You can indeed find a variety of laptops with high-end hardware specifications in the market. However, cyber security students and professionals need a dedicated laptop.
It’s because cyber security professionals need to run a virtual machine and access programming environments. Not only that, but a laptop with an ultra-fast CPU and heavy-duty GPU facilitates crunching some severe data to crack passwords.
That’s why the following guide presents the reviews of the best laptops for cyber security. Another good news is that you’ll find a bonus buying guide to look for the essential features in the best laptop for cyber security.
Reviews of Best Laptop for Cyber Security
Read along to learn about the specifications of the best laptop for cyber security to keep your data protected. Furthermore, you’ll be able to run different programs to process gathered data on these high-performing laptops for cyber security.
Lenovo ThinkPad P53s Laptop
If you want to buy an advanced laptop with Intel Core i7 and 16 GB DDR4, the Lenovo ThinkPad P53s Laptop is a perfect choice. Furthermore, the laptop features a 720p HD webcam, fingerprint security system, 802.11ac Wifi, Ethernet LAN, and Bluetooth 5.0.
The box includes a laptop, 65Wh power brick, a Type-C connector, and a user guide. The laptop features all the desired interfaces, including two USB 3.1, one HDMI port, one Thunderbolt, USB Type-C, 3.5mm combo jack, and a micro SD reader.
The Lenovo ThinkPad P53s comes with a robust construction which is essentially a combination of plastic and glass fiber to keep the laptop lightweight. The good news is you can comfortably lift the lid with a single hand, courtesy of the thin-bezel design.
Furthermore, all the keycaps feature a distinctive U-shape that you often find in the Lenovo laptops. Moreover, the keys offer a sufficient travel distance to offer clicky feedback to improve typing efficiency.
It’s undoubtedly one of the best laptops for cyber security, with its ventilation grills on the bottom to vent out hot air. This way, the laptop remains cool, especially while processing extensive data to crack passwords.
Another great news is that the Lenovo ThinkPad P53s laptop features a complete HD in-plane switching (IPS) panel with a diagonal length of 15.6-inch. Hence, you can enjoy a picture resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels with a pixel density of 142 PPI as the screen ratio is 16:9.
Pros
- Intel Core-i7 80GHz processor
- Includes NVIDIA Quadro P520 graphics card
- It comes with a fingerprint reader
- Quick startup
- Lightweight
Con
- The battery lasts for four to five hours on a full charge
Razer Book 13 Laptop
With a 13.4 inches screen size and an aspect ratio of 16:10, the Razer Book 13 Laptop is an advanced laptop with exceptional performance and ultra-fast processing speed. Moreover, ultra-thin bezels surround the 4K touch display screen, which offers an FHD+ resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels.
It’s a well-built laptop featuring a unibody design made of aluminum to keep it lightweight and portable. You’ll also find the speakers on both sides of the keyboard with white keycaps. The touchpad is made of glass and offers a relatively spacious area on the deck with 4.4 x 2.7 inches in total dimensions.
The good news is that the keyboard features Chroma RGB lighting per key to facilitate typing in dim lights and on work nights. In addition, you can use Synapse software to customize the RGB backlighting.
The two Thunderbolt 4 ports are present on both sides of the laptop for charging and ultra-fast data transfers. Moreover, you’ll find a USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A port and a 3.5mm headphone jack on the left side. Alternatively, the HDMI output and a microSD card slot are available on the right side.
The vapor chamber cooling system keeps the laptop cool to ensure high performance while learning hacking techniques or running virtual machines.
More than ten hours of battery life is sufficient for a cyber security engineer who is always on the go. Not only that, but the Intel Evo certification guarantees instant resume, fast startup, and wake as soon as you lift the lid.
The Razer Book 13 laptop features a top-class 11th Gen Intel Core with immersive graphics to improve productivity at work. Moreover, the Intel Iris Xe graphics complement the sleek design of the laptop to offer crisp high-definition picture and video quality.
Pros
- Sleek and compact design
- 13.4 inches screen size
- Thin bezels
- 11th Gen Intel core
- Includes a vapor chamber cooling system
Cons
- Average transfer speeds
- Expensive
Razer Blade Stealth 13 Ultrabook Laptop
The Razer Blade Stealth 13 Ultrabook Laptop is one of the best laptops for cyber security students with NVIDIA GeForce MX150 4GB VRAM GPU and quad-core 8th Gen Intel Core i7. Other specifications include 16 GB RAM, 256GB SSD storage, Wifi 6 802.11ac and Bluetooth 5.0.
Lucky for you, the full HD display offers 100 percent RGB color saturation and 1920 x 1080 resolution to offer exceptional picture quality. Moreover, the ultra-thin bezels don’t provide any distraction from the screen.
Despite having a smaller footprint and compact design, the Razer Blade Stealth 13 Ultrabook includes all the I/O ports. You can find a USB-A 3.1 port and a Thunderbolt 3 USB-C port on the right side. Moreover, the Thunderbolt 3 bolt also serves as a charging port and offers a transfer speed of up to 40Gbps.
The laptop also includes a standard USB-C 4.1 Gen 2 port, a USB-A port, and a headphone jack. In addition, a 720p IR camera is available on top of the screen. The IR camera features Windows Hello Support to offer facial recognition to unlock the laptop when you open the lid.
Unlike the previously discussed laptop, the keyboard features a single zone Chroma RGB backlighting inside individual keys. You can use Razer’s Synapse software to control the Chroma lighting, assign profiles, and fine-tune performance settings.
One of the most significant benefits of using the Razer Blade Stealth 13 Ultrabook is the remarkable battery life of 13 hours. You should know that it’s the highest battery life among the already–reviewed best laptops for cyber security professionals.
Pros
- It comes with NVIDIA GeForce MX150 4GB VRAM graphics card
- Includes quad-core 8th Gen Intel Core i7 processor
- It offers a battery life of up to 13 hours
- Features a CNC unibody aluminum frame
- Full high-definition display
Con
- Visible fingerprints on matte finishing
Apple MacBook Air with Apple M1 Chip
The name suggests that the Apple MacBook Air with Apple M1 Chip includes the advanced ARM-based M1 chip that supports iOS and M1-optimized apps. Moreover, the MacBook Air comes with 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD storage, and a 720p FaceTime high-definition webcam.
The laptop feature a unified memory architecture, which means it doesn’t have a separate graphics memory to increase the overall efficiency. As a result, the laptop uses the same processor architecture used in iPhone and iPad allowing you to run iPad and iPhone apps on the laptop.
You can enjoy a maximum resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels on 13.3 inches Retina display screen. Moreover, the True Tone technology detects the ambient light to adjust the screen color temperature automatically. In addition, the laptop features P3 wide color gamut support to ensure accurate and vibrant photos and videos.
Other features include premium-quality speakers, a Touch ID fingerprint reader, a maximum of 400 nits of brightness, and a scissor-switch magic keyboard with a wide trackpad.
The Apple MacBook Air is one of the best laptops with a fanless design and an aluminum heat spreader to facilitate silent operations. Hence, you can focus on preventing cyber attacks without getting distracted by the noise generated by the running fans.
One of the most distinctive features of the MacBook Air is the offered 18 hours of video playback and 15 hours of wireless web, which is excellent.
On the downside, the Apple MacBook Air offers only two USB Type-C Thunderbolt 3 ports and a combo audio jack. However, you can use the Thunderbolt 3 ports to power or external charge monitors. Not only that, but the TB 3 port offers a transfer speed of up to 40Gbps.
The Touch ID button is available above the keyboard and is undoubtedly one of the most responsive and reliable fingerprint scanners among all the laptops.
Pros
- It offers a maximum screen resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels
- Exceptional battery life
- Silent fanless operations
- Includes an M1 processor
- Affordable Apple laptop
Cons
- Limited ports and connectivity options
- Thick bezels
Lenovo ThinkPad E15
If you want to buy an affordable and high-performing laptop for cybersecurity, the Lenovo ThinkPad E15 won’t disappoint you. The laptop features 32GB DDR4 RAM, Intel 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, and 1TB SSD storage. On the top bezel, you’ll find a camera with a privacy shutter.
The box includes a 65W power adapter with a USB-C connection, a laptop, and an instruction manual. The laptop is made of plastic, while the lid features aluminum construction.
The ventilation grills and speaker cutouts are present on the bottom of the laptop. The laptop’s cooling system includes a thin heat pipe, a fan, and a heat sink to dissipate heat while you prevent cyber attacks.
Furthermore, the entire keyboard offers prompt clicky feedback while typing. Similarly, the long key travel enhances your overall typing experience. On the downside, the Page Up and Page Down keys are closer to the left and right arrows, leading to a sudden jump to the top or bottom of a page.
As far as I/O ports are concerned, the USB Type-C 3.1 Gen 1 port is available on the laptop’s left side. You can use the port for charging or for outputting a DisplayPort signal.
Additionally, you’ll find two USB Type-A 3.1 Gen 1 ports, an HDMI 1.4b connector, and an audio jack on the left side. In comparison, the right side has only a USB Type-A 2.0 port and an RJ-45 connector for wired Internet connection.
The Lenovo ThinkPad E15 features a Full HD In-plane Switching (IPS) panel with a diagonal length of 15.6-inch. Lucky for you, the display offers a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
Pros
- 15.6-inch Full HD screen size
- 1920 x 1080 pixels
- 32GB DDR4 RAM and 1TB SSD storage
- Affordable
- Intel 10th Generation Core i5
Cons
- Congested keyboard
- Ultra-sensitive touchpad
MSI GL62M 7REX-1896US Gaming laptop
The MSI GL62M 7REX-1896US Gaming Laptop is a one-for-all and all-for-one laptop for cybersecurity with advanced specifications, such as NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphic card, Core i7 processor, and 8GB DDR4 RAM, and 1TB hard drive with 128GB M.2 SATA. Additionally, it comes with a screen of 15.6 inches, offering 1920 x 1080 resolution.
Hence, you don’t need to manually upgrade the hard drive or the RAM as this laptop is a complete power-packaged deal. Not only that, but the laptop can perform high-level data processing on different virtual machines without getting stuck.
Another great news about the MSI GL62M laptop is its highly efficient ventilation system featuring a Cooler Boost technology. In addition, the laptop includes six to seven heat pipes inside to prevent overheating.
The backlit keyboard elevates the overall aesthetics of the black-colored laptop with red highlighting. Moreover, the lid offers a soft-touch feel; however, the base has a textured feel.
The laptop base offers plenty of space to place your wrists to facilitate a natural typing posture. Hence, you no longer need to worry about straining your wrists while writing codes for continuous hours.
You’ll find the fan, power, and Dragon Centre button on the top right side of the deck.
On the downside, the laptop has a not-so-great battery backup of just four hours, which is relatively lesser among the already reviewed laptops for cybersecurity.
Moving on toward the I/O ports, you’ll find a USB 2.0 port, a jack, an AC adapter, and an SD card reader on the right side of the laptop. Alternatively, the left side includes two USB 3.0 ports, one USB Type-C port, Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI, a lock slot, a mini DisplayPort, and jacks for microphones.
Pros
- Features a 15.6 inches Full HD screen size
- Includes a powerful Core i7 processor
- It comes with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphic card
- It consists of an 8GB DDR4 RAM
- Lightweight and thin chassis
Cons
- Plastic fiber construction doesn’t feel sturdy
- Not-so-good sound
Dell G5587-7866BLK-PUS G5 Gaming Laptop
The Dell G5587-7866BLK-PUS G5 Gaming Laptop is one of the best laptops for cybersecurity with advanced specifications such as 8th Generation Intel Core i7, 16GB DDR4, 128GB SSD, and 1TB hard drive.
Moreover, the I/O ports include one RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet port, three USB 3.0 ports, and one Thunderbolt 3 port. The 15.6 inches LED display offers a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
The Dell G5 laptop comes with a six-core processor offering a boost capacity of 3.9GHz. In addition, the 128GB SSD supports ultra-fast boot and exceptional performance, while the 1TB hard drive provides plenty of space to store multiple log files.
Fortunately, it’s a sleek and portable laptop featuring a well-built keyboard with a number pad. If you are a gamer and a cyber security expert, you’ll love the keys with the individual red-colored backlighting. Not only that but the touchpad is also surrounded by elegant red backlighting to enhance the overall aesthetics of the laptop deck.
Some people may find the keyboard soft or shallow. Nonetheless, the keys offer a crips feedback while typing or gaming.
Pros
- Features 8th Generation Intel Core i7 processor
- It comes with 16GB DDR4 RAM
- Includes NVIDIA GeForce GTC 1050 graphic card
- It offers a turbo frequency of up to 4.10 GHz
- Includes a two-in-one SD and micro media card reader
Con
- Not-so-good battery life
Apple MacBook Pro with Apple M1 Chip
As the name suggests, the Apple MacBook Pro with Apple M1 Chip comes with the latest M1 chip and an eight-core CPU that ensures 2.8 times better performance to process the data. Made of Aluminum, the Macbook Pro offers a sleek and lightweight design that you can conveniently carry to the office.
One of the most distinctive features of the MacBook Pro is the extended battery life of around 20 hours, the highest among the reviewed best laptops for cybersecurity.
Furthermore, the eight-core GPU offers five times faster graphics to ensure the seamless performance of graphic-intensive applications. Moreover, the 8GB unified memory enhances your productivity at work.
The good news is that active cooling systems prevent the MacBook Pro from overheating while you decode the available files.
Courtesy of the FaceTime HD camera, you can conduct sharp and clear video conferences and meetings.
The MacBook Pro comes with two USB-C connectors and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is undoubtedly lesser than the rest of the laptops. However, you can always buy a USB-C dock or a hub to add different I/O peripherals.
Nonetheless, the USB-C pair of ports support Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.1 Gen 2, DisplayPort, USB 4 connection, and of course, charging. In addition, a secondary thin Touch Bar replaces the functions keys to offer additional controls for different apps.
You can enjoy ultra-fast wireless Internet connectivity thanks to the included 802.11ax Wi-fi 6 networking. Alternatively, the Bluetooth 5.0 technology allows you to connect a mouse, keyboard, and other Apple devices.
The 13.3 inches Retina display offers a high resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels at peak settings. Moreover, you can enjoy sharp and brilliant colors as the True Tone feature automatically optimizes the screen’s white balance according to the ambient light.
Pros
- Includes the latest M1 chip to ensure machine learning performance
- It offers a battery life of 20 hours
- Includes an eight-core CPU to deliver 2.8 times more performance
- Features unified memory of 8GB
- 13.3 inches retina display
Cons
- Pricey
- Significantly fewer ports and connectivity options
How to Buy the Best Laptops for Cyber Security?
After reading the above reviews of the best laptop for cyber security, you must be excited to buy a laptop. However, how do you know which laptop fulfills the data processing requirement?
That’s why the following buying guide will help you find a suitable laptop for cybersecurity with all the must-have features.
RAM
If you want to set up a virtual penetration testing lab, you need to run a minimum of four to five virtual machines. Hence, you need RAM ranging from 16GB to 32GB. Furthermore, RAM should be at least 8GB to run Kali Linux operating system on a virtual machine.
CPU
Running multiple virtual machines requires the latest generation four to six multicore processor with more power and speed. Similarly, it would help if you bought a laptop with an Intel Core i5, Intel Core i7 9750h processor, or an AMD equivalent to ensure fast processing and multitasking.
GPU
If you want to speed up the brute force password cracking, you need an advanced NVIDIA GPU. Furthermore, you can add more vRAM and CUDA cores if you have enough budget to upgrade the system for cyber security.
Network Adapter
If you want to test Wifi networks or WEP secured networks, you require a Wi-Fi card that supports the latest AC wireless protocol.
Screen Size
If you are a cyber security engineer, you’ll probably spend a lot of time on your laptop. Hence, it’s essential to buy a laptop with a screen size ranging from 13 to 17.3-inch to prevent straining your eyes.
Battery
Being cyber security professionals, you are usually going from one data center to another, where you won’t find a socket nearby. As a result, you should ensure that the battery life of the best laptop for cyber security should be at least seven hours.
Storage Capacity
If you are into cyber security, you require plenty of storage space. On top of that, if you are into hacking, you need at least 500GB to store multiple files.
Conclusion
Cyber security is undoubtedly diverse, from learning about cyberattacks to protecting the computer operating system and stored data. Not only that, but it also enables cyber security students to prevent online threats.
Therefore, it’s essential to invest in buying a reliable, secure, fast, and powerful laptop for learning and practicing cyber security concepts.
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