When you see someone coding or programming, you feel intimidated by their skills; everyone does. The key impact of pentesting, coding, and programming is developing an application or solving a problem. It requires the highest skill set and the best available resources and tools to effectively carry out the important task. So, here we are with the Best Laptops for Pentesting and ethical hacking.
The lack of tools such as an efficient laptop will cause trouble in achieving the required goal; when a programmer or software developer creates software, the next step begins. In this step, the software undergoes testing, analyzing, and fixing the loopholes and bugs.
This process makes the software more efficient and effective, and it is known as pen-testing. In other words, it’s known as a penetrating test; as we know, the programmer is breaking into his website. The penetrating websites are known as hacking, and when you do it legally, it’s called ethical hacking for your firm or website.
To test the penetration and find loopholes, you need top-rated laptops with high functionality. Unfortunately, it is not possible with standard laptops. That is why we have compiled a list of the seven best laptops for pentesting, which offer you high efficiency and effective operation.
The laptop should be able to fulfill the minimum requirements of running pentesting software. Those requirements are Core i3, and 8 GB DDR RAM for running the program smoothly. Minimum 256 GB SSD storage capacity to install the software and use the program properly.
To find the best laptops for pentesting, you must read the review of the seven best laptops below.
Comparison Table: Best Laptops for Pentesting 2024
| Image | Product | Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Top Pick
|
Lenovo Think Pad X1 Carbon
| Lightweight, Long Battery life, State-of-the-art display | Check Price |
|
Dell Inspiron 5000
| Massive SSD storage, Compact, Multiple USB ports | Check Price |
|
ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17
| Excellent performance, Thermal cooling heat management, Responsive 300Hz display | Check Price |
|
HP 17 Laptop Premium
| Widescreen Display, HDMI connectivity port, Enough storage space | Check Price |
|
MSI GV62 8RD
| Excellent Cooling system, Beautiful minimalistic design, Lightweight | Check Price |
|
Acer Aspire 5
| Turbo boost technology Increase the performance, Fast wireless connection, Long battery life | Check Price |
|
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3
| Sleek design, Fast charging, Fast processor | Check Price |
Reviews For Pentesting Laptops
If you are looking to get the best laptops for pen testing, you are at the right place. Here you get to read the specs, features, pros, and cons of 7 top-notch laptops. We hope that these reviews will help you buy the best laptop according to your requirements and needs.
1. Lenovo Think Pad X1 Carbon – Top Pick
The latest and most updated Lenovo 11th Generation Intel Core i7 Turbo boost processor allows you to do coding and programming without any interruption. It is a top-notch laptop that does the pentesting just perfectly. Its 32GB LPDDR4 RAM and 1TB PCIe SSD give you enormous speed and massive storage.
It provides you 14″ UHD+ 3840 x 2400 high-resolution display, you can watch a high-resolution display with the help of the Intel Iris Xe graphic card.
Turbo Boost Processor
This laptop comes with the 11th Generation Intel Core i7 Turbo Boost processor, which works efficiently for pentesting. You can use up to 30 tabs online without slowing down the laptop and work simultaneously. It is a high-speed four-core laptop with eight threads and 12 MB of cache memory.
It allows you to run multiple software at the same time without any glitches.
Memory & Hard Drive
You can go pro with this laptop’s massive hard drive of 1TB SSD storage. You can keep the oldest data on your computer without worrying about the storage capacity. In addition, you can store several movies on the computer and install multiple applications.
The 32GB LPDDR4 RAM provides you with the fastest processing speed. You can operate the software in mini-seconds. This high-tech RAM is state-of-the-art and contains upgraded tech to optimize your laptop’s processing.
Revolutionary Display
Lenovo provides you with the latest and the best high-resolution display available in the market. Its 14.0-inch UHD+ IPS, HDR, 500 nits display provides you the real-life graphics and photos. You would love to work on this laptop once you have this in your hand.
Think pad X1 contains the latest graphics processing unit, which is Intel Iris Xe. It provides you with a high-definition display for your work and online gaming. You will love this feature if you are into gaming.
Long-Life Battery
A software developer spends most of his time in front of the laptop, and the most irritating thing he faces is when he has to plug in the laptop charger. To avoid this, Lenovo provides you with the longest and most durable battery, which keeps with you for 16.7 hours without a plug-in.
Also Reviewed: 7 Best Laptops For Machine Learning in 2024
2. Dell Inspiron 5000 – Runner Up
Dell Inspiron is the best laptop for Pentesting & Kali Linux with 16 GB DDR4 memory for multitasking without interruption. It comes with an upgraded hard drive of 512GB SSD that provides you massive storage for keeping huge files for a long time. In addition, the 10th Generation Intel Core i7 processor gives you fast speed and unparalleled processing.
You can do coding and game designing efficiently on its 15.6-inch Touchscreen LED. Moreover, you can watch movies with a high-resolution 1920 x 1080 Display. In short, it’s a multipurpose and versatile laptop that works consistently in all fields of operation.
Core i7 Processor
This high-tech laptop is for the business community and cyber specialists. Its 10th Generation core i7 processor supports heavy software and allows you unlimited online surfing. In addition, you can use multiple tabs at the same time without any glitches or hanging issues.
It allows you to enjoy movies and online games in high resolution with its high Intel UHD graphics. So rest assured, it is one of the best laptops for pentesting and ethical hacking.
High SSD Storage & RAM
Dell offers you the 512GB SSD massive storage space to save your huge coding files. So you store your important official data for a long time and use it when you feel necessary. It provides you with enormous space to meet your work and allows you to keep unlimited movies for fun.
With the 16GB DDR4 RAM, you will be able to work with super speed and open the programs in the blink of an eye.
Versatility
This versatile and high-end laptop provides you with a balance of work and fun in one laptop. You can download unlimited movies or stream videos online without any interruption. In addition, it comes with a backlit keyboard which allows you to work fine and play games even in dim lighting.
You can browse multiple tabs and do your job at the same time without any problem.
Display
The 15.6-inch HD touchscreen LED display is perfect for coding and pentesting software and websites. You can also watch HD movies on this laptop and play online games without missing a single frame. In addition, it gives you multiple additional features, including a 1x combo headphone/Microphone jack and 1 RJ 45.
The Windows 10 Home brings back the start menu from Windows 7 and introduces a bundle of new features.
3. ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 – Best Gaming Laptop
If you are a web developer or programmer, you would love this beast. ASUS presents you with the ultimate Business and gaming laptop, that can do everything you ask. The heavy-duty laptop comes with 16GB DDR4 3200MHz RAM and 1TB PCIe SSD, which is far more than your requirement.
It is one of the best pentesting laptops available in the market. The 10th Generation Intel Core i7 processor works in combination with ROG’s intelligent thermal cooling system and keeps the processor cool.
10th Generation Processor
ASUS high-tech laptop comes with the latest 10th Generation Intel Core i7 processor. As a result, its processing speed surpasses the latest computers on the market. In addition, this heavy-duty laptop works closely with the ROG intelligent thermal cooling system to prevent heat.
You can use this heavy-duty laptop for several hours with consistency and reliability. In addition, this is a multitasking laptop that does not slow down the speed of your laptop while you do multiple tasks at the same time.
NVIDIA GeForce
Most software developers love gaming to reduce their stress and refresh their minds. If you are one of them, then this laptop and you are made for each other. This heavy-duty gaming laptop comes with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 super 8GB GDDR6 with ROG boost.
It amplifies your gaming experience with the highest resolution available in the market. This laptop does not miss a single frame while playing an online game. Moreover, it gives you perfect graphics give you the perfect coding display.
Additional Features
Strict Scar 17 offers you the latest and most efficient ROG Aura sync system with a high-tech RGB keyboard. With a logo and light bar, which makes the coding fun and loveable. You don’t have to buy different laptops for work and gaming; ASUS can handle the workload and gaming simultaneously.
The wifi six range booster provides you with excellent internet speed, and Bluetooth 5.0 gives you optimal connectivity.
Large HD Display
Originally, this was a long-lasting gaming laptop that was best for heavy-duty work conditions. This laptop comes with a 300Hz 3ms 17.3” full HD IPS type display. It provides you with the optimum color screen with a guaranteed real-life display.
If you are an online game lover, you would appreciate the display of this screen.
Read Also: How To Convert a Normal Laptop into a Gaming Laptop?
4. HP 17 Laptop Premium – Best Budget Laptop
The HP 17 is an excellent choice for you if you are looking for a top-rated laptop that can perform pentesting at a budget-friendly cost. This wonderful laptop provides you with smooth features and efficient operation. It has a display size of 17.3 inches and an SVA bright view with an LED-backlit HD display.
This 11th Gen Intel Core i3 processor has a turbo frequency of 4.10 GHz powered by Turbo boost technology. It has 16GB DDR4-2400 SDRAM, which allows you to avoid buffering and loading. With a 1TB hard drive, massive data can be saved without lagging.
SSD Storage and RAM
The laptop comes with 1TB of massive SSD storage, which gives you ample space. You can install various applications and transfer massive files without slowing down the speed. This substantial space enhances the performance of your laptop and avoids lagging while operating different penetration software.
Moreover, the 16GB high bandwidth RAM smoothly runs multiple applications and browser tabs all at once without any inconvenience. The massive SSD storage and RAM combination gives you high-end performance and makes the HP 17 one of the best laptops for pentesting.
Dual-Core Processor
The 11th generation Intel Core i3, the Dual-core processor, provides you the optimal processing speed. This dual-core processor does not heat up easily and allows you to use this optimal laptop as you wish. This lightweight portable laptop is easy to carry and move around for business trips.
The latest RAM also amplifies the laptop’s processing and gives you the optimal speed without any lagging.
Additional Features
HP gives you several A-type USB ports, one multi-format SD card reader, and a DVD slot rare in new laptops. It also provides you with a headphone and microphone jack and comes with pre-installed Windows 10.
Moreover, the latest wifi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2 combo provide you the optimal connectivity.
Finally, the intel UHD graphic card provides you with the ultimate display with a 17-inch large LCD screen.
5. MSI GV62 8RD – Best Lightweight Laptop
The MSI GV62 is another heavy-duty gaming laptop that works terrifically when it comes to penetration testing. It is one of the best laptops for pentesting and makes it easy for the developer to execute. The 8GB RAM and 1TB hard disk, along with 128GB SSD, vigorously completes the task.
The Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce graphics card provide you with high processing and optimal display. It has a 15.6-inch full HD eDP IPS-Level display screen size; it is lightweight and easily carried out.
Great Performance
You will experience the incredible power of the 8th Generation Intel Core processor, which delivers 20% better performance. It is better than its previous generation and delivers more while pentesting and even developing software. You can open multiple software and tabs so the performance of the laptop will not lag. This powerful processor can do the designated task as fast as you expect.
Powerful Graphics
The MSI laptop has optimal graphics settings as it comes with NVIDIA’s cutting-edge GTX graphics card. It provides the developer with extremely comfortable colors and graphics and maintains his interest with its beautifully designed body. If you play online games after work, this little beauty is perfect for you.
It uses NTSC display tech, reveals the most powerful and vibrant colors, and feels real.
Cooler Boost Technology
The MSI’s cooler boost technology improves its capability and prevents the laptop from heating up. In addition, the dedicated thermal boasters optimize the GPU’s performance and enhance the activity of the CPU. A total of 6 heat pipes ensure maximum airflow and prevent the laptop from heating up.
A laptop should look as beautiful as it performs, and MSI turns this dream into a reality.
Faster Loading and Ample Space
The 8GB DDR4 2400MHz RAM guarantees the fastest speed in laptops. It comes with two additional sockets, which you use to upgrade the RAM. But with its cool boost technology, this laptop works fine with one RAM and saves up to 32 GB of data.
On the other hand, the high-tech 128GB SSD storage and 1TB Hard drive storage are more than any developer needs. You can keep all your data, and still, there would be ample space left.
Also Reviewed: 12 Best Laptops for Pro Tools in 2024
6. Acer Aspire 5 – Perfect For Pentesting
The Acer Aspire 5 is the new addition to the Aspire series of laptops. It’s a 15.6-inch screen with 1920 x 1080 resolution; the large screen is big enough for penetration testing. In addition, it consists of 8GB of memory which makes it an efficient and multitasking laptop.
The 256GB SSD storage provides you with massive storage to save a large amount of data and files. Moreover, the 8th Gen Intel Core i5 processor provides you with a powerful laptop to handle every task. At last, the laptop contains Turbo boost technology 2.0, which enhances the laptop resolution, and overall performance.
Display
Acer Aspire provides you with a 15.6-inch large-screen display, which provides you with a clear screen for pen-testing. Its 1920 x 1080 resolution is perfect for online streaming and watching movies. In addition, its integrated Intel graphic card shows vibrant colors and allows you to play online games with complete graphics.
You can enjoy movies on this laptop after completing your assignment.
SSD Drive & RAM
The 256GB SSD drive has enough space to handle massive downloads and keep data for a long time. 8GB DDR4 RAM allows you to move large files and folders in a couple of seconds. You can do multiple tasks without the tension of lagging or slowing down the speed.
The combination of SSD Drive and RAM gives you optimal and effective performance.
Core i5 Processor
This 8th Gen Intel Core i5 processor is very powerful and works efficiently for pentesting. You can open several tabs at the same moment and still work effectively. This laptop can handle the most difficult tasks of penetration in applications and websites.
Core i5 minimizes the heat and allows you to multitask while doing your office work.
Turbo Boost Technology 2.0
The Turbo Boost technology enables processor cores to run faster if temperature and power usage are in limits. It enhances the resolution, streaming, and overall performance of the laptop. This technology amplifies the core you are using for woke and minimizes or slows down the other cores.
It is one of the best features of this machine and makes this one of the best laptops for Pentesting.
7. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 – Best For Kali Linux
One of the best laptops for pentesting and Kali Linux is the Microsoft Surface Laptop 3. Microsoft Surface laptops come with a 13.5-inch touchscreen with a pen to input data into the laptop. It has Intel 10th Gen Core i5 and i7 processors, and it’s significantly faster than the previous model of Microsoft Surface laptops.
You have multiple options in picking up the RAM between 8GB to 32GB of memory. Likewise, the laptop’s storage capacity also has multiple options; they are available from 128GB to 1TB SSD. This lightweight, portable laptop runs on Windows 10 operating system.
Storage Capacity
You can select the RAM and storage capacity by yourself. You have multiple options in selecting the SSD storage starting from 128GB, 256 GB, 512GB, and the maximum 1TB SSD storage. The massive SSD storage allows you to store unlimited data and files without any inconvenience.
RAM
When it comes to memory, it also has three different options, 8GB, 16GB, and 32 GB. Select the storage capacity and memory according to your needs for pen testing. The Maximum RAM allows you to multitask without any interruption.
You can use multiple tabs at the same time without affecting the laptop’s performance.
Processor & Graphics
This versatile laptop offers you the best graphics available in the laptop market. You can achieve the maximum resolution on a 13.5-inch screen with AMD Ryzen 5 and AMD Vega 9 graphics. This processor works efficiently in pentesting and operating other applications in the background while working.
The graphic card provides you with the most vibrant colors and powerful resolution.
Compact Laptop
It is a compact laptop available for just 2.9 pounds, making it easier for you to carry around anywhere. The lightweight allows you to always carry it on your back without exhausting yourself and you can use it in an outdoor environment as well. Moreover, this laptop has the perfect battery life, allowing you up to 11.5 hours during pen-testing sessions.
Buyer’s Guide: Best Laptops for Pentesting 2024
Getting the best laptops for pentesting is not easy; the market has different models and different types of laptops. If all of their claims to be best, then how would you make a buying choice? We have compiled a buying guide to answer your queries that will help you make the perfect buying choice.
You just have to focus on a few factors, and you will get the best laptop you could desire. So without wasting any minute, start reading these factors.
Performance
It does not matter why you are buying a laptop; you should not pick an outdated laptop with old specs; by doing that, you will invest your money in the wrong laptop, which will not support several functions and upgrades. For pentesting, you need the most up-to-date laptop.
Processor
For pentesting, we will recommend the Intel Core i5 processor. However, if budget is not an issue, then you must go for a Core i7 processor. Moreover, you should avoid cheaper laptops because they will slow you down and affect your work.
RAM
A laptop with 8GB RAM can do the job fine, but a 16GB laptop would be ideal for running pentesting software. But if the budget is tight, you should stick to 8GB. You should not go below 8GB unless you are ready to face problems.
Graphics card
It is not necessary to get dedicated graphics to run pen-testing software. However, if you get a laptop for a longer period, you must go for a higher graphics card. You don’t know when you will need that.
Storage
For pentesting, a 256GB SSD laptop would be good enough. But if you are tight on budget, a hard drive will do the job. If you have an option and budget, you must always choose SSD over HDD.
Battery Life
This is the most important part of any laptop, which gets ignored by many people. If a laptop gives you at least an 8-hour battery life, then it would be great for pen-testing.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, we have shared the specs and features of the top seven laptops for pentesting. These laptops are top-rated and have good reviews on different online shopping websites. Therefore, we hope this article will help you choose the most proficient laptop according to your needs.
Lenovo Think Pad X1 Carbon is an 11th Gen Intel Core i7 Turbo boost processor that gives you efficient pentesting, coding, and programming. It has top-notch 32GB LPDDR4 RAM and 1TB SSD storage; it gives you high speed and massive storage. At last, it provides you with a 14-inch display with Intel Iris Xe graphics which is ideal for pentesting.
Dell Inspiron 5000 is one of the best laptops for pentesting with 16GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB SSD storage. It allows you to multitask and copy massive files without any delay. The 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor gives you the fastest speed and enormous space for keeping your software and files for a longer period.
FAQs
How much RAM is needed for Pentesting?
Most hackers and software developers prefer the 16GB RAM for pentesting. But if you are tight on budget 8GB laptop can do the work just fine.
Are 14 inches laptop screens enough for coding?
If you do not move around much, you should prefer a 15-inch laptop. That will provide you with many more features, including a big screen. However, if you move around a lot, you should choose a 14-inch laptop for coding.
Is i5 enough for programming?
A good processor should be your top priority when you are buying a laptop for programming. Of course, core i5 is the ideal processor for the job, but you can afford to go for the latest i7, and if you can’t afford even i5, core i3 would do the job.
How many cores do I need for programming?
While buying a laptop, it’s important to know the number of cores in the processor. Most users are satisfied with 2 to 4 cores, but data analysts, software developers, and other similar fields require at least six cores processing.