In the world of music production, having the right tools is crucial for creating high-quality tracks. One of the most important tools for any music producer is a reliable laptop that can handle the demands of music production software.
With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which laptop is the best fit for your needs. Whether you are a professional musician or just starting out, we have compiled a list of the best laptops to help you find the perfect fit.
Music production requires a powerful and reliable laptop that can handle multiple audio tracks, virtual instruments, and effects. Whether you are a professional musician or a beginner, having a good laptop can greatly enhance your music production experience.
When looking for the best laptops for music production, there are a few key factors to consider:
Key Factors to Consider
CPU Performance
The CPU is the brain of your laptop, and its performance is crucial for real-time audio processing. Intel Core i9, i7, and AMD Ryzen 9 are popular choices. Apple’s M range, including M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max, and M2, also offer robust performance.
RAM Requirements
RAM is essential for multitasking and running multiple plugins simultaneously. While 8GB is the bare minimum, 16GB is recommended for a smoother experience. Some high-end models even offer up to 64GB RAM for advanced tasks.
Storage Solutions
Solid State Drives (SSDs) are a must for quick data access and load times. Some users prefer a combination of HDD and SSD for both speed and storage capacity.
Screen and Display
A larger, higher-resolution display can significantly aid complex Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) setups. However, if portability is a concern, you might opt for a smaller screen size.
Ports and Connectivity
The number and type of ports can greatly affect your workflow. USB-C, HDMI, and audio jack are some of the essential ports you should look for.
Apple M1 MacBook Pro 14"
Best Laptop for Music Production
The latest iteration of the Apple Macbook Pro might be the best one yet. With a new M1 chip created in-house, a beautiful Retain screen and snappy software, you can’t go wrong with the Apple M1 Macbook Pro.
With a choice for both the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, this is by far the best laptop for music production crammed in a 14 inch screen. Even if you like to edit videos, this machine won’t have the slightest of issues. It can also come equipped with 64GB of RAM and 8TB of SSD storage.
Pros
- Cost-Effective: Offers most of the benefits of the 16" model but at a lower price point.
- Portability: The 14" display size makes it more portable without sacrificing too much screen real estate.
Cons
- Limited Ports: Fewer ports mean you might need to invest in additional dongles or hubs.
- Non-upgradable: Like other MacBooks, you can't upgrade the hardware components.
Best Deal
Apple MacBook Air M2
The smaller sibling of the Macbook Pro, the Macbook Air is the lightest and thinnest laptop available – making it a great choice for music producers.
For the first time, it’s also available in several colours – allowing you to showcase your personality a bit. There’s also the new M2 chip inside, but there’s only 2 Thunderbolt USB ports, which can be limiting.
One core difference between the Macbook Pro and Macbook Air is the Air features a fanless design – making it absolutely silent while operating. This could also be a huge benefit for music producers who prioritise a silent studio.
It is also recommended to get the 512GB model, as the 256GB is limited in space and features a slower SSD.
The Apple Macbook Air M2 is currently available for $1049, a 25% discount off the original price.
Pros
- Beautiful screen
- Great performance
Cons
- Base model is slow
- Can't upgrade down the line
Best Deal
Dell XPS 13 Plus
The Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023) is an ultraportable laptop that offers a blend of performance and aesthetics. It features an Intel Core i7-1360P processor, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD. The 13.4-inch OLED touch screen with a native display resolution of 3,456 by 2,160 makes it a compelling choice for music producers who are always on the move.
Pros
- Impressive Speed: The Intel Core i7-1360P processor ensures that the laptop can handle multiple tasks efficiently.
- Stunning 3.5K OLED Display: The high-resolution touch screen offers vibrant visuals, enhancing your music production experience.
- Compact and Lightweight: Weighing just 2.77 lbs and measuring 0.6 by 11.6 by 7.8 inches, it's highly portable.
- Elegant Keyboard and Touchpad: The seamless design of the keyboard and touchpad adds to the overall sleekness.
- Cost-Effective: Compared to other high-end models, this laptop comes at a more reasonable price.
Cons
- Limited Ports: The laptop only features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, requiring additional adapters for more connectivity.
- Subpar Battery Life: With a tested battery life of just 6 hours and 43 minutes, it may not last through extended production sessions.
- No Cellular Connectivity: The absence of mobile broadband limits its usability in areas without Wi-Fi.
Best Deal
ASUS VivoBook 16
Best Budget Laptop For Music Production
Pros
- Affordable Price Point: At around $500, this is an excellent choice for those who are just starting out in music production or are on a tight budget.
- Ample Storage: The 512GB SSD provides sufficient space for storing projects and quick data retrieval.
- Fingerprint Sensor: An added layer of security that simplifies the login process.
Cons
- Limited RAM: With 8GB of RAM, you may face limitations when running multiple plugins or larger projects. However, you can always upgrade at a later stage.
- Entry-Level CPU: The AMD Ryzen 5 7530U is decent but may not handle more complex production tasks as efficiently as higher-end CPUs.
Best Deal
Laptop For Music Production FAQ
The best laptop right now is definitely the Apple Macbook Air M2.
The best laptop for a DJ right now would be the Macbook Air M2 or Dell XPS 13.
Gaming laptops can be good for music production, as they often have powerful processors, plenty of memory, and large storage capacities, which are important for running music production software smoothly. However, there are a few things to consider when using a gaming laptop for music production:
Display quality: Music production software often requires a high-resolution display for viewing small details, such as waveforms and notation. Many gaming laptops have displays with higher refresh rates and lower resolutions, which may not be ideal for music production.
Portability: Gaming laptops tend to be larger and heavier than laptops specifically designed for music production, which can make them less portable. If you need a laptop you can take with you on the go, a gaming laptop may not be the best choice.
Noise and heat: Gaming laptops often have powerful processors and graphics cards that can generate a lot of heat and noise. This may not be a problem if you are using your laptop at home, but it could be an issue if you need to use it in a quiet or confined space.
In summary, gaming laptops can be good for music production if you prioritize power and storage over portability and display quality. However, if you need a laptop specifically for music production that is portable and has a high-resolution display, it may be better to choose a laptop specifically designed for music production.
