10 Best Laptops for Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity in 2025

As a penetration tester, I know firsthand how important it is to have the right laptop for ethical hacking and Kali Linux. When my old hardware started slowing me down, I realized it was time for an upgrade. I spent countless hours researching the best options—from Apple’s sleek machines to high-performance gaming laptops. Now, after testing and comparing various models, I can share my recommendations for the best laptops for ethical hacking.

Having powerful hardware is essential for a penetration tester. The daily tasks of ethical hacking—password cracking, vulnerability scanning, brute forcing, and running resource-intensive tools—demand a machine that can keep up.

Of course, laptop choice is personal, but investing in a fast and capable system not only improves efficiency but also saves you from the frustration of dealing with a slow, unresponsive computer. Let’s dive into the best options for penetration testers.

In a Rush? Here Are Our Top 5 Picks

Image	Features	Price
Lenovo Legion 5i	Screen: 16" FHD RAM: 32GB CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX Storage: 512 GB SSD	Check Price on Amazon
Dell XPS 13 (9310)	Screen: 13.4" FHD RAM: 8-32 GB CPU: Intel Core i7 10th/11th Gen Storage: 256 GB - 2 TB	Check Price on Amazon
Apple 2024 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M3 Chip	Screen: 13.3" Retina RAM: 8 - 16 GB CPU: M1 Storage: 256 GB - 1 TB	Check Price on Amazon
Acer Predator Helios 300	Screen:15.6" FHD RAM: 16 GB CPU: Intel Core i7-11800H 11th gen Storage: 512 GB	Check Price on Amazon
Lenovo IdeaPad 3	Screen: 15.6" RAM: 8 - 36 GB CPU: Intel Core i5-1035G1/Intel Core i5-1135G7 Storage: 256 GB - 1 TB	Check Price on Amazon

Best Laptops for Kali Linux and Ethical Hacking

Before diving into the specific products, I’ve decided to make a comprehensive analysis to define the requirements for a best laptop for ethical hacking. After that, I’ve made an analysis of the best laptops that there are currently on the market. You can find my thoughts and observations on this article, after the product reviews.

Even though there are some expensive machines on the list, I’ve picked the laptops that are balanced in terms of price and performance.

Lenovo Legion 5i – Gaming Laptop with Capabilities for Hacking

You know that famous Anonymous quote?

We are Anonymous. We are Legion. We do not forgive. We do not forget. Expect us.

Maybe it’s just me, but every time I hear the word Legion, I immediately think of that. And while the Lenovo Legion 5i is technically a gaming laptop, it happens to be an excellent choice for cybersecurity professionals as well. Let’s dive into why.

The Legion 5i isn’t just about gaming—it’s built for performance. This machine packs a 16-inch 2560×1600 LCD display with a smooth 165Hz refresh rate, making everything from gaming to penetration testing a seamless experience.

Under the hood, you’ll find two processor options:

• Intel Core i7-14650HX
• Intel Core i9-14900HX (with an impressive 45,539 multi-thread CPU benchmark score)

Paired with 32GB of RAM, this laptop can handle virtualization, reverse engineering, and multi-tasking with ease. And since it’s a gaming laptop, it features a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU with 12GB GDDR6 memory, ensuring smooth GPU-intensive tasks like password cracking or machine learning applications.

Of course, different Legion configurations exist—some with more RAM, larger SSDs, or even better cooling solutions. If you’re willing to pay more, you can get a truly beastly machine.

Gaming laptops are known for their powerful hardware, and that’s exactly what makes them ideal for cybersecurity work. Whether you’re running multiple virtual machines, or stress-testing networks, the Legion 5i can handle it all.

However, battery life is the trade-off. Gaming laptops tend to drain power quickly, and the Legion is no exception. On average, you’ll get around 5 hours, but that depends on your workload. If you’re running resource-heavy tools, expect it to be even less.

Dell XPS 13 (9310) – The Perfect Ultraportable for Cybersecurity Professionals on the Move

If you’re always on the move, you need a laptop that’s lightweight, compact, and stylish. Whether you’re a frequent speaker at security conferences or just prefer a sleek and professional-looking machine, the Dell XPS 13 is built to impress.

But beyond aesthetics, a good cybersecurity laptop needs to be powerful, efficient, and portable. So, let’s break down why the Dell XPS 13 is a top choice for security professionals who need mobility without sacrificing performance.

Why Choose the Dell XPS 13?

1. Compact & Travel-Friendly

Laptops with 13-inch screens are ideal for travel, and the XPS 13 (9310 and newer models) takes portability to another level. At just 2.8 pounds (1.27 kg) and featuring an ultra-thin design, it easily fits in any backpack without adding bulk

2. Impressive Performance

The latest Dell XPS 13 models come with:

• Intel Core i7 (10th or 11th Gen) processors
• 8GB to 32GB LPDDR4x RAM
• 512GB to 2TB SSD storage
• Intel Iris Xe or Intel Iris Plus Graphics

While it’s not a gaming laptop, these specs are more than enough for penetration testing, virtualization, and remote security work.

3. Excellent Battery Life

When you’re on the move, battery life is crucial. The XPS 13 delivers up to 12+ hours, depending on usage, making it a reliable companion for long work sessions or conference days.

4. Stunning Display & Premium Build

The 13.4″ FHD+ or 4K touchscreen offers sharp visuals, and the near-borderless InfinityEdge display maximizes screen space without increasing size. Plus, its aluminum chassis gives it a premium, durable feel.

Final Verdict

If you need a lightweight, premium laptop that’s perfect for both cybersecurity work and everyday use, the Dell XPS 13 is hard to beat. It’s powerful enough for security tasks, ultra-portable, and has a sleek, professional design.

For those who prioritize mobility and battery life over raw GPU power, the XPS 13 remains one of the best choices on the market. With this mobile laptop you will be able to work from anywhere, and it will be easy to carry it around, as it weights only 2.8 pounds (1.27kg).

Would I recommend it? Absolutely—especially if you’re always on the go.

Best Laptop for Password Cracking If You Have a Big Budget – Acer Predator Helios 300

Cracking passwords isn’t something an ethical hacker does every day, but brute-force attacks are sometimes necessary—whether to test a client’s password security or to brute-force web application directories. While RAM and CPU performance are often the key priorities for penetration testers, having a powerful GPU can also be useful—especially if you plan to use your laptop for more than just hacking (though, let’s be honest, hacking is more fun than gaming).

That said, if GPU power isn’t a necessity for your workflow, you don’t need to invest in a high-end graphics card unless you have the budget for it. But if you do want a machine with strong GPU capabilities, the Acer Predator Helios 300 is a solid choice.

This laptop has a terrific GPU – NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 with 6 GB of GDDR6 RAM, comes with 512 GB SSD, 16 GB of RAM, and 11th gen Intel Core i7-11800H.

If the hardware resources that comes with a base model are not enough for you, you can upgrade RAM to up to 32 GB. You can also install higher capacity SSD.

Advantages of this computer:

• Excellent sound quality – Features DTS:X Ultra for immersive audio
• Plenty of USB ports – Ideal for external devices and accessories
• Decent battery life – Up to 6 hours, depending on usage
• Smooth 144Hz display – A great feature for gaming and video-heavy tasks

Disadvantages:

• Overheating – As with many gaming laptops, heat buildup can be an issue. However, Acer’s AeroBlade 3D Fan technology helps keep it under control. Still, proper cooling is essential, so keep this in mind.

If you need a powerful laptop with a strong GPU—whether for hacking, gaming, or high-performance computing—the Acer Predator Helios 300 is a fantastic choice. It offers great hardware for the price, solid upgradability, and a well-balanced mix of power and performance.

Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop – Best Budget Laptop for Password Brute Forcing

If you’re looking for an affordable option that offers solid performance for ethical hacking and penetration testing, the Acer Nitro 5 is an excellent choice. This budget-friendly gaming laptop provides a good balance between price and capability.

While it comes with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD—specs that are slightly below the recommended minimum—it still meets the basic requirements for a pentester’s laptop. What sets it apart is its NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 GPU with 4GB of GDDR5 VRAM, making it a great choice for password cracking and other resource-intensive tasks. Powered by an Intel Core i5-9300H processor capable of reaching up to 4.1GHz, the Nitro 5 delivers impressive performance for its price.

One of the best features of the Acer Nitro 5 is its upgradeability. The laptop comes with a single 8GB RAM stick, so you can easily add another stick to expand to 16GB of RAM for even better performance.

Advantages of the Acer Nitro 5:

• Upgradeable components: Open slots for RAM and storage upgrades.
• Portable size: Easy to carry and transport.
• Affordable price: Great performance for its cost.

Disadvantages:

• Loud fan noise: Expect a bit of noise under heavy load.
• Short battery life: As with most gaming laptops, battery life is limited.

Overall, the Acer Nitro 5 is a fantastic budget gaming laptop for ethical hackers looking for a performance-to-price ratio. While it may not offer the same high-end specs as more expensive gaming laptops, it’s an excellent option for those who need solid performance without breaking the bank.

Lenovo IdeaPad 3 – Best Budget Laptop for Kali Linux

Kali Linux is one of the most well-known penetration testing distributions in the cybersecurity world. Whether you’re an ethical hacker, security researcher, or just learning the ropes, Kali Linux is often the go-to OS for penetration testing.

But which laptop should you choose for running Kali Linux smoothly? Our pick: the Lenovo IdeaPad 3—a budget-friendly laptop that meets and exceeds the minimal requirements for running Kali.

Flexible Hardware Options for Every Budget

One of the best things about the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is that it comes in multiple configurations to suit different needs and budgets:

💾 Budget Version: 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD – A great option if you’re looking for an affordable Kali Linux machine.
⚡ Performance Version: 36GB RAM, 1TB SSD – If you need more power for heavier tasks like virtualization, this version is worth considering.

Surprisingly, even the higher-end version remains highly affordable compared to many other laptops in the same category.

Processor Choices – What’s the Difference?

The IdeaPad 3 is available with two Intel Core i5 processor options:

• Intel Core i5-1135G7 – CPU benchmark: 10,172 (Better performance)
• Intel Core i5-1035G1 – CPU benchmark: 7,796 (Slightly weaker)

If you plan on running multiple virtual machines or handling more CPU-intensive tasks, the i5-1135G7 is the better choice. However, both CPUs are fully capable of running Kali Linux without issues.

Why the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 for Kali Linux?

✅ Affordable – Great specs for the price
✅ Multiple configurations – Choose based on your needs
✅ Lightweight & Portable – Ideal for security professionals on the go
✅ Good battery life – Stays powered longer than many budget laptops

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for a reliable, budget-friendly laptop to run Kali Linux, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is an excellent choice. It’s affordable, customizable, and powerful enough to handle ethical hacking tasks—without breaking the bank.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely, if you’re looking for a solid Kali Linux machine on a budget.

Apple MacBook Air (M3) – A Powerful & Portable Choice for Cybersecurity

MacBook laptops are recognized worldwide for their high-quality design, sleek aesthetics, and impressive performance. But can they be used for cybersecurity? With the M3 chip, Apple’s latest MacBook Air is more powerful than ever, making it a solid option for security professionals. However, there are a few things to consider if you plan to use it for penetration testing and cybersecurity work.

MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro – Which One Should You Choose?

When choosing a MacBook for cybersecurity, you have two main options:
✅ MacBook Air (M3) – Lighter, fanless, and ultra-portable
✅ MacBook Pro (M3, M3 Pro, or M3 Max) – More power, better cooling, but heavier

For most professionals, even the base MacBook Air M3 model offers incredible performance. It comes with:

• 8GB, 16GB, or 24GB of unified RAM
• 256GB, 512GB, or up to 2TB SSD
• 13.6″ Liquid Retina display – compact and lightweight

Why Cybersecurity Professionals Might Consider a MacBook Air M3

💻 Performance – The M3 chip is a major upgrade, handling multiple security tools and VMs efficiently.
🔋 Battery Life – Lasts up to 18 hours, making it great for work on the go.
🔐 Security – Built-in macOS security features, including Secure Enclave, Touch ID, and FileVault encryption.
📦 Portability – Weighing just 2.7 pounds (1.24 kg), it’s perfect for cybersecurity professionals on the move.

What to Keep in Mind for Penetration Testing

While the MacBook Air is powerful, it’s important to note:
⚠️ macOS lacks native support for some penetration testing tools (Kali Linux, for example, runs better on dedicated Linux machines).
⚠️ You may need to use virtualization (UTM, Parallels, or Docker) to run certain security tools efficiently.

While the first Apple laptops with M1 initially faced compatibility issues when running VMs built for different architectures, many of them have since been ported to Apple’s silicon, and the situation is now much better than before.

Final Verdict

If you want a lightweight, secure, and high-performance laptop with outstanding battery life, the MacBook Air M3 is a fantastic choice. However, if your work heavily depends on Linux-based penetration testing tools, you may need to dual-boot or use a dedicated machine for security research.

Would I recommend it? For cybersecurity professionals who prioritize portability and macOS security features—absolutely.

Acer Aspire 5: A Versatile and Affordable Laptop for Daily Tasks

If you’re looking for an affordable and well-rounded laptop that balances performance with portability, the Acer Aspire 5 is a great option. This 15.6-inch laptop is designed to meet the demands of daily computing tasks while providing exceptional performance and comfort.

Powered by the 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13420H processor, the Aspire 5 ensures fast and efficient performance whether you’re multitasking, browsing the web, or working on more intensive applications. With 16GB of LPDDR5 memory and a 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD, it offers plenty of storage and speed for your files and software.

The 15.6″ FHD IPS touch display offers crisp visuals with wide viewing angles and narrow bezels, giving you more screen real estate to work on. Acer’s suite of visual technologies optimizes colors and enhances your viewing comfort, making it perfect for both work and entertainment.

Key Advantages of the Acer Aspire 5:

• Performance: Powered by the Intel Core i5 processor and paired with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD for smooth multitasking.
• Clear and Comfortable Viewing: 15.6″ FHD IPS touch display with vibrant colors and a wide viewing angle.
• Sleek Design: Slim 0.71″ body, ergonomic hinge for comfortable typing, and improved cooling for better performance.
• Up-to-date Features: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 for faster connectivity and better performance on wireless networks.
• Video Calling: Equipped with a 720p HD webcam and AI Noise Reduction for clear, high-quality video calls.

Disadvantages:

• Graphics: Integrated Intel UHD graphics might not be suitable for high-end gaming or graphic-intensive tasks.
• Battery Life: While decent for everyday use, the battery life may be shorter under heavy load, typical of laptops in this range.

The Acer Aspire 5 is an ideal choice for those who need a solid and affordable laptop for daily tasks, including work, web browsing, and media consumption. With the ability to upgrade your storage and memory, it’s a great choice for users who want long-lasting performance at a budget-friendly price.

HP 14-inch Laptop: A Compact Yet Powerful Option for Ethical Hackers

HP has a reputation as a reliable laptops manufacturer. It offers a range of different models, but there is one that interests us the most – it is HP Pavilion.

If you’re looking for a compact yet powerful laptop for penetration testing, the HP 14-inch laptop is an excellent choice. Equipped with a 16GB DDR4 RAM and a Core i3-3050 Processor with a base speed of 2.2GHz, this laptop can handle a variety of pentesting tasks. The Intel Core i3 processor, with a maximum boost speed of 4.1 GHz, delivers reliable performance for handling basic penetration testing tools and applications.

Despite its smaller screen size, the 14-inch display provides a sharp and clear view, and the touchscreen offers added convenience for multitasking and ease of navigation. Whether you are running virtual machines or using tools for web application security testing, this laptop provides good performance in a compact form factor.

The HP 14-inch Laptop offers good value for penetration testers who require a compact and efficient machine. While its performance may not match that of higher-end models, its upgradeability and portability make it a solid choice for those on a budget or those looking for a second laptop for basic pentesting tasks.

Dell Inspiron 15 3000 – Solid Work Laptop

When it comes to the Dell Inspiron series, there are many options you can choose from. These are consumer-oriented laptops that will fit anyone. Great news is they are also relatively cheap. While these are definitely not a gaming machines, and are not that elegant as the high-end laptops, they are perfect for work.

The Dell Inspiron 3520 (2024 model) is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable, affordable laptop for penetration testing and general work tasks. With a sleek design and a 15.6-inch Full HD touchscreen display, this laptop provides a crisp and clear viewing experience while ensuring easy navigation through touch.

Powered by the 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor and equipped with 16 GB DDR4 RAM, the Inspiron 3520 offers ample performance for running penetration testing tools, and multitasking across virtual machines. Its 1 TB PCIe SSD ensures fast data transfers, providing efficient storage for tools and files required in the cybersecurity field.

Advantages of the laptop:

• It is cheap
• You can choose from different options with different specifications
• Decent battery

Disadvantages:

• Cheap quality of the laptop (but it gets the work done)

Overall, the Dell Inspiron 3520 (2024) is a solid, budget-friendly choice for penetration testers and general professionals who need reliable performance for their work. The combination of a large SSD, fast processor, and touchscreen functionality makes it an ideal option for handling a wide range of cybersecurity tasks.

MSI Thin 15 – Powerful and Feature-Rich for Penetration Testing

MSI Thin 15 15.6” Gaming Laptop combines performance and portability, making it a great choice for penetration testing. It features a 144Hz Full HD display and is ultra-thin, standing out among its competitors.

With an Intel Core i7-13620H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, it delivers excellent performance for tasks like password cracking and running virtual machines. The 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD provide ample space for your tools and files.

Advantages:

• Slim and lightweight for easy portability
• Strong performance with Intel Core i7 and RTX 4050 GPU

Disadvantages:

• Short battery life during intense tasks
• Loud fans during heavy usage

Ideal for those needing both power and portability in their work.

Windows Laptop, Linux Laptop, or MacBook?

Just like there are holy wars among developers about which programming language is the best, the same is with the ethical hackers. There are various opinions about what OS is the best for a cybersecurity specialist.

Let’s make a quick overview about the three most popular operating systems. At the end of this paragraph it should be easier for you to make a decision what OS to use while seeking a career in cybersecurity.

If you are an Apple fan, there are many different models you can choose from. However, keep in mind that MacBook has its own disadvantages if you are planning to use this laptop for ethical hacking. We made a case study about how good is the newest MacBook with M1 chip for cybersecurity professionals.

If you are a hardcore Windows user, you can definitely use it for cyber security. There is no need throw it away just because some people say that no respected hacker uses it. It is a myth from the past, that is not true anymore. In the 2016, Windows released a feature called Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) that provided a layer for running Linux binaries. In the 2019, Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 was released. With this version a real Linux kernel is used, instead of a compatibility layer like it was with the first version. So, even if you are using Windows, you won’t have any problems running Linux tools.

If you like using Linux, then there are some great news! Most of the cybersecurity tools are running on Linux. There even are Linux distributions created specifically for ethical hacking needs. You can also run Linux on any laptop (on a MacBook also), so as you are not bound to a specific type of machine. The choices for a Linux laptop for ethical hacking are endless.

As you can see, every OS is suitable for a hacker.

What Are the Requirements for an Ethical Hacker’s Laptop?

There are a few requirements that a good laptop for pentesting should fulfill.

In general, a laptop for an ethical hacker must have enough processing power, it should support virtualization, have enough RAM, have an SSD, be convenient to use.

Even though a good laptop for ethical hacking is needed, there is no need for a spaceship. A solid laptop having enough hardware resources would be a perfect fit.

Because you are looking for a hardware that you will potentially be working with for years, you should be willing to invest some money and look for a high quality product.

But before diving into the technical details, let’s talk what tasks ethical hackers do on a daily basis. If you are a cybersecurity student, or you are learning ethical hacking on your own and you want to change your career, you must understand what you will be doing on a daily basis. And this is also a very important thing to understand before investing solid money into a laptop. Things an ethical hacker does on a daily basis:

• Performs web application testing with Burp Suite. As this is a swiss knife of web application security testing, Burp Suite is often running on a hacker machine.
• Analyses malware. In an isolated environment, usually concluded from a few virtual machines with VMWare or VirtualBox software.
• Performs network assessment. Tools, such as Nmap, Nessus, and many specialized tools of Kali Linux are used.

With the routine of a hacker being clear, let’s see what specifications a computer should have in order to be considered as the best laptop for ethical hacking and Kali Linux.

• RAM – as you will be using a few programs/VMs at the same time, your machine will be under a constant load. You should look for a device that has somewhere between 8 GB to 32 GB of RAM. And 8 GB, in my opinion, is a minimum. I am successfully working on a machine with 8 GB of RAM. But do I want more random access memory? I sure do.

• CPU – it is pretty important to have a good multicore processor. Having a CPU with good clock speed is beneficial. You should look for a late generation CPU with 4-6 cores.
• GPU – if you aren’t going to crack password hashes non stop, you shouldn’t worry about the GPU too much. Well, maybe if you are gamer, you should. But if you are looking for a best laptop for cyber security needs, GPU is not the most important component. At least in the bug bounty hunting.
• Hard drive – when it comes to the storage, you should always look for a machine with SSD instead of HDD. SSD will provide you much more speed. When it comes to the capacity of the drive, this is often a personal preference. The minimum is 256 GB, but I recommend at least 500 GB. As you will need enough storage for your software and virtual machines, 256 GB is barely enough. 500 GB is enough for me, as I use a separate machine solely for work related stuff. But if you are thinking of storing personal files on it, or having a few games, you might consider getting a 1 TB drive.
• Price – good item costs a lot, and if you are willing to get a good laptop, it might cost at minimum 1000 USD. But of course, none of us have unlimited money and in order to buy a laptop we have to make our own financial sacrifices and compromises.

Make sure the machine supports virtualization.

If you will be working as a penetration tester, at some point you might want to have a few virtual machines spinning. Depending on the things you might have to do, there might be many different cases for using VMs. For example, you might want to analyze a malware in a isolated virtual machine, or you might want to have a vulnerable machine such as DVWA running, and have Parrot OS and Kali Linux machines for attacking.

So, virtualization is a very important aspect while choosing a machine. We made the analysis for you and all of our picked laptops are good for virtualization.

Kali Linux System Requirements

We have already found the cheapest laptop for Kali Linux – it’s Lenovo IdeaPad 3.

But let’s talk about the system requirements you need to run Kali Linux. Because it is definitely the OS you will use a lot as an ethical hacker. This Linux based distribution is loved by many professionals, if you are willing to be a hacker, your will have to use this or other similar OS (such as Parrot OS).

You will also need Kali Linux to get the famous OSCP certification. One of the reasons is that the Offensive Security is behind the OSCP and Kali Linux, so it is easier to use the tools of the Kali Linux for the challenges of OSCP. And the other reason is that Kali Linux is just awesome. It has packaged most of the things you might need, is intuitive, and easy to use even for the newbies.

So, let’s see what are the system requirements for Kali Linux laptop.

Minimum requirements:

• 20 GB of hard disk space. Keep in mind that for a complete set of tools and a graphical interface, more space is needed.
• 2 GB of RAM for i386 and AMD 64 architectures.
• Intel Core i3 or AMD E1. But the better is the CPU, the more performance you get.

These are the recommended requirements for Kali Linux:

• 50 GB of SSD space. It is important to use SSD as it will add more performance.
• More than 2GB of RAM (at least 8 GB are preferred). Some of the tools, such as Burp Suite, are pretty resource intensive. So, the more RAM – the better.

Do You Need a Separate Laptop for Ethical Hacking?

This question can be answered from two different angles.

Do you need a separate laptop for hacking in a bad way (malicious activity)? If you are thinking of performing a criminal act, this question is irrelevant, as there are many ways you can be tracked down. So, having a separate laptop won’t help you.

And another perspective of this question is the practical side of having a dedicated laptop for penetration testing. There are at least a few legit reason why it is smart to have another device dedicated for this purpose only:

• You might break your OS while working. Let’s say you are a malware analyst, and you make a deadly mistake by accidently opening the malware on your host machine. Well, these things might happen even to the best, what can you do. VM escape is also a possibility. And even though you have opened the infected file in an isolated environment, it escaped and reached your host machine. Of course, you might break the system after unsuccessful software updates.
• Having separate devices for work and for personal use. If you have the luxury to have one personal device, and one for work, this is a smart choice. Firstly, it will help you to remain disciplined by setting boundaries for yourself. The work ends when you turned the laptop off. A separate computer for personal user only, such as browsing, gaming, and watching Netflix, is also handy a you know that all the configuration of software and the device remains the same after a day of work. Sometimes the day can be crazy. During a day you might need to change DNS, install older versions of browsers, etc.

Final Words

If you are looking for the best laptop for ethical hacking, have in mind that you should choose the one, you will like the most. No matter how praised a device is, if you personally do not like it, don’t buy it. After all, this is just a tool. No laptop will give you the skills needed to be a good security researcher.

That’s totally fine if the only device you have is an old laptop, as every has to start from somewhere. But do yourself a favor, and if you can afford it, use a decent hardware.

While a computer is the most important of all the hardware you will use, do not forget the peripherals. If you are fan of using a configuration with laptop, external monitor, and keyboard with mouse, or just like mechanical keyboards as it allows you to work comfortably, check out my hacker keyboards review and choose the one you like.