Table of Contents
Choosing the right laptop for music production can be difficult, as it directly impacts your creativity, productivity, and the quality of your audio projects. Today, we’ll take you on a journey through the best laptops available in the market, considering factors such as processing power, RAM, storage, display quality, and more, so you can make an informed choice that aligns perfectly with your musical aspirations. Whether you’re a budding musician, a seasoned producer, or anyone in between, this blog is your go-to resource for finding the perfect laptop to take your music to the next level.
Best Laptops for Music Production
- Apple MacBook Pro
- Microsoft Surface Pro 4
- HP Spectre x360
- Lenovo Legion Y520
- Gigabyte Aero 14
- Razer Blade 15
- Acer Aspire E 15
- HP Jaguar 15.6 Touch Screen
- Lenovo ThinkPad P52
- ASUS ROG Zephyrus S GX701
A lot of laptops these days could give desktop computers a run for their money. If you have also been looking for a reliable laptop to produce your music on, then you have come to the right place. In the following list, we are going to discuss the ten best laptops for music production. Keep on reading until the end, and hopefully, it would be easier for you to make a decision. Because we understand how overwhelming it can be when it comes to choosing just one out of so many. Let’s get into it:
10 Best Cheap Laptops for Music Production
1. Apple MacBook Pro:
Introducing the Apple MacBook Pro Laptop, meticulously engineered to be the ultimate choice for music production enthusiasts and professionals alike. At the core of this powerhouse is the groundbreaking M2 Pro chip, featuring a formidable 10-core CPU and an astonishing 16-core GPU. Whether you’re composing intricate melodies or crafting complex arrangements, this laptop’s unparalleled processing capabilities ensure that your music production tasks are executed with unmatched speed and precision.
One of the standout features of the MacBook Pro is its awe-inspiring 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display. With its exceptional brightness, contrast, and color accuracy, this display sets the stage for a truly immersive music production experience. Every detail of your audio projects comes to life with pristine clarity, making it easier than ever to fine-tune your compositions and arrangements. This laptop is a creative canvas that elevates your music production to new heights.
Equipped with 16GB of Unified Memory and a capacious 512GB SSD Storage, the 2023 MacBook Pro ensures that you have the performance and space required to work on large audio files and plugins without any bottlenecks. What’s more, its seamless compatibility with iPhone and iPad facilitates effortless integration into your music production workflow, allowing you to harness the full potential of the Apple ecosystem. Wrapped in the sleek Space Gray finish, this laptop not only delivers unparalleled performance but also embodies a sense of elegance that resonates with your musical creativity. The Apple MacBook Pro Laptop is your indispensable companion for creating, producing, and delivering exceptional music that captivates the world.
Hardware Specifications of Apple MacBook Pro
| Screen Size | 14-inch Retina Display |
| Processor | Apple M2 Pro chip or M2 Max chip |
| Operating System | Macbook OS |
2. Microsoft Surface Pro 4:
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 in its 13.5-inch configuration is a compelling choice for music production enthusiasts and professionals seeking a versatile and portable workstation. Powered by an Intel Core i7 processor and equipped with 16GB of RAM, this laptop offers robust performance for handling the demands of music production software and plugins. With a spacious 512GB Solid State Drive, you’ll have ample storage space for your audio projects, sample libraries, and more.
One of the standout features of the Surface Laptop 4 is its responsive 13.5-inch touch-screen display. Its high-resolution panel provides vibrant colors and sharp visuals, making it an ideal canvas for composing, arranging, and mixing music tracks. The touch-screen capability adds a level of interactivity, allowing you to intuitively control virtual instruments and software interfaces with your fingertips. This laptop’s portability, combined with its impressive hardware, makes it an excellent choice for music production on the go.
In addition to its performance and display quality, the Surface Laptop 4 offers the convenience of the Windows operating system, providing access to a wide range of music production software options. Its sleek and premium design, along with a comfortable keyboard and precise trackpad, ensures a pleasant and productive user experience. Whether you’re composing in your studio or working on your music projects while traveling, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is a capable and reliable companion for all your music production needs.
Hardware Specifications of Microsoft Surface Pro 4
| Screen Size | 13.5 inches |
| Processor | Intel Core i7 |
| RAM | 16 GB LPDDR4 |
| Hard Drive | 512 GB SSD |
3. HP Spectre x360:
The HP Spectre x360 Luxury 14T is a music producer’s dream machine. Powered by an Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor and equipped with 16GB of RAM and a spacious 1TB SSD, this laptop offers exceptional performance and ample storage capacity for your music production projects. The 13.5-inch 3:2 WUXGA+ touch display not only provides a stunning visual experience but also offers a unique aspect ratio that’s great for viewing sheet music and arranging tracks. Plus, the Bang & Olufsen Quad Speakers deliver rich and immersive audio quality, ensuring that you hear every note and detail in your music creations.
This laptop’s versatility is further enhanced with features like a fingerprint sensor for convenient and secure logins, a Tilt Pen for precise input, and a stylish Nightfall Black finish that exudes sophistication. Running on Windows 10 Pro, you have access to a vast ecosystem of music production software and tools, giving you the freedom to choose the ones that best suit your creative process. To top it all off, the package includes a 64GB TechWarehouse Flash Drive, ensuring you have extra storage for your music files and projects. The HP Spectre x360 Luxury 14T is a premium choice for music producers looking for a powerful, feature-packed laptop.
Hardware Specifications of HP Spectre x360
| Screen Size | 13.5 inches |
| Processor | Intel i7 |
| RAM | 16GB RAM |
| Graphics Card Ram Size | 64 GB |
| Hard Drive | 1 TB |
4. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon:
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 is a superb laptop for music production professionals who demand uncompromising performance and reliability. Featuring an Intel EVO Core i7-1185G7 vPro processor, 16GB of RAM, and an incredibly spacious 2TB PCIe SSD, this laptop ensures you have the raw power and ample storage needed for handling large audio projects and sample libraries with ease. The 14.0-inch display offers a sharp 1920 x 1200 resolution with Low Blue Light technology, making long music production sessions easier on the eyes while maintaining precise color accuracy with its 100% sRGB coverage.
What sets the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 apart is its legendary durability and robust build quality. It’s designed to withstand the rigors of daily use, making it an excellent choice for those who need a reliable machine in the studio or while on the go. The laptop also comes with the convenience of Windows 11 Pro, offering a powerful and versatile platform for music production software and creative applications.
The inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 connectivity ensures lightning-fast data transfer speeds, making it easy to connect external audio interfaces and peripherals without any bottlenecks. With a built-in fingerprint reader for secure logins and a Windows 11 Pro operating system, this laptop offers a feature-rich and secure environment for your music production needs. It even includes a complementary mouse pad, further enhancing your productivity. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 is the perfect companion for music producers who prioritize performance, durability, and a top-notch computing experience.
Hardware Specifications of Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
| Screen Size | 14 inches |
| Processor | 3 GHz core_i7 |
| RAM | 16 GB RAM |
| Hard Drive | 512 GB Flash Memory Solid State |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
5. Gigabyte Aero 17:
The Gigabyte AERO 17 is a musical maestro’s dream come true, offering exceptional power and cutting-edge technology for music production like never before. Featuring a spacious 17.3-inch 4K/UHD miniLED display with a blazing-fast 120Hz refresh rate, this laptop provides not only a breathtaking visual experience but also the precision needed for editing audio tracks with pinpoint accuracy. The Intel Core i7-12700H processor, coupled with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080Ti GPU, ensures seamless multitasking, real-time effects processing, and effortless handling of demanding music production software.
With a whopping 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a massive 2TB SSD, the AERO 17 YE5 offers ample memory and storage capacity to handle large music projects, sample libraries, and virtual instrument collections without breaking a sweat. The lightning-fast SSD ensures that your music files load in an instant, so you can stay in the creative flow. Running on Windows 11 Pro, you’ll have access to a wide range of software tools and creative applications, making it a versatile platform for composing, mixing, and mastering your music tracks.
The inclusion of a powerful GPU like the RTX 3080Ti opens up the world of GPU-accelerated audio processing and real-time effects, enabling you to take your music production to new heights. Whether you’re a professional music producer or an aspiring artist, the Gigabyte AERO 17 YE5 is the ultimate tool to bring your musical visions to life with unmatched performance, stunning visuals, and incredible processing power. This laptop redefines what’s possible in the world of music production technology.
Hardware Specifications of Gigabyte Aero 17
| Screen Size | 17 inches |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-12700H |
| RAM | 32GB DDR5 RAM |
| Hard Drive | 2TB SSD |
| Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080Ti |
6. Razer Blade 15:
Again, usually the first thing people think of when they hear the word Razer laptops is gaming. But what they forget is that it is also well-equipped to handle people’s music production needs without any trouble. Though this laptop might be expensive for some people, but for those whose source of income is their music, buying this laptop would seem like a good investment.
Equipped with a 12th generation intel core i7 processor, producing music on this laptop would be nothing short of an experience. The NVIDIA RTX graphics card would allow you to open up your mind to unlimited creativity. This laptop also has the smallest footprint of any laptop in its class, so you can carry it just about anywhere you want. Moreover, this laptop does not have any 3rd party trial junk software. So you can say goodbye to your laptop slowing down without any reason.
The Razer Blade 15 stands out as one of the favorable choices for music production due to its potent hardware, including high-performance processors and ample RAM, a high-quality display for precise audio editing, durable build, and a range of connectivity options. Its reliable performance and sleek design make it a versatile tool for music producers seeking both power and aesthetics in their production setup.
Hardware Specifications of Razer Blade 15 Gaming Laptop
| Screen Size | 15.6 inches |
| Processor | Intel Core i7 |
| RAM | 32 GB DDR5 |
| Hard Drive | Flash Memory Solid State |
| Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 |
7. Acer Predator Helios 300:
With so many different laptops on this list, we thought, why not include that do not cost a lot. But don’t worry, just because they don’t have a high price tag on them does not mean they don’t deserve to be on this list. The Acer Predator Helios 300 has everything that excellent music producing laptop should have.
The Acer Predator Helios 300 PH315-54-760S Gaming Laptop is a remarkable choice for music production enthusiasts who desire a potent and capable machine without breaking the bank. At its core, this laptop is armed with an Intel i7-11800H processor and a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU, delivering the computational muscle necessary to handle demanding music production software and real-time audio processing with ease. Its 15.6-inch FHD 144Hz 3ms IPS display offers not only vibrant visuals but also a responsive and fluid user experience, crucial for music composition, editing, and mixing.
Equipped with 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a speedy 512GB SSD, the Predator Helios 300 ensures rapid loading times for your music projects and provides sufficient memory for seamless multitasking. The inclusion of Killer WiFi 6 guarantees a stable and high-speed internet connection, perfect for downloading samples, collaborating with other musicians online, or streaming inspiration while you work. Additionally, the laptop boasts an RGB keyboard that not only adds a touch of style but also allows for customization to enhance your workflow.
While it’s marketed as a gaming laptop, the Acer Predator Helios 300’s powerful hardware, robust performance, and vibrant display make it a compelling choice for music producers on a budget. Whether you’re crafting intricate melodies or producing complex arrangements, this laptop is well-equipped to support your creative endeavors, making it an excellent value proposition for the music production community.
Hardware Specifications of Acer Predator Helios 300
| Screen Size | 15.6 inches |
| Processor | Intel i7-11800H |
| RAM | 16 GB DDR4 |
| Hard Drive | 512 GB Flash Memory Solid State |
| Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 |
8. Dell XPS 15:
While gaming laptops are performing very well generally, they are especially helpful for people who want to produce music on their laptops. The Dell XPS 15 also happens to be another great option.
The Dell XPS 15 is a laptop tailored to meet the rigorous demands of music production, offering a blend of high-performance hardware and a stunning display. Its Intel Core i7-12700H, a 14-core processor, brings an impressive level of processing power, ensuring seamless multitasking and quick execution of music production software. With a spacious 32GB of RAM and a blazing-fast 1TB PCIe SSD, you’ll have ample memory and storage space to handle large audio projects, sample libraries, and virtual instruments without any lag.
The laptop’s 15.6-inch FHD+ display boasts a remarkable 500-nit brightness level, making it an ideal canvas for music composition and editing. The precise color rendering ensures that you can visualize and edit your audio projects with exceptional accuracy. Additionally, the inclusion of the NVIDIA RTX 3050 GPU enhances real-time audio processing and opens up possibilities for GPU-accelerated effects and plugins, elevating your music production capabilities.
Running on Windows 11 Pro, the Dell XPS 15 9520 offers a robust and secure platform for music producers, allowing access to a vast ecosystem of music production software and creative tools. Its premium build quality, responsive keyboard, and large trackpad contribute to a comfortable and productive user experience during long studio sessions. Whether you’re crafting melodies, mixing tracks, or editing audio, this laptop is designed to meet your music production needs with power, precision, and reliability.
Hardware Specifications of Dell XPS 15
| Screen Size | 15.6 inches |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-12700H |
| RAM | 32 GB |
| Hard Drive | 1T |
9. MSI GS66 Stealth:
There are a lot of people who prefer to work with Windows when it comes to laptops. If you are also one of those people, then this laptop might be ideal for you. But we should warn you, though; it comes at a high price. Though looking at the fantastic specifications, you don’t need to wonder why it costs so much.
The MSI Stealth GS66 Gaming Laptop is a powerhouse tailor-made for music production professionals who crave top-tier performance. With the mighty Intel Core i9-12900H processor and a dedicated GeForce RTX 3070 Ti GPU, this laptop offers an incredible level of processing power, enabling seamless music composition, audio editing, and mixing. The 15.6-inch 360Hz display ensures that you can view waveforms and make precise adjustments with minimal latency, while the NVIDIA GPU adds potential for GPU-accelerated audio processing and real-time effects.
With 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a speedy 1TB NVMe SSD, the GS66 ensures rapid loading times for your music projects and ample memory for multitasking. The inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 connectivity is a boon for music producers, as it allows easy connection to external audio interfaces, MIDI controllers, and other studio equipment. The Cooler Boost Trinity+ cooling system ensures that the laptop can maintain optimal performance during long music production sessions.
Running on Windows 11 Home, this laptop provides a user-friendly and secure environment for music production software and creative applications. Whether you’re crafting intricate melodies, fine-tuning audio tracks, or mixing your latest masterpiece, the MSI Stealth GS66 is designed to meet the most demanding music production needs with its exceptional power, high-quality display, and advanced connectivity options.
Hardware Specifications of MSI GS66 Stealth
| Screen Size | 15.6 inches |
| Processor | Intel Core i7 |
| RAM | 32 GB |
| Hard Drive | 1 TB SSD |
| Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 |
10. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14:
The last laptop on our list is by ASUS. Usually, laptops with powerful features are heavy and bulky. But that is not the case with this laptop. It has excellent features that you would hold your attention.
The Asus ROG Zephyrus 14 WQXGA Gaming Laptop is a formidable choice for music production professionals who demand both power and portability. Equipped with the AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS processor and an AMD Radeon RX 6700S GPU, this laptop packs a punch in terms of processing capability, making it well-suited for handling music production tasks, including audio editing, mixing, and running virtual instruments. The laptop’s 14-inch WQXGA display with a 120Hz refresh rate provides a high-resolution canvas that’s not only visually stunning but also responsive, ensuring a seamless music production experience.
With 16GB of RAM and a spacious 1TB SSD, the Zephyrus 14 offers ample memory and storage space to store your music projects, sample libraries, and plugins. This means you can work on your music with confidence, knowing that the laptop can handle complex audio projects with ease. Additionally, the laptop comes bundled with an HDMI cable, which is a handy accessory for connecting external displays or audio interfaces, expanding your creative workspace.
Running on Windows 11 Home, this laptop provides access to a wide range of music production software and creative tools. Its sleek and portable design makes it easy to take your music production studio on the go, whether you’re collaborating with others or simply seeking inspiration in different environments. The Asus ROG Zephyrus 14 strikes a balance between performance and portability, making it a versatile choice for music producers who prioritize both power and mobility in their workflow.
It would not be wrong to call this laptop an all-rounder. The only factor that would come between you and buying this laptop would be the price. It is quite expensive, most expensive on this list. But if you plan to earn money through your music gigs and want to make sure you have a reliable and durable laptop, then you should not think twice before getting this laptop.
Hardware Specifications of ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14
| Screen Size | 14 inches |
| Processor | Intel Core i7 |
| RAM | 16 GB DDR5 |
| Hard Drive | 1 TB SSD |
| Graphics Coprocessor | AMD Radeon RX 6700 |
Conclusion:
Whether you are just starting to produce music on your laptop or you have been doing for a lot of years, you will find a laptop on this list that would fulfill all of your requirements. Just make sure to narrow down some of the specifications you are looking for in a laptop, and it would be easier for you to make a decision.
Mark Chard, holding a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from the University of Florida, is the go-to expert at LaptopsGeek for all things tech. With a robust history of reviewing laptops, tablets, smartphones, and more, Mark has developed an astute sense for identifying the essential ingredients that define the perfect laptop. He brings a personal touch to his work, having personally reviewed and extensively used the laptops featured on LaptopsGeek.com.