best laptop for music production

 

Best Laptop for Music Production

 

Whether you are looking for the best laptop for music production for; producing/ composing, recording, performing or a combination, we have done the work for you.

Generally, laptops are used in these four different applications. 

For instance, there are those who record tracks from instruments and mics, and then mix - the traditional approach

On the other hand, others like most EDM and hip hop musicians mostly employ sequencers, MIDI keyboard controllers, and DAW to do the whole production.

Performing musicians and DJ use a laptop to record, produce and perform. Whatever category you fall into, these music production computers will work for you.

Our Top Pick

#1
ASUS ROG GL703GM-DS74

1. ASUS ROG GL703GM-DS74

ASUS ROG GL703GM features the latest 8th-Gen Intel Core i7-8750H processor. With a 6-core processor, 256GB PCIe SSD and 16 GB RAM, this makes it our top pick for music producers.

Its one of only 2 laptops in this list that has a 6-core processor.

Best Laptops for Music Production - Comparison Table

What to consider when buying a music production computer

The first consideration is your preferred DAW. Is it OS specific? For instance, Logic Pro and GarageBand won’t run on a Window's computer. On the other hand FL Studio won’t run on a Mac, unless the beta version.

Your chosen DAW doesn’t just influence the OS but also the specs. To get the best out of Pro Tools, your laptop should have a minimum of 16 GB RAM and a processor of above Core i5.

Secondly, consider the processor. Here consider the frequency. The higher the better. Secondly, how many cores does it have; quadcore, dual core or hexacore?

For the best results, go for a laptop with a minimum of quad-core CPU, 8GB RAM, and 2.5 GHz i5 or more intel processor.

If you’re not on tight budget target 16 GB of RAM and 3.5 GHZ i7 processor or more. This will allow you to run many audio tracks on Logic Pro or Pro Tools without a hitch.

For storage try to get 1TB storage space, with minimum being 500GB. You should also consider investing in an SSD, which we prefer over hard disk as its enhances loading speed of your laptop.

Making sense of GHz (Clock Rate) Frequency

GHz (Gigahertz) is the measure of a laptop's clock rate. Which basically refers to how fast a laptop's processor execute tasks. The higher the GHz the faster it is depending on the processor.

For instance, 3.46 GHz, Intel Core i5 is not faster than 3.06 GHz Intel Core i7 because they have different processor lines. But 3.46 GHz, Intel Core i7 is faster than 3.06 GHz Intel Core i7.

That's why we advise you to only compare GHz of laptops in the same processor line. i3, i5 or i7.

A laptop with Intel’s Turbo Boost Technology is even better. For instance a machine with i5, 2.5GHz processor can get up to 3.0 GHz when running software without overheating.

Other critical considerations include

- The screen size - how many tracks will you be monitoring?

- Number of connections. For instance does i have Thunderbolt connection

- How serious is your recording? Mixing 30 tracks, with multiple sampled instruments, digital audio effects will require a powerful machine

Best Music Production Laptops - Reviews

#1. OUR OVERALL TOP PICK

ASUS ZenBook Pro UX550VE-DB71T

1. ASUS ZenBook Pro UX550VE-DB71T

OUR RATING

SPECIFICATIONS

Processor: Intel Core i7-7700HQ
Processor Cores: 4
RAM: 16GB DDR4
Storage: PCIE NVMe 512GB SSD
Processor Speed: 2.8 GHz (Turbo to 3.8 GHz)
Graphics: NVidia GTX 1050Ti

IMPORTANT FEATURES

ZenBook Pro is designed to impress but crafted to perform.

This laptop is features packed making it one of our top picks for windows laptops for music producers.

Unlike the ASUS ROG Strix Scar Edition and Dell G5587-7866BLK-PUS, ZenBook Pro’s processor is 7th generation Intel, while the other 2 are features the latest 8thgeneration processor.

But don’t let this rule out this laptop. There are some specs that make it stand out.

Another difference between this laptop and ASUS ROG Strix Scar Edition and Dell G5587-7866BLK-PUS, is the number of cores. While the other 2 features 6 cores this one features.

It comes with Intel i7-7700HQ Quad Core processor sufficient even for intensive production needs. The based processor speed is 2.8 GHz and can be turbo up to 3.8 GHz.

When it comes to memory and storage ZebBook pro takes it. It features 512GB SSD and 16GB DDR4 RAM. However, you can’t upgrade the RAM. From our experience 16 GB RAM is sufficient even for heavy virtual instruments, soft synths, samplers, sequencers, and soft synth users.

Primarily this is a gaming laptop so it comes with impressive graphic features. It features NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti gaming-grade graphics. So if you’ll be doing video editing or intensive mixing, this is a handy feature.

Another feature that makes this laptop stand out is its comprehensive connectivity. It features 2 USB 3.1 Type-C (Gen 2) ports with Thunderbolt, 2 USB 3.0 Gen 1 Type-A ports and a HDMI port. We’ve even come across music producers who say if a laptop does not have a Thunderbolt 3 port, they can buy it.

Other features include fingerprint reader, backlit keyboard, aluminum body and 4 lbs. body weight and up to 14 hrs. battery life

Despite this laptop having 7th generation processor, max RAM upgrade of 16 GB and limited storage, this laptop is great for both beginners and serious music producers.

INDEPENDENT REVIEW

Video Transcription

RUNNER UP

ASUS ROG GL703GM-DS74

2. ASUS ROG Strix Scar Edition GL703GM-DS74

OUR RATING

SPECIFICATIONS

Processor: 8th-Gen Intel Core i7-8750H 
Processor Cores: 6
Processor Speed: up to 3.9 GHz
RAM: 16GB DDR4
Storage: 256GB PCIe SSD + 1TB FireCuda Hybrid Drive
Graphics: GTX 1060 6GB

Another release we are so excited about in 2018 is Asus ROG Strix Scar and Hero edition laptops that come with 8th Generation processors. These 4 laptops will be available on Amazon from 16th April 2018 and we can wait to test them.

For the best music production experience our pick among the 4 laptops is Asus Rog Strix GL703GM-DS74 model.

Why is this laptop a smart option for music producers?

First, Asus Rog Strix GL703GM-DS74 features the latest 8th-Gen Intel Core i7-8750H processor with 9 MB Smart Cache. On top of that this laptop has 6-cores.

All along we have been recommending laptops with at least 4 cores and seeing an 6-core i7 processor laptop costing around $1600 is something to celebrate.

Processor speed is also a great consideration when shopping for a laptop to make music with. Asus Rog Strix GL703GM-DS74 has base processor speed of 2.2 GHz and go up to 3.9GHz when boosted. This assures you seamless performance even when using heavy DAW software like pro tools or when doing complex editing.

One of the distinguishing feature of this laptop from the other 3 laptops with 6-core is the storage. Unlike the other 2 with 128GB PCIe SSD, this one has 256GB PCIe SSD and a 1 TB FireCuda Hybrid Drive. What special about the FireCuda HDD is that it’s made to be 6x faster than the traditional HDD.

When it comes to RAM, Asus Rog Strix GL703GM-DS74 has 16GB DDR4 2666MHZ RAM this is a great deal considering that even 8GB RAM laptops can handle extensive music production.

Because this laptop is primarily loved for gamers, the graphics are on point. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10-Series 1060 graphics comes in handy during video editing as well as when making music. We also love the Anti-Dust Cooling system that minimizes heating.

You’ll also love the RGB keyword which despite being targeted to gamers is a great addition with WASD highlighted keys and N-key rollover.

Its wide screen is both an advantage and disadvantage. For instance for a music producer looking for a portable friendly laptop won’t love this, while somebody looking for a bigger screen for editing will love the wide screen.

For connectivity, the laptop has 1 USB 3.1 Gen 2 port and 3 USB 3.1 Gen ports, AND 1 USB 2.0. Other I/O includes HDMI and Mini Display Port.

INDEPENDENT REVIEW

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Apple MacBook Pro

3. Apple MacBook Pro - 2.6GHz 6-core 9th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, 256GB

OUR RATING

SPECIFICATIONS

Processor: 9th-generation 6-Core Intel Core i7 Processor
Processor Cores: 6
RAM: 32GBB DDR4
Storage: 256GB or 512GB SSD
Graphics: Radeon Pro 555x Graphics with 4GB of video Memory
Battery: Up to 10 hours
Touch Bar: Touch Bar and Touch ID

IMPORTANT FEATURES

Like the MacBook Air below, MacBook Pro has both a 13.3’’ and 15" screen.

However, this one is LED-lit and has a higher resolution of 2560x1600 pixels. It’s, therefore, more superior when it comes to editing.

This model also blows the previous model out of water with the latest 9th-generation 6-Core Intel Core i7 Processor - making it one of the fastest laptops (both PC and Mac) on the market today.

One thing we love is the over 5 million pixels and Radeon Pro 555x Graphics with 4GB of video Memory that work collaboratively to bring out every detail in your images or videos.

MacBook Pro has up to 8GB of RAM and sports up to 512GB of SSD flash memory. This music production Apple laptop also shines in the connectivity department.

Besides the routine Bluetooth 4.0, HDMI and USB 3.0 ports, you also get 2Thunderbolt ports which allow you transfer files/data up to 4 faster than the most acclaimed USB 3.0 ports.

Without forgetting, MacBook Pro also boasts 2 mic ports and also has state-of-the-art speakers for music listening, videos, and gaming.

PROS

  • It is lightweight, weighing 3.5 lbs
  • Impressive speed
  • Great for multitasking 
  • Impressive performance
  • Feature packed and from a reputable brand

CONS

  • It is pricier - but you get what you pay for with Apple

INDEPENDENT REVIEW

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Dell G5587-7866BLK-PUS

4. Dell G5587-7866BLK-PUS

OUR RATING

SPECIFICATIONS

Processor: 8th Gen Intel 7-8750H
Processor Cores: 6
RAM: 16GB DDR4 up to [32GB]
Storage: 128GB SSD + 5400 RPM 1TB HDD
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050Ti
Processor Speed: 3.9 GHz

IMPORTANT FEATURES

We are so excited with this laptop. We can’t believe that for around $1100 you can get a laptop with such features.

First, Dell G5587-7866BLK-PUS features 8th Generation Intel i7 processor. This is the latest processor and has some great improvement from the earlier versions.

Probably what excites us most is that it’s a 6-core laptop. This is a great deal considering that i7 4-core laptops are great for music production. With up to 3.9GHz w/Turbo Boost processor speed this will allow you to load software and allow multi-editing.

Apart from 6-core processor, it has a 16 GB DDR4 RAM and you can upgrade it to 32 GB. We don’t think there is any need of upgrading as 16GB RAM is enough for medium music production needs.

Another feature we love is the 128 GB Flash Memory Solid State and 1TB, 5400 RPM HD provided. We recommend using the flash memory as the boot drive and storing everything else in the 1TB HDD.

It has a great real estate of 1920 x 1080 15.6 inches screen with full HD display. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti graphics card makes it great for video editing and gaming.

The GTX 1050 is a special version graphics card. It’s powered by NVIDIA Pascal probably one of the most advanced GPU architectures on the market.

Probably the only downside with this laptop is the 128GB flash memory solid state, we wish it was higher. But considering this laptop comes with the latest 8th generation i7 processor and 1TB HDD, it’s a fair compromise.

We also love Dell G5587-7866BLK-PUS versatility. Apart from producing music, it can also serve as a gaming laptop, video editing laptop and also great for programming students.

Its other features include; 802.11A wireless compatibility, optimal cooling capabilities, 3 USB 3.0 Ports, no optical drive, and 1 Lithium ion battery.

If you’re on tight budget this is our recommendation.

INDEPENDENT REVIEW

Video Transcription

ASUS ROG Strix GL553VD

5. ASUS ROG Strix GL553VD

OUR RATING

SPECIFICATIONS

Processor: Intel Core i7-7700HQ processor
Processor Cores: 6
RAM: 16GB DDR4 
Storage: 1TB 7200RPM HDD
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GT 1050 4GB

IMPORTANT FEATURES

Most acclaimed in the gaming world, this machine’s configurations make it a perfect bet if you have a little over 1 grand to spend on a good laptop for music studio.

Asus is a China-based computer hardware and electronics manufacturer situated in Taiwan. This company was established in 1989 by 4 hardware engineers who were former Acer employees.

It derives its name from a mythological Greek horse, Pegasus, which is linked with wisdom. Asus isn’t only known for its laptops but music production workstations, tablet PCs, motherboards, and desktops amongst other products.

Asus GL553VD features a Core i7 quad-core processor which makes it a great music producer laptop. This is both professionals and beginners.

Its 16gb RAM is a great feature that allows you to run several programs without experiencing freezes or delays. Obviously, you can go as high as your music production demands in the RAM department.

Its 15.6’’ Full HD panel will ensure that there’s great consistency in color and contrast as you work on your projects. It also offers up to 178 viewing angles with extreme clarity and no color shift whatsoever. What makes this screen even better is its matte finish that eliminates all glare and reflections no matter where you’re doing your thing.

Are you a DJ or do you find yourself editing, recording, or mixing away from your studio? GL553VD packs lots of great features for you. Its ROG Aura RGB lighting keyboard accentuates its sleek design while also allowing you to have a clear view of all the keys on your keyboard regardless of the light intensity. This machine is also lightweight at 5.5lbs and has a slim build that won’t demand much space.

STORAGE

Asus GL553VD is a true tank in this. Its 1TB (Terabyte) HDD is all you need to store your tracks, mixes, and anything else in your line of music production. This HDD makes over 7,200 RPM (Rotations Per Minute) that ensures speedy files transfers and loading.

If you need more speed, you can opt for a similar model with a SATA3 SSD alongside the 1TB HDD, of course, at a slightly higher price.

ASUS ROG Strix GL553VD’s extensive connectivity again makes it a great deal. Besides its Bluetooth 4.0, you’ll also benefit from 2 USB 3.0 ports, 1 USB 2.0 port, 1 RJ45 LAN port, and an HDMI port- almost all the connections that you require for flawless music production.

OUR VERDICT

We have nothing against ASUS ROG Strix GL553VD. We highly recommend it for professionals as well as newbies who have enough to spend on a great music computer. It’s light, has excellent speed, large RAM, unique graphics, and enormous storage space.

PROS

  • Matte finish wide screen for superior clarity
  • Lots of ports
  • Sleek design
  • Impressive versatility, both for beginners and pros
  • I7 processor

CONS

  • None reported

INDEPENDENT REVIEW

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DELL XPS 13 9380 Core i7-8565U

6. DELL XPS 13 9380 Core i7-8565U

OUR RATING

SPECIFICATIONS

Processor: Intel Core i7-8565U (Quad-Core, 8M Cache)
Processor Cores: 4
RAM: 16GB RAM
Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD
Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620

IMPORTANT FEATURES

f you are in love with music, you must be the person who seeks out the best hardware for their work. Dell XPS 13-Inch just landed us one such laptop.

It is a laptop devised for all your production needs. Starting with the sleek exterior look, you can take it to the studio and Djing gigs with no hassle.

Dell shapes the technology world using innovative designs. It started in 1984 by 19-year old Michael Dell as PC’s Limited. Today, the Dell influence is felt as they delve in providing the best technological solutions to the worldwide market.

The Dell XPS 13 excels in meeting their mission statement. It has a sharp display which is virtually borderless, so you get the full 13-inches to place different projects side by side. It enjoys a thin bezel which frees much of the screen space to squeeze 13 inches of screen size in an 11-inch frame.

DISPLAY AND PERFORMANCE

There’s everything to like on the Dell XPS13. It is furnished with the latest technology to give modern music production a new touch. The 7th Generation Intel Core i5 processor refines the speed of this laptop since you are not about to experience any delays when running multiple programs.

It has four cores to take multitasking speeds to whole new levels. Regarding the applications you’ll be running, this laptop can preserve battery life from 22hours with common office software to around 13hours with advanced uses.

The display as we said is jaw-dropping. With the stunning 3200x1800 resolution and UltraSharp QHD, you get to see eye-popping details for all your mix videos. It carries a 170-degree viewing angle on the IGZO IPS panel. This means from whichever position this laptop is placed; you can have a clear view of the screen.

Do you DJ on bright sunny days? Well, with the 400-nit brightness, the screen remains visible even under the sun. See images for what they are with 1000:1 contrast ratio and color gamut of 72%.

Not to mention, it has an optional touchscreen where you get to swipe away on a friendly screen. The keyboard is backlit so you can use it in music concerts with low lighting.

DURABILITY

The chassis is a single cut from aluminum, and the palm rest is from carbon fiber. The touchscreen is from Corning Gorilla Glass NBT which is scratch resistant. It preserves an elegant design, and you get to choose between silver or rose gold.

VERDICT

This is a plush laptop with a steep price tag, but you can already tell why. The features are what we call near perfect since it excels from every angle. The display is top-notch with borderless edges and a bright screen. Take it to outdoor and night concerts and enjoy speed, mobility, and durability. This is our recommendation for the best laptop for Djing and music production.

PROS

  • Borderless infinity screen
  • Long battery life
  • Backlit keyboard
  • Fast-speed processor
  • Full-size SD card slot

CONS

  • Awkward webcam position

INDEPENDENT REVIEW

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Lenovo Y700

7. Lenovo Y700

OUR RATING

EDITORS NOTES

There are very few laptops that cost around $1000 with Lenovo Y700 specifications.

This laptop has Intel Core i7 processor, 2.6GHz (3.5GHz w/ Turbo Boost). For RAM you have an option of either 8GB or 16GB. All the versions have storage of 1TB. These features make this laptop our pick for a budget friendly music production, djying and gaming laptop.

SPECIFICATIONS

Processor: Intel Core 2.6GHz i7-6700HQ processor
Processor Cores: 4
RAM: 8GB RAM
Storage: 1TB HDD + 128GB SDD
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M

IMPORTANT FEATURES

If you’re more into pricey gadgets, Lenovo Y700 is all yours. This model is in the same league with ASUS ROG Strix GL553VD- our first contender in this list- in terms of price and functionality.

Lenovo Y700 is a common name in professional music studio due to its reputable effectiveness resulting from its amazing specs.

First things first: if gaming is in your blood, do know that this laptop was purposely designed for gamers like you but was later adopted by the musicians. True, it’s pricey. However, its stunning graphics backed by the incredible sounds from JBL and Dolby Audio Premium sound systems are all you need to lose yourself in your music production studio.

It’s also lightweight at around 5.7 pounds if you’re to take your music experience with you.

Lenovo Y700 ships pre-installed with Windows 10 which is easily compatible with several DAWs including Logic Pro, Ableton, and Cubase.

Its engine is 2.6GHz Intel Core i7 backed by an 8GB RAM. What makes this laptop worth every penny is its enormous 1TB HDD storage space plus an additional 128GB SSD which should save you a few hundred bucks.

Even better, its 15.6’’ display is LED-lit and designed to minimize all glare. Another great feature with this studio computer is its onboard Ideapad thermal fans which keep the system cool when you get serious on your music programs. It also flaunts Lenovo Energy Management software which aids in boosting battery life.

PROS

  • Has detailed sound system
  • Has a glare-resistant wide screen
  • Has a backlit keyboard

CONS

  • Isolated complaints of the design

INDEPENDENT REVIEW

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Apple MacBook Pro (Dual-Core Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) - Silver (Previous Model)

8. Apple MacBook Pro (Dual-Core Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) - Silver (Previous Model)

OUR RATING

SPECIFICATIONS

Processor: Core i5 (3.1GHz) to i7 (3.5GHz)
Processor Cores: 4
RAM: 8-16GB RAM
Storage: 128-1TB SSD
Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 650

IMPORTANT FEATURES

The Apple MacBook Pro with TouchBar comes off as a luxurious choice but will give the Windows laptops a run for their money. It has an overly brilliant display with powerful speakers. The SSD is super fast and is faster than current Windows PC.

The Apple Company is synonymous with giving their Mac laptops a genius touch. With over forty years of designing, developing, and selling computer software, consumer electronics, and online services, Apple gives what they know are refined products.

This is the latest laptop from Apple with the headline being the touchbar. Its available in either i5 or i7 processors, 256 GB or 1TB and 8GB OR 16GB RAM.

DESIGN

A bright display on a laptop makes music production more enjoyable. You even feel the creativity coming along if the machine is in sync with your thoughts. The premium look in this device starts with the grey Apple-inspired exterior. It has a full-sized keyboard making it super easy to feed keys and notes with ease.

The touch bar gives a superior input experience since you can still use it as the unlocking security feature. With the 458nits of brightness, it doesn’t matter where the music takes you. It lets you see the screen while controlling various interfaces.

The fast SSD, RAM, Core Audio, CPU Power, and battery power all work hand in hand to support your music production demands. It has 2X Thunderbolt 3, USB ports, and a 3.5mm headset jack. If you are just connecting two audio interfaces and a MIDI controller, you will not need an extra dongle for connectivity.

The Thunderbolt 3 can send huge amounts of data up to 40GB/sec such that you can connect monitors directly.

PERFORMANCE

The 7th Generation Intel Core i5 and 8GB of RAM is great for multitasking. It does not experience any lags while running multiple production software. The SSD lets you store many samples giving you the flexibility where you can check in later and refine the sound.

The speakers are kicked up a notch such that if you want to make recordings and listen to the audio, you’ll undoubtedly get clear vocals with strong bass, and accurate synths.

BATTERY LIFE

We love the battery life it offers at around 9 hours with moderate usage. It’s good but not the best when compared to other Windows PCs competing with it. You may not want to leave the power cable when taking on road trip concerts, but for around the home recording, you can take it to the studio without worrying it will cut short your recordings.

VERDICT

This Mac Pro model is much better than what we saw in the last year’s 13inch design. It comes with blistering speeds, ample storage, and Thunderbolt 3ports. The screen display gives catchy effects plus the brightness allows using the laptop in super bright conditions. The speakers also have impressive audio. With 13inches of screen size, it is slim and gives a clear balance of usability and portability. This is our recommendation for the best laptop for Djs and music production for MacBook lovers.

PROS

  • Thin and lightweight
  • Multiple ports
  • High-speed SSD

CONS

  • None reported

INDEPENDENT REVIEW

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Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, dual-core Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB) - Space Gray (Latest Model)

9. Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, dual-core Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB) - Space Gray (Latest Model)

OUR RATING

SPECIFICATIONS

Processor: Dual-core 8th-generation Intel Core i5 processor
Processor Cores: 2
RAM: 8GB memory
Storage: 128GB Fast SSD storage
Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 617

IMPORTANT FEATURES

This list wouldn’t have been complete without a slot for this MacBook Air because of one very simple reason; these models are currently the best-selling in the music industry.

Ask any professional music producer or check out what your favorite DJ uses. The chances are that it’s a Mac.

Mac personal computers are amongst the most reputed gadgets in Apple’s line of products. Apple is USA-based Company situated in California.

It’s currently the world’s leading manufacturer of information technology by revenue and comes second after Samsung in mobile phone manufacturing.

So, what’s up with this MacBook Air?

To start us off, this model is amongst the slimmest at 10.5 x 2.2 x 14.2 inches and also the sleekest we have on this list. It’s also the lightest Mac computer in this category at around 3 pounds.

Needless to say, this MacBook Air operates on Mac OS X operating system and is fitted with a 1.6GHz Core i5 processor from Intel. Notably, it also features a turbo booster that takes this speed as high as 2.7GHz. It also has an 8GB LPDDR3 RAM and 128GB SSD.

As expected this laptop offers flat-out performance in about any music production task that comes its way.

Another reason why we recommend this model is its Intel HD Graphics 6000 coprocessor that offers crisp and vibrant images and videos for professional editing. Moreover, this Apple music production computer offers best battery life with a promise of up to 12 hours (this will depend on how you use your comp, though).

Its screen is 13.3’’ which is slightly smaller than most of the other models here and has a resolution of 1440 x 900.

PROS

  • Well built
  • From a reputable brand
  • Lots of music programs available

CONS

  • The display is a bit smaller, 13.3"

INDEPENDENT REVIEW

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HP 15-ay039wm 15.6 inch laptop

10. HP 15-ay039wm 15.6 inch laptop

OUR RATING

SPECIFICATIONS

Processor: 2.5GHz Intel Core i7 
RAM: 8GB memory
Storage: 256GB SDD
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520

IMPORTANT FEATURES

Most of us have probably heard about HP- Hewlett Packard. It’s very likely that the first laptop, desktop, or printer that you interacted with was an HP.

This is a California-based company that has been the leader in PC business for a few decades until Lenovo took over after merging with other brands including IBM.

HP is synonymous with quality, and this 15-ay018nr laptop doesn’t shy away from this. It’s a bit pricier than several other laptops here but still way below the 700 dollar mark. If you are looking for one of the best HP laptop for music production, this is our recommendation.

As you’ll soon find out, HP 15-ay018nr is loaded with impressive next-generation features to make your music recording and editing smoother and enjoyable.

To begin with, HP understands that speed and reliability is critical in your music production. As such, you get a laptop fitted with Intel’s Core i7 2.5GHz processor and a large 8GB RAM. That’s not all. Your bucks are also enough to get you a 256GB SSD storage which will boost your computer’s disk reading and writing speeds.

On this note too, do know that this machine comes with a built-in DVD writer. This feature backed by HP’s reputable batteries will make on-site music recording quite a breeze. Did I mention that this is the lightest Windows laptop we have on this list at 4.8 pounds?

HP 15-ay018nr again brings a 15.6-inch screen with 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution for crisp and vibrant colors for video editing experience.

There’s so much to say about this model simply because it never disappoints. HP stresses that each unit goes through 200 thorough tests to ensure that it never fails you.

PROS

  • Impressive speed
  • Well built, Impressive design
  • Intels i7 processor
  • 5 pickup settings

CONS

  • Requires extra storage area

INDEPENDENT REVIEW

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Toshiba Satellite S55-B5280

11. Toshiba Satellite S55-B5280

OUR RATING

SPECIFICATIONS

Processor: Intel Core i7 (2.0 GHz)
RAM: 12GB RAM
Storage: 1 TB standard HD
Graphics: Intel Integrated Graphics

IMPORTANT FEATURES

If you found GL553VD a bit on the pricey side, Toshiba has a budget-friendly option with almost all the features in GL553VD and some even better.

Toshiba is a Tokyo, Japan-based well-known manufacturer in the field of computers and electronic components. It was founded in 1875 and is well-rooted in most continents around the globe.

It’s over 130 years of computer hardware experience is a substantial reason to consider it if you’re in need of an affordable studio laptop.

Toshiba Satellite S55-B5280 is a reliable option for beginners and students who want convenient music production and editing laptop without spending over $1000.

This power-packed machine comes pre-installed with Windows 8.1 that you can later upgrade to a version of your choice. It also features the 4th generation 2.0 GHz Core i7 processor which is a great deal for its price tag.

Its speedy i7 dual core processor is boosted by the presence of a 12-GB DDR3L RAM which eliminates all blue screens and hanging as you track and edit your sounds on several multi-tasking programs.

Like the pricey Asus above, Toshiba Satellite S55-B5280 also flaunts 1TB worth of storage space. It also has a 15.6-inch TruBrite and LED Backlit screen with 1366x768 HD resolutions.

This laptop’s webcam with Ultra HD output capabilities is an added advantage if you are Youtube or video-chatting enthusiast.

This device is also lightweight at around 4.8 pounds and can, therefore, be effortlessly ferried to the music production site. It also has USB 3.0 ports, Bluetooth 4.0, and Media Card Reader connectivity for greater convenience.

VERDICT

If you’re on a tight budget and need a machine with near-perfect features for incredible music producing, Toshiba Satellite S55-B5280 is all yours. Its 1TB will cut the cost of having to purchase an external HDD while its LED-backlit display makes it easy to work on your tracks and mixes both day and night.

However, be informed that its battery- which holds power for a pretty good time, by the way- isn’t user-replaceable. You’ll, therefore, have to learn how to take care of it.

PROS

  • The laptop is lightweight while being large
  • RAM and 1TB storage space
  • Speedy i7 dual core processor

CONS

  • No DVD player and non-replaceable battery

INDEPENDENT REVIEW

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Acer Aspire V 17 Gaming Laptop

12. Acer Aspire V 17 Gaming Laptop

OUR RATING

SPECIFICATIONS

Processor: 6th Gen i7 2.6GHz Quad-Core Processor with Turbo Boost
RAM: 8GB RAM
Storage: 1 TB standard HD
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M 2 GB GDDR5

IMPORTANT FEATURES

One thing that attracted us to this Acer Aspire is its excellent build. We were also amazed by its musician-friendly price tag on Amazon which was almost 23% cheaper than what other dealers were offering it at.

It brings highly innovative features that make music editing and recording super easy, enjoyable, and fun. This isn’t much of a surprise considering that Acer has been in this business for over 40 years now.

This is Taiwan-based computer Hardware Company that deals in computers, Smartphones, tablets, and PCs.

Notably, this company was rated the 6th best computer vendor in late 2015- this should wash away all your doubts about dealing with them.

The most easily noticeable feature in this piece is its 17.3’’ ultra wide screen. Amazingly, the display is LED-backlit and offers full HD (1920x1080) effect. As such, Acer Aspire V17 can be confidently treated as amongst the best Deejaying laptops for 2017.

Digging deeper into its specs, you find a 2.6GHz quad Core i7 processor from Intel’s latest 6th Generation. This engine also boasts Turbo Boost Technology that takes your speeds up to 3.5GHz. You also find a 4GB GDDR5 RAM for flawless multi-tasking and a 1TB HDD for all your music files.

Acer Aspire V17’s dedicated sound system with 4 state-of-the –art stereo speakers will again take your music editing- gaming and movie watching too- to a whole new level.

This music laptop also offers an important addition that Toshiba Satellite S55-B5280 lacked; 8X DVD Drive.

PROS

  • Excellent graphics for music editing and gaming
  • Backlit keyboard and display
  • Enormous storage space

CONS

  • Non-replaceable battery

INDEPENDENT REVIEW

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Asus F555LA-AB31 15.6-Inch Laptop

13. Asus F555LA-AB31 15.6-Inch Laptop

OUR RATING

SPECIFICATIONS

Processor: 5th-generation Intel Core i3-5010U 2.1GHz
RAM: 4GB RAM
Storage: 500GB 5400RPM standard HD
Graphics: Intel HD

IMPORTANT FEATURES

Another pick for the best PC for producing music is Asus F55LA-AB31

Sometimes good things come cheap, and this model perfectly fits in this category.

Asus F555LA-AB31 costs way less than 500 bucks on Amazon. I hate calling it cheap especially after considering the exclusive Asus apps at your disposal and incredible specs herein.

This machine’s 5th Generation 2.2GHz i5 processor and Asus’s IceCool technology are its strongholds. Its lightning speed response backed by its powerful hardware ranks it highly on any list of cheap music editing and production computers.

Asus F555LA-AB31 boasts a 4GB DDR3 RAM and 500GB Hard Disk for your data storage purposes. Notably, this high-quality studio laptop comes fitted with Windows 10 which is quite familiar to most users. Uniquely, you also get a digital assistant with the Windows 10 and one of the latest, super fast browsers.

This laptop also brings 2 USB 3.0 ports which are known to be almost 10x faster than their USB 2.0 counterparts. You also get 1 USB 2.0 ports and HDMI and VGA ports. Moreover, you won’t be spending extra bucks on an external DVD player since your Asus F555LA-AB31 has it already.

For Skype and video conferencing lovers, this laptops 15.6’’ matte display and high-sensitivity HD camera have your back.

It’s also worth noting that this is a beautiful-looking machine- just in case that was on your list of musts. It has a decent and up-to-date design with a non-smudge and fingerprint-resistant finish. Its subtle concentric circles on its body make it easy to grab on your hands without the risk of it sliding off.

PROS

  • Excellent graphics for music editing and gaming
  • Backlit keyboard and display
  • Enormous storage space

CONS

  • Non-replaceable battery

INDEPENDENT REVIEW

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Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E560

14. Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E560

OUR RATING

SPECIFICATIONS

Processor: 2.3GHz i5 Intel Core Processor
RAM: 8GB RAM
Storage: 500GB (7200RPM standard HD
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520

IMPORTANT FEATURES

The Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E560 is another reliable option with about all the required specs for a good music production computer.

This machine comes from the world’s largest personal computer manufacturer- Lenovo- headquartered in China and USA. This company currently has its foot in over 60 countries worldwide and sells its products in close to 160 countries.

ThinkPad brand is now under Lenovo since the entire IBM personal computer division was acquired in 2005. So, don’t be surprised to find the brand names Lenovo and ThinkPad in a single product.

This ThinkPad Edge E560 music workstation laptop is available at a little over 500 bucks. It comes with Windows 7 pre-installed plus a free license to upgrade to Windows 10 Professional version.

If you think that the price is awesome, wait until you find out the great deal in its specs.

ThinkPad Edge E560 boasts Intel’s latest 6th generation i5 2.3GHz processor and an upgraded 8GB DDR3 RAM. This is good news especially if you’re planning to run excessive plug-ins and programs in your music recording, editing, mixing, and producing purposes.

The machine also has a 500-GB HDD with 7200rpm which is a great improvement from Asus F555LA-AB31’s 5400rpm.

Another advantage of this model is its fingerprint reader which gives it a more serious design compared to other studio computers on this list.

Its 15.6’’ anti-glare screen is enough to allow you to multitask while the 6-cell battery will keep it powered for long.

For connectivity, ThinkPad Edge E560 brings 3 USB 3.0 ports, 1 VGA video port 1 HDMI port, 1 4-in-1 card reader port and an HDMI port.

PROS

  • Excellent graphics for music editing and gaming
  • Backlit keyboard and display
  • Enormous storage space

CONS

  • Non-replaceable battery

INDEPENDENT REVIEW

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Dell Inspiron 500 i5559-4682SLV

15. Dell Inspiron 500 i5559-4682SLV

OUR RATING

SPECIFICATIONS

Processor: 2.5GHz Intel Core i5 processor
RAM: 8GB RAM
Storage: 1TB HDD with 5400rpm speed
Graphics: ​AMD Radeon R5 M335 graphics co-processor

IMPORTANT FEATURES

For those who “Made in the USA” matters so much to them- which is good- I give you Dell Inspiron Flagship.

Dell is an American manufacturer, dealer, and vendor in personal computers, data storage devices, servers, cameras, mp3, and numerous other computer peripherals.

This company is named after its founder (Dell) and is situated in Round Rock, Texas.

Dell is a well-known hitter when it comes to computer quality. Simply put, they know their thing and seem to understand what you need in a good music production computer. As such, Dell Inspiron Flagship is a reliable bet for a music producer seeking for a quality entry-level laptop below 500 dollars.

This machine comes ready to use, thanks to the Windows 10 already installed. It also boasts feasible internal features including 2.5GHz Intel Core i5 processor alongside AMD Radeon R5 M335 graphics co-processor for breathtaking videos and gaming.

The screen measures 15.6’’ and has a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080.

Another feature worth celebrating is its 1TB 5400rpm HDD which is quite hard to find in a laptop at this price range. You also get an 8GB DDR3 SDRAM RAM which is quite large enough for heavy duty music production software and programs.

The only thing that didn’t sound well is the absence of USB 3.0. This laptop is fitted with only 2 USB 2.0 ports which may necessitate the need for a USB port hub.

PROS

  • Features packed, yet affordable
  • Large storage capacity
  • Lighter than most other laptops in this list
  • Made for the modern studio

CONS

  • No USB 3.0 ports

And there we have it, out picks for the best laptops for music recording for 2019. We hope you got one that will meet your demands.

Best Laptop for Music Production - Buyers Guide

With the right digital audio workstation (DAW), you can turn your laptop into a music production hub. Probably, you are already familiar with interesting options like Cubase Elements, Studio One Artist, FL Studio and Logic X Pro. And now you just need an affordable laptop for music production to go with it.

Whether you are into a fresh setup at the moment or simply need a replacement, this music product laptop buying guide is for you. Here you'll find a lot of great models within your current budget.

Assuming you do not have a specific brand in mind, we have taken the time to bring you a balanced representation of the best laptop brands in the market. Besides, if you have used another different product from any of these brands and got satisfaction from it, there is a chance you'll experience a similar level of satisfaction.

While it is possible to start recording or composing with any laptop, most of these machines are not created equal. Understanding the differences will be very useful for your eventual purchase decision.

Bearing in mind that a laptop can be used for diverse purposes, this buying guide is focused on the context of music production. Now, what should you be considering?

Laptop Operating System

First and foremost, you have to answer the question – which OS is best for me? Simply starting with general terms like best music 'best music production laptop' will overwhelm you with too many options with different operating systems. You have to narrow down your choice, specifying whether you need a Mac or PC. Practically, there is a great chance you've been using either of these options over time.

Here is another reason you should decide on the OS. Most of the music production software that you'll find in this niche market is meant for a specific laptop operating system. A good example is Logic Pro X which is meant to work specifically for macOS.

In case you have been using a specific type of music production software, you already know the operating system. Hence, you should be looking for a compatible type of laptop. The point is, keep your digital audio workstation (DAW) software needs in view before you choose any laptop.

Screen Size

Your visual workspace is precisely determined by screen size. Looking at the nature of music production, you'll be better off with a screen size that displays the interface you are working with to an optimum level. First, you have to put into consideration, the difference between simple and complex production requirements. In specific terms, think about the number of tracks that need to be present on your screen at the same time. The higher the number of tracks, the large the screen size you should be going for.

To make your selection process a little bit easier, you have to look at it from these perspectives –

Large screen size: Here we are talking about 17 – 20-inch laptops. This is the best option for monitoring a higher number of tracks on-screen at a time. If you are into production contexts like EDM or hip-hop, consider going for large screen sizes within this range.

Mid-sized screen: This one stands in the middle of the grouping. Think about 14 – 16 inches laptops. To get the exact thing you need, you may want to use terms like 'best 15 inches laptop for music production'. Furthermore, narrowing your search down to specific OS and brand will make it easy to identify your best options.

Small Screen Size: For simple recording and mixing requirements, finding a cheap 10 – 13 inches laptop is very likely to fit your current needs. From all of the brands represented in this buying guide, you are sure of finding one or more options within this size category.

Processor 

It doesn't matter how durable the design or its affordability if the process is not strong enough to handle the audio content production and processing load, you won't get optimal performance. As central as it is in a computer system, the processor is one key feature that differentiates one laptop from the others. In other words, processing power is rarely equal.

The question here is this – how many cores are built into the laptop? Practically, each of the core processes input and output separately. While some models come with 2 cores only, some are built with up to 6 cores. The higher the number of processing cores the better.

Another important thing is the processor speed. This is usually measured between 2.4 – 4.2 GHz. Fundamentally, higher GHz in this context implies higher processor speed. How do all these things relate to music production you may ask?

Here is the thing. Music is a kind of multimedia content. The more complex and bigger the number of tracks that need to be handled, the higher the number of cores and processor speed required. That also means that simple recording and mixing audio effects will require lower processor power.

Memory Capacity 

This one has more to do with the random-access memory (RAM). The memory capacity here is measured in a gigabyte. Interestingly, most laptops have varying capacities in this regard. Look around and you'll find lots of affordable options having 4 – 16Gb RAM. Based on the load-carrying nature of audio files, you'll need higher memory capacity to get optimum performance during music production.

In case you want to apply multiple effects as well as record virtual instruments, you'll need a music production laptop with a higher RAM capacity.

Closely related to this is the issue of file storage. Once again, storage capacity differs as well. The main variations here will be based on the size of the SSD and HDD drives. While you are making a comparison of the best laptop for music production, check for this size variations between one model and the other.

One obvious, thing is that higher storage capacity is usually better. At some point, you may want to use an external HDD to get more storage and free up your system for high performance.

Connection Ports

Depending on the complexity of your recording and production requirements, you are very likely to need a connection to other instruments. For this reason, the need for an audio interface also comes into the picture. This will make the connection of other instruments wired keyboard and microphone to be very easy. However, you have to confirm the compatibility of the connection ports on any existing device you have and the laptop you want to buy. Mind you that USB ports often vary from one device to the other. One thing you can to get a higher level of clarity is to ask the seller of each product or simply post your questions within the Amazon community.

Best Brands

Regardless of who you are, you don't have to research further to find out the bestselling laptop brands in the market. Whether you have used any one of these or not, these are the top sellers according to past user experiences, sales records and positive ratings –

  • Apple
  • HP
  • Dell
  • Asus
  • Acer
  • Lenovo

Price And Warranty 

Having to deal with heavy audio files requires high processor power and storage capacity. These are the two main factors that will determine the price of the laptop you end up buying. However, if you want to do very light music production, you can go for the mid-range options. Fortunately, you can still find a lot of affordable laptops for music production under $500.

Finally, one thing you don't have to check and confirm is the warranty. Factory defects happen. And then there are incidents of packaging errors that occur from time to time. Follow the links above to get what you want. But please don't buy and keep any of these products for future use. Test everything upon arrival.