Many people are concerned for checking the security of web or app developed, it needs a best laptop which can run all Penetration Testing tools for performing the security check and make improvements if required. This article shares what features and specifications in any single laptop makes it one of the best laptops for Pentesting and then it will be knowledge base buying decision.
We have created a list of Best Laptops for Pentesting, also explaining the pros and cons of each laptop in regard to its Pentesting ability.
Best Laptops for Pentesting in 2021
We are going to share with you top 8 best laptops for pentesting, because not every laptop is suitable to perform this.
ASUS VivoBook 15
ASUS have made immense spending on R&D and they keep coming with more powerful laptops enables user to perform technical functions. ASUS VivoBook 15 can easily perform Pentesting through its AMD Quad Core R7-3700U CPU and 8GB DDR4 RAM. These two hardware components are powerful enough to run all available Pentesting software and easily meet their recommended requirements.
It also offers AMD Radeon Vega 10 GPU which amazing performance can run photo-editing software requires higher graphic details. User can also perform some graphic testing for games on ASUS VivoBook 15.
Its 512GB SSD is definitely more than enough for the user belongs to any profession. You can also download hundreds of movies and Netflix content on laptop.
Its design is thin & light-weight which makes it portable and you can easily backpack it for travelling. It is available in Slate Gray color which looks premium.
Acer Nitro 5
Acer Nitro 5 is a beast laptop which can run advanced software having higher system requirements. This machine has 10th generation Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB RAM which can easily run all Pentesting tools and software like Netsparker, Wireshark, Metasploit, BeEF, Aircrack and others. 10th generation processor have more threads, higher clocks and overall better efficiency.
It offers NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti GPU which can even run all latest games on Ultra settings. A game-developer using Pentesting tools on this laptop can also use photo and video editing tools on this Acer Nitro 5. GTX 1650 Ti is a beast graphic card which can even run upcoming graphic software.
Acer Nitro 5 is one of the best laptops for pentesting but also having multitude of features. Its 256GB SSD enables users to store an ample amount of data and also offers a second slot for SSD to extend the space later. Its SSD loads the windows and other programs faster to improve the user experience.
Its developers have done a phenomenal job on its display, 15.6-inches Full HD IPS 144Hz display offers bright colors and sharp images, viewers can enjoy each and every pixel on the image. It offers a satisfactory viewing experience and an amazing choice for watching movies as well.
This laptop also has its drawback, its one and only shortage is the unavailability of microSD slot. SD card could also be used for extending memory and most laptops offer its slot.
Acer Swift 3
Pentesting requires powerful laptops and Acer Swift 3 can take this challenge. Its AMD Ryzen 7 4700 Octa-Core processor is more efficient and faster comparing to 10th generation Core i7-1065G7. According to the testing, it is 23 percent faster than Intel’s processor which further defines its power.
Its 8GB DDR4 RAM is another powerful hardware component that multiplies the laptop performance in coordination with the processor. The developer or tester would be enjoying the smooth pentesting experience on Acer Swift 3.
The combination of two powerful hardware in this laptop enables the “Tester” to surpass all challenges and limitations usually faced by them. Its performance is beyond mid-range level laptops considering its price.
It offers 512GB SSD storage, enough in the times of cloud based storage services. Acer Swift 3 can manage decent sized games and offering gamers ample space to download and save the games.
A tester who performs pentesting function requires a favorable resolution size to have more focus on the testing process and eliminating all threats. Tester prefers 1920 x 1080 resolution size which is also offered by Acer Swift 3. It can increase their work productivity multiple times.
It is definitely slim and light-weight laptop which user can easily carry around. Testers and developers can take their work home; because it is portable laptop and can easily fit into backpack.
This laptop also has its drawbacks, it has got a battery having mediocre life and not impressive. The user has to buy a power bank if he wants to take it outside somewhere charging facility is not expected. Its sluggish SSD is not much faster comparing to SSD’s in other laptops. The user has to compromise a little bit on data transferring speed.
Dell Inspiron 17 3793
This laptop easily meets the requirements of pentesting, developers will find it useful in using pentesting tools while applying different testing methods to improve the site or app security. It offers LED-based monitor required for performing pentesting function.
Its powerful performance comes from Intel Core i5-1035G1 and 16GB RAM which meets the system requirements of pentesting tools, applications and software.
Mostly pentesting software requires 10 to 20GB free space for successful installation. Dell Inspiron 17 is already offering 512GB SSD + 1TB HDD to make the most out of them. It means you do not need to be worried about having not sufficient free space. You can also download all less important data in HDD and more important data in SSD, the later technology is faster in loading windows, programs and overall data.
Its 17.3-inches Full HD screen is the plus feature for pentesting and facilitates the all testers. You have more screen space to increase the focus on all indicators and checks at the same time. Smaller screens are mostly frustrating for a tester at the time of applying pentesting tools.
Its other useful features include the availability of HDMI, Webcam, DVD, 1 Type-C USB and other USB ports. Its 1920 x 1080 resolution size is going to impress you on 17.3-inches screen especially during testing & tracing.
Lenovo Legion 5
Lenovo launched high-end specification laptops for technical users like developers, coders, and app-testers. Its 16GB DDR4 RAM and AMD Ryzen 7 4800H processor makes this laptop powerful enough to even run Pentesting programs require 16GB RAM and offers a great amount of security check. These specs also offer multi-tasking muscles.
This laptop can meet all system requirements of Pentesting tools used for eliminating the vulnerabilities and protecting the system from cyber-attacks.
Its NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti graphic is one of the most powerful graphics cards which can run all high-end photo editing software like Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator. You can also enjoy the latest games on Ultra settings at 1080p resolution, once you are free from work. This laptop is the complete package for app or web testers, they can enjoy both working and personal time on Lenovo Legion 5.
You can store an ample amount of data on its 512GB SSD. This internal space can store your work and personal data both without being full. Its SSD technology is more efficient and faster in loading windows and running programs, time-efficient as well.
You can enjoy working on its 15.6-inches screen and Full HD display with a 144Hz refresh rate. You would be enjoying watching HD 1080p movies which give real-life experience and Netflix content will rock on this laptop. Its amazing specifications are not only good for pentesting but for personal stuff as well.
This laptop also has its drawbacks, its speakers are mediocre and sound quality is not impressive. The second drawback is its poor battery; it can only last up to five hours on basic usage, which requires re-charging within the working hours.
Acer Aspire 5
Acer Aspire 5 has 10th generation Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB DDR4 RAM which defines it as powerful machine. These two hardware can run pentesting on all available programs and tools. 10th generation processor are more efficient and powerful comparing to previous generations. User can also upgrade the RAM up to 16 GB, by putting one more RAM in other given slot.
App or web testers also require friendly display to improve the focus on work and enjoy display clarity. Its 15.6 inches screen size offers satisfactory viewing experience; small screens are not good for technical work. Its Full HD IPS display again offers bright colors and otherwise dim screen causes frustration for the user.
It comes with 256GB SSD storage which is not much but still manageable. User has to avoid storing un-wanted data for not wasting the space. It is also expandable and user can even add 1TB SSD later, slot is provided. Its battery life is eight hours which means no need to recharge it during working hours.
This laptop also have its drawbacks, the first drawback is, not Ubuntu friendly laptop. Second, it does not offer backlit keyboard as this is the useful feature these days in any laptop and most of the time it is provided by the sellers on laptops. It offers typing friendly experience even in dark surroundings.
HP 15
HP is the highest selling brand globally in laptops industry. HP 15 is built for offering powerful performance to its technical users. Its 8GB DDR4 RAM shares the workload with its Intel Core i5 processor and improves the overall processing efficiency. Its processor Turbo speed can boost it up to 3.10 GHz. Its 2 cores and 4 threads make it efficient. It is safe to say that HP 15 is one of the best laptops for pentesting purpose.
It also offers Integrated Intel HD 620 graphic card which can manage moderate level graphic software and can also run Photoshop. A web or app tester also requires photo and video editing software on laptops for editing and creating purposes. HP 15 can run all these software by meeting its system requirements.
The good shocking feature is its 2TB HDD which is way more than enough for any kind of user. You can download more than hundred movies and games on it, still would not be full.
This laptop only have one drawback, it is little bit expensive comparing to the laptops offering by competitors. They should not charge more only for offering 2TB HDD, this enough space is not in demand in modern time.
Microsoft Surface Pro
This laptop is impressively thin and light-weight 1.73 pounds which makes it portable. Its Intel Core i7 processor ensures its high performance and smooth multi-tasking without lag.
Its 16GB RAM also contributes into improving the processor efficiency and overall processing speed, RAM shares the workload and also improve the flow, 16GB RAM multiplies the performance standards. These two powerful hardware makes it one of the best laptops for pentesting.
Its screen is smaller only 12.3 inches but the screen is gorgeous offering bright colors and sharp images. It also features upgrade Wi-Fi which offers improved connectivity and better signals.
Its looks are also impressive and holding it would attract the attention of others. Furthermore, 13.5 hours battery life is the feature which contributes a lot in buying decision. A portable laptop with strong battery helps you work during travelling and apply all pentesting tools without wasting time.
Verdict
A best laptop for pentesting must be having at least 8GB RAM and Intel Core i5 or equal to processor which can meet the system requirements of mostly pentesting tools and software. A good graphic card is a plus feature which tester may need it for photo or video editing software. High RAM, powerful processor and graphic card in single laptop will be a great deal to buy.
User should be satisfied with 256GB SSD or HDD storage, usually people do not need much in present modern time and 256GB must be enough, exceptions are always there. SSD must be the priority over HDD because it helps you in loading the windows and pentesting tools faster than HDD. SSD is also the latest and efficient technology comparing to HDD.
As far as laptop portability is concerned, it is depend upon the usage whether the user needs to take laptop outside or using it during travelling. We usually spend one to two hours in travelling; we can make it productive through applying some pentesting on laptop. An ideal portable laptop must be light-weight and slim which can easily fit into the backpack.
Batter life plays critical role as long battery hours enables you to keep working without worrying about recharging. Strong battery can also helpful during travelling and else you also have to carry power bank to avoid undesirable event.
Best laptops for pentesting would not be cheaper for sure, you cannot expect their price under $500. They at least need mid-level specifications to use it for pentesting.
