There are a few specific things that differentiate the best laptop for music production from the rest of the pack. While it may seem difficult to choose, it’s more than worth it to find the right one to get you through a long mixing session or a full set on stage.
Buying the best laptop for music production is more than just getting the most powerful laptop you can. You need a lot of speedy RAM and one of the best processors available to handle running your digital audio workstation (DAW) without experiencing any latency. At the same time, you also want to make sure you have plenty of storage, maybe even a dual drive with both an SSD and a hard drive, to hold all your music files and samples. Finally, if you plan on taking it on the road or on the stage (when that becomes a reality again), you’ll want a laptop that's rugged so it can handle an inevitable fall as well as portable like an Ultrabook so it doesn’t take up too much space while traveling.
While the choices aren’t as varied as gaming laptops, you still have a lot of options to choose from.To help you, we’ve collected our top picks for the best laptop for music production, no matter if you want to stick with an old staple like the MacBook Pro or prefer one that runs Windows 10. It doesn’t matter what your budget is – we can help you find the best value out there.
(Image credit: Apple)
The best Apple laptop ever
CPU: 9th-generation Intel Core i7 – i9 | Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 5300M – Radeon Pro 5500M | RAM: 16GB – 64GB | Screen: 16-inch Retina display with True Tone | Storage: 512GB – 8TB SSD
Stunning 16-inch screen
New and improved keyboard
Expensive
Limited to four Thunderbolt 3 ports
While we’re sad that the 15-inch MacBook Pro is no more, we’ve welcomed the MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019) with open arms. As thin, light and sleek as ever, you wouldn’t think this was a 16-inch behemoth. Yet, you’re getting that extra real estate on that stunning display, as well as the latest and greatest components behind it. This is, without a doubt, the best laptop for DJs, as well as content creators, designers and other creative professionals. With amazing (and loud) speakers and a much, much better keyboard to boot, music production has never been this good.
Read the full review: MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)
(Image credit: Dell)
Still one of the best laptops of all time
CPU: 10th generation Intel Core i5 – i7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) – 4k (3840 x 2160) | Storage: 256GB – 2TB SSD
Gorgeous design
Excellent battery life
Lackluster audio
Expensive
The Dell XPS 13 (2020) has been a regular in our best laptops list for years, and it also earns a well-deserved spot in our best laptops for DJs list. It keeps everything we've come to love from Dell's flagship 13-incher, from the gorgeous and light design, to the powerful modern components that power it. However, it now rocks 10th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors and a bezel-less ‘Infinity Edge’ display, which means the Dell XPS 13 (2020) is a brilliant performer, while remaining thin and light. There’s a wide range of customization options as well.
Read the full review: Dell XPS 13
Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition is crafted for creative professionals and content creators. (Image credit: Razer)
A seriously powerful pro laptop
CPU: 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8750H | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Max-Q – NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000 Studio Edition | RAM: 32GB | Screen: 15.6" OLED 4K Touch 60Hz, factory calibrated | Storage: 1TB SSD
Powerful
Beautiful screen
Expensive
If you think Razer laptops are only for gaming, then the new Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition is here to prove you wrong. Razer takes its ever popular Razer Blade 15, fits it with even more impressive specs and turns it into one of the best mobile creative workstations has to offer. This powerhouse has been crafted for creative professionals and content creators, and is therefore ideal for musicians as well. You’ll be spending a lot of money to take this laptop home. But, make no mistake, it will be one of the smartest investments you’ll ever make. That is, if you can afford it.
Read the full review: Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition
(Image credit: Microsoft)
The best laptop for DJs by Microsoft
CPU: Intel Core i5 - i7 / AMD Ryzen 5 / AMD Ryzen 7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics / AMD Radeon Vega 9 / AMD Radeon RX Vega 11 | RAM: 8GB - 16GB | Screen: 13.5-inch PixelSense (2,256 x 1,504) / 15-inch PixelSense (2,496 x 1,664) | Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB SSD
Excellent battery life
Choice of Intel or AMD CPU
No Thunderbolt 3 option
Too few ports for its size
With the third version of the Surface Laptop 3, Microsoft has made its best laptop yet. While it's not a huge leap over its predecessor, the Surface Laptop 3 does improve on almost every aspect. Best of all, with the 15-inch version you now get a choice of either Intel or AMD hardware. These are some of the most desirable laptops in the world that don't have a logo of an apple on them, with a new aluminum body that gives it a premium feel, while protecting it from knocks and drops when you’re on the road.
Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Laptop 3
(Image credit: Apple)
New and improved for 2020
CPU: Intel Core i3 – i7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology | Storage: 256GB – 2TB PCIe-based SSD
Lower price of entry
New 10th generation processors
Improved keyboard
Screen colors a little muted
Battery life only OK
Webcam still just 720p
Apple’s thinnest and lightest MacBook came back in 2020 with a vengeance. Not only did it fix a lot of the complaints with its predecessors – namely, that problematic keyboard is now gone, replaced by a drastically improved keyboard. But it also came with new and more powerful internal components, even more storage space options, and a lower price of entry - making it ideal for musicians and DJs who are only starting out. There are a couple of things we’d do better, like the muted screen and the average battery life, but this model of the MacBook Air is better than anything we’ve seen from the line to date.
Read the full review: MacBook Air (2020)
(Image credit: Microsoft)
For upgraders or folks just getting into Microsoft’s tablet
CPU: 10th Gen Intel Core i3 – i7 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics – Iris Plus Graphics | RAM: 4GB – 16GB | Screen: 12.3” PixelSense Display | Storage: 128GB – 1TB
USB-C finally
Now with Wi-Fi 6
Overall loss in battery life
USB-C isn’t Thunderbolt 3
The seventh iteration of Microsoft’s award-winning product may not be the generational leap many Microsoft tablets have been waiting for, but it offers some improvements from its predecessor. This 2-in-1 tablet aimed at pros has received impressive gains in power, making it more capable than ever as laptops for musicians and DJs. Also, it now boasts a USB-C port and Wifi 6 connectivity. And, of course, it offers that same level of portability that many Windows tablet users crave. The best part is that it has a few configurations, which means you can choose how much power and storage space to get depending on how much you need.
Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Pro 7
(Image credit: Dell)
World’s smallest 15-inch laptop
CPU: 9th-generation Intel Core i5 – i9 | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 | RAM: 8GB – 64GB | Screen: 15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080) InfinityEdge Anti-Glare Non-touch IPS – 15.6-inch 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) Anti-Reflective InfinityEdge Touch IPS | Storage: 256GB – 2TB SSD
Gorgeous 4K display
Blazing fast CPU
Webcam back in its rightful place
Could use more ports
Speakers are bottom-facing
The Dell XPS line just keeps getting better every year, and 2019’s 15-inch model is no exception. The webcam, which is smaller than ever, is back in its rightful place, and that optional 4K touch display is as stunning as ever. Better yet, this boasts the more powerful 9th-generation processors as well as up to 64GB of memory, which makes it ideal for handling those demanding DAW applications. And with up to 2TB of storage, you’ll have enough space to store your music files in. Unfortunately, those speakers are bottom-facing, but you’re better off using your audiophile headphones or speakers anyway.
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Buying the best laptop for music production is more than just getting the most powerful laptop you can. You need a lot of speedy RAM and one of the best processors available to handle running your digital audio workstation (DAW) without experiencing any latency. At the same time, you also want to make sure you have plenty of storage, maybe even a dual drive with both an SSD and a hard drive, to hold all your music files and samples. Finally, if you plan on taking it on the road or on the stage (when that becomes a reality again), you’ll want a laptop that's rugged so it can handle an inevitable fall as well as portable like an Ultrabook so it doesn’t take up too much space while traveling.
While the choices aren’t as varied as gaming laptops, you still have a lot of options to choose from.To help you, we’ve collected our top picks for the best laptop for music production, no matter if you want to stick with an old staple like the MacBook Pro or prefer one that runs Windows 10. It doesn’t matter what your budget is – we can help you find the best value out there.
- We've also featured the best CD rippers and best audio editors.
(Image credit: Apple)
1. MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)
The best Apple laptop ever
CPU: 9th-generation Intel Core i7 – i9 | Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 5300M – Radeon Pro 5500M | RAM: 16GB – 64GB | Screen: 16-inch Retina display with True Tone | Storage: 512GB – 8TB SSD
Stunning 16-inch screen
New and improved keyboard
Expensive
Limited to four Thunderbolt 3 ports
While we’re sad that the 15-inch MacBook Pro is no more, we’ve welcomed the MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019) with open arms. As thin, light and sleek as ever, you wouldn’t think this was a 16-inch behemoth. Yet, you’re getting that extra real estate on that stunning display, as well as the latest and greatest components behind it. This is, without a doubt, the best laptop for DJs, as well as content creators, designers and other creative professionals. With amazing (and loud) speakers and a much, much better keyboard to boot, music production has never been this good.
Read the full review: MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)
- See more like this: The best Macs
(Image credit: Dell)
2. Dell XPS 13 (2020)
Still one of the best laptops of all time
CPU: 10th generation Intel Core i5 – i7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) – 4k (3840 x 2160) | Storage: 256GB – 2TB SSD
Gorgeous design
Excellent battery life
Lackluster audio
Expensive
The Dell XPS 13 (2020) has been a regular in our best laptops list for years, and it also earns a well-deserved spot in our best laptops for DJs list. It keeps everything we've come to love from Dell's flagship 13-incher, from the gorgeous and light design, to the powerful modern components that power it. However, it now rocks 10th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors and a bezel-less ‘Infinity Edge’ display, which means the Dell XPS 13 (2020) is a brilliant performer, while remaining thin and light. There’s a wide range of customization options as well.
Read the full review: Dell XPS 13
Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition is crafted for creative professionals and content creators. (Image credit: Razer)
3. Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition
A seriously powerful pro laptop
CPU: 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8750H | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Max-Q – NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000 Studio Edition | RAM: 32GB | Screen: 15.6" OLED 4K Touch 60Hz, factory calibrated | Storage: 1TB SSD
Powerful
Beautiful screen
Expensive
If you think Razer laptops are only for gaming, then the new Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition is here to prove you wrong. Razer takes its ever popular Razer Blade 15, fits it with even more impressive specs and turns it into one of the best mobile creative workstations has to offer. This powerhouse has been crafted for creative professionals and content creators, and is therefore ideal for musicians as well. You’ll be spending a lot of money to take this laptop home. But, make no mistake, it will be one of the smartest investments you’ll ever make. That is, if you can afford it.
Read the full review: Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition
(Image credit: Microsoft)
4. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3
The best laptop for DJs by Microsoft
CPU: Intel Core i5 - i7 / AMD Ryzen 5 / AMD Ryzen 7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics / AMD Radeon Vega 9 / AMD Radeon RX Vega 11 | RAM: 8GB - 16GB | Screen: 13.5-inch PixelSense (2,256 x 1,504) / 15-inch PixelSense (2,496 x 1,664) | Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB SSD
Excellent battery life
Choice of Intel or AMD CPU
No Thunderbolt 3 option
Too few ports for its size
With the third version of the Surface Laptop 3, Microsoft has made its best laptop yet. While it's not a huge leap over its predecessor, the Surface Laptop 3 does improve on almost every aspect. Best of all, with the 15-inch version you now get a choice of either Intel or AMD hardware. These are some of the most desirable laptops in the world that don't have a logo of an apple on them, with a new aluminum body that gives it a premium feel, while protecting it from knocks and drops when you’re on the road.
Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Laptop 3
(Image credit: Apple)
5. MacBook Air (2020)
New and improved for 2020
CPU: Intel Core i3 – i7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology | Storage: 256GB – 2TB PCIe-based SSD
Lower price of entry
New 10th generation processors
Improved keyboard
Screen colors a little muted
Battery life only OK
Webcam still just 720p
Apple’s thinnest and lightest MacBook came back in 2020 with a vengeance. Not only did it fix a lot of the complaints with its predecessors – namely, that problematic keyboard is now gone, replaced by a drastically improved keyboard. But it also came with new and more powerful internal components, even more storage space options, and a lower price of entry - making it ideal for musicians and DJs who are only starting out. There are a couple of things we’d do better, like the muted screen and the average battery life, but this model of the MacBook Air is better than anything we’ve seen from the line to date.
Read the full review: MacBook Air (2020)
(Image credit: Microsoft)
6. Microsoft Surface Pro 7
For upgraders or folks just getting into Microsoft’s tablet
CPU: 10th Gen Intel Core i3 – i7 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics – Iris Plus Graphics | RAM: 4GB – 16GB | Screen: 12.3” PixelSense Display | Storage: 128GB – 1TB
USB-C finally
Now with Wi-Fi 6
Overall loss in battery life
USB-C isn’t Thunderbolt 3
The seventh iteration of Microsoft’s award-winning product may not be the generational leap many Microsoft tablets have been waiting for, but it offers some improvements from its predecessor. This 2-in-1 tablet aimed at pros has received impressive gains in power, making it more capable than ever as laptops for musicians and DJs. Also, it now boasts a USB-C port and Wifi 6 connectivity. And, of course, it offers that same level of portability that many Windows tablet users crave. The best part is that it has a few configurations, which means you can choose how much power and storage space to get depending on how much you need.
Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Pro 7
(Image credit: Dell)
7. Dell XPS 15 (2019)
World’s smallest 15-inch laptop
CPU: 9th-generation Intel Core i5 – i9 | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 | RAM: 8GB – 64GB | Screen: 15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080) InfinityEdge Anti-Glare Non-touch IPS – 15.6-inch 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) Anti-Reflective InfinityEdge Touch IPS | Storage: 256GB – 2TB SSD
Gorgeous 4K display
Blazing fast CPU
Webcam back in its rightful place
Could use more ports
Speakers are bottom-facing
The Dell XPS line just keeps getting better every year, and 2019’s 15-inch model is no exception. The webcam, which is smaller than ever, is back in its rightful place, and that optional 4K touch display is as stunning as ever. Better yet, this boasts the more powerful 9th-generation processors as well as up to 64GB of memory, which makes it ideal for handling those demanding DAW applications. And with up to 2TB of storage, you’ll have enough space to store your music files in. Unfortunately, those speakers are bottom-facing, but you’re better off using your audiophile headphones or speakers anyway.
- Want more choices? Check out our list of the best laptops.
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