35+ Pentesting Tools and AI Pentesting Tools for Cybersecurity in 2025
Cybersecurity is not just about defending against attacks—it’s about staying one step ahead of potential threats. This is where pentesting (short for penetration testing) plays a critical role. By simulating real-world attacks to uncover weak spots before someone else does, pentesting helps secure small businesses and major enterprises. And having the right tools makes all the difference. In this guide, we list 38 of the most effective penetration testing tools, including 30 traditional tools and 8 cutting-edge AI pentesting tools that are streamlining vulnerability assessment and exploitation techniques in 2025.
Whether you’re looking for free pen testing tools, fully automated solutions, or open-source penetration testing tools that can be customized and built on, the list below offers a range of options to enhance your toolkit.
Network Scanning and Enumeration
- Nmap : A versatile network scanner, Nmap is used for host discovery and service enumeration. It supports various scanning techniques to identify open ports and services.
- Masscan : A high-speed, open-source port scanner that can scan the entire IPv4 Internet in minutes using asynchronous TCP SYN scanning, provided sufficient bandwidth is available. It is optimized for large-scale port discovery across vast IP ranges.
- Angry IP Scanner : A lightweight, cross-platform network scanner, this tool is designed to be fast and straightforward, ideal for small network assessments.
- fping : A ping-like program that sends ICMP echo requests to multiple hosts, fping is helpful for network discovery and monitoring.
- hping3 : hping3 is a network tool used to send customized TCP/IP packets and display the target’s replies, similar to how ping works with ICMP replies.
- ZMap An open-source network scanner designed to scan the entire IPv4 address space in minutes, given sufficient bandwidth. It performs high-speed, packet-level scanning—typically of a single port—and supports multiple probe modules and protocols.
- Unicornscan : This tool is designed to allow users to check the stimulus delivery/response of a TCP/IP-enabled device or network.
- OpenVAS : A highly capable and free penetration testing tool, OpenVAS is used to scan systems and networks for known vulnerabilities. It’s a staple among the best penetration testing tools for enterprise environments.
- Nikto : A solid go-to for checking web servers, this scanner digs into risky files, outdated software, and other common red flags. It’s easily one of the most trusted website penetration testing tools in the security community.
- Wapiti A dynamic vulnerability scanner, Wapiti allows you to audit web application security through “black-box” scans.
- Vega : An open-source GUI-based scanner, Vega finds SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other vulnerabilities.
Exploitation Frameworks
- Metasploit Framework : One of the best penetration testing tools, Metasploit is a complete exploitation platform used to test security vulnerabilities, enumerate networks, and execute exploits. Metasploit Framework is the open-source version.
- BeEF (Browser Exploitation Framework) : An advanced browser exploitation tool, BeEF focuses on client-side attack vectors via web browsers. It’s a unique website penetration testing tool.
- Exploit Pack : A Java-based automated pentesting tool, it is used to manage exploits and perform red team operations.
- Core Impact : Core Impact is a commercial pentesting tool with automation capabilities. It runs on multiple platforms and systems.
Wireless Network Tools
- Aircrack-ng : It is one of the best penetration testing tools for WiFi auditing, offering capabilities to crack WEP and WPA-PSK keys.
- Kismet : A wireless network detector, sniffer, and intrusion detection system, Kismet is available for free and runs on multiple operating systems.
- Reaver : A tool for brute-force attacks against WPS-enabled WiFi routers, Reaver is often used as part of automated pentesting tools in wireless security assessments.
Password Cracking
- John the Ripper : A fast and powerful password cracker, John the Ripper supports hundreds of hash types. It’s a classic among the best pentesting tools.
- hashcat : The world’s fastest password recovery tool, hashcat supports GPU acceleration for cracking hashes such as NTLM, MD5, and SHA.
- hydra : A parallelized login cracker supporting numerous protocols, hydra is a staple in free pen testing tools.
Web Application Testing
- Burp Suite : A powerful suite of tools used for web vulnerability scanning and manual testing, Burp Suite is available in free and pro versions.
- ZAP : A free, open-source web application scanner, ZAP helps identify security vulnerabilities automatically and manually.
- sqlmap : An automated penetration testing tool, sqlmap detects and exploits SQL injection flaws.
- XSSer : This tool automates the detection and exploitation of XSS vulnerabilities in web applications.
- commix : This is one of the best penetration testing tools for command injection vulnerabilities in web applications.
8+ AI Pentesting Tools
AI isn’t just hype anymore, especially when it comes to cybersecurity. AI is making life easier for pentesters by cutting down on repetitive tasks and helping spot issues faster than ever. Whether you’re mapping out a network, scanning for vulnerabilities, or diving into complex systems, these AI tools are stepping in as powerful sidekicks, helping you work smarter, not harder.- PentestGPT : An AI-powered penetration testing toolkit, PentestGPT leverages large language models (LLMs) to automate the testing process. It guides users through reconnaissance, exploitation, and post-exploitation phases, making it suitable for both novices and experts.
- Mindgard : Mindgard offers an AI-driven platform for offensive security, focusing on identifying and mitigating AI-specific vulnerabilities. It employs structured testing methodologies to simulate real-world attacks on AI systems.
Master Pentesting and AI tools for real-world cybersecurity job roles with EC-Council's CEH AI and CPENT AI certifications.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH AI) – The World’s No.1 Ethical Hacking Certification with AI Skills
Why CEH AI is the ultimate ethical hacking certification for cybersecurity professionals:- Master all ethical hacking phases, enhanced with AI techniques.
- Develop core cybersecurity skills aligned with industry standards.
- Learn through a unique four-phase learning framework: Learn, Certify, Engage, and Compete:
- Learn: Access to 20 modules, 221 labs (including AI-focused labs), 4,000 tools (including AI tools and techniques), and 551 attack techniques.
- Certify: Prove your knowledge in a four-hour exam and demonstrate your skills in a six-hour practical exam.
- Engage : Practice in real-world simulation environments.
- Compete : Participate in 12 monthly CTF challenges to enhance your skills and measure progress against global peers.
- Align your skills with 48 cybersecurity job roles mapped to CEH AI.
Certified Penetration Testing Professional (CPENT AI): Advanced Certification with AI Skills Aligned with All Pentesting PhasesM
Why CPENT AI is the best and in-demand penetration testing course today:- Master the complete pen testing methodology end-to-end
- Develop AI pen testing skills mapped to all pentesting phases
- Gain advanced pen testing capabilities for real-world scenarios
- Learn through 110+ hands-on labs, live cyber ranges, and CTF challenges
- Train across five multi-disciplinary ranges
- Build skills in scoping, rules of engagement, and strategic pentesting execution
- Align your expertise with 20+ cybersecurity job roles across industries
With so many tools available today, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin—but this curated list of 38 pentesting tools provides an overview of what’s out there. From the old-school classics that security professionals have used for years to the newer AI pentesting tools that are speeding up the pen testing process with higher accuracy, there’s something here for every type of pen tester and every kind of job. Whether you’re digging into web app vulnerabilities, scanning networks, or testing APIs, the tools available today are more powerful and flexible than ever.
Explore the list, experiment with the tools, and equip yourself with the resources you need to stay ahead in the ever-evolving threat landscape.
Disclaimer: The external tools and links mentioned in this blog are provided solely for informational purposes. Visitors are advised to click and access them at their own discretion. EC-Council does not officially endorse these tools, and the organization is not liable for any issues, security risks, or damages that may arise from accessing third-party websites. We strongly encourage users to verify the credibility and safety of any external resources before use.
×
CEH V12
"*" indicates required fields
CEH V12
"*" indicates required fields
