7 Best Laptops for Kali Linux in 2021 (Expert Choice)

Are you looking for a laptop for running Kali Linux, then you are at the right place. With the revolution of technology, advance penetration test and computer forensic has become essential for research organizations. For security reasons, various organizations have to perform pen-testing to locate any loophole in their system.

Hence, experts use Kali Linux, which is a Debian-based OS highly efficient for ethical hacking. Ethical hacking includes all types of legal activities like penetration tests, computer forensic, analysis and research. However, people use it for unethical purposes as well.

If you are a passionate tester, you probably know why an advanced computer is crucial for Linux Kali. Most of the users do not have any concern with hacking when they purchase a laptop. However, being a professional tester, you know how important it is to get a computer that can meet the task requirements efficiently. Check out programming laptops.

Laptops Requirements for Kali Linux

You don’t need to buy a supercomputer but indeed a good one to be efficient during long task sessions. Therefore, you need to make sure of some hardware configuration specs while choosing a laptop. You have to make sure the following essential.

CPU: 9th generation Intel Core-i7

RAM: 8GB or above

Display: 15.5-inch HD-IPS

Storage: 1TB

Battery: 8 hours

Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce graphics

A Powerful Processor:

A powerful processor is an ultimate requirement of Kali Linux. However, Kali Linux can be run on any processor, i-e i3, i5, i7, single-core, and dual-core, but I would recommend you to choose i5 or i7. The reason is that your system won’t get slow down during intense tasking.

Robust RAM:

Since you know Kali Linux is an intense multi-tasking procedure, I recommend you choose 16 GB RAM with a high memory capacity.

High Graphics:

Graphics do not have any active involvement in Kali Linux and can be run on an ordinary one. However, NVIDIA graphics will increase the productivity of your laptop.

Storage:

Kali Linux will cover 20GB of your storage capacity during installation. Later on, a plethora of tools and intense penetrating tests will require more space. Therefore, It is an expert opinion to choose a laptop with over 1TB SSD storage capacity.

Battery:

Critical analysis and research, forensic, and penetration will take long hours. Therefore, you need a laptop with a battery backup of 6-7 hours for continuous, uninterrupted performance.

7 Best Laptops for Kali Linux in 2021

All the essentials mentioned above are a must if you want to run Kali Linux smoothly. I personally met expert penetrators and analysts, and they recommended the top 7 ideal laptops based on these specifications. If you are a programmer or engineer, then check out my programming laptops.

Here we have the seven most suitable laptops for Kali Linux. Please check them out.

1. ASUS VivoBook Pro 17
2. Dell G5 15
3. Lenovo Legion 5
4. Apple MacBook Pro 15
5. Acer Aspire E15
6. Razer Blade 15
7. Alienware AW17R4-7006SLV-PUS 17″

1. ASUS VivoBook Pro 17:

ASUS VivoBook Pro 17 contains numerous features for professional testers and analysts. It is often compared to MacBook due to its exceptional features. This is the reason experts have given it the top position on our list.

It comes with a 17.3 inches HD IPS display with a 72% color gamut. The specifically larger display gives tremendous assistance while penetration tests. With advanced NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 graphics, you get a stunning visual display. Each of the minor aspects is visually more clear and visible.

The 8th generation Intel Core-i7 processor is robust and super-efficient in ethical hacking. You can run Kali Linux and a plethora of other tools smoothly. The 16 GB DDR4 RAM keeps the CPU intact while impressive multi-tasking.

The most appealing feature I explored in it is the availability of multiple ports. You have headphones, USB, HDMI, and similar connectivity options. Along with that, it has a fast charging option that can charge your laptop up to 60 % in 50 minutes.

For installing and performing the intense task, you need a large storage capacity. Therefore, you get two individual compartments in it. One contains a 256 GB SSD drive, and the other includes a 1TB Hard Drive. It is pretty obvious to have a high price with all these features, which is the only con I found.

Otherwise, this laptop is worth considering despite the high price.

2. Dell G5 15:

You can expect quality features at an affordable price when it comes to Dell. The model G5 15 is an affordable option with loads of high-quality features. It efficiently fulfills all the extensive requirements for running and operating Kali Linux smoothly.

It has a 15.6-inch FHD display with thin bezels. It is anti-glare and gives a wide-angle view. Therefore, it is suitable for both gamers and Kali Linux. The high resolution (1920 x 1080)p provides more vivid and vibrant colors.

Dell knows the importance of speed and stabilization during intense Kali Linux tasks. Hence, it has a 9th generation Intel Core-i7 processor that can handle heavy tools and applications. The 16 GB RAM makes it more suitable for multi-tasking and critical penetration tests.

It is equally suitable for both gaming and ethical hacking is the dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650. It not only gives you stunning visual during intense gaming but also assist you in critical penetration tests.

It has multiple ports available like Thunderbolt 3, USB Type-C, HDMI 2.0, Memory Card Reader, Display Port, which makes it a bit heavier weighing 8.65 pounds. It will be trouble while traveling if you are a person who is always on the go. Another drawback I found was that it would last up to 4 hours while using Kali Linux, which is not a good option, so you might gotta bear this.

3. Lenovo Legion 5:

Lenovo Legion 5 comes with exceptional features that are suitable for professional analysts. If you are looking to design pervasive security resources, then Legion 5 is ideal for you. It has some jaw-dropping specs. Let us find out.

To begin with, the screen is a 15.6 inch HD IPS display to provide your vividly vibrant colors. We also included this in our list of gaming laptops. The essential requirement of every gamer and malware analyst is to get the picture quality, and Lenovo has never disappointed in that.

It has a robust AMD Ryzen 7 4800 H processor that can handle your system running heavy applications smoothly. As you know, many rich applications are associated with Kali Linux. Therefore this processor helps you to work without breaking a sweat.

For critical work, it has 16 GB RAM to deal with intense multi-tasking. Even though graphics have nothing to do with penetrating tests, it plays a significant role in maintaining the speed and performance of the laptop. Hence, Lenovo features NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti.

For intense gaming and penetration test, it is crucial to have command on the keyboard. Therefore, Lenovo features a TrueStrike unit with 1.5mm key travel and is loaded with multiple port options. The officials have claimed 8 hours battery back up, which might drop to 5 hours due to intense analytics.

4. Apple MacBook Pro 15:

Apple has always surprised the users with something very unique and astonishing. The new MacBook Pro 15 comes with high-end features that are essential in using Kali Linux. It comes with a 13.3 inch HD IPS display with a Retina screen. You get stunning visuals while creating intensive security features.

Speaking of performance, it is fast, responsive, and convenient with the powerful M1 8-Core processor that has a clocking speed of 3.2 GHz. Do not hesitate while doing intense multitasking because MacBook maintains the system smoothly with dedicated 8 GB RAM.

One of the most stunning features that I found in MacBook was 256 GB SSD storage capacity that is upgradable up to 2 TB. Most professional malware analysts face problems due to insufficient storage capacity. While using Kali Linux, there are several other tools accompanied that ample cover space. Therefore, something better is a wise choice.

Along with a large storage capacity, you get excellent battery backup as well. It gives you a continuous battery backup of 10 hours for intense tasks. Therefore, it is a perfect option to consider for. You will also find it convenient while traveling because of its sleek and lightweight design. Overall, it’s a beneficial choice.

5. Acer Aspire E15:

Acer has always been famous for both gamers and hackers. It always has something better for its users, and Aspire series has proved it. In a nutshell, it’s a budget laptop that has a decent processor, RAM, storage, and battery life.

If you are a beginner engineer, then this laptop is valuable for you. It’s a 15.6-inch display that provides sharp and high-resolution scenery. Since Kali Linux is our main point of concern, let’s check what it has for us in this regard.

It has a core-i7-8550U processor with 8 GB RAM that runs and handles your intense pentesting tasks smoothly. Despite being a budget laptop, it has features above its price range. When it comes to hard drives, it has some drawbacks. It can lag your computer if you have to store massive files on the same drive.

Aesthetically, it is solid and sturdy which is because of its brushed metal touch. However, looks are not impressive, and you probably don’t love it. If you are a gamer, you will surely like it; however, you want a professional malware analyst.

You don’t need any fashion statement; you need a laptop with great productivity. Hence, this laptop fits perfectly in this scenario. It has a great battery backup of 15 hours. Although it might drop to 10 hours during pentesting it’s still better than many others.

So it is a good option because it is not only efficient, but it complies with your budget as well.

6. Razer Blade 15:

If running Kali Linux and other similar tools are your top priority, this laptop is suitable. It has pretty much every thin for you. You may spend additional bucks for advanced features; however, for Kali Linux, Razer Blade 15 is the ideal choice. Let’s check out what does it have for you.

It comes with a 15.6-inch display screen with narrow bezels that gives you a 1080p resolution. Hence, you will not miss any details while analyzing vulnerabilities. The dedicated RTX 2060 graphics card gives you a crystal clear view with vibrant colors. It also helps you to do any graphics-intensive task smoothly.

We have an Intel Core i7 processor with a clock speed up to 5 GHz, which has more capabilities than just running Kali Linux. With this insane power, you can work for continuous hours, and the system won’t lag for a second because the 16 GB RAM makes the thing smoother. You can do multitasking for hours conveniently.

The super responsive 512 GB SSD storage device allows you to deal with complex resources quickly. Multiple ports, a large display, and powerful hardware come in 4.7 pounds which could be bulky for you. However, the battery backup is 7 hours which is a handy option for Kali Linux.

Overall, it’s a good option in every regard (except weight).

7. Alienware AW17R4-7006SLV-PUS 17″:

Here we have the last pick of our article. Professional testers and passionate gamers demand responsive and exceptional computing machines. Hence, we picked Alienware AW17R4-7006SLV-PUS, which provides all of these features.

It begins with a 17.3 inch big HD IPS display with Anti-Glare and Anti-Reflection to users. It means you can have your eyes protected even after prolonged sessions. Similarly, it provides 1080p resolution and gives more accurate details, and allows you to get a better view with its dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 graphics.

Since it is vast, it features excellent hardware tools. It has an Intel Core i7 processor with 16 GB RAM that gives exceptional performance. It contains 256 GB SSD and 1 TB HDD storage capacity that helps your dealing with intensive resources.

You get a brilliant performance. However, it does get heat up quickly, which is a drawback. Another thing which could cause you trouble is its weight. You cannot accompany it along yourself because of its large size and heavyweight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Any Laptop Run Kali Linux?

Not every computer can run Kali Linux because it is made explicitly for ethical hacking. Therefore, it demands some requirements for running smoothly. However, a laptop with 2 GB RAM and 20 GB of Storage can run Kali Linux.

What Laptops Do Hackers Mostly Use?

Ethical hackers mostly used Alienware laptops because they have customized hardware setups. Alienware is Dell’s top-notch laptop suitable for gaming. Hence, it is equally beneficial for hackers.

What Should Be The RAM Of Laptop For Kali Linux?

Even a laptop with 2 GB RAM can run Kali Linux, whereas a better one will be a good option for smooth processing.

Which Processor Is Suitable For Kali Linux?

Laptops with 9th and 10th generation processors are compatible to run and operate Kali Linux. However, experts recommend using a 10th generation Intel Core i7 or better for more fast and quick performance.

Is It Illegal to Use Kali Linux?

It varies from usage to usage. If you are using it for programming or similar activities, it will be legal and vice versa.

Conclusion:

Usually, it gets very confusing when you go out in the market and select on your own. Kali Linux has various requirements which you can only fulfill if you are aware of them. Therefore, I compiled a short and comprehensive list of laptops which are expert’s choice.

Kali Linux is a pen-testing software that research organizations in finding a loophole use. Since you don’t need a laptop for everyday purposes, you must account for several features while purchasing a computer. These are as follows,

• RAM
• CPU
• STORAGE
• GPU
• BATTERY

For your convenience, we’ve already covered all these essentials in our above article. I hope it has proved helpful for you, and I wish you good luck in selecting a laptop that can efficiently fulfill your needs.