
Arch compatibility: BlackArch is compatible with existing Arch Linux installations and acts as an unofficial user repository.
ARM support: BlackArch is compatible with Arch Linux ARM and supports the Aarch64 platforms listed by Arch Linux ARM.
Full ISO: The full ISO includes all tools available in the repository at build time, and the site warns it is primarily intended for offline installation and may cause update or installation conflicts.
ISO options: Official downloads include full, slim, and netinstall 64-bit ISO images.
Netinstall ISO: The netinstall ISO is a lightweight image for bootstrapping machines with a minimal set of packages.
Security verification: The installation instructions tell users to verify the downloaded strap.sh script against a published SHA1 checksum.
Slim ISO: The slim ISO includes a selected set of common tools and system utilities, and features the XFCE desktop environment.
Support: Users can request help through the Matrix channel or report website, package, and installer issues through the corresponding GitHub repositories.
Team: BlackArch Linux says it is backed by a team of volunteers.
Tool repository: The repository lists 2,862 tools, which can be installed individually or in groups.
Updates: The FAQ says BlackArch is constantly updated and releases a new ISO quarterly.
Use case: The project strongly advises people unfamiliar with Arch Linux or Linux generally to avoid BlackArch because of its learning curve.

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