Facebook Account Hacking -- The Best 9 Methods

Best Laptop For Kali Linux

Laptops for Kali Linux are not exactly like other normal laptops. We are considering to buy a laptop for Kali Linux it should help in penetration testing and programming works. It requires to be handy with backlight keyboard and powerful.

As we all know Kali is a powerful Debian based Linux distribution so it doesn't need so much extra features but some things should be inside the box. Because Kali Linux is made for ethical hackers.

Kali Linux is comes with default Xfce4 Desktop Environment and it is very lightweight that can be run with 2GB RAM & 20 GB disk space only, and can run with older laptops also. But who doesn't want a modern laptop in 2024? Also a powerful GPU inside the laptop can help us to break passwords much faster.

So, we help to find out some best laptop for Kali Linux. We categorized our list into two parts one is for Premium Laptops another is Budget laptops (Budget Laptops may not comes with dedicated GPU). Premium laptops are in front. Please read this article completely and carefully then we got a clear idea about which laptop should we buy. Let's begin the list.

Premium Laptops

Sl No.	Laptop	Best for	Buy
1	Razer Blade Stealth 14	The Expensive One	Buy on Amazon
2	Apple MacBook Pro M3 Max	Premium and Best Performance	Buy on Amazon
3	MSI Creator M145	Best Value for Money	Buy on Amazon
4	Apple MacBook Air	Best for Beginners	Buy on Amazon
5	Asus Zenbook Duo	Dual Productivity	Buy on Amazon
5	ASUS ROG FLOW Z13	Portable with Power	Buy on Amazon
7	Alienware x14 R2	Powerful and Stylish	Buy on Amazon
8	Asus Zenbook S13	Slim and Fast Charging	Buy on Amazon

Budget Laptops 

Sl No.	Laptop	Best for	Buy
9	Dell Vostro 14	Balanced Laptop in Budget	Buy on Amazon
10	HP 14	Affordable	Buy on Amazon
11	MSI Modern 14	Best for Hackers	Buy on Amazon
12	Raspberry Pi 5	Affordable, Most Portable	Buy on Amazon
13	Acer Swift 3	Good Battery Backup	Buy on Amazon
14	GPD Micro PC	Ultra Portable for Red Teaming	Buy on Amazon

Premium Laptops

Razor Blade 14

When we use Kali Linux on this laptop this will provide us the best experience. The Razer Blade 14 (2024) is a compact powerhouse, perfect for cybersecurity professionals who prioritize portability without compromising performance. Powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS, this laptop delivers excellent performance for multitasking, penetration testing, and programming in Kali Linux. Coupled with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070, it’s capable of handling GPU-accelerated tasks such as hash cracking or brute-force attacks.

Its 14-inch QHD+ HDR display with a 240Hz refresh rate offers vibrant and sharp visuals, making it ideal for those who also engage in media consumption or gaming. While Kali Linux doesn’t require such a high refresh rate, the display quality ensures a crisp experience when working for long hours.

The 32GB DDR5 RAM provides ample headroom for running multiple virtual machines or resource-intensive tools. With a 1TB SSD, you won’t face any storage issues, and the SSD ensures quick boot times and smooth performance even during heavy tasks.

Build quality is premium, thanks to its aluminum unibody in a sleek Mercury finish, which not only looks great but also ensures durability. The Chroma RGB keyboard is customizable and provides a great typing experience, important for cybersecurity professionals who need to type a lot in terminal windows. The compact 14” size keeps it ultra-portable, perfect for professionals on the move. The laptop includes a variety of connectivity options, though with its smaller form factor.

We don't directly recommended to buy this model, if portability with peak power isn't the only options. There are some well balanced laptops are in the list with good power and great budget. For those four grants doesn't mean anything it's for those.

Specifications:

• AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS Processor (up to 5.2 GHz)
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 with 8GB GDDR6 VRAM
• 32GB DDR5 RAM
• 1TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD
• 14-inch QHD+ HDR Display, 240Hz refresh rate
• Chroma RGB Keyboard
• Aluminium Unibody in Mercury finish

Pros:

1. Powerful AMD Ryzen 9 and RTX 4070 GPU for cybersecurity and brute force attacks.
2. 32GB DDR5 RAM ensures smooth multiple virtual machines
3. 1TB SSD for fast storage and large data capacity.
4. QHD+ HDR display with a 240Hz refresh rate.
5. Looks so premium.
6. Perfect for a cybersecurity guy who runs Kali Linux, Mr. Robot uses Razor Blade Stelth 13 (an older more compact model of this brand with best battery life) on season 4.

Cons:

1. Battery life may not last all day during resource-heavy tasks.
2. Expensive Machine, there are low price laptops are available from same brand but with larger display. We know portability matters but how much?
3. It's an overkill for Kali Linux

Final Thoughts

The Razer Blade 14 (2024) is a great choice for those needing both power and portability. Its Ryzen 9 processor, 32GB RAM, and RTX 4070 GPU make it perfect for running Kali Linux, especially for professionals who requires multiple Virtual Machines at a time or need a good GPU for password cracking. Though its high refresh rate and gaming-focused GPU may be overkill for penetration testing alone, this laptop is a versatile powerhouse for cybersecurity professionals who also need a high-performance machine for gaming or multimedia tasks. If we prioritize portability with top-tier specs, this is the ideal laptop. We can also look at Razor Blade Stelth 13, an older more compact model of this brand with better battery life.

Apple MacBook Pro M3 Max

Everyone knows that Apple makes premium quality laptops in the market. MacBook Pro is the flagship in this series. MacBook is famous for its stability, it also has high end look and feel. Kali Linux can be easily run on MacBook via VirtualBox. Here we don't suggest to remove the Mac OSX and install Kali Linux because with Mac's hardware OS X runs like a cheetah, removing it will not be a good choice we can use. VirtualBox or Dual Boot. This laptop is also quite portable with its 14.2 inch form factor.

It comes with new super powerful M3 Max processor. This processor is also made by Apple so the optimization is superb. 36GB RAM and 1 TB SSD storage will give us a lighting speed. Performance wise it is one of the best productivity laptop in market.

Build quality of this laptop is also superb, it comes with aluminum metal body which gives it very high durability. Apple has discontinued the Butterfly keyboard and the new magic keyboard (upgraded version of scissor keyboard) is awesome. This backlit keyboard will help us to typing commands and programming even in a dark room. Touchpad is also very good.

Talking about battery life it's great its run's 18+ hour for browsing and programming and normal day tasks.

Specification:

• 14-Core Apple-designed M3 Max processor
• 14-core CPU and 30-core GPU delivers faster performance and faster graphics
• 36 GB RAM and 1 TB Ultra Fast SSD
  
• Brilliant Liquid Retina XDR display with max 1600 nits briteness.
• Backlit Magic Keyboard with TouchID
• MagSafe charging port, two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports, an SDXC card slot, an HDMI port, and a 3.5 mm headphone port.
• Upto 18 hours+ battery backup.
• Wi-Fi 6E (801.11ax) & Bluetooth 5.3.
• Force Touch track-pad.
• Touch ID.
• Supports Apple Intelligence.

Pros:

1. Awesome performance (probably best in the world)
2. Great display
3. 18+ hour battery life (16+ hour on our testing with mixed of heavy and normal tasks)
4. Very Thin and Portable
5. Good silent keyboard
6. Powerful speakers
7. Ultra-fast Type C Thunderbolt USB ports with HDMI port
8. MicroSD card slot is very helpful for us who have multiple Raspberry Pi
9. UNIX like OS fells very homely for Linux users.

Cons:

1. Expensive.
2. Processor and RAM are unified on Apple silicon chip and can't be replaced or upgraded.
3. While we can run Kali in a virtual machine or through dual-boot, native installation on Mac hardware can be tricky due to driver issues, particularly with Wi-Fi and peripherals.

Final Thoughts

MacBook is always a great option for productivity works, also for cybersecurity. Awesome performance. MacBook can get the top position in this list but it is not good to run Kali Linux as a primary OS, We need to use Parallels Virtual Machine to run Kali Linux on it. Parallels VM will be very smooth but wireless and hardware hacking may cause headache. One more thing this is quite expensive, but when we use it we will know why it is expensive.

MSI Creator M14

The MSI Creator M14 is a powerful laptop designed for those who demand performance. Powered by an Intel Core i7-13620H processor, this machine offers awesome processing capabilities, making it an excellent choice for programming and running complex tasks on Kali Linux. With an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, you’ll have the graphics power necessary for high-performance tasks, including password cracking and brute force attacks.

The stunning 14-inch 2.8K display, delivering sharp visuals and vibrant colors that are perfect for programming and multimedia applications. The 16GB of DDR5 RAM allow us to run multiple Virtual Machines without any hiccups. The 1TB NVMe SSD ensures quick boot times and a fast program loading experience. 

Specifications:

• Intel Core i7-13620H Processor
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050
• 16GB DDR5 RAM
• 1TB NVMe SSD
• 14-inch 2.8K Display
• Backlit keyboard.

Pros:

1. RTX 4050 Graphics Card is provides high performance.
2. Compared to specification price is really good.
3. 2K Display

Cons:

1. Battery is average because of its high power consuming graphics card.
2. RAM is only 16 GB. But it can be upgraded aftermarket.
3. No MicroSD card slot.

Final Thoughts

At this price point MSI Creator M14 can be considered as good laptop. The RTX 4050 graphics card makes its performance better but also this GPU is power consuming. Upgrade the RAM after market then it will be great choice for running Virtual Machines on Windows or Kali Linux.

Apple MacBook Air

Apple MacBook Air is a lighter version of MacBook Pro. Now it's a Big Bang in tiny from factor. This is very lightweight (around 2.7 pounds) and very portable. As we know Apple provides the best optimised software with their hardware. In hand MacBook Air feels so thin and premium. We can easily do programming and other productivity tasks with this. We can easily install Kali Linux on it with the help of VirtualBox. Currently we are writing this on a MacBook Air.

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:

1. Super stability and performance with M3 chip.
2. Lightweight and portable with 13.3 inch display.
3. Very fast speed.
4. Good keyboard (same as MacBook Pro).
5. 16+ hours battery.

Cons:

1. It doesn't have any HDMI ports. We got only 2 thunderbolt USB Type C ports and they are selling bunch of adapters separately.
2. We can't upgrade ant hardware.
3. 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.

Specifications:

• Intel core Ultra 9 Processor 185H
• 32 GB DDR5 RAM.
• 1 TB SSD.
• Dual 14 inch 3K displays.
• Detachable Bluetooth keyboard.

Pros:

1. Most eye catchy in this list.
2. Double productivity with dual screens.
3. Comes with Asus Pen 2.0.
4. Good built quality.
5. Comes with kickstand.

Cons:

1. Average Battery life.
2. No Dedicated GPU.
3. 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:

1. Highly portable with tablet-laptop versatility.
2. QHD 165Hz display is great for multitasking and smooth visual output.
3. Good cooling system.
4. Strong performance for most cybersecurity and pentesting tasks.

Cons:

1. RAM isn't upgradeable.
2. 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+ (2560x1600) 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 an Intel Core i7-13620H, a 10-core processor (6 performance cores + 4 efficiency cores) that delivers strong multi-core performance. Coupled with 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-Sync
• Intel Core i7-13620H 10 Cores Processor
• 32GB RAM with 1TB SSD
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 with 8GB VRAM
• AlienFX Backlit Keyboard
• USB-C with Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, USB-A

Pros:

1. Very good display.
2. Awesome looks.
3. Good performance.
4. Nice keyboard.

Cons:

1. 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 resolution
• 32GB RAM with 1TB SSD
• Backlit Keyboard
• USB-C with Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, HDMI

Pros:

1. Latest Fast Intel Core i7-1355U Processor.
2. 32 GB RAM.
3. 1 TB SSD.
4. Great build quality with backlit keyboard and ErgoLift hinge for comfort typing.
5. 2.8K OLED Very good quality display.
6. Lightweight and portable, perfect for on-the-go use.
7. Impressive battery life for all-day usage.

Cons:

1. 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 processor
• 32GB RAM
• 2TB PCIe SSD
• 14.0" FHD Display
• WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2

Pros:

1. All-rounder.
2. Ethernet Port (RJ45)
3. Solid build quality, perfect for business environments.

Cons:

1. No backlit keyboard.
2. Average webcam.
3. DDR4 RAM 

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 Processor
• 32GB RAM.
• 1TB Solid State Drive.
• 14-inch Full HD display
• WiFi 6

Pros:

1. Massive 32GB RAM ensures smooth multitasking.
2. 1TB SSD provides good storage and fast file access.
3. Lightweight and Portable.
4. WiFi 6 for reliable, fast internet.
5. Fast Charging.

Cons:

1. 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 GB PCIe NVMe SSD.
• Backlit Keyboard.
• 14" Full HD (1920x1080) Display.
• Awesome WiFi Chipset.

Pros:

1. Internal WiFi adapter supports Monitor Mode and Packet Injection.
2. Good quality backlit full-size keyboard.
3. Portable and Handy.

Cons:

1. 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 5 

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 Processor
• 8GB LPDDR4X RAM
• PCIe 2.0 interface for SSD expansion
• Dual 4K HDMI 2.1 output
• Bluetooth 5, WiFi 6 and Gigabit Ethernet
• 2 USB 3.0, 2 USB 2.0 ports

Pros:

1. Very affordable ($90 while writing this) for Kali Linux installations.
2. Low power consumption.
3. PCIe interface for fast storage.
4. Most Portable, Most Affordable, Most connectivity options.

Cons:

1. 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 i7-1165G7 processor.
• 8 GB RAM.
• 256GB NVMe SSD
• Backlit Keyboard.
• All-day battery backup.
• 14 inch Full-HD display.

Pros:

1. Very portable (weight is only 2. 65 lbs. / 1. 2 kg)
2. Good quality backlit keyboard.
3. Super battery life.

Cons:

1. Color accuracy is not so good, but bright display with IPS panel.
2. 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. 

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:

1. Very very portable.
2. Lots of connectivity options.
3. 8 GB RAM and SSD makes it faster.
4. Backlit keyboard.
5. Very lightweight, not more than 1.03 lbs.
6. Easily fits into Jacket inner pockets.

Cons:

1. 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 portable 

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. 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.