When it comes to music production, a good, fast, and reliable laptop have become an artist’s best friend.
From the heavy rendering, mixing, editing, you need a reliable and fast laptop that can support the creative process.
However, finding the best laptop for music production isn’t easy since there is currently an influx of laptops right now(source).
Moreover, there’s the agony of choosing which set of specifications you should give more value over the other.
As such, we have devised a buying guide that features laptops we feel you should consider.
Aside from that, we also threw in factors you need to remember when purchasing a good laptop for music production.
Also Great Editor's Choice Budget Pick
Contents
The best laptops for music production
Apple MacBook PRO
Apple laptops are a staple in the music production community due to their specifications. These features are packed in a delicate design that makes it easier and more convenient.
As such, the Apple MacBook Pro 15” does not fail to disappoint, and it is our #1 pick for the best laptop for music production. It is built with speed with an i7 core and runs on 2.8 GHZ. It also packs a lot of memory due to its 512 GB solid drive and 16 GB RAM memory.
Battery lasts up to 10 hours, perfect for editing and production needs. This is combined with a super-fine Retina display and the latest NVIDIA chip. It also has 4 USB ports, a HDMI port, an audio port and a card slot.
Overall, the MacBook Pro 15” is a good solid choice for beginners and veterans alike. It packs many features into a small, tiny frame.
Pros
- Slim and lightweight
- Has a lot of features
- Retina display
- Fast performance
- Massive storage space
Cons
- A bit pricey for some
- Touch bar takes getting used to
Razer Blade Pro 17
The Razer Blade Pro is more commonly known among gamers. However, its features can also support heavy music production.
The Razer Blade Pro 17 is equipped with a quad-core i7 processer, a 16GB RAM, 256 SSD and 2 TB HDD, giving you a fast and reliable performance that can suit your needs. it allows you to work on multiple projects without lagging.
It also has the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card, displaying high quality and colorful graphics on a 17.3-inch display. The full HD screen has 120Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth and vivid resolutions.
The Razer Blade Pro has sufficient ports like 3 USB- A and C, Thunderbolt 3, card slot, and ethernet. It also features a backlit keyboard and comes in a matte black finish.
If you are looking for a fast laptop with ample storage space, then the Razer Blade Pro 17 may be for you.
Pros
- Vivid screen display and resolution
- Fast and reliable performance
- Sufficient ports
- Massive storage space
- Short battery life
- Long and heavy
Microsoft Surface Pro 6
Unlike your usual laptops, the Microsoft Surface Pro 6 offers versatility since it can be converted into a tablet. However, it packs a lot of power despite its design.
It has an i5 processor combined with 8GB RAM and 128 SSD that lets you open apps and work on projects with ease. It also has a 12.3” display.
The Surface Pro 6 features a “tablet” and a “studio” mode that you can just as effectively use for mixing and editing music. It also comes with a Studio Pen.
All of these features are packed in a slim and lightweight design. However, this laptop is also durable. Moreover, its battery can last up to 13.5 hours, offering you a steady performance.
Overall, the Surface Pro 6 offers a decent performance combined with the versatility of a tablet. It’s perfect for users on the go.
- Can be used as a laptop or tablet
- Long battery life
- Slim and lightweight
- Ample storage space
- Decent graphics
- Some ports are missing
- Lack features for serious music production
HP Envy 13″
The HP Envy boasts a reliable performance with an i7 processor combined with 16GB RAM and a 512 SSD. This allows you to load and work on various projects easily. Moreover, the battery lasts up to 12 hours, depending on the usage.
Equipped with the NVIDIA MX250, it gives you a high-quality display on its 13.3-inch screen. It also has a decent number of ports, featuring 3 USB ports (type A and C), a media card reader, and a headphone jack.
It has an all-metal case and scratch-resistant screen that makes it safe when traveling. It also has a backlit keyboard and boasts speakers by Bang & Olufsen.
The HP Envy is also equipped with security features like the Webcam Kill switch and fingerprint reader. It also automatically checks your PC’s health and recovers lost files.
If you’re looking for a reliable and secure laptop, then the HP Envy may be for you.
- Touchscreen
- Security features
- Ample storage space
- Fast performance
- Great display
- Lacking some ports
- Touchscreen and fingerprint reader are unresponsive sometimes
Dell XPS 15
The Dell XPS 15 is equipped with the latest i5 processor and runs at a speed of 3.2 GHz, allowing you to work with ease. It also has 8GB RAM and 256 SSD that offers ample storage space.
With the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M chip, it boasts high-quality graphics on its 15.6” screen. The InfinityEdge feature with the ultra- HD 4k display offers a barely-there look and provides bright and clear images.
Dell has also equipped the XPS 15 with a sufficient number of ports to suit your needs. It has 2 USB ports, Thunderbolt 3, HDMI, a card reader, and a headphone jack.
The Dell XPS has an attractive aluminum lid and a sleek black interior. It also has a backlit keyboard and a comfortable touchpad.
The Dell XPS 15 is a solid choice for music producers with its fast processor, decent graphics and ample connectivity ports that can suit your needs.
- Fast and reliable performance
- Amazing display
- Sufficient ports
- Ample storage
- 12 hours battery life
- Average graphics for its price
- Awkward webcam placement
Razer Blade 15
While it may be a gaming laptop, the Razer Blade 15” is also a good and reliable partner in music and production. It boasts the i7-8750H processor combined with 16 GB RAM memory, a 128 GB SSD, and a 1 TB HDD that lets you store and load multiple apps easily.
The Razer Blade is equipped with the NVIDIA GTX 1060 on a 15.6” display, offering crystal-clear graphics. It’s also packed with 3 USB ports, a Thunderbolt 3, gigabit ethernet, HDMI port, and a mini display port.
Despite the numerous features it offers, the Razer Blade remains lightweight and compact. Its aluminum body is also durable that it could handle a few bumps and thumps. However, battery life is a bit short at 6 hours.
Nonetheless, if you’re looking for a fast and high-powered laptop, then the Razer Blade is the best laptop for music production is the one for you.
- Slim and lightweight design
- Large display
- Clear and bright graphics
- Fast performance
- Ample storage
- Short battery life
- Prone to heat build-ups
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 packs decent power with the latest i5 processor, allowing you to work on multiple projects. It also has an 8GB RAM memory and a 256 SSD giving you enough room to save your audio files.
It boasts crystal-clear graphics and resolution with the Intel UHD Graphics 620 chip. It also features a 13.5” PixelSense display touchscreen. The Surface 2 also has speakers hidden below the keyboard that offers a rich sound.
The Surface Laptop 2 comes in 3 stylish colors and is encased in a durable chassis. Its thin design allows you to bring it with you wherever you go.
However, it only has a few ports- 1 USB, mini display, surface-connect, and a headphone/microphone jack. It lacks a USB-C port altogether.
Nonetheless, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 offers decent performance. However, its lack of ports makes it unsuitable for heavy music production.
- Long battery life
- Lightweight and compact
- Decent performance
- Sleek and thin design
- 3 color options
- Insufficient ports
- Thick bezels
Apple Macbook Air 13″
The Macbook Air is equipped with the latest i5 processor, 16 GB RAM, and 1.5 TB SSD. It also has a turbo boost up to 3.6GHz, allowing you to work through multiple projects, open apps, and save files with ease. Moreover, the battery can last up to 12 hours.
It is equipped with the Intel UHD Graphics 617, giving high-quality graphics in a 13.3” LED retina display. Its wider speakers for crisp audio and has a touch ID.
The Macbook Air also comes in 3 colors encased in a durable aluminum alloy chassis. It’s also lightweight and thin, weighing 2.7 lbs and measuring only 0.68 inches. It comes with 2 Thunderbolt 3 ports.
The Macbook Air 13” offers you the same top-notch performance from Apple, albeit with a smaller screen and memory. However, its lightweight, allowing you to record and work on music on the go.
- Thin and lightweight
- Ample storage space
- Turbo boost
- Long battery life
- Retina Display
- i5 processor may be insufficient
- Lacks DVD/CD and USB drives
Asus ROG Strix G-SYNC
The ASUS ROG may be commonly known as a gaming laptop but its features also makes it a reliable partner for music production.
The ASUS ROG Strix is equipped with the latest i7 processor and the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 graphics. This gives a solid performance where you can mix and produce multiple projects without the lag.
It has 16GB RAM, 128 SSD, and 1 TB HDD, abundant storage space for your audio workstations. The ROG Strix uses a 17-inch screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, giving you a vivid visual experience.
The ROG Strix has ports like USC- A and C, HDMI, mini Display, card reader, and a microphone/headphone jack. It also features a slim and lightweight design, weighing only 5 lbs, and a cooling system to prevent overheating.
The ASUS ROG Strix laptop allows you to multitask like a champion with its fast processors and ample storage space.
- Impressive power
- Large storage
- Cooling system
- Ample ports
- Slim and lightweight
- 9-hour battery life
- Fans can get loud
Lenovo IdeaPad Y700
The Lenovo Ideapad Y700 is also a gaming laptop but its features also make it perfect for music production use too.
This laptop is equipped with an i7 processor and a 4GB memory that provides a smooth performance when working. It is equipped with the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 graphics displayed in a 17.3-inch LED anti-glare screen, giving you vivid and colorful images.
It has ample storage space with 16GB Ram, 1 TB HDD, and 128 SSD, which is enough for your workstations. It’s also equipped with high-quality speakers designed by JBL and Dolby Home Theater as well as a cooling system to prevent overheating.
However, weighing a little bit over 7 lbs, it’s a bit heavy for some users. It may not be ideal for those traveling a lot.
Overall, the Lenovo IdeaPad is a perfect partner in music production with its fast processors and crisp speakers.
- Ample storage
- Fast processors
- Quiet cooling system
- High-quality images
- Durable build
- Short battery life
- Heavy and bulky
Buying Guide
Whenever looking for the best laptop for music production, you also need to consider what operating system do you want since there are different kinds of systems. Whatever you choose, I recommend getting the latest one so you can get the latest music production software available.
CPU
A top-of-the-line CPU provides the fastest performance but they are only usually used in high-end laptops or premium laptops.
In choosing laptops for music production, I suggest getting a model with at least an i5 intel core processor.
Memory and storage
A laptop with ample storage space is ideal for you to save on lots of audio files and workstations. Get a hard drive of at least 256 GB and up to save you from file size limitations.
Moreover, make sure the laptop has 512 SSD to ensure fast loading and saving.
Decent-sized RAM memory is also ideal for you to store and access files quickly without the lag. Numerous sources say 4GB is enough; however, in our experience, 6-8 GB is ideal.
Ports
Get a laptop with numerous ports. You might want to get one with at least 2 USB ports, an HDMI port, and a Thunderbolt port.
Size
The size of your laptop should fit with how often you will be using/bringing the laptop with you. For frequent travelers, a portable laptop would be the best choice for trouble-free travel.
Battery life
The battery of a laptop is an integral part of choosing a laptop. You wouldn’t want your laptop suddenly dying when you’re working on your music
For more reference, read this video – Finding The Right Laptop PC For Music Production.
Editor’s Choice
We would have to say that the Apple MacBook Pro 15” is the best laptop for music production. It offers a sufficient and reliable performance and ample storage space, allowing you to work on multiple projects without the lag. It has sufficient ports and decent battery life. It’s also lightweight that you can bring it everywhere.