Pentesting, or penetration testing, is the practice of testing a computer system, network or web application to find security vulnerabilities that an attacker could exploit. Pentesting is a critical part of ensuring the security of any organization’s digital assets. To conduct successful pentesting, you need a laptop that is powerful, reliable, and secure.
When it comes to selecting the best laptop for pentesting, there are several factors to consider. The first and most important factor is processing power. Pentesting involves running multiple applications and tools simultaneously, which requires a laptop with a powerful processor and sufficient RAM.
Another crucial factor is security. Pentesting involves handling sensitive information, so it’s essential to choose a laptop with robust security features to protect against data breaches and cyber-attacks. Additionally, portability and battery life are critical factors to consider, as pentesters often work remotely and need a laptop that is easy to carry and has a long battery life.
After researching and testing various laptops, we have identified the top contenders for the best laptop for pentesting. In the following sections, we will discuss the features, pros, and cons of each laptop to help you make an informed decision.
Best Laptops for Pentesting
We understand that finding the right laptop for pentesting can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available in the market. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the best laptops for pentesting. Our selection includes laptops with powerful processors, ample storage, and excellent graphics capabilities to handle all your pentesting needs. So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pentester, you can trust our list to help you find the perfect laptop for your needs.
1. HP 17 Laptop
If you’re looking for a laptop that’s great for pentesting, the HP 17 Laptop is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- With the 11th Generation Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, you’ll get high performance and instant responsiveness.
- The 256 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage and 8 GB of RAM provide improved multitasking and faster performance.
- The HP TrueVision HD camera with dual microphones ensures vibrant video conferencing.
Cons
- The laptop is a bit bulky and heavy, which may not be ideal for those who travel frequently.
- The screen resolution is only 1600 x 900 pixels, which may not be as sharp as some users would like.
- The laptop’s battery life could be better, as it only lasts up to 8 hours.
We recently had the chance to try out the HP 17 Laptop and were impressed with its performance. The laptop is powered by an 11th Generation Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, which provides fast and responsive performance. The 256 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage and 8 GB of RAM ensure that you can multitask with ease and experience improved performance compared to traditional hard drives.
One of the standout features of the HP 17 Laptop is the HP TrueVision HD camera with dual microphones. This ensures that you’ll look sharp during video calls and that your voice will come through loud and clear.
While the laptop’s battery life could be better, lasting up to 8 hours, it’s still decent for a laptop of this size. Additionally, the laptop’s screen resolution is only 1600 x 900 pixels, which may not be as sharp as some users would like.
Overall, if you’re looking for a laptop that’s great for pentesting, the HP 17 Laptop is definitely worth considering. With its high performance and improved multitasking capabilities, it’s a great choice for those who need a reliable laptop for work or play.
2. HP 14 Laptop
If you’re looking for a laptop for pentesting, the HP 14 Laptop might be worth considering.
Pros
- The laptop is thin and light, making it easy to take anywhere.
- The 14-inch HD touchscreen is great for viewing details and controlling your favorite entertainment.
- With up to 11 hours and 30 minutes of battery life, you can stay productive all day.
Cons
- The 1366 x 768 resolution might not be enough for some users.
- The Intel Celeron N4020 processor might not be powerful enough for more demanding tasks.
- The 4 GB of RAM might not be enough for multitasking.
In our experience, the HP 14 Laptop is a decent choice for pentesting. Its thin and light design makes it easy to carry around, and the touchscreen is a nice touch. The battery life is also impressive, so you won’t have to worry about running out of power during long sessions.
However, the 1366 x 768 resolution might not be enough for some users, especially those who need to view fine details. The Intel Celeron N4020 processor might also struggle with more demanding tasks, so you might experience some lag when running multiple programs at once. Additionally, the 4 GB of RAM might not be enough for multitasking, so you might need to close some programs to free up memory.
Overall, the HP 14 Laptop is a solid choice for pentesting, especially if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option. However, if you need more power or a higher resolution display, you might want to consider other laptops.
3. HP Newest 17t Laptop
If you’re looking for a laptop for pentesting, the HP Newest 17t Laptop is a great option.
Pros
- The 32GB RAM and 512GB SSD make it fast and efficient for running multiple applications and browser tabs at once.
- The Intel Core i5-1235U Processor with 10 cores and 12 threads provides excellent performance.
- The 17.3″ diagonal HD+ Touchscreen with BrightView and 250 nits is a great display for working on.
Cons
- The resolution of the display could be higher.
- The laptop is relatively heavy at 4.6 pounds.
- The battery life could be better.
We recently had the chance to use the HP Newest 17t Laptop for pentesting and were impressed with its performance. The 32GB RAM and 512GB SSD made it fast and efficient for running multiple applications and browser tabs at once. The Intel Core i5-1235U Processor with 10 cores and 12 threads provided excellent performance, and we were able to run demanding applications with ease.
The 17.3″ diagonal HD+ Touchscreen with BrightView and 250 nits was a great display for working on, although the resolution could be higher. The laptop is relatively heavy at 4.6 pounds, which could be an issue if you need to carry it around with you. The battery life could be better, but we were still able to get a decent amount of use out of it before needing to recharge.
Overall, we would recommend the HP Newest 17t Laptop for pentesting. It’s a great option if you need a laptop with plenty of power and storage for running demanding applications.
4. HP 17-inch Laptop
If you’re looking for a laptop for pentesting, the HP 17-inch Laptop is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 11th Generation Intel Core processor makes multitasking a breeze.
- The Intel Iris Xe graphics provide impressive performance for creating, gaming, and entertainment.
- The anti-glare panel ensures that you can use the laptop outside without any issues.
Cons
- The battery life could be better.
- The storage capacity may not be enough for some users.
- The screen resolution could be higher.
We recently had the opportunity to test out the HP 17-inch Laptop and were impressed with its performance. The 11th Generation Intel Core processor provided instant responsiveness, and we were able to multitask with ease. The Intel Iris Xe graphics were also impressive, providing stunning visuals for creating, gaming, and entertainment.
One of the standout features of the HP 17-inch Laptop is the anti-glare panel. We were able to use the laptop outside without any issues, thanks to the non-reflective and low gloss panel. This is a great feature for those who like to work outside or in brightly lit areas.
However, one area where the HP 17-inch Laptop could improve is the battery life. While it’s not terrible, it’s not the best either. We were able to get around 8 hours of use on a single charge, but this may not be enough for some users.
Another area where the HP 17-inch Laptop could improve is the storage capacity. With only 256 GB of storage, some users may find themselves running out of space quickly. Finally, while the HD+ display is good, the screen resolution could be higher.
Overall, we would recommend the HP 17-inch Laptop for pentesting. It provides impressive performance and is a great option for those who need a laptop for creating, gaming, and entertainment.
5. HP 17 Laptop PC
If you’re looking for a laptop that can handle pentesting, the HP 17 Laptop PC might be a good option to consider.
Pros
- Fast and powerful Intel Core i5 processor
- Large and high-quality 17.3-inch Full HD IPS display
- Anti-glare screen for comfortable use in different lighting conditions
Cons
- No optical drive included
- Relatively heavy at 5.25 pounds
- Battery life could be better at 8.5 hours
We recently had the chance to test out the HP 17 Laptop PC, and we were impressed with its performance and features. The 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor is fast and powerful, making it a great choice for pentesting. We also appreciated the large 17.3-inch Full HD IPS display, which offers excellent image quality and plenty of screen real estate for multitasking.
One thing to keep in mind is that the laptop does not come with an optical drive, so you’ll need to use an external one if you need to read or write CDs or DVDs. Additionally, the laptop is relatively heavy at 5.25 pounds, so it’s not the most portable option out there. Finally, while the battery life is decent at 8.5 hours, it could be better.
Overall, we think the HP 17 Laptop PC is a solid choice for anyone looking for a laptop for pentesting. It’s powerful, has a large and high-quality display, and is comfortable to use thanks to its anti-glare screen. Just keep in mind that it’s a bit on the heavy side and doesn’t come with an optical drive.
6. HP 17 Laptop (17t)
If you’re looking for a laptop that can handle pentesting, the HP 17 Laptop (17t) is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 mobile processor provides maximum high-efficiency power to go.
- The 16GB DDR4 Memory and 1TB PCIe NVMe solid state drive (SSD) allow you to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once.
- The built-in HD webcam makes it easy to video chat with family and friends or teleconference with colleagues over Skype or other popular applications.
Cons
- The laptop is on the heavier side, weighing in at 5.25 lbs.
- The backlit keyboard may not be bright enough in darker environments.
- The laptop does not have a DVD drive.
We recently had the opportunity to test the HP 17 Laptop (17t) and were impressed with its performance. The laptop is designed for long-lasting performance, whether you’re speeding through tasks before heading into the office or staying connected with the HD camera when you’re away from home.
The 17.3″ diagonal Full HD (1920 x 1080) Anti-glare IPS Display with 300 Nits and 100% sRGB (1080p) (Non-touch) is sharp and clear, making it easy to see all the details you need. The 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 mobile processor provides maximum high-efficiency power to go, and the 16GB DDR4 Memory and 1TB PCIe NVMe solid state drive (SSD) allow you to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once.
The laptop is equipped with Wi-Fi (802.11ac) and Bluetooth, and the built-in HD webcam makes it easy to video chat with family and friends or teleconference with colleagues over Skype or other popular applications. The laptop also has a backlit keyboard, which is great for working in darker environments.
Overall, we think the HP 17 Laptop (17t) is a great option for those looking for a laptop that can handle pentesting. Its powerful processor, ample memory and storage, and built-in webcam make it a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable laptop for work or personal use.
7. HP 17-cp0035cl Touchscreen Notebook
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop for pentesting, the HP 17-cp0035cl Touchscreen Notebook is a solid option that offers decent performance at a lower price point.
Pros
- The 17.3″ HD+ BrightView display with a resolution of 1600 x 900 delivers crisp and clear visuals.
- With a 12GB RAM and AMD Ryzen 5 5500U Hexa-core processor, this laptop can handle multiple applications and tasks with ease.
- The lift-hinge design provides a more natural and comfortable typing position.
Cons
- The laptop comes with a traditional hard drive, which may slow down the system’s performance.
- The battery life is only up to 5 hours, which may not be enough for extended use.
- The laptop’s weight is on the heavier side, making it less portable.
We found the HP 17-cp0035cl Touchscreen Notebook to be a decent option for those on a budget. It may not be the most powerful laptop out there, but it can handle most tasks with ease. The laptop’s large display and comfortable typing position make it ideal for extended use. However, the traditional hard drive may slow down the system’s performance, and the battery life is not impressive. Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop for pentesting, the HP 17-cp0035cl Touchscreen Notebook is worth considering.
8. 2022 HP Pavilion 17 Laptop
If you’re looking for a laptop with great specs for pentesting, the 2022 HP Pavilion 17 Laptop is a solid option.
Pros
- The AMD Ryzen 3 3250U processor and AMD Radeon Graphics provide excellent performance for pentesting.
- With 16GB of RAM and a 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD, this laptop can handle multiple applications and browser tabs at once.
- The 17.3″ diagonal, HD+ touch display with BrightView technology provides crisp visuals for photos, movies, and games.
Cons
- The battery life is not great, so you’ll need to keep it plugged in while using it for extended periods.
- The lack of a backlit keyboard may be inconvenient for working in low light conditions.
- The laptop is a bit heavy, weighing in at 4.6 pounds.
We were impressed with the performance of the HP Pavilion 17 Laptop for pentesting. The AMD Ryzen 3 3250U processor and AMD Radeon Graphics provided smooth and fast performance, even when running multiple applications at once. The 16GB of RAM and 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD allowed us to run multiple browser tabs and applications without any lag.
The 17.3″ diagonal, HD+ touch display with BrightView technology provided excellent visuals for photos, movies, and games. The touch screen was responsive and easy to use.
However, the battery life was not great, and we needed to keep the laptop plugged in while using it for extended periods. Additionally, the lack of a backlit keyboard made it difficult to work in low light conditions. Finally, the laptop is a bit heavy, weighing in at 4.6 pounds, which may be inconvenient for some users.
Overall, if you’re looking for a laptop with great specs for pentesting, the 2022 HP Pavilion 17 Laptop is a solid option.
9. HP 2022 Pavilion 17.3-inch IPS FHD Laptop
If you’re looking for a laptop that can handle pentesting, the HP 2022 Pavilion 17.3-inch IPS FHD Laptop is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 17.3” FHD IPS Screen is great for viewing your work and the HP True Vision 720p HD camera with integrated dual array digital microphones is perfect for video conferencing.
- The Intel Quad Core i5-1135G7 processor is powerful and efficient, providing maximum high-efficiency power to go.
- The 32GB DDR4 RAM + 1TB PCIe SSSD provide plenty of space to run your programs and store your data.
Cons
- The battery life is only up to 6.5 hours, which may not be enough for some users.
- The laptop is a bit heavy, weighing in at 5.25 pounds.
- The laptop may be a bit expensive for some users.
We recently had the opportunity to test out the HP 2022 Pavilion 17.3-inch IPS FHD Laptop, and we were impressed with its performance. The laptop is designed for long-lasting performance, whether you’re speeding through tasks before heading into the office or staying connected with the HD camera when you’re away from home.
The laptop is powered by an Intel Quad Core i5-1135G7 processor, which is powerful and efficient, providing maximum high-efficiency power to go. We were able to run multiple programs at once without any lag or slowdown.
The 17.3” FHD IPS Screen is great for viewing your work, and the HP True Vision 720p HD camera with integrated dual array digital microphones is perfect for video conferencing. We were impressed with the picture quality and sound clarity.
The laptop comes with 32GB DDR4 RAM + 1TB PCIe SSSD, which provide plenty of space to run your programs and store your data. We were able to store all of our files and programs without any issues.
However, the battery life is only up to 6.5 hours, which may not be enough for some users. Additionally, the laptop is a bit heavy, weighing in at 5.25 pounds. Finally, the laptop may be a bit expensive for some users.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the HP 2022 Pavilion 17.3-inch IPS FHD Laptop to anyone looking for a powerful and efficient laptop for pentesting.
10. HP Pavilion 17.3-inch IPS Anti-Glare FHD Laptop
If you are looking for a powerful laptop for pentesting, the HP Pavilion 17.3-inch IPS Anti-Glare FHD Laptop might be a good option for you.
Pros
- The laptop is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor that can reach up to 4.3 GHz max boost clock, making it a powerful machine for running multiple applications and browser tabs simultaneously.
- The 32 GB high-bandwidth RAM and 1 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive allow for faster bootup and data transfer.
- The 17.3” diagonal, FHD (1920 x 1080), IPS, anti-glare, 250 nits, 45% NTSC Display provides a clear and immersive viewing experience.
Cons
- The laptop does not come with an optical drive, which might be inconvenient for some users.
- The keyboard is not backlit, which might make it difficult to type in low-light environments.
- The laptop is on the heavier side, weighing in at 4.58 lbs.
We recently had the opportunity to test out the HP Pavilion 17.3-inch IPS Anti-Glare FHD Laptop, and we were impressed with its performance. The AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor and 32 GB high-bandwidth RAM allowed us to run multiple applications and browser tabs simultaneously without any lag or slowdowns. The 1 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive also provided fast bootup times and quick data transfer.
The 17.3” diagonal, FHD (1920 x 1080), IPS, anti-glare, 250 nits, 45% NTSC Display provided a clear and immersive viewing experience, which was great for working on pentesting projects for long periods of time.
However, we did find a few drawbacks to the laptop. The lack of an optical drive might be inconvenient for users who need to access CDs or DVDs. Additionally, the keyboard is not backlit, which might make it difficult to type in low-light environments. Finally, the laptop is on the heavier side, which might make it less portable than other laptops.
Overall, we would recommend the HP Pavilion 17.3-inch IPS Anti-Glare FHD Laptop to anyone looking for a powerful machine for pentesting. Its powerful processor, high-bandwidth RAM, and fast SSD make it a great option for running multiple applications and browser tabs simultaneously, while the clear and immersive display provides a great viewing experience.
Buying Guide
When choosing a laptop for pentesting, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs.
- Firstly, you should consider the processor. A powerful processor is essential for running complex software and tools required for pentesting. Look for a processor with multiple cores and a high clock speed.
- Next, consider the RAM. The more RAM you have, the better your laptop will perform when running multiple applications and virtual machines. We recommend a minimum of 8GB of RAM, but 16GB or more is ideal.
- Storage is also an important consideration. A solid-state drive (SSD) is preferable to a traditional hard drive as it provides faster read and write speeds. However, SSDs can be more expensive, so you may want to consider a hybrid drive if you need more storage space.
- When it comes to graphics, a dedicated graphics card is not necessary for pentesting. However, if you plan on using your laptop for other purposes such as gaming or video editing, a dedicated graphics card may be beneficial.
- Another important factor to consider is the display. A high-resolution display with good color accuracy is ideal for working with complex code and visualizations. Look for a display with at least Full HD (1920×1080) resolution.
- Lastly, consider the battery life. Pentesting can be a resource-intensive task that drains battery quickly, so look for a laptop with a long battery life or consider purchasing an extra battery.
In summary, when choosing a laptop for pentesting, look for a powerful processor, plenty of RAM, solid-state storage, a good display, and a long battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
– What are the recommended laptop specs for pentesting?
When it comes to pentesting, having a laptop with a powerful processor, plenty of RAM, and a dedicated graphics card is essential. We recommend a minimum of an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a dedicated graphics card with at least 2GB of VRAM.
– What are some good laptops for hashcat?
For hashcat, you’ll need a laptop with a powerful GPU. We recommend laptops with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 or better graphics cards. Some good options include the Alienware 17 R5, ASUS ROG Strix Scar III, and MSI GT75 Titan.
– What are the minimum requirements for a cyber security laptop?
For a cyber security laptop, you’ll need a laptop with a decent processor, at least 8GB of RAM, and a dedicated graphics card. We recommend an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a dedicated graphics card with at least 2GB of VRAM.
– What is a good laptop setup for ethical hacking?
For ethical hacking, you’ll need a laptop with a powerful processor, plenty of RAM, and a dedicated graphics card. We recommend an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a dedicated graphics card with at least 4GB of VRAM. In addition, having a solid-state drive (SSD) for fast boot times and program launches is highly recommended.
– What are the best ThinkPad models for pentesting?
Lenovo ThinkPads are a popular choice for pentesting due to their durability and reliability. We recommend the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme, Lenovo ThinkPad T590, and Lenovo ThinkPad P1.
– What are some budget-friendly laptops for cyber security students?
For students on a budget, there are several good options available. We recommend the Acer Aspire 5, ASUS VivoBook F510UA, and Dell Inspiron 15 5000. These laptops have decent processors, at least 8GB of RAM, and dedicated graphics cards, all at an affordable price point.