Best laptops for music production 2023: portable computers for musicians, producers and DJs

The best laptops for music production enable you to record, edit, and mix studio-quality tracks anytime, anywhere. Performance is crucial, regardless of the digital audio workstation (DAW) software you use, so it’s essential to select a music production laptop capable of running the software without lags or stuttering. High-quality audio laptops and PCs should have ample built-in storage, a fast processor, and sufficient RAM to seamlessly handle plugins and virtual instruments. Additionally, compatibility with external equipment like audio interfaces and sequencers is necessary.

Tech giants such as Apple, Dell, Microsoft, Razer, and Lenovo have offered top-notch music production laptops. Both Apple and Windows platforms have unique advantages, but the key factors to consider while choosing the best music production laptop remain consistent. These factors include power, memory, portability, and battery life. It’s crucial to select a laptop with enough power to handle the latest software and expanding file sizes and one that can cater to your future needs. Additionally, for DJs and traveling musicians, a lightweight laptop with a good battery capacity is vital for portability and convenience when away from mains power.

Before we dive into the list, look at this video from Ave Mcree on selecting the best laptop for you, your studio, and your workflow. So let’s get into it. 

Apple M1 MacBook Pro 14″

The new MacBook Pro has become an excellent choice for music producers, boasting impressive features catering to their needs. Equipped with Apple’s powerful M1 Pro or M1 Max chip, this laptop is designed to handle resource-intensive tasks such as music production easily. Users can expect lightning-fast performance and smooth multitasking while working with multiple plugins and tracks. Additionally, the laptop’s extended battery life ensures that producers can work longer without a recharge, making it an ideal companion for long studio sessions or on-the-go projects.

The MacBook Pro’s display and audio capabilities are also tailored to enhance the music production experience. With its stunning 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, the laptop offers exceptional color accuracy, contrast, and brightness levels that help producers accurately visualize their projects. The six-speaker sound system, featuring force-canceling woofers and high-performance tweeters, delivers a crisp and immersive audio experience, allowing producers to create and edit their music precisely.

Finally, the new MacBook Pro offers an extensive range of ports, enabling music producers to connect their essential equipment without hassle. The laptop features an SDXC card slot, an HDMI port, three Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, providing versatile connectivity options for various audio interfaces, MIDI controllers, and other peripherals. With all these features combined, the MacBook Pro is the ultimate tool for music production, delivering unparalleled performance, visuals, audio, and connectivity that cater to amateur and professional producers’ needs.

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Samsung Galaxy Book Pro

The Samsung Galaxy Book Pro has emerged as a powerful and versatile laptop for music production, offering impressive specifications that cater to the needs of music creators. Powered by the 11th generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, this laptop can handle demanding tasks such as running multiple plugins and tracks concurrently. Moreover, the integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics provide smooth visual performance, while the laptop’s slim and lightweight design ensures portability and ease of use for musicians working in different environments.

One of the standout features of the Galaxy Book Pro is its stunning 15.6-inch AMOLED display, which offers accurate color representation, exceptional contrast, and wide viewing angles. This makes it easier for music producers to visualize their projects and work with video content seamlessly. The laptop’s Dolby Atmos-compatible AKG-tuned speakers also deliver high-quality audio, enabling producers to accurately mix and master their tracks without requiring external speakers.

The Galaxy Book Pro also offers various connectivity options catering to music production needs. With three USB-C ports (two of which are Thunderbolt 4), a USB-A port, an HDMI port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, musicians can easily connect various audio interfaces, MIDI controllers, and other peripherals essential for their work. The laptop’s Wi-Fi 6E support and optional 5G connectivity further enhance its appeal for on-the-go producers who need reliable internet access for collaboration and file sharing. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Book Pro is a reliable choice for music production, offering a unique combination of performance, visuals, audio, and connectivity that appeals to both amateurs and professionals.

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Dell XPS 13 Plus

The Dell XPS 13 Plus has proven to be a strong contender in music production, offering robust specifications that address the needs of musicians and producers. Powered by Intel’s 11th-generation Core processors, this laptop can handle demanding tasks like running multiple plugins and tracks concurrently. Furthermore, the laptop’s ultra-thin and lightweight design ensures that it is portable and easy to use in various work environments, making it a go-to choice for music creators on the move.

One notable feature of the XPS 13 Plus is its vivid 13.4-inch InfinityEdge display, which boasts a 16:10 aspect ratio and provides excellent color accuracy, contrast, and brightness. This enables music producers to visualize their projects accurately and effectively work with video content. In addition, the laptop’s high-quality stereo speakers, tuned with Waves MaxxAudio Pro technology, deliver clear and immersive audio, allowing producers to mix and master their tracks precisely.

The Dell XPS 13 Plus also offers a range of connectivity options to cater to music production needs. With two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, musicians can effortlessly connect various audio interfaces, MIDI controllers, and other peripherals essential for their work. The laptop’s Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 support further enhance its appeal for on-the-go producers who require reliable internet access for collaboration and file sharing. In summary, the Dell XPS 13 Plus is a reliable choice for music production, offering a compelling combination of performance, visuals, audio, and connectivity that appeals to amateur and professional creators.

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MSI GF63 Laptop

The MSI GF63 Thin has emerged as a powerful and versatile laptop for music production thanks to its impressive specifications tailored to the needs of musicians and producers. Equipped with Intel’s 9th generation Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics, this laptop can effortlessly handle demanding tasks, such as running multiple plugins and tracks simultaneously. The laptop’s sleek and lightweight design further ensures portability and ease of use, making it an ideal choice for music creators working in various environments.

One of the standout features of the GF63 Thin is its sharp 15.6-inch IPS-level display, offering excellent color accuracy, contrast, and wide viewing angles. This enables music producers to visualize their projects and work with video content seamlessly and accurately. Additionally, the laptop’s Nahimic 3 Audio technology enhances the audio experience, delivering immersive and high-quality sound that allows producers to mix and master their tracks precisely.

The MSI GF63 Thin also offers various connectivity options catering to music production needs. With three USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port, an HDMI port, and a 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack, musicians can easily connect various audio interfaces, MIDI controllers, and other peripherals essential for their work. The laptop’s Wi-Fi 5 support and Bluetooth 5.0 capability further enhance its appeal for on-the-go producers who need reliable internet access for collaboration and file sharing. In conclusion, the MSI GF63 Thin is a solid choice for music production, offering a unique combination of performance, visuals, audio, and connectivity that appeals to both amateurs and professionals.

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Apple MacBook Pro M2 13”

The Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch with the M2 chip has become a top choice for music production, boasting powerful specifications that cater to the unique requirements of musicians and producers. Equipped with the next-generation M2 chip, this laptop delivers outstanding performance and energy efficiency, ensuring that resource-intensive tasks such as music production can be handled smoothly. The laptop’s extended battery life allows producers to work longer without a recharge, making it a perfect companion for lengthy studio sessions or on-the-go projects.

The MacBook Pro’s display and audio capabilities are also tailored to enhance the music production experience. Its stunning 13-inch Retina display offers exceptional color accuracy, contrast, and brightness levels that help producers accurately visualize their projects. The laptop’s high-fidelity six-speaker sound system delivers a crisp and immersive audio experience, allowing producers to create and edit their music precisely.

Finally, the new MacBook Pro offers an extensive range of ports, enabling music producers to connect their essential equipment without hassle. The laptop features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, an SDXC card slot, an HDMI port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, providing versatile connectivity options for various audio interfaces, MIDI controllers, and other peripherals. With all these features combined, the MacBook Pro 13-inch with the M2 chip is an excellent tool for music production, delivering unparalleled performance, visuals, audio, and connectivity that cater to amateur and professional producers’ needs.

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Apple MacBook 2020 Air M1

The MacBook Air 2020 with the M1 chip has established itself as an exceptional choice for music production, featuring powerful specifications that cater to the unique needs of musicians and producers. Powered by Apple’s groundbreaking M1 chip, this laptop delivers outstanding performance and energy efficiency, ensuring that resource-intensive tasks such as music production can be handled smoothly. The MacBook Air’s fanless design and extended battery life make it an ideal companion for lengthy studio sessions or on-the-go projects, as users can work longer without recharge.

The MacBook Air’s display and audio capabilities are also tailored to enhance the music production experience. Its stunning 13.3-inch Retina display offers exceptional color accuracy, contrast, and brightness levels that help producers accurately visualize their projects. The laptop’s high-quality stereo speakers and the Wide Stereo Sound feature to deliver a crisp and immersive audio experience, allowing producers to create and edit their music precisely.

Finally, the MacBook Air 2020 with the M1 chip offers a range of ports, enabling music producers to connect their essential equipment without hassle. The laptop features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, which support USB 4 and offer versatile connectivity options for audio interfaces, MIDI controllers, and other peripherals. With all these features combined, the MacBook Air 2020 with the M1 chip is an excellent tool for music production, delivering unparalleled performance, visuals, audio, and connectivity that cater to amateur and professional producers’ needs.

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Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition

The Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition 2020 has emerged as a powerful and versatile laptop for music production, offering impressive specifications that cater to the needs of music creators. Powered by the 10th generation Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000 graphics, this laptop can handle demanding tasks like running multiple plugins and tracks concurrently. The laptop’s sleek and durable design ensures portability and ease of use for musicians working in different environments.

One of the standout features of the Blade 15 Studio Edition is its stunning 15.6-inch OLED 4K touch display, which offers accurate color representation, exceptional contrast, and wide viewing angles. This makes it easier for music producers to visualize their projects and work with video content seamlessly. The laptop’s custom-calibrated stereo speakers also deliver high-quality audio, enabling producers to accurately mix and master their tracks without requiring external speakers.

The Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition also offers various connectivity options catering to music production needs. With three USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, a Thunderbolt 3 port, an HDMI port, and a 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack, musicians can easily connect various audio interfaces, MIDI controllers, and other peripherals essential for their work. The laptop’s Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 support further enhance its appeal for on-the-go producers who need reliable internet access for collaboration and file sharing. Overall, the Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition is a reliable choice for music production, offering a unique combination of performance, visuals, audio, and connectivity that appeals to both amateurs and professionals.

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Acer Swift 3

The Acer Swift 3 OLED has proven itself as an excellent choice for music production, thanks to its impressive specifications tailored to the needs of musicians and producers. Powered by the 12th generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor and Intel Iris Xe graphics, this laptop can effortlessly handle demanding tasks, such as running multiple plugins and tracks simultaneously. The laptop’s slim and lightweight design ensures portability and ease of use, making it a go-to choice for music creators working in various environments.

One of the standout features of the Swift 3 OLED is its vibrant 14-inch OLED display, offering accurate color representation, exceptional contrast, and wide viewing angles. This makes it easier for music producers to visualize their projects and work with video content seamlessly. The laptop’s stereo speakers, featuring DTS Audio technology, also deliver high-quality audio, enabling producers to accurately mix and master their tracks without requiring external speakers.

The Acer Swift 3 OLED also offers various connectivity options catering to music production needs. With two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, an HDMI port, and a 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack, musicians can easily connect various audio interfaces, MIDI controllers and other peripherals essential for their work. The laptop’s Wi-Fi 6 support and Bluetooth 5.2 capability further enhance its appeal for on-the-go producers who need reliable internet access for collaboration and file sharing. In conclusion, the Acer Swift 3 OLED is a solid choice for music production, offering a unique combination of performance, visuals, audio, and connectivity that appeals to both amateurs and professionals.

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Asus Rog Strix Scar 16 Laptop

The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 (2023) has emerged as a powerful and versatile laptop for music production, offering impressive specifications that cater to the needs of music creators. Powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti graphics, this laptop can handle demanding tasks like running multiple plugins and tracks concurrently. The laptop’s bold and stylish design ensures portability and ease of use for musicians working in different environments.

One of the standout features of the ROG Strix Scar 16 is its stunning 16-inch WQHD 165Hz IPS-level display, offering accurate color representation, exceptional contrast, and wide viewing angles. This makes it easier for music producers to visualize their projects and work with video content seamlessly. The laptop’s Dolby Atmos-compatible quad-speaker system also delivers high-quality audio, enabling producers to accurately mix and master their tracks without requiring external speakers.

The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 also offers various connectivity options catering to music production needs. With three USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, an HDMI 2.0b port, and a 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack, musicians can easily connect various audio interfaces, MIDI controllers, and other peripherals essential for their work. The laptop’s Wi-Fi 6 support and Bluetooth 5.1 capability further enhance its appeal for on-the-go producers who need reliable internet access for collaboration and file sharing. In conclusion, the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 is a solid choice for music production, offering a unique combination of performance, visuals, audio, and connectivity that appeals to both amateurs and professionals.

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Microsoft Surface Pro 9

The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 has established itself as an excellent choice for music production, featuring powerful specifications that cater to the unique needs of musicians and producers. Powered by Intel’s 12th generation Core i5 or i7 processor, this laptop delivers outstanding performance, ensuring that resource-intensive tasks such as music production can be handled smoothly. The Surface Pro 9’s slim, lightweight design and detachable keyboard make it an ideal companion for lengthy studio sessions or on-the-go projects.

The Surface Pro 9’s display and audio capabilities are also tailored to enhance the music production experience. Its stunning 13-inch PixelSense display offers exceptional color accuracy, contrast, and brightness levels that help producers accurately visualize their projects. The laptop’s high-quality stereo speakers, featuring Dolby Atmos technology, deliver a crisp and immersive audio experience, allowing producers to create and edit their music precisely.

Finally, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 offers a range of ports, enabling music producers to connect their essential equipment without hassle. The laptop features a USB-C port, a USB-A port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a Surface Connect port, providing versatile connectivity options for various audio interfaces, MIDI controllers, and other peripherals. With all these features combined, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is an excellent tool for music production, delivering unparalleled performance, visuals, audio, and connectivity that cater to amateur and professional producers’ needs.

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Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 7 has emerged as a powerful and versatile laptop for music production, offering impressive specifications that cater to the needs of music creators. Powered by Intel’s 11th generation Core i5 or i7 processors, this laptop can effortlessly handle demanding tasks like running multiple plugins and tracks concurrently. The laptop’s sleek, convertible design ensures portability and ease of use, making it an ideal choice for musicians working in different environments.

One of the standout features of the ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 7 is its vibrant 14-inch 4K UHD IPS display, offering accurate color representation, exceptional contrast, and wide viewing angles. This makes it easier for music producers to visualize their projects and work with video content seamlessly. The laptop’s Dolby Atmos-compatible quad-speaker system also delivers high-quality audio, enabling producers to accurately mix and master their tracks without requiring external speakers.

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 7 also offers a range of connectivity options that cater to music production needs. With two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI 2.0 port, and a 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack, musicians can easily connect various audio interfaces, MIDI controllers, and other peripherals essential for their work. The laptop’s Wi-Fi 6 support and Bluetooth 5.2 capability further enhance its appeal for on-the-go producers who need reliable internet access for collaboration and file sharing. In conclusion, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 7 is a solid choice for music production, offering a unique combination of performance, visuals, audio, and connectivity that appeals to both amateurs and professionals.

Learn More About This Laptop Here

Apple MacBook Air M2

The Apple MacBook Air with the M2 chip has become a top choice for music production, boasting powerful specifications that cater to the unique requirements of musicians and producers. Equipped with the next-generation M2 chip, this laptop delivers outstanding performance and energy efficiency, ensuring that resource-intensive tasks such as music production can be handled smoothly. The laptop’s extended battery life allows producers to work longer without a recharge, making it a perfect companion for lengthy studio sessions or on-the-go projects.

The MacBook Air’s display and audio capabilities are also tailored to enhance the music production experience. Its stunning 13.3-inch Retina display offers exceptional color accuracy, contrast, and brightness levels that help producers accurately visualize their projects. The laptop’s high-fidelity six-speaker sound system delivers a crisp and immersive audio experience, allowing producers to create and edit their music precisely.

Finally, the new MacBook Air offers an extensive range of ports, enabling music producers to connect their essential equipment without hassle. The laptop features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, an SDXC card slot, an HDMI port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, providing versatile connectivity options for various audio interfaces, MIDI controllers, and other peripherals. With all these features combined, the MacBook Air with the M2 chip is an excellent tool for music production, delivering unparalleled performance, visuals, audio, and connectivity that cater to amateur and professional producers’ needs.

Learn More About This Laptop Here

FAQs On Buying A Laptop For Music Production 

How to choose the best laptop for music production

Selecting the ideal laptop for music production requires a keen understanding of the specifications contributing to optimal performance. A quad-core processor is generally recommended, as it ensures smooth operation when running multiple plugins or working with many tracks. While it is often assumed that a higher core count is better, a balance between core count and processing power is necessary to prevent overheating and battery drain. Additionally, at least 16GB of RAM is suggested to handle the demands of music production software, but 32GB of RAM may be more suitable for more complex projects.

Storage is another essential consideration when choosing a laptop for music production. Solid-state drives (SSDs) are preferable over traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) because they offer faster read and write speeds, which lead to quicker load times for software and projects. A minimum of 512GB of storage is recommended, but for users with extensive sample libraries or large projects, 1TB or more may be necessary. Furthermore, a high-quality audio interface is crucial for recording and playback, and the laptop should have the necessary ports to accommodate it. When choosing a laptop for music production, prioritize processing power, RAM, storage, and connectivity to ensure a seamless workflow.

Which CPU is best for music production – Intel, AMD or Apple?

When choosing a processor for music production, the debate often comes down to two leading manufacturers. While one brand has long been the go-to choice for many professionals, the other has made significant strides in recent years, offering competitive options in terms of price and performance. Ultimately, the decision between the two brands depends on personal preferences, budget, and the specific requirements of one’s music production projects.

Both manufacturers offer a range of processors catering to different needs, from entry-level to high-end models. For music producers, selecting a processor that balances performance and energy efficiency is crucial to ensure smooth operation when working with multiple plugins or many tracks. Additionally, it’s essential to consider the laptop’s or desktop’s overall specifications, including RAM, storage, and connectivity options, to create an efficient and seamless music production workflow.

What amount of RAM is necessary for a music production laptop?

When it comes to music production, the amount of RAM in a computer plays a crucial role in determining its performance capabilities. Most digital audio workstations (DAWs) require a minimum of 8GB RAM for efficient operation. However, upgrading to 16GB RAM can significantly enhance a computer’s ability to handle larger projects, more plugins, and more complex arrangements without causing performance issues.

For casual or beginner music producers, 8GB of RAM may be sufficient for basic projects and limited multitasking. However, as production demands increase and projects become more complex, 16GB of RAM becomes essential for ensuring smooth operation and the ability to run multiple applications simultaneously. This higher RAM capacity allows more efficient use of virtual instruments, effects, and extensive sample libraries, ultimately leading to a more seamless and enjoyable music production experience.

How much storage do I need?

Regarding music production, a computer’s size, the solid-state drive (SSD) is an important consideration. SSDs are preferred over traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) due to their faster read and write speeds, which result in quicker load times for software, plugins, and projects. Choosing the right size SSD for music production depends on factors such as the size of one’s sample libraries, the number of virtual instruments used, and the complexity of the projects being worked on.

A minimum of 256GB is typically recommended for music production, but opting for a 512GB or 1TB SSD can be wise for producers with more extensive sample libraries or more demanding projects. This increased storage capacity ensures enough space for the music production software and plugins to store completed projects and backups. Additionally, a larger SSD can help maintain optimal performance levels, as SSDs slow down when they approach total capacity.

Mac versus Windows: which one is the better choice for you?

Several factors must be considered when deciding between a Mac or PC for music production. Mac computers are often praised for their reliability, stability, ease of use, and compatibility with various digital audio workstations (DAWs) and plugins. Additionally, Macs are known for their sleek design and high-quality components, making them a popular choice among professional music producers.

On the other hand, PCs offer more flexibility in hardware customization and upgrading, allowing users to tailor their systems to their specific needs and budget. PCs also tend to have a broader range of compatible software and offer more affordable options for those looking to start music production without investing in high-end equipment. Ultimately, the choice between Mac and PC for music production comes down to personal preferences, budget, and the desired level of customization and flexibility.