It’s not as simple as it seems to be an ethical hacker! If you perform a lot of penetration testing on a Kali Linux OS, you’ll need to write a lot of codes and programs, which can be difficult.
You need a powerful system that can run your applications and code quickly and effectively to manage such demanding jobs. In this article, we’ll highlight four of the top laptops available right now that can run Kali Linux successfully. We’ll also provide you with a thorough buyer’s guide to aid with your selections.
In a nutshell
We performed a thorough search to identify the top laptop for Kali Linux available today. Final results: Four satisfied every criterion we had for RAM, processor, graphics card, performance, battery life, storage, and design.
- The Dell G515 is the best option if you want a laptop with excellent graphics and a powerful CPU.
- The Acer Predator Helios 300 is the best option if you’re searching for a laptop that can be used for both work and gaming.
- If you want a powerful laptop that is portable and simple to take around, opt for the Apple MacBook Pro.
- If you want to conduct a lot of penetration testing or play demanding games, you might think about purchasing the Alienware 17 R5.
Who is this for?
All of the laptops in this article’s list are ideal for ethical hackers that want a platform capable of supporting their pen-testing.
The work involves writing code and developing new programs. Additionally, devices are powerful enough to run games when you’re not using them. They also keep their composure.
Best Laptops for Kali Linux (Top 4 picks 2022)
Dell G515
High-end features including a powerful CPU, excellent graphics, and impressive RAM performance are all included in the Dell G515 high-performance laptop. It is therefore a great option for Kali Linux, but it can also serve as a gaming laptop. This device has an 8th generation Intel Core i7-8750H six-core processor clocked at 3.9 GHz, which makes it easy to play the newest games. Furthermore, there won’t be any spikes or lags.
You can be confident that there won’t be any latency when you’re working or playing thanks to its reliable 16GB DDR4 RAM, which is upgradeable to 32 GB. The laptop comes with a 128 GB SSD for storage. This increases the speed of the laptop. Additionally, Dell includes a very helpful GTX 1050 4GB Nvidia card.
Pros
- Fantastic graphics card
- Cutting edge processor
- Decent RAM
- Sturdy build
Cons
- SSD storage is a bit low
Acer Predator Helios 300
The Acer Predator Helios 300 is a wonderful fusion of gameplay and power, just like the other laptops on this list. On this computer, Kali Linux will run without any issues. The laptop has a Core i7 processor, just like the Dell G515 computer. However, it also includes 16GB of RAM and six cores running at an impressive 4.1 GHz.
The Predator’s astounding screen quality is another eye-catching feature. You may enjoy the full HD widescreen quality on the 15.6-inch screen. The screen display also features a strong backlight and a refresh rate of 144 Hertz. The laptop has a respectable 256GB SSD out of the box, but if you want to install additional apps, we advise you to increase it to a higher capacity. The battery life of this device lasts 7 hours with a full charge.
Pros
- Great cooling system
- High graphics card
- Decent RAM size
- Robust CPU
Cons
- Low storage space
Apple MacBook Pro
Without a doubt, Apple laptops are excellent for a variety of tasks. The MacBook Pro may be expensive, but it’s a purchase that is well worth it. The Apple MacBook Pro is the ideal choice for Kali Linux operation. It has a 512 GB SSD hard disc and 4 GB video RAM in addition to 16 GB of RAM.
Apple spent its time when designing this laptop to ensure comfort and ease. It sports a 15-inch screen and is barely 4 pounds. With 512 GB of storage, you can install as many apps as you like, and the Core i7 processor paired with 2.6GHz makes it strong enough to perform demanding tasks without spikes or lags.
Pros
- High performance
- Compact and ultra-slim
- Sturdy design
- Touch bar
Cons
- Expensive
Alienware 17 R5
For Kali Linux, the Alienware 17 R5 is the ideal computer. The laptop offers a tonne of advantages despite its cool design. It has a huge screen size of 17 inches that enables you to see everything you’re working on. But it weighs 9.5 pounds, which is a lot.
To the point that it would function better as a workstation than a portable device. The 7th generation Core i7 quad-core with 16 GB of RAM, however, is unbeatable. The Alienware 17 offers a fantastic 256GB SSD and 1TB HDD for storage.
Pros
- Anti-glare display
- High-resolution screen display
- Powerful processor
- Hybrid storage
Cons
- Heats up when you’re carrying out heavy tasks
Best Laptop for Kali Linux: what should you look for
The following things should be taken into account when you purchase a laptop that can run Kali Linux OS.
Processor
A laptop’s CPU, which comes in single- and multi-core varieties, is what drives its performance. We advise choosing laptops with many CPUs, including dual-core, quad-core, and more. The performance of a laptop increases with the number of CPUs.
RAM
If you plan to run Kali Linux on your computer, you must have a laptop with at least 8GB of RAM, however, we recommend at least 16 GB. Your work or gaming will lag far less as a result.
Storage
The advantages of an SSD storage device over an HDD cannot be overstated. Having a 250GB SSD is preferable to purchasing a laptop with a 1TB HDD. It’s easy to understand why. Performance-wise, the SSD outperforms the HDD. Additionally, it makes your laptop battery last longer and is more robust.
Picture Card
To run Kali Linux, you don’t need a laptop with a dedicated graphics processor. All the things you require can be completed on a laptop with an integrated graphics card. However, you should acquire a dedicated graphics card like those from NVIDIA if you plan to work hard nonstop and play some high-end games.
Battery Life
It is recommended to opt for a laptop with high battery life when using Kali Linux. Look for a battery that can withstand your work and has a long life (4 hours or more).
What To Do After Installing Kali Linux on Your Laptop?
- Get the Git App so you can download code from GitHub.
- Make a profile for a user with limited privileges.
- Bash plot aliases
- Install the most recent Tor version.
- Install hacking tools.
- Set up file sharing using synching.
- Rubber ducky encoder clone for USB
- Set up a code editor
- Modify the SSH Keys and the default password
- Set up a terminal multiplexer.
Can Kali Linux run on any laptop?
You should be able to use Kali Linux on newer hardware with UEFI and older systems with BIOS.
Do hackers only use Kali Linux?
Yes, many hackers use Kali Linux but it is not only OS used by Hackers. There are also other Linux distributions such as BackBox, Parrot Security operating system etc.
Does Kali need antivirus?
Yes, Linux devices do need antivirus protection. Although Linux is perceived to be more secure than other desktop operating systems, there are still malware and viruses that can affect Linux computers.
Is Kali Linux more secure than Windows?
Linux has segmented working environments which secure it from the attack of virus. However, Windows OS is not much segmented and thus it is more vulnerable to threats.
Conclusion
The shopping advice in this article will help you make the best decision for your job. Simply pick the Kali Linux laptop on this list that best suits your needs in terms of price and features.