Music producers need powerful laptops to run digital audio workstations, virtual instruments, and audio effects plugins. A regular budget laptop just won’t cut it.

However, there’s no need to pay out thousands of dollars for the most premium laptop you can find. As long as you pay attention to the specs and features, you can find suitable laptops for music production in the mid-range price point, too.

Here are some of the best laptops for music production.

With its 12-core CPU, the MacBook Pro M2 Pro is an excellent choice for music production. If you already own an M1 model, you probably don’t need to splash out on this huge upgrade. Yet, if you do feel the need, or you are buying brand new, it does offer more power and even more performance.

While GPU may not be a top priority for music producers, the M2 Max chip is also worth your consideration if you are a serious gamer or video editor. If you do feel the need to "max" out, it boasts an impressive 38-core GPU besides the same 12-core CPU as the Pro.

However, if your focus is primarily music production, the M2 Pro, with up to 32GB of unified memory and 1TB of SSD storage, is a fantastic option. It can handle demanding DAWs and virtual instrument software with ease and will save you a few bucks in the process. You also get the excellent GarageBand music creation app, and the 19-core GPU is still good for most gaming and editing purposes.

Its 16.2-inch screen size and stunning Liquid Retina XDR display combine with a sustained 1,000-nits of brightness (1,600 when viewing in HDR) for exceptional visuals. With three Thunderbolt 4s and one HDMI, port selection is also decent, while it also has a useful SDXC card slot and a headphone jack. Additionally, despite having a little more bulk than previous models, it’s still portable, and the battery life is an incredible 22 hours, which is ideal for taking it to remote areas to record samples.

Key Features
  • Liquid Retina XDR display
  • Spatial audio
  • Magic Keyboard
  • Touch ID
  • Studio-quality three-mic array
Specifications
  • Operating System: macOS
  • CPU: M2 Pro Chip with 12‑cores
  • GPU: M2 Pro Chip with 19-cores
  • Storage: 1TB SSD
  • Battery: Up to 22 hours
  • Display (Size, Resolution): 16.2 inch, 3456x2234p
  • Camera: 1080p
  • Speakers: High-fidelity six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofers
  • Colors: Silver or Space Gray
  • Memory: 16GB
  • Ports: 1x MagSafe 3, 3x Thunderbolt 4, 1x HDMI, 1x SDXC, 1x 3.5mm headphone/mic jack
  • Dimensions: 14 x 9.8 x 0.7 inches
  • Weight: 4.7lbs
  • Brand: Apple
  • Model: ‎MNW93LL/A
Pros
  • Exceptional battery life
  • Improved webcam
  • 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio
  • 1,600-nits peak brightness in HDR
Cons
  • Expensive
Buy This Product
MacBook Pro 16.2-Inch M2 Pro
Editors choice

2. Dell XPS 17 9720

8.00 / 10
Read Reviews

The latest Dell XPS 17 is an absolute powerhouse and can handle any music production software you can throw at it. Its Intel Core i9-12900HK processor boasts six performance and eight efficient cores. It also sports 32GB of DDR5 memory and 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD storage space. With its NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU, this laptop can also handle video editing, 3D modeling, or anything else you need graphics-wise.

Additionally, the 17-inch 4K anti-glare display is stunning. It also has super-thin bezels, meaning there is more display for detailed composing and editing. Its touchscreen capability means you can navigate your library quickly and efficiently, too. This feature is also helpful when drawing in automation or editing MIDI notes by hand.

Ports-wise, there are four Thunderbolt 4 ports with DisplayPort and Power Delivery, an SD card slot, and a headphone/mic jack. It’s a little bulkier and heavier than the MacBook Pro but still relatively easy to transport. However, you can’t expect anything near that laptop’s flagship battery life.

Key Features
  • UHD+ touchscreen
  • Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6
  • Waves Nx 3D Audio for Speakers
  • Integrated Eyesafe display technology
  • Infinity Edge display
Specifications
  • Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
  • CPU: 12th Generation Intel Core i9-12900HK
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
  • Storage: 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
  • Battery: Up to 11.5 hours
  • Display (Size, Resolution): 17-inch, 4K
  • Camera: 720p
  • Speakers: 2x 2W stereo woofer, 2x 2.5W stereo tweeter
  • Colors: Silver
  • Memory: 32GB 4800MHz DDR5
  • Ports: 4x USB-C, 1x SD-card slot, 1x 3.5mm headphone/mic jack
  • Dimensions: 9.8 x 14.7 x 0.8 inches
  • Weight: 5.3lbs
  • Brand: Dell
Pros
  • Powerful desktop-level performance
  • Advanced thermal design
  • Various secure login methods
  • Stunning anti-glare display
Cons
  • Pricey
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Dell XPS 17 9720
Best value

3. HP Pavilion 15

8.80 / 10
Read Reviews

If your funds are limited or you’re not quite ready to invest in a premium powerhouse, the HP Pavilion 15 is an excellent budget option. The 12th Generation Intel Core i7-1255U Processor is sufficient for beginners and casual music producers and can deal with most small projects without any problem. However, if you plan on jumping into large, complex creations, you’ll require a more powerful machine.

To get the most out of this laptop, you should couple it with an external audio interface. However, the hours you spend creating music should go by without too many glitches, thanks to its 16GB of RAM and 512GB SSD storage.

It also has a rather nice 15.6-inch Full HD display. Moreover, the laptop's ports are also decent for its price point, including a single USB-C and two USB-A ports, as well as an HDMI 2.1 and a headphone jack.

Key Features
  • Fingerprint reader
  • Micro-edge display
  • Audio by B&O
  • HP Audio Boost
Specifications
  • Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
  • CPU: Intel Core i7-1255U
  • GPU: Intel Iris Xe
  • Storage: 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
  • Battery: Up to 8 hours
  • Display (Size, Resolution): 15.6-Inch, 1920x1080p
  • Camera: 720p
  • Speakers: Audio by B&O + HP Dual Speakers
  • Colors: Natural Silver Aluminum
  • Memory: 16GB DDR4-3200 MHz RAM (2 x 8GB)
  • Ports: 2x USB-A, 1x USB-C, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm headphone/mic jack
  • Dimensions: 14.2 x 9.2 x 0.7 inches
  • Weight: 3.86lbs
  • Brand: HP
Pros
  • Vibrant and detailed images
  • Slimline and lightweight
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Not suitable for advanced music production
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HP Pavilion 15

The Acer Predator Helios is another excellent budget choice that meets the requirements of music production. Although primarily designed for gaming, with eight cores and 16 threads, the 11th Generation Intel Core i7-11800H processor provides plenty of power for handling recording, mixing, and mastering. It also features 16GB of DDR4 memory with a free slot. It's also available at a price that won’t break the bank.

The large 15.4-inch FHD display is ample enough to view interfaces, arrange and sequence tracks, and see the smallest details clearly. And with its NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU, playing video games when you're not writing killer tunes is a seamless experience.

That said, it has a mediocre battery life; taking your music production on the go will likely require the power brick to go with you.

Key Features
  • 16:9 aspect ratio
  • Killer Wi-Fi 6
  • RGB keyboard
  • IPS LED-backlit display
  • 5th-Gen AeroBlade Fan
Specifications
  • Operating System: Windows 10
  • CPU: Intel i7-11800H
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
  • Storage: 512GB PCIe Gen-4 SSD
  • Battery: Up to six hours
  • Display (Size, Resolution): 15.6 inches, 1920x1080p
  • Camera: 720p
  • Colors: Black
  • Memory: 16GB DDR4 3200MHz
  • Ports: 3x USB-A, 1x USB-C, 1x Mini DisplayPort 1.4, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x ethernet, 1x 3.5mm headphone/mic jack
  • Dimensions: 14.3 x 10 x 0.9 inches
  • Weight: 5.5lbs
  • Brand: Acer
  • Model: ‎PH315-54-760S
Pros
  • Impressive performance
  • Good selection of ports
  • An extra 16GB DDR4 slot available
  • Upgradeable storage
  • 144Hz refresh rate
Cons
  • Poor battery life
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Acer Predator Helios 300

The ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15 is another premium powerhouse that music producers will love. On top of its octa-core i9-11900H processor, it has an excellent 32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage. These specs ensure seamless processing of your tracks, and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU rounds off a very performance-driven laptop.

It also sports a 14-inch ScreenPad, which is more than just a gimmick. It’s helpful for multitasking and provides extra screen space for viewing and controlling your DAW. You can place your mixer and other controls out of the way of the main 15.6-inch FHD display, giving you more room for viewing and composing your tracks. It’s also touch-enabled, so if you find this more intuitive, you can increase your workflow and give more focus to creating banging tunes.

When you're not busy creating music, this laptop is also an excellent choice for gaming and watching media content. The OLED screen displays brilliant and vivid colors, while near-perfect blacks ensure sharp and detailed images even in dark scenes.

Key Features
  • 16:9 aspect ratio
  • 14-inch tilting ScreenPad with Touchscreen Mode
  • OLED HDR Nano Edge touchscreen main display
  • ScreenPad Plus Control Panel
Specifications
  • Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
  • CPU: Intel Core i9-12900H
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
  • Storage: 1TB PCIE SSD
  • Battery: 8.5 hours
  • Display (Size, Resolution): 15.6-inch, 1080p
  • Camera: 720p
  • Speakers: Built in
  • Colors: Celestial Blue
  • Memory: 32GB
  • Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB-A, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 35mm headphone jack
  • Dimensions: 9.8 x 14.2 x 0.85 inches
  • Weight: 5.2lbs
  • Brand: ASUS
  • Model: UX582HM-XH96T
Pros
  • Complimentary 3-month Adobe Creative Cloud subscription
  • Cross-screen multitasking
  • Rich and vivid colors
  • Blue-light reduction
  • 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio
Cons
  • Touchpad sits on the right
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ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED

The M2 chip is a true powerhouse, offering exceptional performance perfect for music production. But the good news is, you don't have to break the bank to get your hands on it. The MacBook Air M2 is an excellent alternative to the MacBook Pro which still provides plenty of power at a lower cost.

While some models come with 8GB of RAM, it's recommended that music producers opt for at least 16GB for better performance. With an 8-core CPU, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage, this model of the MacBook Air M2 is an excellent choice. And with its quiet operation and minimal overheating, it’s a joy to operate.

To top it off, it's one of the lightest and thinnest MacBooks available. It also has up to 18 hours of battery life, making it a breeze to take on the go. And while it only has two T4 ports and a headphone jack, this is easily remedied with a docking station to connect any extra controllers and interfaces you might need.

Key Features
  • 8-core CPU and GPU
  • LED-backlit display with IPS technology
  • 500-nits peak brightness
  • True Tone technology
  • Backlit Magic Keyboard
Specifications
  • Operating System: macOS 12 Monterey
  • CPU: M2
  • GPU: 8-core
  • Storage: 512GB
  • Battery: 18 hours
  • Display (Size, Resolution): 13.6-inch, 2560x1664p
  • Camera: 1080p
  • Speakers: 4-speaker with spatial audio
  • Colors: Midnight
  • Memory: 16GB
  • Ports: 1x MagSafe, 2x ThunderBolt 4, 1x 3.5mm headphone/mic jack
  • Dimensions: 12 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
  • Weight: 2.7lbs
  • Brand: Apple
  • Model: Z160000B1
Pros
  • Outstanding battery life
  • Slimline and lighweight
  • Cheaper than the M2 Pro
  • Vivid and detailed display
  • operates quietly and doesn't overheat
Cons
  • Lacks ports
Buy This Product
MacBook Air M2

If you are a gaming enthusiast when you’re not busy creating music, the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 offers specs and features that will satisfy you in both pursuits. With 14 cores and 20 threads, the Intel Core i9-12900H provides faster rendering, mixing, and mastering processing times. Additionally, the 16GB of DDR5 RAM and 1TB SSD storage makes it yet another powerhouse worth your consideration. To top it off, you can easily upgrade to a whopping 64GB of RAM as well as add more storage when you need more power.

With excellent cooling and fan technology, this laptop also runs quietly without overheating. Whether gaming or running your DAW and other CPU-intensive tasks, you can do what you please without worry. The RTX 3070 Ti GPU and 17.3-inch 360Hz IPS FHD Display will also satisfy your gaming tendencies and ensure your creative brain gets a pleasurable downtime when playing.

It has a plethora of ports sufficient for music production, including a Thunderbolt 4, a USB-C, two USB-A, and an HDMI 2.1. And, of course, the headphone jack is there, as well. You’ll get hours of seamless production on this beast and the bonus of a bit of part-time gaming whenever you need it.

Key Features
  • 360Hz IPS FHD anti-glare Display
  • Per-Key RGB Keyboard
  • ROG Intelligent Cooling
Specifications
  • Operating System: Windows 11 Home
  • CPU: Intel Core i9-12900H
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti 8GB GDDR6
  • Storage: TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Performance SSD
  • Battery: Up to 10.5 hours
  • Display (Size, Resolution): 17.3-inch, 1920x1080p
  • Camera: 1080p
  • Speakers: 4-speaker system with Smart Amplifier Technology
  • Colors: Black
  • Memory: 16GB DDR5 4800MHz RAM
  • Ports: 1x Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB-C, 2x USB-A, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm headphone/mic jack, 1x 2.5 Gbps LAN
  • Dimensions: ‎15.5 x 11.1 x 0.9 inches
  • Weight: ‎6.4lbs
  • Brand: ASUS
  • Model: G733ZW-DS94
Pros
  • Excellent gaming features
  • Ram and storage upgradeable
  • High-quality build
  • Good port selection
Cons
  • Heavy and bulky
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ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 (2022)

The LG Gram 17Z90P is a hidden gem that deserves more attention from music producers. It offers outstanding value for its price point. The Intel Evo 11th gen Core i7 is a good choice for producers who need a reliable and efficient laptop. While its 4-core, 8-thread processor might not be the most powerful option available, it is more than sufficient for most casual music production tasks.

Additionally, the 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage ensure smooth performance, while the 17-inch IPS display looks great. You might think that it would be a bit on the heavy side with such a large screen. However, the opposite is true. At just under three pounds, it’s only slightly heavier than the 13.6-inch MacBook Air. It also has a better battery life than that laptop, with up to 19.5 hours. Of course, you won’t get this life when running your CPU-intensive apps, but it is still one of the top-performing batteries.

With a good range of ports and even Alexa to help with your multitasking, it’s a lightweight and well-performing laptop worth considering for music production.

Key Features
  • Alexa built-in
  • 17-inch WQXGA IPS LCD display
  • DCI-P3 99%
  • DTS:X Ultra 3D audio rendering
Specifications
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Home (upgradeable)
  • CPU: Intel Core i7-1165G7
  • GPU: Intel Iris Xe Plus Graphics
  • Storage: 1TB PCIe M.2 NVMe SSD
  • Battery: 19.5 hours
  • Display (Size, Resolution): 17-inch, 2560x1600p
  • Camera: 720p HD Camera
  • Speakers: Standard Factory Speakers
  • Colors: Black
  • Memory: 16GB LPDDR4X 4266mhz RAM
  • Ports: 2x USB-A, 2x USB-C, 1x HDMI, 1x Micro-SD Card slot, 1x 3.5mm headphone/mic jack
  • Dimensions: 15 x 10.2 x 0.7 inches
  • Weight: 3lbs
  • Brand: LG
  • Model: ‎17Z90P-K.AAB8U1
Pros
  • Ultra-lightweight, slim and compact
  • Powerful performance
  • Outstanding battery life
  • Durable magnesium-alloy build
  • Upgradeable RAM and storage
Cons
  • Refelective screen is easily smudged
Buy This Product
LG Gram 17Z90P

Another workhorse designed for gamers is this Alienware beast from Dell. The M15 R6 can handle any music production software you throw at it and will seamlessly run CPU-intensive tasks simultaneously. With eight cores and 16 threads, the 11th Gen Intel Core i7-11800H processor also ensures those essential fast processing speeds. Additionally, you get 32GB of DDR4 RAM and 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD for fast read and write speeds and ample storage for all your projects.

As it's a gaming laptop, you, of course, get seamless downtime playing whatever games you like. The high-end NVIDIA RTX 3070 graphics card comes with 8GB of GDDR6 memory. So, if you also like to do a bit of video editing or 3D modeling, or if you want real-time visualizations as you create your tunes, this laptop can handle it all.

Key Features
  • Advanced Optimus Technology
  • 360Hz WVA G-Sync Display
  • ComfortView Plus low blue-light technology
Specifications
  • Operating System: Windows 11 Home
  • CPU: Intel Core i7-11800H
  • GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070
  • Storage: 1TB SSD
  • Battery: Battery life undisclosed
  • Display (Size, Resolution): 15.6 inches, 1920x1080p
  • Camera: 720p
  • Speakers: Two integrated speakers
  • Colors: Black
  • Memory: 32GB DDR4 RAM
  • Ports: 3x USB-A, 1x USB-C, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm headphone/mic jack
  • Dimensions: ‎14 x 10.7 x 0.9 inches
  • Weight: 5.9lbs
  • Brand: Dell
  • Model: ‎AWM15R6-7287BLK-PUS
Pros
  • Two available SODIMM slots
  • Advanced thermal engineering
  • Powerful performance
Cons
  • Can get hot and loud
  • Heavy
Buy This Product
Dell Alienware m15 R6

The ASUS ProArt StudioBook 16 is marketed towards creative professionals and offers more than enough power for music creation. Its AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor has eight cores and 16 threads and has no issues running virtual instruments, plugins, or effects. The high clock speed ensures speedy processing, allowing you to create complex tracks. If it’s still not enough power, you can choose the even more powerful Ryzen 9 5900HX for a substantially higher price.

With 32GB of upgradable DDR4 RAM and 1TB PCIe SSD, you can multitask with CPU-intensive tasks and have plenty of storage space to keep your tracks. If you opt for the Ryzen 9 processor, you'll get 2TB of storage and a stunning 4K OLED display, perfect for visualizing your music as you create.

Moreover, the ASUS ProArt StudioBook 16 has a wide range of ports, including USB-C, USB-A, and HDMI, providing options for connecting external devices and peripherals. Overall, this laptop is highly customizable to suit your needs, and whichever configuration you choose, you'll get a highly capable machine.

Key Features
  • 16:10 aspect ratio
  • 120Hz display
  • Backlit keyboard with number key
  • Harmon/Kardon speakers
Specifications
  • Operating System: Windows 11 Home
  • CPU: AMD R7 5800H processor 3.2 GHz(16M Cache, up to 4.4GHz)
  • GPU: Nvidia Geforce RTX 3060 with 6GB GDDR6 VRAM
  • Storage: 1TB PCIe NVMe RAID0 SSD
  • Battery: Not Provided
  • Display (Size, Resolution): 16-inch, 2560x1600p
  • Camera: 720p
  • Colors: Star Black
  • Memory: 32GB DDR4
  • Ports: 2x USB-A, 2x USB-C, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x SD Express, 1x RJ45 LAN, 1x 3.5mm headphone/mic jack
  • Dimensions: 14.25 x 10.4 x 0.8 inches
  • Weight: 5.3lbs
  • Brand: ASUS
  • Model: H5600QM-AH78
Pros
  • Customizable dial to streamline workflow
  • 70% blue-light reduction
  • Highly durable
  • Precise and natural colors
  • 2x DDR4 SO-DIMM and 2x M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0x4 expansion slots
Cons
  • Storage responds slowly
Buy This Product
ASUS ProArt StudioBook 16

FAQ

Q: How Much RAM Do I Need for Music Production?

The minimum you should be looking at is 8GB. However, most music producers run laptops with 16GB with a minimum speed of 2,400MHz. Advanced producers will likely use 32 to 64GB.

Q: Is a Laptop or PC Better for Music Production?

A PC is the better choice performance-wise for music production. You can also upgrade them more easily.

That said, a good laptop with the right specs is also an excellent option. They offer portability and are space and energy efficient.