MacBook Air is now available with Apple’s M3 processor. Because from the processor to OS everything is made by Apple so the optimization is ultra superb.
Durability and performance of MacBook Air is outstanding with its metal body. It’s comes all new ultra fast octa-core M3 processor, which is quite faster then it’s older variant. 15GB RAM and 512 GB SSD.
The new M3 chip set on MacBook is awesome. They are super fast and very good optimized so we can see super stability. 10 core GPU also gives 5X faster graphics performance.
13.3 inch Liquid Retina display is looks so bright and the True Tone technology makes the display out of the world. Because of its form factor MacBook Air is very portable. Look is smart, stylish and slim. Battery life is also very long lasting. Apple promised an 18+ hours battery life, but in our daily life uses we had noticed 15 to 16 hours battery backup.
Specifications:
Octa-core Apple M3 Processor.10 core GPU provides faster graphics processing.
16 GB RAM.512 GB SSD.13.3 inch retina display with 4 million pixels.All-day battery life (14+ hour in our hand).
Pros:
Super stability and performance with M3 chip.Lightweight and portable with 13.3 inch display.Very fast speed.Good keyboard (same as MacBook Pro).16+ hours battery.
Cons:
It doesn’t have any HDMI ports. We got only 2 thunderbolt USB Type C ports and they are selling bunch of adapters separately.We can’t upgrade ant hardware.It can’t play heavy games (even MacBook pro can’t), because MacBook is not built for gaming.
Final Thoughts
MacBook Air is really good for programming and cybersecurity jobs. The new M3 chips are really awesome. This laptop is really very portable we can use it any where and carry it with us. At this price point MacBook Air will be a good choice to run Kali Linux.
ASUS Zenbook Duo
ASUS Zenbook Duo offers a unique dual-display experience, ideal for professionals who require expanded workspace on the go. With its Intel core Ultra 9 Processor, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB SSD, it combines power and productivity, especially suited for cybersecurity tasks, penetration testing, and programming using Kali Linux.
It comes with a innovative detachable keyboard which comes out to use the laptop in “Sharing mode” also can be used in “Desktop mode”. We can use the both display at a time to enjoy multitasking.
ASUS Zenbook Duo laptop comes with two 14 inch Lumina OLED 3K displays which makes it very eye catchy. This laptop doesn’t comes with any dedicated GPU so it’s not made for password cracking stuffs. But we can enjoy our penetrating tasks using Burp and Wireshark on both displays. It will be a perfect choice for app/web security and programming persons with 8 hours+ dual displays uses and 17 hours+ on single display battery life.
Intel core Ultra 9 Processor 185H
32 GB DDR5 RAM.1 TB SSD.Dual 14 inch 3K displays.Detachable Bluetooth keyboard.
Pros:
Most eye catchy in this list.Double productivity with dual screens.Comes with Asus Pen 2.0.Good built quality.Comes with kickstand.
Cons:
Average Battery life.No Dedicated GPU.Dual screens add bulk, making it slightly heavier than traditional laptops.
Final Thoughts
ASUS Zenbook Duo is surely an eye catcher and good option for programmers and cybersecurity experts. Dual display is the main selling point of this laptop and it really stands out. Processor is superb. RAM is quite good to run Virtual Machines. It only lacs the GPU. But we can understand if it comes with GPU than it will loose the portability totally.
Asus ROG Flow Z13
The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 is a unique gaming device, combining the form factor of a tablet with the performance of a gaming laptop. This makes it an interesting choice for Kali Linux users who need both power and portability. Let’s break down how this device holds up when used for cybersecurity tasks and penetration testing.
Being a tablet-laptop hybrid, the ROG Flow Z13 is extremely portable, weighing much less than traditional gaming laptops. This makes it a good choice for cybersecurity professionals who are constantly on the move but still require decent power.
Powered by the Intel Core i9-13900H processor, this laptop brings awesome processing power with 14 cores. Loaded with 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and a 1TB PCIe SSD, it can handle all cybersecurity tools with ease. Whether we’re running network scans, using memory-intensive apps like Metasploit, or managing multiple virtual machines for different pentesting tasks, the ROG Flow Z13 will manage these workloads well.
The GeForce RTX 4050 GPU is not as high-end as some other gaming GPUs, but it will provide solid graphical performance, especially for tasks like cracking hashes, running GPU-accelerated password attacks, and other graphics-intensive pentesting operations. However, for tasks that heavily rely on GPU acceleration, higher-end GPUs would still provide better results.
The 13.4 inch display is very portable but it also have a minor con. Due to small form factor the battery is not so much powerful for the gamers. This laptop is made for gamers but they are avoiding this, because of the high performance GPU will suck all the battery life. But for us as a cybersecurity researcher this is a gem. We don’t need to run the GPU every time.
Specifications:
AMD Ryzen 7 4000 series processor with 8 core and 16 threads.16GB RAM and 512GB SSD.NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card.RGB backlit keyboard.Virtual reality hardware and software running compatibility.
Pros:
Highly portable with tablet-laptop versatility.QHD 165Hz display is great for multitasking and smooth visual output.
Good cooling system.Strong performance for most cybersecurity and pentesting tasks.
Cons:
RAM isn’t upgradeable.No Memory card slot.
Final Thoughts
The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 is a solid choice for cybersecurity professionals who need a powerful yet portable device. While the RTX 4050 GPU may not be the best for the most intense GPU-accelerated tasks, the i9 processor and 16GB of RAM offer enough power for most penetration testing activities. It has a unique hybrid design, with a premium display and average battery life, makes it an ideal device for those prioritizing mobility without compromising on core performance.
Alienware x14 R2
The Alienware x14 R2 is a slim yet powerful gaming laptop designed for performance enthusiasts, but how well does it hold up for cybersecurity professionals, especially those using Kali Linux? With a sleek design, powerful specs, and impressive display, let’s see if it fits the needs of penetration testers and programmers.
The 14-inch QHD+ (2560×1600) display with a 165Hz refresh rate and G-Sync ensures smooth and vibrant visuals. For professionals working on Kali Linux, this means sharp, detailed output, whether you’re looking at code, running multiple VMs, or analyzing penetration test results. The 16:10 aspect ratio gives a bit more vertical space, which is useful when reviewing logs or programming.
This machine is powered by anÂ
Intel Core i7-13620H, a 10-core processor (6 performance cores + 4 efficiency cores) that delivers strong multi-core performance. Coupled withÂ
32GB of RAM, it easily handles multi-tasking, running several VMs, or intensive cybersecurity tools like
Metasploit,
Wireshark, or
Burp Suite.
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 with 8GB of VRAM offers solid GPU performance, and for pentesters who need GPU acceleration (like brute-forcing passwords or hash cracking), this is a very capable machine. While it’s not the most powerful GPU in the market, it’s more than sufficient for most GPU-heavy cybersecurity operations.
Alienware is known for durable build quality, and the x14 R2 does not disappoint. Despite being a gaming laptop, it’s relatively slim and easy to carry, especially for cybersecurity professionals who need to travel for their work. The AlienFX RGB keyboard provides a great typing experience, which is crucial for long coding sessions or documentation tasks.
Battery life can be a concern with high-performance gaming laptops, and this one is no exception. While the Alienware x14 R2 provides decent battery life under normal usage, engaging in heavy pentesting tasks like password cracking in bruteforce will likely shorten the battery life considerably. Expect to be near a charger for extended work sessions.
The x14 R2 is well-equipped with ports, including USB-C with Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, and USB-A options, allowing for connectivity to multiple external devices. Wi-Fi 6 ensures fast and stable wireless connections, which is essential for pentesting over wireless networks.
Specifications:
14-inch QHD+ Display 165Hz G-SyncIntel Core i7-13620H 10 Cores Processor
32GB RAM with 1TB SSDNVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 with 8GB VRAMAlienFX Backlit KeyboardUSB-C with Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, USB-A
Pros:
Very good display.Awesome looks.Good performance.Nice keyboard.
Cons:
Battery life is average.
Final Thoughts
The Alienware x14 R2 is an excellent balance of portability and power. For cybersecurity professionals who need to run multiple VMs, use GPU-accelerated pentesting tools, or simply want a high-performance machine for everyday tasks, this laptop is a strong choice. While the battery life and GPU are good but not exceptional, its lightweight design, powerful internals, and stunning QHD+ display make it an excellent option for those who need both portability and performance on the go.
Asus Zenbook S13
The ASUS Zenbook S 13 stands out as a stylish, portable, and ultra-powerful machine with cutting-edge hardware and a premium OLED display. Let’s see how well this sleek ultrabook fares for users who work with Kali Linux and require a portable yet powerful laptop for tasks like penetration testing, programming, and cybersecurity tasks.
The 13.3-inch 2.8K OLED display is the showstopper here. With deep blacks, vibrant colors, and sharp visuals, this display makes everything from coding to media consumption a pleasure. For Kali Linux users, the clarity and color accuracy of the display make it easier to analyze information on dark themes, view multiple windows, and review penetration testing results in detail.
The Intel Core Ultra 7 155U is a 12-core processor (2 performance cores and 10 efficiency cores) designed for ultrabooks, offering a balance between performance and power efficiency. This can easily handle multitasking and running a variety of tools in Kali Linux smooth and fast. The processor’s power, combined with 32GB of RAM, ensures that it can handle running several virtual machines, cybersecurity tools, and other demanding applications without lag.
Though the laptop lacks a dedicated GPU, the Intel Iris Xe Graphics performs well for most general tasks, including basic graphics rendering and light computing tasks in Kali Linux. However, if you’re performing GPU-intensive tasks like password cracking or hash cracking, the lack of a dedicated GPU may be a limitation.
It is compact, weight 5.8 Pounds only. It is portable with 13.3 inch display. Also it comes with a fast charger which can charge it upto 70% with in 50 minutes. A full charge will last upto 10 hours plus (Brand claimed 13 Hours+).
Even with its slim profile, the Zenbook S 13 OLED comes with a decent set of connectivity options, including USB-C with Thunderbolt 4, which allows for fast data transfer and charging. Wi-Fi 6E provides fast and reliable wireless connectivity, which is particularly useful for cybersecurity professionals who need stable connections for wireless pentesting.
Specifications:
Intel Core i7-1355U, 10 cores, Intel Evo certified (Better than Core i7 1355U)
Display 13.3-inch 2.8K OLED, 2880 x 1800 resolution32GB RAM with 1TB SSD
Backlit KeyboardUSB-C with Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, HDMI
Pros:
Latest Fast Intel Core i7-1355U Processor.32 GB RAM.1 TB SSD.Great build quality withÂ
backlit keyboard andÂ
ErgoLift hinge for comfort typing.
2.8K OLED Very good quality display.Lightweight and portable, perfect for on-the-go use.
Impressive battery life for all-day usage.
Cons:
Lacks a dedicated GPU, which may limit performance in GPU-accelerated pentesting tasks.
Final Thoughts
The ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED is a perfect choice for cybersecurity professionals who prioritize portability, long battery life, and stunning display quality. While it doesn’t have a dedicated GPU for more intensive cybersecurity operations like hash cracking, it’s more than capable for most pentesting, programming, and general cybersecurity tasks. If we often on the move and need a lightweight yet powerful machine, this ultrabook should be high on our list.
Budget Laptops
Dell Vostro 14
The Dell Vostro 14 is a business-class laptop that can double as a reliable machine for Kali Linux enthusiasts. It’s powered by a 12th Gen Intel i7-1255U processor, which comes with 10 cores and a boost clock speed of up to 4.7GHz, ensuring smooth performance for day-to-day tasks, moderate cybersecurity testing, and programming.
The 14.0″ FHD touchscreen IPS display is good for both office work and media consumption, offering sharp visuals. The display is not something you’d rave about, but for this price range, it delivers decent performance. It also comes with a Thunderbolt 4 port, which allows for quick data transfer, and 802.11 AC WiFi and Bluetooth provide reliable wireless connectivity.
Storage is another strength of this laptop, with a 2TB PCIe SSD ensuring fast boot times and swift access to your files. The standout feature is its massive 32GB DDR4 RAM, which is enough for heavy multitasking, running multiple VMs, or processing large datasets.
The Dell Vostro 14 comes with tons of connectivity options. LAN port (RJ45) is very essential for cybersecurity experts as well as network administrators. It also comes with 2 X USB 3.2 GEN 1 port and a USB 2.0 Type A, HDMI, Audio Jack, DC Port for charging and a MicroSD Card slot.
Specifications
12th Gen Intel i7-1255U processor32GB RAM2TB PCIe SSD14.0″ FHD DisplayWiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
Pros:
All-rounder.Ethernet Port (RJ45)Solid build quality, perfect for business environments.
Cons:
No backlit keyboard.Average webcam.DDR4 RAMÂ
Final Thoughts
Dell Vostro 14 is a solid workhorse for professionals who need a capable machine to run Kali Linux without breaking the bank. While it lacks a dedicated GPU, the generous 32GB RAM and 2TB storage make it a great choice for multitasking and data-heavy projects. It’s best suited for users focusing on programming, research, or less GPU-intensive tasks in cybersecurity. Sure, DDR4 RAM may not be the latest trend, but it’s still far from outdated. While DDR5 offers an upgrade, the question remains: is the performance boost worth the extra cost?
HP 14
For students or users focused on basic computing tasks, the HP 14 Pentium delivers solid performance without breaking the savings. Powered by the Intel Quad-Core Pentium Silver N5030 processor, this laptop reaches speeds of up to 3.1 GHz, which is sufficient for light web browsing, programming, or running lightweight tools in Kali Linux. While it won’t compete with higher-end Intel i3 or i5 processors, it provides enough horsepower for simple tasks.
What stands out is the 32GB of RAM—unusual for a budget laptop. This ensures smooth multitasking, allowing you to handle multiple applications simultaneously, even with limited processing power. Coupled with a 1TB SSD, this laptop provides plenty of space for storing files, cybersecurity tools, and media content, while benefiting from the quick access speeds of SSD storage.
With a 14-inch Full HD display, the HP 14 offers decent clarity for watching videos, reading documents, or coding. It’s not designed for graphics-heavy activities but works well for general use. The build is lightweight, making it easy to carry around campus or work on the go.
Specifications:
Intel Quad-Core Pentium Silver N5030 Processor32GB RAM.1TB Solid State Drive.14-inch Full HD displayWiFi 6Pros:
Massive 32GB RAM ensures smooth multitasking.1TB SSD provides good storage and fast file access.
Lightweight and Portable.WiFi 6 for reliable, fast internet.
Fast Charging.
Cons:
N5030 processor is basic (better than i3 10th gen).
Final Thoughts
The HP 14 Pentium is a solid budget-friendly laptop, particularly if you’re a student or need a device for everyday tasks. While it won’t handle resource-heavy penetration testing or brute force attacks, the 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD make it a great choice for programming, running lightweight tools, and general productivity.
MSI Modern 14
The MSI Modern 14 is a budget-friendly option for users who need a sleek and lightweight laptop for cybersecurity tasks. Powered by the Intel Core i5-1235U processor, this laptop provides reliable performance for Kali Linux installations. With 8GB of RAM, it offers smooth multitasking, and its 512GB SSD ensures fast boot times and ample storage for tools and projects.
A significant advantage of the MSI Modern 14 is its internal WiFi adapter, which supports both Monitor Mode and Packet Injection straight out of the box when Kali Linux is installed natively. This feature allows for WiFi password cracking and other penetration testing tasks without the need for
external WiFi adapters, making it an excellent choice for cybersecurity enthusiasts.
The 14-inch Full HD display is perfect for on-the-go use, offering clear visuals without adding bulk. The lightweight design, coupled with a backlit keyboard, makes this a good option for working in various lighting conditions. Its solid build and black color give it a professional yet understated look.
We got much connectivity options like 1 X USB C port, LAN Port (RJ45), 3 X USB A port (2.0 and 3.2), a microSD slot and a HDMI port and an Audio port.
Specifications:
Intel Core i5-1235U Processor.
8GB RAM.512 GBÂ PCIe NVMe SSD.Backlit Keyboard.14″ Full HD (1920×1080) Display.Awesome WiFi Chipset.
Pros:
Internal WiFi adapter supports Monitor Mode and Packet Injection.Good quality backlit full-size keyboard.Portable and Handy.
Cons:
Only 8 GB RAM (But it’s enough to run Kali Linux cybersecurity tasks).
Final Thoughts
For those who prioritize portability, affordability, and an internal WiFi adapter compatible with Kali Linux, the MSI Modern 14 offers excellent value. While it’s not the most powerful machine for intensive tasks like hash cracking, it’s a good all-rounder for programming, social engineering, and WiFi-based penetration testing without the need for external adapters. On-paper 8GB RAM sounds few but it’s enough to run native Kali Linux installation (requires 2GB RAM only), we don’t recommend to use it with Windows installation.
Raspberry Pi 5Â
Raspberry Pi 5 is the latest iteration of the popular single-board computer (SBC), and it’s packed with features that can enhance our experience with Kali Linux. Powered by a quad-core Cortex-A76 CPU clocked at 2.4GHz, this little machine offers improved performance, making it more efficient for lightweight penetration testing and programming.
The build quality is typical of Raspberry Pi boards—small (credit card size), compact, and well-constructed. It offers dual 4K video output with support for two HDMI 2.1 ports, which can be a game-changer for those who need multiple screens while multitasking between different windows and commands.
Battery life isn’t really a concern as it’s powered via USB-C with a constant power supply, and energy consumption is low. However, keep in mind that it’s not portable like a laptop unless we create a custom solution with a battery pack.
Connectivity is where Raspberry Pi 5 really wins: it has Gigabit Ethernet, WiFi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0. WiFi Monitor Mode and Packet Injection are supported with the right drivers, making this tiny machine a great option for wireless security auditing. Additionally, we have 2 USB 3.0 ports, 2 USB 2.0 ports, and a USB-C power port. Raspberry Pi 5 has 40 GPIO Pins, UART Connector, POE Hat connector, PCIe Interface and more. It is the most affordable, portable computer with the best connectivity options makes it a obvious choice for every security enthusiast.
We generally put Raspberry Pi on our backpack with connected a
Power Bank for power supply and use our Phone to control it over SSH. This tiny little Single Board Computer is really awesome for WiFi cracking and other Network Based attacks. It is very recommended for every cybersecurity experts as a stealth device or even as a Dual 4K Monitor Desktop using 2 HDMI ports.
Specifications:
Quad-core ARM Cortex-A76 2.4GHz Processor8GB LPDDR4X RAMPCIe 2.0 interface for SSD expansionDual 4K HDMI 2.1 outputBluetooth 5, WiFi 6 and Gigabit Ethernet2 USB 3.0, 2 USB 2.0 ports
Pros:
Very affordable ($90 while writing this) for Kali Linux installations.Low power consumption.PCIe interface for fast storage.Most Portable, Most Affordable, Most connectivity options.
Cons:
Not a Traditional Laptop it’s a Single Board Computer.
Final Thoughts
If portability isn’t the main priority and we’re looking for a budget-friendly device that can handle the basics of Kali Linux, Raspberry Pi 5 is an excellent option. It’s perfect for lightweight penetration testing, programming, or even as a dedicated wireless auditing machine. It may not replace a high-end laptop for brute-force tasks, but for programming, wireless testing & light penetration testing, it’s more than enough! Kali Linux runs really good on this board with the
Official Kali Linux OS Image for Raspberry Pi.
Acer Swift 3
Acer Swift 3 is a great laptop to run Kali Linux 2024 versions as a primary installation under budget. This laptop has an excellent lightweight laptop that balances portability and performance. With an Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor and Iris Xe Graphics, it’s more than capable of running Kali Linux smoothly.
At 14 inches, the Full HD display ensures a decent viewing experience for daily tasks, though it may not satisfy users looking for high-end visuals. With 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM, you’ll have just enough memory for multitasking, but it might feel limiting for heavy virtualization work. The 256GB NVMe SSD provides fast storage, though power users may need an upgrade for more space.
Weighing only around 2.65 lbs (1.2 kg), the Swift 3 is ideal for those constantly on the move. Plus, Wi-Fi 6 ensures faster internet connectivity during pentesting operations. The fingerprint reader adds a nice layer of security, while the backlit keyboard makes it easy to work in low-light environments.
Specifications:
Intel Core i7-1165G7Â processor.8 GB RAM.256GB NVMe SSDBacklit Keyboard.All-day battery backup.14 inch Full-HD display.
Pros:
Very portable (weight is only 2. 65 lbs. / 1. 2 kg)Good quality backlit keyboard.Super battery life.
Cons:
Color accuracy is not so good, but bright display with IPS panel.RAM is not upgrade-able it is soldiered on the motherboard.
Final Thoughts
Acer Swift 3 would be a great choice for using Linux for tight budget persons. The pre-installed Windows comes with lots of bloatware preinstalled. It will be better to uninstall Windows and install Kali Linux on it as primary OS. The battery life of this laptop is so nice, and it is portable too. Also it’s performance is awesome. For this price point its a very good deal.
GPD Micro PC
Now GPD Micro PC is not a full sized laptop, this is an industry level mini laptop. It has 6 inch display that is too much small that we can hold and use it on our hands. From factor is too, even smartphones are now comes with 6 inch display. This laptop can run Kali Linux easily and smoothly. For this compact size we can carry it on our pocket and carry everywhere. This can be a perfect portable hacking machine for red team attackers.
GPD MicroPC has a Strong Performance with Ultra Low Power Consumption: Intel N4120 processor, four cores, four threads, and thermal design of 10W; Graphics: lntel HD Graphics 600, Up to 700 MHz. It have 8 GB RAM and 256 GB M.2 SSD storage.
GPD MicroPC have a very good build quality, its rugged exterior gives it more durability with Gorrila Glass 4 screen protection. It comes with a tiny keyboard but the quality of keyboard is good and also have backlit. The 6 inch display comes with HD resolution.
GPD MicroPC can beat every laptop ins this list in case of portability and connectivity. This laptop have lots of ports like LAN port for wired connections. This have a RS-232 port also have HDMI cable to connect modern displays. One USB Type C port and 3 USB 3.0 Type A ports, this is not end it also have a 3.5 mm port and a slot for MicroSD cards. So we should not think about connectivity and portability. The 6100 mAh battery didn’t lasts longer.Â
Specifications:
Intel N4100 processor, four cores, four threads.8 GB RAM.128 GB M.2 SSD, which is removal and we can expand it to unlimi.6 inch display.One USB C port, and 3XUSB 3.0 ports.Backlit qwerty keyboard.Rugged exterior.6100 mAh Battery.LAN and RS-232 ports.
Pros:
Very very portable.Lots of connectivity options.8 GB RAM and SSD makes it faster.Backlit keyboard.Very lightweight, not more than 1.03 lbs.Easily fits into Jacket inner pockets.
Cons:
Due to the small from factor, battery quality is an issue for this laptop (or a Palmtop may be).
Final Thoughts
During penetration testing jobs if we walked in a corporate area with a laptop, it looks suspicious. We can use this pocket laptop in that case. Probably this is the best device for Red Team attackers. This laptop runs Kali Linux smoothly, no issue to running commands. The only thing we can say that it is really a good laptop if we need real portability.
We don’t recommended this as a primary device, this can be considered as a secondary laptop for portableÂ
jobs. This is far batter then Kali NetHunter.
Things Need to Care Before Buying a Laptop for Kali Linux
1. What Kali Linux Requires
Kali Linux is a Debian Based Linux distribution used by cybersecurity experts and digital forensics. Previously Kali Linux comes with default GNOME Desktop Environment, but after 2019.4 update Kali’s Default DE is Xfce4. XFCE is very lightweight then GNOME. For this now these days Kali is even faster than previous.
Kali Linux requires 2 GB RAM and 20 GB Storage for the default Xfce4 desktop environment installation.Â
If we install Kali Linux as a basic SSH server with no Desktop then it will take 128 MB of RAM (512 MB recommended) and 2 GB storage. So we can see that we can install Kali Linux on devices with low resources.
2. Processor
A high performance processor will provide us a powerful system here every CPU is compatible with Kali Linux we can use at least dual core processors from Intel and AMD. Even Kali have some images for ARM devices.
So processor is not an issue but when we are buying a brand new laptop in 2024 we should make sure that we have the latest and powerful processor. That will help us to do CPU heavy tasks if we encountered with them.
3. RAM
As we know that Kali can be easily run on at least 2 GB RAM but if we want a laptop for cybersecurity jobs and our other works too, then we should not go below 8 GB DDR4 RAM. We also need to check the speed of RAM, high speed means high performance.
4. Storage
Kali Linux is a lightweight distribution it doesn’t eat a lot of space like Windows if we installed it as a primary OS. Penetration testing doesn’t requires high storage, almost all the tools are very lite. Even we have used 64 GB disk space laptop with Kali primary install for a long day. If we have some movies or projects we can use external storage to store them.
We recommended at least 128 GB SSD storage on a laptop higher will be better. But we shouldn’t buy a HDD laptop because SSD is several times faster then HDD. The days of HDD is over now.
5. Graphics Card
We don’t require graphics card for Kali Linux laptops. But if we want high speed brute-force attacks then we need a graphics card. Here we should remember that we doesn’t require very high level GPU (graphics card) to do this, any mid range GPU will work good.
6. Battery Life
Sometimes we trapped in to specifications and performance and ignored the battery life, but battery life is most important feature of a laptop. Without battery laptop becomes very similar to desktop. We always need to have a laptop with good battery backup.
In the budget section we may need to compromise with battery life. In this category laptops usually runs 4-5 hours. We found MacBooks are really good in this point, XPS 13 also have a very good battery (lasts 10+ hours).
7. Portability
The main difference between a desktop PC and a laptop is the portability. A laptop should be portable but in some recent years we have seen many gaming (large GPU) laptops are in the market, they are heavy and thick. Notebooks are good in portability but they don’t have enough power.
In cybersecurity fields portability is really matters a lot. We can go anywhere and test networks. Kali on mobile (like NetHnter) can’t tool the space of laptop. Trust us, we have used both NetHunter and Laptops in different situations.
So if we want a powerful laptop with portability option we can go for any ultrabook. In our list we found that GPD MicroPC is very portable, but it is not a full sized laptop, for a full size ultraportable laptop we should look into XPS 13 and MacBook.
8. Build Quality
Did we need to talk about build quality? because everyone knows that good and durable build quality will be better. But we need to share something in this section. We should choose a laptop having grate build quality also we need to check the quality of keyboards.
Working in Kali Linux as a security researcher we need to type a lot. We need to type commands and programs everywhere so a good quality keyboard make it easier. We also go with a backlit keyboard if we want to type in dark.
Display quality doesn’t matters in cybersecurity fields but if we are getting a good quality display that will be not a bad idea.
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Display quality should not consider for cybersecurity jobs. Good display can improve media consuming and media creating/editing works. To run Kali Linux we just need a laptop display that works fine with good viewing angels. We also need to avoid touchscreen laptops because Kali Linux is not working perfectly with touchscreen.
9. Brand
Seriously? Brand matters?
A little bit, because we check the specification and price before buying and we also gets the warranty then we can say that ‘Brand doesn’t matters.’ But we can’t judge MacBooks by its specifications, MacBooks (both Pro and Air) works magically better then its specs. Also Razer, Lenovo, Dell, Asus they all have good brand value in the market. GPD works super in the pocket sized PC market.
10. Installation Type
Before some years we suggests everyone to install Kali Linux in a virtual machine but things are totally changed now. After Kali’s 2020.1 version Kali added a non-root user as default. That means more stability, and more security. So we can install Kali Linux as primary install, we also can use it for our day by day works (Know More).
If we want to install Kali Linux on our laptop through VirtualBox or VMware then we need a laptop that can share at least 4 GB RAM with the Virtual Machine for a speedy work and multitasking.
Installing Kali through WSL2 is also a good option but by that way we still be in Windows system and Kali will be a subsystem of Windows then we can’t call it our Kali system.
Dual boot is also a good option for new comers, but to learn Kali Linux we suggest to install it primarily.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can Kali Linux run under Windows?
Yes, Windows has released WSL Windows Subsystem for Linux and it is really very good for using Linux on Windows. But now it is in the initial stage and have some networking issue. Still VMWare is a good option.
We have even run Windows under Kali Linux. Where Kali Linux is host and Windows as guest OS.
Is Kali Linux Illegal?
Kali Linux is just a Operating System it can’t be Legal or Illegal. It is created for cybersecurity experts and ethical hacker. Purpose of using it might be legal or illegal. When a ethical hacker used it, it will be totally legal, but when we did illegal works with it then it our responsibility.
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Just like a gun. Gun is for self defense not for killing. If we kill then it’s our responsibility.
Does Kali Linux requires high-end Laptops?
Nope, Kali can be run even in Raspberry Pi 4, a tiny credit card sized low powered computer.
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But a powerful laptop with Kali Linux will make our life easier. We can run more than one virtual machines and brute-forcing speed also will be high.
11. Final Talk
We have listed some best laptops for Kali Linux but we can run Kali Linux on any modern laptop. We can add much more laptops in this list but then it will be very confusing to choose. We will try to update the list when good laptop arrives in the market. Before listing a new laptop we need to test it.
We have listed with types like best performance, best battery, most portable in two categories one is premium and another is budget. If we are ready to give money for the best one then we should go for premium laptops. Otherwise if we have a tight budget then we can buy a budget laptop.
Got any problem to buy new laptops? Any suggestion? Please feel free to ask us by commenting down in the comment section. We always happy to help by choosing right laptop and we always reply. Also ask us trough WhatsApp Channel, Twitter or Telegram group to get assistance to choose right laptop for Kali Linux.
