Have you ever thought about what kind of laptop is best for making music? Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been making music for a while, having the right laptop can make a big difference. There are so many laptops out there to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. I’m here to help you figure out which laptop is perfect for your musical needs. Read further.
The Factors we have Considered
- CPU Processor: The processor is the engine that drives your laptop’s performance, and for music production, a robust CPU is non-negotiable. A laptop with strong single-core capabilities enhances the overall responsiveness and efficiency of the music production workflow, making it a valuable choice for producers who prioritize a smooth and lag-free creative process. Intel Core or Apple processors These two give better single-core performance for seamless performance.
- RAM & Storage: Music production demands efficient multitasking, and an ample amount of RAM is the key to achieving this seamlessly. A minimum of 16GB is recommended, allowing you to run resource-intensive plugins, sample libraries, and multiple tracks simultaneously.
- Ports: A laptop equipped with a variety of ports, including USB, Thunderbolt, and audio interfaces, facilitates seamless connectivity with your external devices. This ensures you can effortlessly integrate MIDI controllers, audio interfaces, and other peripherals, creating a versatile and expandable music production environment.
Considering these three crucial factors – CPU, RAM, storage, and ports, we’ve also included a detailed “Buying Guide”. Take a look and choose a laptop from our list that stands out in the realm of music production
Best Laptop For Music Production – Comparison
| Product Name | CPU Processor | RAM & Storage | Ports | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Laptop For Music Production | Apple M3 Pro 12-Core CPU,18 Core GPU | 16 GB & 512 GB SSD | HDMI, Headphone jack, MagSafe 3, and Thunderbolt (USB-C) ports | Check On Amazon |
| Acer Laptop For Music Production | Intel Core i7-11800H | 16 GB & 1 TB SSD | Mini DisplayPort, HDMI port, and Thunderbolt port (USB-C) | Check On Amazon |
| Lenovo Laptop For Music Production | Intel Core i5-13420H | 32 GB & 1 TB SSD | HDMI 2.0, USB-A, USB-C, Headphone jack, Microphone Input | Check On Amazon |
| ASUS Laptop For Music Production | Intel Core i9-12900H | 16 GB & 512 GB SSD | Audio Jack, HDMI FRL, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, Thunderbolt port | Check On Amazon |
| MSI Laptop For Music Production | Intel Core i7-13620H | 32 GB & 2 TB SSD | Type-C (USB3.2 Gen1 / DP), Type-A USB3.2 Gen1 ports, 1x HDMI 2.1 and RJ45 | Check On Amazon |
| HP Laptop For Music Production | Intel Core i5-13420H | 16 GB & 512 GB SSD | HDMI 2.1, USB-A 3.1, USB-C 3.0 | Check On Amazon |
| Dell G16 Laptop for Music Production | Intel Core i9-13900HX | 16 GB & 1 TB SSD | USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, USB C 3.2 Gen 2 with Display port, HDMI 2.1,USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, Power in, RJ45 Headphone/Mic | Check On Amazon |
Best Laptop For Music Production For Beginners Reviews
1. Apple Laptop For Music Production
The Apple MacBook Pro features the M3 Pro chip, boasting 12 powerful cores for swift multitasking. Its 18-core graphics unit enhances image and video processing. This intelligent chip maintains peak performance even during demanding tasks like music production.
With 18GB of memory and a 512GB SSD, the MacBook Pro accommodates large music libraries and facilitates multitasking. Connectivity options include HDMI, a headphone jack, MagSafe 3, and three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports for versatile device connections. The battery life spans up to 22 hours for music production or 15 hours of internet browsing.
In terms of audio capabilities, the MacBook Pro supports AAC, MP3, Apple Lossless, FLAC, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos formats, ensuring a rich, immersive sound experience for music production.
Features:
- CPU: M3 Pro
- RAM: 18GB RAM
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Ports for Connectivity: HDMI, Headphone jack, MagSafe 3, and Thunderbolt (USB-C) ports
- Battery life: Up to 22 hours
Pros:
- top-notch quality, stability, speed, and an impressive display
- The screen is exceptionally clear and sharp
- Excels in both business applications and photo editing tasks.
- Highly recommended for music production
Cons:
- Issues with macOS Ventura
- Problems with printer drivers
- Expensive
Another Best Product from Apple: Apple MacBook Air Laptop
The Apple MacBook Air features the latest M2 chip, providing powerful performance with an 8-core CPU consisting of 4 high-performance cores and 4 efficiency cores. It comes with 16GB of unified memory and a 512GB SSD for ample storage space.
Connectivity is a priority with a MagSafe 3 charging port and two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports. The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display enhances your viewing experience. The MacBook Air offers up to 18 hours of battery life thanks to the energy-efficient Apple M2 chip. It supports Wi-Fi 6 for fast wireless connectivity and Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless device communication.
For audio, the MacBook Air supports various high-quality formats including AAC, MP3, Apple Lossless, FLAC, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos.
2. Acer Laptop For Music Production
Acer Predator Helios Laptop is equipped with an impressive 11th Generation Intel Core i7-11800H processor boasting 8 cores and 16 threads, providing the processing power needed to handle intensive music production tasks. With a maximum turbo frequency of 4.60 GHz
The laptop comes with 16GB DDR4 3200MHz memory, allowing for seamless multitasking and efficient handling of large music production projects. Storage is taken care of with a 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD.
In terms of display, the Acer Predator Helios 300 features a 15.6″ Full HD with a 144Hz refresh rate. In terms of ports, the Acer Predator offers a Mini DisplayPort v1.4, HDMI port v2.1, and Thunderbolt port v4 (USB-C), so you can easily connect to external monitors, audio interfaces, and other peripherals, enhancing your music production setup.
Features:
- CPU: Intel i7
- RAM: 16GB RAM
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Ports for Connectivity: HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt (USB-C) ports
- Battery life: Up to 6 hours
Pros:
- It handles multitasking effortlessly without any glitches.
- Perfectly runs all my games and programs.
- The turbo fan speed is a notable advantage, ensuring efficient cooling.
- Ideal for live streaming and production tasks.
Cons:
- Battery life is notably subpar.
- Presence of excessive pre-installed software, known as bloatware.
3. Lenovo Laptop For Music Production
For those seeking a high-performance laptop tailored for music production, the Lenovo LOQ Laptop emerges as a top contender. Its Intel 13th generation i5 13420H processor delivers impressive speed and responsiveness.
The inclusion of an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU with 6GB ensures efficient graphics processing, essential for demanding music production software. With a generous 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a fast 1TB PCIe SSD, storage and multitasking are handled with ease.
Operating at a clock speed of 4.6 GHz, this laptop guarantees precision and efficiency in executing music production tasks. Moreover, its array of ports, including HDMI 2.0, USB-A, USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Headphone Jack, and Microphone Input, offers versatile connectivity options.
Features:
- CPU: Intel i5
- RAM: 32GB RAM
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Ports for Connectivity: HDMI 2.0, USB-A, USB-C, Headphone Jack, and Microphone Input.
Pros:
- Fast boot times enhance user experience.
- Equipment is excellent for gaming, video streaming, and music production.
- Sound quality is superb.
- Refresh rate of 120 GHz provides smooth visuals.
Cons:
- Build quality is subpar.
- Battery life is lacking.
4. ASUS Laptop For Music Production
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 laptop, operating on Windows 11 Home, boasts powerful hardware including a 12th Gen Intel Core i9-12900H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop GPU with 6GB. With 16GB of RAM and 512GB PCIe storage, it offers fast performance and ample space for your audio files.
For connectivity, it features various ports including a 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack, HDMI 2.1 FRL, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port with DisplayPort support and power delivery. Additionally, it includes a Thunderbolt port for versatile connection options for external devices and displays, enhancing your music production setup.
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 delivers an immersive audio experience with Smart Amp Technology, Dolby Atmos, and AI noise-canceling technology, ensuring high-quality sound output. It also supports Hi-Res certification for headphones.
Features:
- CPU: Intel i9
- RAM: 16GB RAM
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Ports for Connectivity: Audio Jack, HDMI 2.1 FRL, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C,
- Graphic Card: RTX 3060
- GPU Memory: 6GB GDDR6
Pros:
- Impressive graphics and speed
- Reliable quality and performance
- Quick power-on
- Fast boot-up time
- Excellent connectivity
Cons:
- The laptop is on the heavier side
- Trackpad performance could be improved
5. MSI Laptop For Music Production
MSI CyborgLaptop is a reliable companion for music production and digital projects. Boasting a 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13620H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 graphics, it ensures smooth performance without lags. Its 32GB DDR5 RAM and 2TB PCIe SSD provide ample storage for your files.
Connectivity is a breeze with its assortment of ports, including Type-C, Type-A USB, HDMI™ 2.1, and RJ45, facilitating easy integration of your equipment.
While it excels in performance and portability, it’s worth noting that the battery life is average and it may run hot under heavy use. However, its lightweight design makes it convenient for on-the-go use.
Features:
- CPU: Intel i7
- RAM: 32GB DDR5 – 5200MHz
- Storage: 2TB SSD
- Ports for Connectivity: Type-C (USB3.2 Gen1 / DP), Type-A USB3.2 Gen1 ports, HDMI™ 2.1 (capable of 4K @ 60Hz), and RJ45
- Graphic Card: RTX 4050
- GPU Memory: 6GB GDDR6
Pros:
- No lags
- Good performance
- Lightweight
- Powerful graphics card
Cons:
- Average battery life
- May run hot
6. HP Laptop For Music Production
The HP Victus 15.6″ Laptop is equipped with an Intel 13th Generation Core i5 13420H processor, featuring 8 cores and a clock speed ranging from 1.5 GHz to 4.6 GHz. It’s complemented by an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card, ensuring smooth performance for music production tasks.
With 16GB of DDR4-3200 MHz RAM and a 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD, you’ll experience fast access to your music files and projects.
For connectivity, the HP Victus provides a variety of ports suitable for music production setups, including 1 x HDMI 2.1, 2 x USB-A 3.1, and 1 x USB-C 3.0. Additionally, it offers Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities for seamless wireless connections.
Features:
- CPU: Intel i5
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 – 3200MHz
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Ports for Connectivity: HDMI 2.1, USB-A 3.1, 1 x USB-C 3.0
- Graphic Card: RTX 3050
Pros:
- High capacity and fast performance are notable features.
- The device demonstrates commendable performance.
Cons:
- The battery life is limited to less than 4 hours.
- There is a noticeable screen wobbling.
7. Dell Laptop For Music Production
The Dell Gaming Laptop offers impressive features designed to enhance your computing experience. It comes with an Intel Core i9-13900HX processor, boasting a clock speed of 5.4 GHz, along with 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a spacious 1TB SSD for ample storage. The visual experience is enhanced by its 16-inch QHD+ display with a resolution of 2560×1600.
With the inclusion of the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 8GB GDDR6 graphics card, the laptop delivers exceptional visual performance. It also provides a range of connectivity options, including Superspeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, USB C 3.2 Gen 2 with DisplayPort Alt-mode, HDMI 2.1, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, Power in, RJ45 Headphone/Mic.
For music producers seeking an immersive audio experience, the Dell G16 features Dolby Audio and IntelliGo AI-driven noise cancellation software. This ensures clear audio quality, allowing you to focus on your music production without any distractions.
Features:
- CPU: Intel i9
- RAM: 16GB DDR5 – 4800 MHz
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Ports for Connectivity: USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, USB C 3.2 Gen 2 with DisplayPort Alt-mode, HDMI 2.1
- Graphic Card: RTX 4070
Pros:
- Efficient operation without disruptions.
- Minimal noise emission and heat generation.
- Remarkable performance.
Cons:
- Considerable weight.
- Poor battery life.
Buying Guide For Laptops For Music Production
When selecting a laptop for music production, it’s important to grasp the fundamental components that drive performance. These components include the CPU, RAM, hard drive, and GPU. In this guide, we’ll explore each component to help you make informed decisions, whether you’re looking at pre-built options or considering building your own laptop.
1. CPU Processor
When choosing a CPU for music production, you’ll typically consider options from Intel, AMD, and Apple. Apple’s M3 processor stands out for its excellent single-core performance, particularly when used with Logic software.
Some professionals still prefer Intel processors due to historical software optimizations and superior single-core performance. For optimal single-core performance, Intel i7 and i9 processors are recommended, while beginners can start with i3 and i5 models. Despite lower single-core performance, recent AMD Ryzen processors like the Ryzen R5 and R7 offer solid performance for music production tasks.
Aim for a minimum speed of 2.0 gigahertz, but consider 5.0 gigahertz for demanding software and multiple plugin usage. If budget allows, opt for a multicore processor with 6 cores or more for smoother multitasking. Ultimately, prioritize a CPU that can handle real-time audio processing and plugin usage effectively.
2. RAM & Storage
RAM is crucial for multitasking in music production. A minimum of 16GB is recommended, but consider upgrading to 32GB or more for handling complex projects smoothly. Solid-state drives (SSDs) with a PCIe interface are preferred over traditional HDDs for faster data access times. Aim for at least a 512GB SSD, with 1TB or more providing ample space for audio files and software. External SSDs with USB-C technology can also enhance workflow efficiency
3. Ports
Ports are essential for connectivity with audio interfaces and peripherals. USB B, USB C, Thunderbolt, and audio jacks are commonly preferred by musicians. Consider purchasing an audio interface if you require additional ports for your setup.
4. Graphic Card Description
For most music production tasks that don’t heavily involve visuals or video, a mid-range GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is sufficient. A mid-range GPU strikes a balance between cost and performance, making it ideal for handling occasional graphical tasks without overburdening your laptop’s budget.
If your music production workflow involves software that explicitly mentions GPU acceleration, having a dedicated GPU can speed up these processes and improve the overall efficiency of your work. For example, visual effects, 3D audio processing, or rendering complex musical scores can benefit from GPU acceleration.
5. Display Size
The display size you choose depends on your personal preference. A larger screen provides more real estate for arranging tracks and plugins, making it easier to work on complex projects.
A 15.6-inch or 17-inch screen is popular among music producers, but ultrabooks with 13 or 14-inch screens are also suitable for portability and working on the go.
A higher screen resolution ensures a sharper display, making it easier to spot details when editing waveforms or working on intricate musical arrangements.
Look for laptops with at least a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. Some laptops offer 4K displays (3840 x 2160) for incredibly crisp visuals, but these may consume more power.
6. Operating System: Windows VS macOS
The choice between macOS and Windows for music production ultimately depends on personal preference and specific requirements. Both operating systems have their advantages and are widely used in the music production industry.
macOS is often favored by many music producers for its stability, smooth performance, and integration with professional audio software such as Logic Pro X. Macs are known for their optimized hardware and software ecosystem, which can provide a seamless experience for music production tasks. Additionally, many musicians and producers prefer macOS for its intuitive user interface and overall reliability.
On the other hand, Windows-based systems are also popular among music producers due to their wide range of hardware options, affordability, and compatibility with a variety of audio interfaces and third-party software. Windows PCs can offer powerful performance for music production tasks, especially when configured with high-performance hardware components.
macOS is well-regarded for its stability and integration with digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Logic Pro X. Windows offers a wider range of software compatibility and hardware options. Ultimately, the “better” operating system for music production depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.
7. Build and Portability
Consider the build quality and portability of the laptop. A sturdy build ensures durability and a lightweight design makes it easier to carry your laptop for on-the-go music production. A backlit keyboard can be beneficial for working in low-light conditions. Laptops with metal constructions, such as aluminium or magnesium alloy, tend to offer superior durability compared to their plastic counterparts. Ideally, a laptop weighing around 3 to 5 pounds is suitable for portability without compromising on build quality.
Laptop For Music Production – FAQs
Ans: Both Windows and macOS are popular choices. Your preference may depend on your preferred digital audio workstation (DAW) and software compatibility.
Ans: A 15-inch or larger screen is recommended for better visibility when working with multiple tracks and plugins.
Ans: The choice of DAW is subjective and depends on your workflow and preferences. Popular options include Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro X (macOS only), and Pro Tools.
Ans: This depends on your needs, but a USB or Thunderbolt audio interface with low latency and high-quality preamps is typically a good choice.
Ans: While a powerful GPU isn’t essential, it can help with graphical tasks and certain plugins. However, the CPU and RAM are more important for music production.
Ans: No, a powerful laptop is not always necessary to make music. Basic music production can be achieved on a variety of laptops, but the requirements may vary based on the complexity of your projects and the software you use.
Ans: Yes, you can make music on a cheap laptop. While high-end laptops offer more processing power and features, many music production software and tools are available for affordable laptops
Ans: Yes, you can use an HP laptop for music production. Many HP laptops offer sufficient processing power and memory to run music production software effectively.
Conclusion
Top 3 Laptop Recommendations for Music Production:
- For Beginners in Music Production, the HP Victus Gaming Laptop is the best option, primarily due to its robust hardware and versatile features. It’s powered by an Intel 13th Generation Core i5 13420H processor with eight cores and a substantial clock speed of 4.6GHz, ensuring that it can handle the demanding tasks of music production with ease.
- For experts, the Apple MacBook Pro Laptop M3 Pro chip is an excellent choice for music production, offering a strong and efficient M3 chip for seamless performance. It also boasts an impressive battery life, making it suitable for extended music production sessions.
- If you’re into gaming and music production, the Asus Predator Helios is a great option. It provides impressive gaming performance with an RTX 3060 GPU and features a bright and crisp 144Hz display, making it ideal for multimedia tasks.
