With the growing risk of data breaches, giant organizations are in search of cyber security professionals. Not the one with just a certified degree in hand. But the ones that have complete control over tasks like penetration testing, network intrusion detection, and network security monitoring.
And because these tasks require you to use high-end software. You’ll need a powerful laptop performance to nail these and land a job. So now the large corps aren’t the only ones in search. But you’re too.
Throughout our tests, we discovered that the Apple MacBook Pro 2021 was the ideal fit for cyber security jobs, since a laptop running completely secure MacOS has always been an excellent choice for security-related tasks. So instead of randomly grabbing one and regretting later, stick with us as we go ahead.
Here, we understand the need for a helping hand and compiled a list of laptops dominating the market after extensive tests.
The Three Top Cyber Security Laptops
- Ultimately fast performance
- Stunningly bright display
- Good ports selection
- Durable battery life
- Strong quality build
- Futuristic portable design
- Plenty of ports
- High-end performance
- Excellent touchpad
- Solid build quality
- Good performance
- Support for storage devices
- High-resolution 1440p to display
- Long battery life
- Easy configuration
How We Did the Test?
Since a cyber security professional is always in a battle with the hackers, guarding the loopholes in an IT infrastructure. They need a relatively rugged laptop to do the job. And the gaming laptops are equipped with high-end specifications.
So we began the test by picking 20 high-performance laptops from the market. But because the goal was to minimize your efforts and confusion, we finalized a list of the eight best options, depending on the following factors.
Performance
Even laptops with high specifications fail to deliver optimal performance. So we tested the laptops with demanding tasks to check both the computing and graphics processing ability. And ensure that they perform just as they claim when advertised.
Built Quality
While the laptops’ internal specifications and performance matter. The build quality matters just the same. Our team inspected each laptop’s design quality to ensure that each design factor was on point and reliable enough.
Price Value
A laptop with premium specifications means a premium price tag. And no wonder such price tags shake everybody for a little unless they provide a good value. However, such products are often overpriced compared to the specifications and features they offer. So we ensured the laptops we recommend deliver great value for your money.
Top Picks of Cyber Security Laptops – Suitable For Professionals
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
Our Choice | Apple MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2021)
| 9.8 | View on Amazon |
Runner-up | Alienware M15 R4 Gaming Laptop
| 9.7 | View on Amazon |
Best Budget Option | Acer Nitro 5 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
| 9.5 | View on Amazon |
Best Mid-range Laptop  |
| 9.1 | View on Amazon |
Best Performance  | Razer Blade 15 Advanced Gaming Laptop
| 9.3 | View on Amazon |
Best 2-in-1 Performance  | HP Spectre 13T 4K OLED x360 Laptop
| 8.9 | View on Amazon |
Best Portable Laptop  | Dell XPS 13 9310 Thin and Light Touchscreen Laptop
| 9.2 | View on Amazon |
Best Design  |
| 9.4 | View on Amazon |
1. 2021 Apple MacBook Pro (16-inch,2021)
- Screen Size: 16.2-inch
- Resolution: 3546 x 2234
- Material: Aluminum
- Color: Silver, Space Gray
Another notable feature of the Apple MacBook Pro's Liquid Retina XDR display is its Mini-LED display technology, which gives an amazing peak brightness of 1,600 nits
First, on the list is none other than Apple’s 2021 variant for their popular laptop series, the MacBook Pro. Known for being packed with ultimate power, this upgraded version of the MacBook Pro will have your taste buds delighted.
Because what lies beneath its Silver and Space Gray metal chassis is phenomenal. It’s Apple’s tremendously powerful M1 Pro Chip, which, when combined with massive 16 GB memory, will take control when you go through some stringent security testing.
As we tested it, we already had no doubts over this incredible machine’s capabilities, and it flawlessly did all that we demanded. Fast boot-ups and rapid execution of even hefty programs weren’t any tough for the Apple MacBook Pro 2021.
The MacBook Pro includes a brilliant anti-glare LED display with slim bezels all around its 16-inches screen that provided a sweet treat to our eyes while we tested it for 4K streaming. It also has a 512 GB superfast SSD storage for storing your hefty security apps.
This powerful device, like previous generations, comes with a Magic Keyboard to bless the coding experience. Which we found to be highly responsive, reliable, and extremely pleasant to type on. With all these features and 16-hour battery life, the MacBook Pro 2021 smashed the competition and won the hearts of its consumers.
Technical Specifications
| Screen Size | 16.2-inch |
| Resolution | 3546 x 2234 |
| Storage | 512 GB |
| Memory | 16 GB |
| Weight | 4.7 lbs |
| Colors | Silver, Space Gray |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 14.01 x 9.77 x 0.66 inches |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac)Bluetooth version 5.0 |
| USB Ports | 3 x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) |
- Lightning-fast CPU performance
- Gorgeous and bright display
- Slim and sleek design
- Hours of long-running battery life
- Expensive unit and hardware upgrades
2. Alienware m15 R4 Gaming Laptop
- Screen Size: 15.6-Inch
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Material: Magnesium
- Color: Dark Side of The Moon, Lunar Light
The Razer Blade 15 Advanced features an integrated Killer® Wi-Fi 6E AX16900 (Gig+) feature that provides futuristic Wi-Fi technology, enabling packet prioritization to boost the gaming experience.
Dell’s Alienware has generated a unique hype in the market. It’s not just the hype; it’s also the fantastic delivery of an all-around performance as a gaming laptop that’s being appreciated.
A prime example is the top-rated Alienware version, the Alienware M15 R4, which has faced off against our top pick.
The Alienware M15, considered the most outstanding gaming laptop, has a sleek and elegant white, magnesium-built chassis that gives an entirely modern vibe. When it’s difficult to imagine a portable gaming laptop, this 15.6-inch gaming beast makes it all possible.
The compelling components justify the premium price, including the Intel Core-i7 chip, NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics, 16 GB of RAM, and massive storage space of 512 GB of SSD. All of these factors together resulted in it placing second in our tests. Because the strong Intel chip and 16 GB of memory were more than enough to tackle all the major tasks put at it.
The Alienware M15 R4’s most attractive feature is its intelligent RGB lighting membrane setup keyboard with a decent ideal feel. The futuristic laptop also includes vent holes to dissipate heat generated by extreme components.
Thus, if you want to make a one-time purchase and have a worry-free and lag-free working session for up to four hours, the Alienware M15 R4 is the machine for you.
Technical Specifications
| Screen Size | 15.6-Inch |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Storage | 512 GB |
| Memory | 16 GB |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs |
| Colors | Dark Side of The Moon, Lunar Light |
| Material | Magnesium |
| Dimensions | 10.86 x 14.19 x 0.78 inches |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac)Bluetooth version 5.1 |
| USB Ports | 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type A)1 x Thunderbolt 3 Port |
- Robust Intel Core-i7 performance
- Excellent keyboard and touchpad
- Can be customized easily
- Compelling 4K display
- Battery life may be short
3. Acer Nitro 5 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
- Screen Size: 15.6-Inch
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Material: Plastic
- Color: Matte Black
The Acer Nitro 5 also has twin 2W speakers for better audio, offering it a comparative benefit and a much more compelling experience.
In the options crowded market, competition among budget laptops is even stiffer. But Acer has taken the cake with the Acer Nitro 5. Consumers’ favorite budget laptop with a nice combo of features and performance.
However, of course, for the savings it offers, you’ll have to make compromises with the cheap plastic back cover and low portability. But that’s bearable, as it doesn’t affect the overall performance.
The Nitro 5 houses an 8th generation Intel Core-i5 processor, NVIDIA Geforce GTX graphics, and 8 GB of memory. Also, the 256 GB of SSD storage is yet another factor placing a boost to its performance. Even though these are affordable specs, we were able to run cyber security software without difficulty, and multitasking was also achievable because of the 8 GB of sufficient RAM.
We were also able to view everything on a high-quality 15.6-inch 1080p display, which was quite smooth and bright. The comfortable keys on the keyboard are also worth highlighting because the typing experience was better enough.
Aside from that, The Acer Nitro 5 additionally increases your working time with its lengthy 7-hour battery life at average usage, which is better than the premium Alienware M15 R4’s 4-hour battery life at normal usage. Therefore, this might be the only safe bet for the ones on a budget.
Technical Specifications
| Screen Size | 15.6-inch |
| Resolution | 1920×1080 |
| Storage | 256 GB |
| Memory | 8 GB |
| Weight | 5.07 lbs |
| Colors | Matte Black |
| Material | Plastic |
| Dimensions | 14.31 x 10.04 x 0.94 inches |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac)Bluetooth version 4.0 |
| USB Ports | 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type A) 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type A) 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type C) |
- Supports three storage drives
- Appreciable computing performance
- Amazing 1440p display
- Plenty of battery juice
- Thick bezels may be annoying
- Bulky design could be better
4. Acer Predator Helios 300
- Screen Size: 15.6-Inch
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Material: Aluminum
- Color: Black
The Acer Predator Helios 300 comes with a fifth generation AeroBlade Fan with 89 blades to help cool your system through an increase in air absorption.
Following a budget laptop, comes another Acer release. While Acer has delivered some excellent affordable options, there is no doubting that its mid-range offerings have taken the buzz to new heights. And the Acer Predator Helios 300 proves it.
This reasonably priced laptop hides some impressive features beneath its black aluminum chassis. The Predator Helios 300 has a total athletic appearance and is fitted with a 15.6-inch FHD display and a superb, convenient keyboard design.
On the inside, it includes a speedy Intel Core-i7 processor and pleasing NVIDIA GTX GeForce graphics, and a massive 16 GB memory. With such high-performance specs, the 512 GB SSD doubles the fun of fast boot-ups.
This isn’t it, but a good selection of ports and 7 hours of battery life are two more things you’ll appreciate. So, if you’re searching for a superb blend of performance and a high-quality build in a mid-range device, the Acer Predator Helios 300 deserves a purchase.
Technical Specifications
| Screen Size | 15.6-inch |
| Resolution | 1920×1080 |
| Storage | 512 TB |
| Memory | 16 GB |
| Weight | 5.07 lbs |
| Colors | Black |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 14.31 x 10.04 x 0.9 inches |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac)Bluetooth version 5.1 |
| USB Ports | 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type A)1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type C)1 x Thunderbolt 3 |
- Supports three storage drives
- Appreciable computing performance
- Amazing 1440p display
- Plenty of battery juice
- Thick bezels may be annoying
- Bulky design could be better
5. Razer Blade 15 Advanced Gaming Laptop
- Screen Size: 15.6-Inch
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Material: Aluminum
- Color: Black
The Razer Blade 15 Advanced features an integrated Killer® Wi-Fi 6E AX16900 (Gig+) feature that provides futuristic WiFi technology, enabling packet prioritization to boost the gaming experience.
The Razer Blade 15 Advanced Edition comes next, with everything you need for cyber security bundled in at a surprisingly low price. The Advanced Edition of this powerful machine, with a little refresh, is an upgrade to its later edition from early 2021.
And, since we mentioned ‘Upgrade,’ it’s clear how complete a device it is. The Razer Blade 15 stands out with its black, all-metal aluminum design and excellent, reliable RGB lighting keyboard.
When you open the lid, the first thing you notice is the slim bezels that provided an up-to-date viewing experience on the 15.6-inch 4K OLED display when we tested it with some 4K content. However, the base panel has an Intel Core-i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics, 16 GB of RAM, and a 512 GB SSD storage space. These specs combined make it a productivity workhorse, as all the office-related tasks were a matter of snap for this beast.
All of this adds up to a tasty performance that can last up to 6 hours. With this stuff lying beneath, there doesn’t appear to be any reason to put off checking out.
Technical Specifications
| Screen Size | 15.6-Inch |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Storage | 512 GB |
| Memory | 16 GB |
| Weight | 4.9 lbs |
| Colors | Black |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 13.98 x 0.7 x 9.25 inches |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac)Bluetooth version 5.2 |
| USB Ports | 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type A)2 x Thunderbolt 4 |
- Sleek and thin design
- Top-end CPU and GPU performance
- QHD resolution support
- A wide variety of ports
- Expensive, especially when configured
- Low battery backup
6. HP Spectre 13T 4K OLED x360 Laptop
- Screen Size: 13.3-inch
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Material: Aluminum
- Color: Natural silver, Nightfall Black, and Poseidon Blue
The HP Spectre x360 has a unique Webcam Kill Switch feature that physically shuts your webcam and protects it from being hacked. Another feature called Sure View Privacy Screen is also included, which keeps your information safe from prying eyes.
HP’s been missing on the list, but they can’t let it go without their laptop speaking for them. Out of the gaming laptops league, here’s the HP Spectre 13T, which isn’t actually designed for a specific task. And it operates admirably, whether you’re in charge of an organization’s data security or a casual gaming session.
The Spectre 13T is a beautifully designed laptop with a black metallic shiny detailed body and is 2-in-1 in nature. That means you can flip it up to make a tablet PC whenever you feel like it. The top panel is fitted with a 15.6-inch, brilliant 4K OLED touch-enabled display that was bright enough with vibrant colors.
While the base panel holds a super-fine keyboard and some extraordinary components. These include the 10th generation Intel-i7 processor, Intel integrated graphics, and 16 GB stress mastered memory.
Besides, for your hefty application software storage, it also has a 512 GB room of SSD storage. Because it’s truly designed for productivity, this laptop appeared to be a perfect fit for office-centric tasks when tested. The specifications, on the other hand, showed a strong computing performance for the tasks we put it through.
The Spectre 13T offers outstanding performance and comes with a Stylus Pen for use in Tablet mode. And, just to keep you going, it has a battery life of up to 12 hours. So guess this is enough for a reasonable price tag attached to it.
Technical Specifications
| Screen Size | 13.3-inch |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Storage | 512 GB |
| Memory | 16 GB |
| Weight | 2.7 lbs |
| Colors | Natural silver, Nightfall Black, and Poseidon Blue |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 12.08 x 7.66 x 0.67 inches |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac)Bluetooth version 5.0 |
| USB Ports | 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Type A)2 x Thunderbolt 3 (Type C) |
- Strong and stylish build
- Impressive Intel Core-i7 performance
- Stunning 3:2 4K OLED display
- Premium keyboard and touchpad
- Bulky as a tablet
7. Dell XPS 13 9310 Thin and Light Touchscreen Laptop
- Screen Size: 13.4-inch
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Material: Aluminum
- Color: Platinum silver and Black
Dell's XPS 13T is equipped with Intel's latest Dynamic Tuning Technology, which constantly alters CPU power to improve performance and improve your workload as needed.
The XPS series, like Dell’s Alienware, has been a success and has drawn significant attention. We found the Dell XPS 13 to deserve a spot on our list. The XPS 13 is a tiny but mighty laptop with a gorgeous, sleek, white shining metallic exterior.
The laptop is relatively thin, making it an excellent portable alternative for carrying outdoors. It has a 13.4-inch FHD touch-enabled display powered by integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics that provided a sharp view of our content during tests.
The XPS 13 has a more powerful, enhanced 10th generation Intel-i7-1195G7 chip, which is more sophisticated than the Intel Core-i7-1065G7 chip in the more expensive HP Spectre 13T. It also comes with a whopping 16 GB of memory.
All these components together delivered a smooth and fast computing experience against resource-intensive tasks. We also liked its 11-hour battery backup, which will provide the most exemplary support when there is no nearby power source.
So if a mid-range, high quality, and rapid performance are all boxes on your list, seeking a tick, the Dell XPS 13 is just some bucks away.
Technical Specifications
| Screen Size | 13.4-inch |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Storage | 512 GB |
| Memory | 16 GB |
| Weight | 2.8 lbs |
| Colors | Platinum silver and Black |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 7.82 x 11.64 x 0.58 inches |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac)Bluetooth version 5.1 |
| USB Ports | 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) |
- Exceptional, sleek design
- Excellent CPU performance
- Long-lasting battery life
- Fewer USB ports
8. Microsoft Surface Laptop 4
- Screen Size: 13.5-inch
- Resolution: 2256 x 1504
- Material: Aluminum
- Color: Ice Blue, Sandstone, Platinum, Matte Black
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 features the Omnisonic speakers supported by immersive Dolby Atmos 6 for a theater-like sound experience.
Microsoft has released Surface laptops specified for different professionals. However, the Surface Laptop 4 falls in for the cyber security specialist. This is because it has one of the best keyboards for your long-lasting coding sessions.
Not just that, but the Surface Laptop 4 truly shines with its applaudable performance when being superbly thin and portable. The best thing is that it doesn’t go hard on your wallet. Despite that, it makes no compromises on performance with its Intel i5 chip and 8 GB memory. And a massive 512 GB of SSD space availability.
The Intel Core-i5 performance, along with 8 GB of RAM, may not seem to be sufficient for the long run. Despite its low price, it proved to be a capable laptop for all of the productivity activities we put it through throughout our tests.
For an engaging display, the 13.5-inch touch-enabled stunning display exhibited sharp, vibrant, and bright colors. And, unexpectedly, the battery life lasted up to 15 hours on a usual usage. So now you’re introduced to not just a work partner but a stylish laptop that’s also a great coffee shop buddy.
Technical Specifications
| Screen Size | 13.5-inch |
| Resolution | 2256 x 1504 |
| Storage | 512 GB |
| Memory | 8 GB |
| Weight | 2.79 lbs |
| Colors | Ice Blue, Sandstone, Platinum, Matte Black |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 12.1 x 8.8 x 0.57 inches |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac)Bluetooth version 5.0 |
| USB Ports | 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Type A)1 x Thunderbolt 3 (Type C) |
- Light, stylish, and slim unit
- Brilliantly comfortable keyboard keys
- Long-lasting battery life
- Well-priced for the specs it offers
- Not enough ports
Conclusion
A laptop with high-end specs that can handle heavy tasks appears suited for cyber security professionals. Because of the demanding duties, a laptop with inferior specs would faint.
So, after reviewing all eight options, you should be able to make a final decision based on your preferences in no time. However, if you are still unsure, our last recommendation is the Apple MacBook Pro 2021.
It’s the best all-rounder available that is top quality built, reliable, and delivers thunderbolt performance regardless of what you throw at it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which laptop is better for cyber security, Windows or Mac?
Both systems have their perks and vulnerabilities. However, because cyber security specialists are on the front lines. They must ensure that their system is secure against cyber-attacks. Even though both come pre-installed with anti-malware software, Windows still need more security attention than Macs.
Are graphics necessary for cyber security?
Graphics cards facilitate your display. And because cyber security tasks don’t require a high-end GPU performance, it isn’t necessary. Still, for graphics-intensive jobs, the availability of a decent, dedicated, or integrated GPU is recommended.
What amount of memory is ideal for cyber security?
If you thirst for the best possible performance, then a 16 GB of memory will work the best against memory-eating tasks. While for the ones on a budget, 8 GB of memory will also suffice.
