Devuan vs Kali Linux
Devuan: Debian without systemd, with a choice of init. Kali Linux: A toolkit for penetration testing and security research. Here is how they differ, and which one suits you.
Quick verdict
- BeginnersDevuanDevuan is rated intermediate; Kali Linux is advanced.
- GamingKali LinuxKali Linux gets newer drivers and kernels faster.
- Older hardwareDevuanDevuan needs about 2 GB of RAM versus 4 GB.
- Latest softwareKali LinuxKali Linux uses a rolling model; Devuan is stable.
- Long-term stabilityDevuanDevuan changes less between upgrades.
Specs compared
| Feature | Devuan | Kali Linux |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity rank (30d) | #37 | #10 |
| Latest version | — | — |
| Based on | Debian | Debian Testing |
| Release model | Stable | Rolling |
| Desktop | Xfce, KDE Plasma, more | Xfce, KDE Plasma, GNOME |
| Package management | APT | APT |
| Init system | sysVinit, OpenRC or runit | systemd |
| Experience level | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Suggested RAM | 2 GB+ | 4 GB+ |
| Architectures | x86_64 | x86_64, aarch64, armhf |
| First released | 2014 | 2013 |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Good for | Servers, Everyday use, Older hardware | Security testing |
Key differences
- Devuan is based on Debian, while Kali Linux is based on Debian Testing.
- Devuan follows a stable release model; Kali Linux is rolling.
- Devuan ships Xfce, KDE Plasma, more; Kali Linux ships Xfce, KDE Plasma, GNOME.
- Devuan uses sysVinit, OpenRC or runit as its init system; Kali Linux uses systemd.
- We suggest about 2 GB of RAM for Devuan and 4 GB for Kali Linux.
- Devuan is best for intermediate users; Kali Linux for advanced users.
Choose Devuan if…
- choice of init system
- debian-compatible packages
- suitable for servers and desktops
Some software expects systemd
Full Devuan profileChoose Kali Linux if…
- large, maintained collection of security tools
- images for VMs, ARM, cloud, and WSL
- detailed documentation for assessment workflows
Not intended as an everyday desktop
Full Kali Linux profileDevuan vs Kali Linux: FAQ
Is Devuan better than Kali Linux?
Neither is better for everyone. Devuan is the stronger pick for beginners, older hardware, long-term stability; Kali Linux for gaming, latest software.
Which uses less RAM, Devuan or Kali Linux?
Devuan is lighter: we suggest about 2 GB versus 4 GB. The desktop you choose affects memory use more than the distribution itself.
Is Devuan based on Kali Linux?
No. Devuan is based on Debian; Kali Linux is based on Debian Testing.
Can I switch from Devuan to Kali Linux without losing files?
Back up your home folder first. If /home is on a separate partition you can reinstall without formatting it, but a clean install with restored backups is safest.