TOP-5 laptops for pentesting

In Cybersecurity

Looking for the best laptop for pentesting? Look no further! Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to choose the perfect laptop for your needs, with top recommendations and customer reviews to help you make an informed decision.

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Penetration testing, or "pentesting" for short, is a crucial part of modern cybersecurity. To conduct effective pentesting, you need a powerful and reliable laptop that can handle complex tasks and run multiple tools simultaneously. But with so many laptops on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the key features you should consider when shopping for a laptop for pentesting, and provide you with our top recommendations based on expert reviews and customer feedback.

Factors to consider when choosing a laptop for pentesting:

• Processor: A powerful processor is essential for running multiple tools and processes simultaneously. Look for a laptop with at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, or better yet, an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor.

• RAM: The more RAM your laptop has, the better it will perform when running multiple tools and processes. Aim for at least 8GB of RAM, but ideally 16GB or more.

• Storage: You'll need plenty of storage space for all the tools and data you'll be working with. A solid-state drive (SSD) is recommended for faster boot and load times, and at least 256GB of storage is recommended, although 512GB or 1TB is even better.

• Graphics Card: While a dedicated graphics card isn't strictly necessary for pentesting, it can help with running more complex tools and simulations. Look for a laptop with at least an NVIDIA GTX 1650 or AMD Radeon RX 5500M graphics card.

• Battery Life: Pentesting can be a battery-intensive task, so look for a laptop with at least 6-8 hours of battery life, and consider a model with a replaceable battery if you need even more.

• Weight: Since you may need to carry your laptop around to different locations for pentesting, a lightweight and portable design is important. Aim for a laptop that weighs less than 4 lbs.

• Security Features: As a pentester, you may be dealing with sensitive data and need to ensure your laptop is secure. Look for laptops with built-in security features such as biometric authentication (e.g. fingerprint reader) and hardware-based encryption.

Laptop Model	Processor	RAM	Storage	Graphics	Display	Price	Link
System76 Galago Pro	Intel Core i7-1185G7	16GB	500GB NVMe SSD	Intel Iris Xe	14" FHD	$1,649	Amazon
Dell XPS 13	Intel Core i7-1165G7	16GB	512GB NVMe SSD	Intel Iris Xe	13.4" FHD	$1,399	Amazon
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14	AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS	16GB	1TB NVMe SSD	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Max-Q	14" QHD	$1,699	Amazon
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme	Intel Core i7-10750H	16GB	512GB NVMe SSD	NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti	15.6" FHD	$1,799	Amazon
HP Spectre x360	Intel Core i7-1165G7	16GB	512GB NVMe SSD	Intel Iris Xe	13.3" FHD	$1,299	Amazon

Top 5 Laptops for Pentesting

Dell XPS 15

The Dell XPS 15 is a popular choice among pentesters for its powerful performance, excellent build quality, and long battery life. It features a 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and an NVIDIA GTX 1650 Ti graphics card. The 15.6" display is available in both FHD and 4K options, and the laptop weighs just 4 lbs. Customers praise the XPS 15 for its fast performance, sleek design, and stunning display.

Price: $1,794.97

Customer Reviews:

"This laptop is a powerhouse! It runs all my pentesting tools flawlessly and the display is stunning. Highly recommend!" - John S.

"The build quality is excellent and the keyboard is comfortable to type on for long periods. The battery life is also impressive." - Emily W.

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Dell-XPS-15-9500/dp/B08H2D9C9X

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14

If you're looking for a more affordable option, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is a great choice for pentesters on a budget. It features an AMD Ryzen 9 processor, 16GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and an NVIDIA GTX 1660Ti graphics card. The 14" display is available in both FHD and QHD options, and the laptop weighs just 3.5 lbs, making it easy to carry around. Customers love the G14 for its powerful performance, long battery life, and lightweight design.

Price: $1,445.00

Customer Reviews:

"This laptop is a beast! I can run all my pentesting tools with ease, and the battery lasts all day. Highly recommend." - Alex M.

"The G14 is an excellent value for the price. It's fast, lightweight, and has a great display. I'm very happy with my purchase." - Sarah K.

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Zephyrus-Gaming-GeForce-Moonlight/dp/B0863Y4QGV

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is a reliable and durable choice for pentesters who need a laptop that can withstand heavy use. It features an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and an Intel UHD Graphics 620. The 14" display is available in both FHD and 4K options, and the laptop weighs just 2.4 lbs, making it one of the lightest options on this list. Customers praise the X1 Carbon for its excellent build quality, long battery life, and comfortable keyboard.

Price: $1,349.00

Customer Reviews:

"The X1 Carbon is a workhorse. It's fast, reliable, and has a great battery life. I've been using it for pentesting for months and it hasn't let me down." - Mark R.

"I love the ThinkPad keyboard, and the X1 Carbon is no exception. It's a pleasure to type on for hours at a time." - Rachel S.

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-ThinkPad-Carbon-i7-10510U/dp/B08DRD49JH

MSI GS66 Stealth

The MSI GS66 Stealth is a high-performance gaming laptop that's also great for pentesting. It features an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and an NVIDIA RTX 3060 graphics card. The 15.6" display is available in both FHD and QHD options, and the laptop weighs just 4.6 lbs. Customers love the GS66 Stealth for its fast performance, excellent cooling, and sleek design.

Price: $1,599.00

Customer Reviews:

"The GS66 Stealth is a beast. It runs all my pentesting tools with ease, and the graphics card is great for gaming when I'm not working." - Andrew T.

"I was hesitant to buy a gaming laptop for pentesting, but the GS66 Stealth has exceeded my expectations. It's fast, quiet, and looks great." - Jessica L.

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/MSI-GS66-Stealth-10SE-442-i7-10875H/dp/B088ZT87F6

HP Spectre x360

The HP Spectre x360 is a versatile 2-in-1 laptop that's great for pentesting on the go. It features an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and an Intel Iris Xe Graphics. The 13.3" display is available in both FHD and 4K options, and the laptop weighs just 2.87 lbs, making it one of the lightest and most portable options on this list. Customers praise the Spectre x360 for its excellent battery life, sleek design, and fast performance.

Price: $1,249.99

Customer Reviews:

"The Spectre x360 is a great laptop for pentesting on the go. It's lightweight, fast, and the battery lasts all day." - Michael L.

"I love the 2-in-1 design of the Spectre x360. It's great for taking notes during meetings and then using it for pentesting later." - Emily R.

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/HP-Spectre-x360-13t-Convertible/dp/B08M4J48B7

How to Choose the Best Laptop for Pentesting

Now that we've gone over some of the best laptops for pentesting on the market, how do you choose the right one for your needs? Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:

• Performance: Pentesting requires a lot of computing power, so it's important to choose a laptop with a powerful processor and enough RAM to handle all your tools.

• Graphics: While you don't necessarily need a dedicated graphics card for pentesting, it can be helpful for running certain tools and applications.

• Storage: You'll need enough storage to store all your tools and data. Consider a laptop with a large SSD or the ability to upgrade the storage.

• Portability: If you're going to be traveling or working from different locations, you'll want a laptop that's lightweight and easy to carry around.

• Battery Life: Pentesting can be a power-intensive task, so it's important to choose a laptop with a long battery life so you can work for extended periods of time without needing to recharge.

F.A.Q.

Can a laptop be good for pentesting?

Yes, laptops can be a great option for pentesting. In fact, many pentesters prefer laptops because they are portable and can be taken to different locations for testing. Additionally, laptops today are often just as powerful as desktop computers, with powerful processors, dedicated graphics cards, and large amounts of RAM. With the right laptop, pentesters can easily run all their favorite tools and applications, making it a valuable tool in the pentester's arsenal. However, it's important to choose a laptop with the right specifications for pentesting, as it requires a lot of computing power and storage space.

Which is better for pentesting - laptop or desktop?

Laptops are portable and can be taken to different locations for testing, which can be particularly useful for conducting on-site assessments or testing on client premises. They also typically have built-in wireless capabilities, which can be important for wireless network assessments. However, laptops are usually more expensive than desktops with similar specifications, and they can be more difficult to upgrade or repair.

Desktops, on the other hand, are often more affordable and easier to upgrade and repair. They also usually offer better performance than similarly priced laptops, especially when it comes to graphics capabilities. Additionally, desktops can be customized to meet specific pentesting requirements, such as adding more RAM or storage space.

Ultimately, the choice between a laptop and a desktop for pentesting will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you require portability or need to conduct on-site testing, a laptop may be the better choice. If you need more power and the ability to customize your setup, a desktop may be a better option.

Which OS to choose for pentesting?

There are many different operating systems that can be used for pentesting, but the most popular choices are Kali Linux, Parrot OS, and BlackArch Linux.

• Kali Linux: Kali Linux is one of the most widely used operating systems for pentesting. It is based on Debian and is designed specifically for security testing, with a range of pre-installed tools for network and web application testing, digital forensics, and more. Kali Linux is regularly updated with the latest tools and patches, and users can customize their installation to include only the tools they need.

• Parrot OS: Parrot OS is another popular choice for pentesting. It is based on Debian and is designed with both security and privacy in mind. Like Kali Linux, it includes a range of pre-installed tools for pentesting and digital forensics. Parrot OS also includes Tor and other privacy tools, making it a good choice for security researchers who need to protect their identity.

• BlackArch Linux: BlackArch Linux is a specialized distribution of Arch Linux that is designed for pentesting and security research. It includes over 2,000 pre-installed tools for network and web application testing, digital forensics, and more. Unlike Kali Linux and Parrot OS, BlackArch Linux is not a standalone distribution, but rather an extension of Arch Linux.

Ultimately, the choice of operating system for pentesting will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Each of these operating systems has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it's important to research each one thoroughly before deciding which one to use. Additionally, some pentesters choose to use a customized Linux distribution that includes only the tools they need, which can offer even greater control and flexibility.

Pentesting and Kali Linux

Kali Linux is a popular operating system for pentesting and is often used by security professionals, hackers, and researchers. Kali Linux is designed with security testing in mind and includes a variety of pre-installed tools and applications for pentesting. Some of the tools included in Kali Linux are:

• Nmap: A tool for network exploration, port scanning, and vulnerability detection.
• Metasploit: A powerful framework for exploiting vulnerabilities in systems and applications.
• Wireshark: A network protocol analyzer for monitoring network traffic.
• Aircrack-ng: A suite of tools for wireless network auditing and penetration testing.
• John the Ripper: A password cracking tool for detecting weak passwords and performing brute-force attacks.

Kali Linux also includes a number of other tools for web application testing, digital forensics, and cryptography. The operating system is regularly updated with the latest tools and patches, and users can customize their installation to include only the tools they need.

Using Kali Linux for pentesting has several advantages. First, it is designed specifically for security testing, so it includes all the necessary tools and applications. Additionally, Kali Linux is free and open-source, making it accessible to anyone who wants to use it. Finally, Kali Linux is highly customizable, so users can tailor their installation to meet their specific needs and preferences.

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to using Kali Linux. The operating system can be more difficult to use than other Linux distributions, especially for those who are new to Linux. Additionally, some of the tools included in Kali Linux can be dangerous if not used properly, and users should be careful when running them.

In summary, Kali Linux is a powerful operating system for pentesting that includes a wide range of pre-installed tools and applications. While it can be more challenging to use than other Linux distributions, it offers users a high degree of customization and control over their testing environment.

 

Conclusion

Pentesting is a demanding field that requires a lot of computing power and portability. The laptops we've listed above are some of the best options on the market for pentesters. Whether you're on a budget or looking for a high-end gaming laptop, there's a laptop on this list that will meet your needs. By considering the factors we've outlined above, you can choose the best laptop for your specific use case and take your pentesting skills to the next level.