Best laptops for music production in 2024

In this article, we will explore the top laptops for music production in 2024, taking into consideration factors such as processor speed, memory, storage, display quality, and portability.

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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 MacBook Pro with M3 chip

Best Laptop for Music Production
5/5

The latest iteration of the Apple Macbook Pro might be the best one yet. With a new M3 chip created in-house, a beautiful Retain screen and snappy software, you can’t go wrong with the Apple Macbook Pro.

With a choice for both the M3 Pro and M3 Max chips, this is by far the best laptop for music production crammed in a 14.2 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.

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Best Laptop For Music Production

Apple MacBook Air M2

5/5

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.

It’s also available in several colours – allowing you to showcase your personality a bit. There’s also an M2 chip inside, which isn’t as fast as the newer M3 chip, but no slouch itself.

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. However, a DJ performing in clubs might want active cooling.

It is also recommended to get the 512GB model, as the 256GB is limited in space and features a slower SSD. Plus you can’t upgrade down the line!

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Dell XPS 13 Plus

4.5/5

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.

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ASUS VivoBook 16

Best Budget Laptop For Music Production
4/5
The ASUS VivoBook 16 is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on essential features. Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 5 7530U CPU and AMD Radeon Graphics, this laptop offers decent performance for beginner to intermediate music producers. The 16-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) 16:10 display provides ample screen real estate, and the 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD offer a balanced mix of multitasking capability and storage.

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Laptop For Music Production FAQ

Both Mac and Windows laptops have their pros and cons. MacBooks generally offer robust performance and are highly optimized for creative tasks but come with a hefty price tag. Windows laptops, on the other hand, offer more customization and are generally more budget-friendly.

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.

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