Choosing the best laptop for music production
Table of Contents
If you’re a music producer, having the right laptop is essential for efficient and high-quality work. Investing in a laptop specifically designed for music production can save you time, money, and frustration. In this article, we will explore the best laptops for music production in 2023, taking into account factors such as power, memory, screen size, and portability.
Why Choosing the best laptop for music production
Laptops designed for music production offer several advantages over regular laptops. They are equipped with powerful processors and ample RAM, allowing you to handle complex tasks without experiencing lag or crashes. These laptops are optimized for running music production software, ensuring smooth performance and minimal latency. Additionally, they often come with high-quality speakers, enabling you to accurately monitor and fine-tune your audio creations.
The Top Choices for Music Production Laptops in 2023
To help you find the perfect laptop for your music production needs, we have curated a list of the top options available in 2023. These laptops have been carefully selected based on industry expertise, extensive reviews, and consideration of key features. Let’s explore each option in detail:
MacBook Pro 14-inch
The MacBook Pro 14-inch is our top pick for the best laptop for music production. Despite its higher price tag, this machine offers exceptional power and performance. Whether you’re working on complex tracks or editing audio, the MacBook Pro 14-inch can handle it all with ease. Its compact size, stunning screen, and long battery life make it a highly portable option for music producers on the go.
| Specifications | MacBook Pro 14-inch (M2, 2023) |
|---|---|
| CPU | Apple M2 Pro (12-core) |
| Graphics | Integrated 16-core GPU |
| RAM | 32GB Unified memory |
| Screen | 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display |
| Resolution | 3024 x 1964 pixels |
| Display Technology | Mini-LED |
| Sustained Brightness | 1000 nits |
| Color Gamut | Wide Color P3 |
| ProMotion Technology | Yes |
| Storage | 2TB SSD |
| Ports | 3x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) |
| HDMI | |
| SDXC card slot | |
| 3.5mm headphone jack | |
| MagSafe 3 | |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth 5.3 | |
| Camera | 1080p FaceTime HD webcam |
| Weight | 3.5 pounds (1.6 kg) |
| Size | 12.31 x 8.71 x 0.61 inches |
| (31.26 x 22.12 x 1.55 cm; W x D x H) |
MacBook Air
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option without compromising on performance, the MacBook Air is an excellent choice. The new-for-2022 MacBook Air comes equipped with the M2 chip, offering fantastic value for money. It may not have the same level of power as the MacBook Pro, but it can still handle any music production application with ease. The fanless design ensures a silent operation, ideal for recording sessions.
| Specifications | MacBook Air (M2, 2022) |
|---|---|
| CPU | Apple M2 (8-core) |
| Graphics | Integrated 10-core GPU |
| RAM | 16GB Unified LPDDR5 |
| Screen | 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1664 pixels |
| Display Technology | Backlit LED, IPS |
| Brightness | 500 nits |
| Color Gamut | Wide Color P3 |
| Storage | 1TB SSD |
| Ports | 2x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) |
| 3.5mm headphone jack | |
| MagSafe 3 charging port | |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth 5.0 | |
| Camera | 1080p FaceTime HD webcam |
| Weight | 2.7 pounds (1.24 kg) |
| Size | 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches |
| (30.41 x 21.5 x 1.13 cm; W x D x H) |
Dell XPS 17 (2021)
For those who prefer Windows laptops, the Dell XPS 17 (2021) is an excellent choice for music production. Despite its large 17-inch display, the XPS 17 is surprisingly thin and lightweight, making it highly portable. With its powerful Intel Core i9 processor, ample RAM, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics, this laptop can handle any music production software without performance issues. Although it may be on the pricier side, the premium design and top-notch performance make it worth considering.
| Specifications | Dell XPS 17 (2021) |
|---|---|
| Processor | 11th-gen Intel Core i7-11800H (8 cores) |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 |
| Display | 17.0″ UHD+ (3840 x 2400) |
| Memory | 32GB |
| Storage | 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe solid state drive |
| Ports | 4x Thunderbolt 4 |
| 1x Audio Jack | |
| 1x SD Slot | |
| 1x Wedge-shaped Lock Slot | |
| Dimensions | 19.05 mm x 374.45 x 248.05 mm |
| Weight | 2.21 kg |
MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022)
The newest addition to the MacBook Pro lineup, the 13-inch (M2, 2022) model, boasts impressive power and performance. With the latest M2 chip, this MacBook Pro is capable of handling resource-intensive music production software with ease. The compact 13-inch size makes it highly portable, although some producers may prefer a larger screen for detailed work
| Specifications | MacBook Air (M2, 2022) |
|---|---|
| CPU | Apple M2 (8-core) |
| Graphics | Integrated 10-core GPU |
| RAM | 16GB Unified LPDDR5 |
| Screen | 13.3-inch Retina display |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1600 pixels |
| Display Technology | Backlit LED, IPS |
| Brightness | 500 nits |
| Color Gamut | Wide Color P3 |
| Storage | 1TB SSD |
| Ports | 2x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) |
| 3.5mm headphone jack | |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth 5.0 | |
| Camera | 720p FaceTime HD webcam |
| Weight | 3.0 pounds (1.4 kg) |
| Size | 11.97 x 8.36 x 0.61 inches |
| (30.41 x 21.24 x 1.56 cm; W x D x H) |
Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 (2022)
f you’re a music producer who also enjoys gaming, the Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 (2022) is the perfect laptop for you. This high-end gaming laptop offers excellent processing capabilities, making it a powerful option for music production as well. With its Intel Core i9 processor, NVIDIA RTX graphics, and ample RAM, the Strix Scar 15 can handle even the most demanding music production tasks. The laptop’s lightweight design and impressive battery life make it a great choice for both work and play.
| Specifications | Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 (2022) |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i9-12900H (14-core) |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe, Nvidia RTX 3070 Ti 8GB |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Screen | 15.6-inch, 2560 x 1440, 240Hz, IPS LCD |
| Storage | 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD |
| Ports | 1x USB Type-C |
| 1x USB Type-C with Thunderbolt | |
| 2x USB-A | |
| HDMI 2.0 | |
| Ethernet | |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack | |
| Keystone | |
| Size | 35.4 x 25.9 x 2.72 cm (W x H x D) |
| Weight | 2.3 kg |
MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021)
If you prefer a larger screen for your music production work, the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021) is an excellent option. With similar specs to its 14-inch counterpart, the 16-inch model offers slightly better battery life and a more comfortable working experience for those who require more screen real estate. It’s a brilliant laptop for music production, capable of handling even the most complex projects.macbook pro also best for architecture student
| Specifications | MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021) |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i9 or i7 (10th Gen) |
| CPU Cores | 8-core or 6-core (configurable) |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon Pro 5500M (4GB or 8GB) |
| RAM | 16GB (configurable up to 64GB) |
| Screen | 16-inch Retina display |
| Resolution | 3072 x 1920 pixels |
| Display Technology | Backlit LED, IPS |
| Brightness | 500 nits |
| Color Gamut | Wide Color P3 |
| Storage | 512GB SSD (configurable up to 8TB) |
| Ports | 4x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) |
| 3.5mm headphone jack | |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Bluetooth 5.0 | |
| Camera | 720p FaceTime HD webcam |
| Touch Bar | Yes |
| Touch ID | Yes |
| Keyboard | Magic Keyboard with Backlit |
| Battery Life | Up to 11 hours (web browsing) |
| Weight | 4.3 pounds (2.0 kg) |
| Dimensions | 14.09 x 9.68 x 0.64 inches |
| (35.79 x 24.59 x 1.62 cm; W x D x H) |
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio showcases Microsoft’s advancements in laptop design. With its stunning touch screen and powerful performance, it’s an excellent choice for music production. The laptop’s long battery life and portability make it ideal for on-the-go musicians. Running on Windows 11, it offers seamless compatibility with music production software.
| Specifications | Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio |
|---|---|
| Processor | 11th Gen Intel Core i5 / i7 / i9 |
| CPU Cores | Quad-core / Hexa-core / Octa-core (configurable) |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe / NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti / 3060 |
| RAM | 16GB / 32GB / 64GB (configurable) |
| Screen | 14.4-inch PixelSense Touchscreen Display |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1600 pixels |
| Display Technology | IPS LCD, 120Hz refresh rate |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB (configurable) |
| Ports | 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) |
| 1x USB-A | |
| 3.5mm headphone jack | |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Bluetooth 5.1 | |
| Camera | 1080p HD front-facing camera |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Pen Support | Surface Slim Pen 2 compatible |
| Keyboard | Detachable, Backlit |
| Battery Life | Up to 11 hours (web browsing) |
| Weight | 3.75 pounds (1.7 kg) |
| Dimensions | 13.3 x 9.9 x 0.9 inches (W x D x H) |
Asus ZenBook Pro Duo 15 UX582L
For those seeking a truly innovative laptop, the Asus ZenBook Pro Duo 15 UX582L is a standout choice. This dual-screen laptop features a second screen above the keyboard, providing extra control and versatility for music production. The touchscreen displays offer stunning visuals, and the powerful components ensure smooth performance. While the unique design comes at a higher price point, it offers a level of creativity and productivity that other laptops lack.
| Specifications | Asus ZenBook Pro Duo 15 UX582L |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Processor | Intel Core i9 (12th Generation) |
| CPU Speed | 3.8 / 5.0 GHz |
| CPU Model | i9-12900H |
| CPU Cache | 24MB Cache |
| CPU Cores | 14 Cores |
| CPU Threads | 20 Threads |
| Screen Size | 15.6 inches |
| Max Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Display Technology | OLED |
| Response Time | 0.2ms |
| Peak Brightness | 550 nits |
| Color Gamut | 100% DCI-P3 |
| Contrast Ratio | 1,000,000:1 |
| Display HDR | VESA CERTIFIED Display HDR True Black 500 |
| Color Depth | 1.07 billion colors |
| PANTONE Validated | Yes |
| Display Finish | Glossy |
| Blue Light Reduction | 65% less harmful blue light |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| RAM | 32 GB |
| Storage | 1 TB SSD |
| Optical Drive | No Optical Drive |
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070Ti Laptop GPU |
| Graphics Memory | 8 GB Dedicated |
| Integrated Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics |
| Wireless Connectivity | WiFi, Bluetooth |
| WebCam | Yes |
| External Ports | USB 3.x, HDMI, Headphone/Mic combo, USB-C, Thunderbolt |
| Dimensions | 35.98 x 24.92 x 2.15 ~ 2.15 cm (14.17″ x 9.81″ x 0.85″ ~ 0.85″) |
| Weight | 5.16 lbs |
LG Gram 17 (2021)
If you prefer a larger screen for your music production work, the LG Gram 17 (2021) is worth considering. Despite its 17-inch display, this laptop is surprisingly lightweight and portable. With its impressive battery life and excellent performance, the LG Gram 17 offers a great balance between power and portability. It’s an ideal choice for music producers who require a larger screen for working on multiple tracks and complex arrangements. Check out our expert review for more information.
| Specifications | LG Gram 17 (2021) |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home (Upgradable to Windows 11) |
| Processor | 11th Gen Intel Core i7 / i5 |
| CPU Cores | Quad-core (i5) / Hexa-core (i7) |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe (Integrated) |
| RAM | 8GB / 16GB / 32GB (configurable) |
| Screen Size | 17-inch |
| Max Resolution | 2560 x 1600 pixels |
| Display Technology | WQXGA IPS LCD |
| Brightness | 350 nits |
| Color Gamut | 96% DCI-P3 |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (configurable) |
| Ports | 3x USB 3.2 Type-A |
| 1x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) | |
| 1x HDMI | |
| 3.5mm headphone jack | |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Bluetooth 5.1 | |
| WebCam | HD Webcam |
| Keyboard | Backlit |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Yes |
| Battery Life | Up to 19.5 hours (MobileMark 2014) |
| Weight | 2.98 lbs (1.35 kg) |
| Dimensions | 15 x 10.3 x 0.7 inches (W x D x H) |
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4
lthough superseded by the Surface Laptop Studio, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 remains a highly capable option for music production. With customizable RAM and storage options, this laptop can be tailored to suit your specific needs. Whether you choose the more powerful Ryzen processor or the base model, the Surface Laptop 4 can handle light-to-medium musical tasks with ease. Its speakers deliver quality sound, and the lightweight design makes it a portable choice.
| Specifications | Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7 |
| Graphics | 2256 x 1504 / 2496 x 1664 (201 PPI) |
| RAM | 8-32GB |
| Screen | 10-point multitouch PixelSense Display |
| Size | 13.5-inch / 15-inch |
| Storage | 256GB-1TB SSD |
| Ports | 1 x USB-C |
| 1 x USB-A | |
| 3.5mm headphone jack | |
| 1 x Surface Connect port | |
| Dimensions | 13.5-inch: 308mm x 223mm x 14.5mm |
| 15-inch: 339.5mm x 244mm x 14.7mm | |
| Weight | 13.5-inch: 1,265-1,542g |
| 15-inch: 1,265-1,542g |
Conclusion
Choosing the best laptop for music production is a crucial decision for any music producer. The laptops listed in this article offer powerful performance, excellent audio quality, and portability, making them ideal for music production tasks. Consider your specific needs, budget, and preferences when making a final decision. With the right laptop, you can unleash your creativity and produce high-quality music with ease.
Remember to regularly check for updates and new releases in the market to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in music production laptops. Happy producing!
When choosing a laptop for music production, consider factors such as the processor (CPU) power, RAM, storage capacity, and graphics capability. A powerful processor and ample RAM are essential for handling resource-intensive audio production tasks, while sufficient storage ensures you have enough space for your projects. A dedicated graphics card is beneficial for handling graphical interfaces in music software.
Both Windows and macOS are capable of handling music production tasks effectively. The choice between them largely depends on personal preference and the software you prefer to use. Some musicians and producers prefer macOS for its seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem and optimized audio performance, while others find Windows laptops offer more flexibility and software options.
For music production in 2023, 16GB of RAM is generally considered the minimum for smooth performance. However, if you work with large projects, multiple virtual instruments, and complex audio processing, consider opting for 32GB of RAM or more to ensure optimal performance and multitasking capabilities.
A dedicated graphics card is not strictly necessary for music production, as most audio-related tasks do not heavily rely on graphical processing. However, having a dedicated graphics card can be beneficial if you work with audio production software that includes graphics-intensive features or if you plan to do video editing alongside music production.
For music production, aim for a laptop with a powerful multi-core processor. In 2023, Intel Core i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen 7/9 processors are recommended. These CPUs offer excellent performance and multitasking capabilities, crucial for handling demanding audio production tasks.
Yes, external audio interfaces can significantly enhance audio quality and reduce latency when working on a music production laptop. They provide higher-quality analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion, allowing you to connect studio-grade microphones, instruments, and studio monitors directly to your laptop.
The ideal screen size for music production laptops depends on personal preference and portability needs. A 13-inch or 15-inch laptop offers a good balance of screen real estate and portability. Larger screens, such as 17-inch, can provide more workspace but may be less portable.
Touchscreen laptops can be beneficial for music production, as they offer intuitive control over software interfaces and virtual instruments. However, touchscreen functionality is not a necessity for music production and largely depends on individual workflow preferences.
For music production, an SSD (Solid State Drive) is highly recommended over an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). SSDs provide faster read/write speeds, which can significantly improve loading times for large audio projects and software. Aim for at least 256GB of SSD storage, with larger capacities available for those who work with extensive libraries and projects.
The price of a music production laptop can vary depending on the specifications and brand. A good quality laptop for music production with suitable specs may range from $1000 to $2500 or more. Remember that investing in a reliable and powerful laptop will contribute to a smooth and efficient music production experience.
