Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Subgraph OS VS Whonix

Compare Subgraph OS VS Whonix and see what are their differences

Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Subgraph OS logo Subgraph OS

Adversary resistant computing platform.

Whonix logo Whonix

Whonix aims at preserving your privacy and anonymity by helping you use your applications...
  • Subgraph OS Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-07
  • Whonix Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-01-20

Subgraph OS features and specs

  • Enhanced Security
    Subgraph OS is designed with multiple layers of security in mind, including AppArmor profiles, kernel hardening, and integrated encryption, providing a robust and secure operating environment.
  • Isolation
    It utilizes containers to isolate applications from each other, minimizing the risk that a compromise in one application can affect the entire system.
  • Anonymity
    The operating system comes pre-configured to use Tor for internet connections, which helps maintain user privacy and anonymity online.
  • Secure Communication
    Subgraph OS includes applications like Oz, which further enhance secure communication through mandatory access controls and sandboxing strategies.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    Despite its security focus, Subgraph OS maintains a user-friendly interface, making it accessible to users who may not be technically inclined but require enhanced security.

Possible disadvantages of Subgraph OS

  • Limited Software Availability
    Due to its security-focused development, Subgraph OS may have limited support for some software applications, which can restrict usability for certain users.
  • Resource Intensive
    The extensive use of containers and security features can lead to higher resource consumption, potentially affecting system performance on older hardware.
  • Steep Learning Curve
    For users who are not familiar with privacy-focused operating systems, the initial setup and configuration may be challenging.
  • Potential Overhead
    The numerous security features, while beneficial, can create additional overhead and complexity, possibly complicating troubleshooting and system maintenance.
  • Niche User Base
    Subgraph OS caters primarily to users with specific privacy and security needs, which may limit its relevance to a broader audience seeking a general-purpose operating system.

Whonix features and specs

  • Strong Anonymity
    Whonix is designed to provide strong anonymity by routing all internet connections through the Tor network, preventing IP leaks and making user activities difficult to trace.
  • Isolation
    The use of two virtual machines (Gateway and Workstation) enforces a separation between the network and application layers, adding an additional layer of security.
  • Reproducible Builds
    Whonix utilizes reproducible builds, which allow users to verify that their copy of the software matches the source code, enhancing trustworthiness.
  • Usable Tor Integration
    It provides a user-friendly way to route applications through Tor without requiring deep network knowledge.
  • Open Source
    Whonix is open-source software, allowing users to audit the code for security vulnerabilities and transparency.

Possible disadvantages of Whonix

  • Performance Overhead
    Running Whonix requires considerable system resources, as it involves running two virtual machines, which can lead to performance degradation.
  • Complex Setup
    Setting up Whonix can be difficult for users not familiar with virtual machines or Tor, requiring a steeper learning curve compared to more straightforward privacy tools.
  • Limited Software Availability
    Some software available in standard Linux distributions may not be readily available or perform well in Whonix, limiting functionality.
  • Network Speed
    Tor inherently slows down internet connections due to its relaying method, which can be further affected by the dual VM setup of Whonix.
  • Reliance on Tor
    Whonix's reliance on the Tor network means any issues or attacks on Tor can affect Whonix's performance and reliability.

Subgraph OS videos

Breaking the security model of Subgraph OS

More videos:

  • Review - Subgraph OS: Hardening a Linux Desktop - David Mirza Ahmad at 44CON 2017
  • Review - Subgraph OS overview | Adversary resistant computing platform

Whonix videos

Whonix 15 - Anonymous Web Browsing

More videos:

  • Review - Internet Security Part II: Tor Whonix Tails Comparison and Review
  • Review - Whonix Linux 15.0.0.9.4

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Subgraph OS and Whonix)
Security & Privacy
100 100%
0% 0
Operating Systems
16 16%
84% 84
Monitoring Tools
100 100%
0% 0
Linux Distribution
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Subgraph OS and Whonix

Subgraph OS Reviews

Top 15 Best Security-Centric Linux Distributions of 2020
Subgraph OS is a lightweight Debian-based distribution designed to be impervious to surveillance and interference from adversaries over any network no matter their level of sophistication. It is created to use a hardened Linux kernel coupled with an application firewall to block certain programs from accessing the network and it forces all Internet traffic to go through the...
Source: www.tecmint.com

Whonix Reviews

Best Linux distro for privacy and security of 2024
As it runs in a virtual machine, Whonix is compatible with all operating systems that can run Virtualbox. Virtual machines can only use a portion of your real system's resources, so Whonix will not necessarily perform as fast as an OS that has been installed to a local hard drive.
Top 5 Secure Operating Systems for Privacy and Anonymity
Meanwhile, the Whonix-Workstation provides a safe, isolated workspace so you can carry out your online activities. This virtual machine is intentionally kept separate from the host operating system and the Whonix-Gateway, establishing a highly secure environment. As a result, even if the Whonix-Workstation were to be compromised, an attacker would still be unable to access...
The 5 Best Privacy-Focused Operating Systems
Developed by the Tor Project, Whonix is another privacy-focused OS that relies on virtualization, but it's specifically designed for use within a virtual machine. This Linux distribution routes all your internet traffic through the Tor network, ensuring strong anonymity and privacy.
Avoid The Hack: 11 Best Privacy Friendly Operating Systems (Desktops)
Whonix focuses on privacy, security, and anonymity. It aims to realistically addresses common attack vectors, possibly protecting users from zero-day vulnerability exploitation. Whonix can be figured to run in a "live mode" similar to TAILS, though this is not Whonix's default.
Best Secure Linux Distros for Enhanced Privacy & Security
Whonix has recently added an amnesic live mode that “forgets” user’ activities - not leaving traces on disk. The distro is currently working to create a unified desktop experience. Whonix developer Patrick Schleizer explains, “Our upcoming Whonix-Host extends many of our usability and hardening features to the entire desktop.”

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Whonix seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 13 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.

Subgraph OS mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Subgraph OS yet. Tracking of Subgraph OS recommendations started around Mar 2021.

Whonix mentions (13)

  • When downloading and exmaning files from the darkweb, what is the safest option for opening a file in virtualbox tails.
    Virtual box Tails is pointless. Just use Whonix.. To examine files also use VirusTotal. Source: over 2 years ago
  • currently running tails over vm on the most secure settings for both programs what could be a point of weakness like would u recommend a vpn a proxy chain? what would u recommend for extra anonymity?
    Running TAILS in a virtual machine for anonymity is a fools errand. Research Whonix and its independent gateway and workstation VM. Configured correctly the only network interface of the workstation is the gateway over Tor providing a higher assurance of security. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Firefox with tor?
    Whonix is a Linux-based environment that can theoretically transport any TCP/IP application over Tor and greatly reduces the potential for IP leaks by having a secondary 'gateway' that runs Tor independent from the client device over a private network. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • How to Code Anonymously, Part 2: Network Security
    The previous strategy is great, but it's actually easier and more effective to just use Whonix. Whonix is a Linux distro - designed to be run out of VirtualBox - that implements all the goodness of the previous strategy. Even better, it comes with a novel network architecture that involves two virtual machines for extra protection:. - Source: dev.to / about 3 years ago
  • Qubes os Team - issue report
    Since this appears in sys-whonix, I suggest reporting this to the Whonix team. Source: over 3 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Subgraph OS and Whonix, you can also consider the following products

BioCatch - Seamless and secure online experiences are built with BioCatch behavioral biometrics. We’re more than just fraud prevention. Our solution powers your digital growth.

Tails - Tails is a Debian based live CD/USB with the goal of providing complete Internet anonymity for the...

Deep Instinct - Deep Instinct is revolutionizing cyber security, offering advanced cyber security solutions that harness the power of deep learning analytics with unprecedented deep machine learning and AI prediction models.

Qubes OS - Qubes is a security-oriented, free and open-source operating system for personal computers that allows you to securely compartmentalize your digital life.‎Download Mirrors · ‎Qubes R4.

Quarkslab - Quarkslab is a security platform that makes applications and data safe with its skilled vulnerability search tools and design of security solutions.

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