If you are a professional, you can easily spend money on a high-end laptop, but the journey for a beginner in music production is not the same. One has to do a lot of research to find the best laptop for music production for beginners that comes on a budget and suits the needs of DAW.
According to a website, Recorded music revenues in the US recorded $15.9 billion at an estimated retail value in 2023.
As a beginner in music production, you might be wondering what kind of laptop you need to create your tunes as a laptop is an essential tool for creating high-quality audio content. You might be wondering about buying a powerful machine or thinking of a regular one. The operating system is another confusion that comes to the if you are a beginner.
In this blog post, I’ll answer all your queries related to the best laptop for music production for beginners. If you are a beginner, I’d highly recommend checking out the in-depth laptop-buying guide for music production, which is discussed here.
If you are a versatile user and want to compare various laptops, you must check out our guide to the best budget gaming laptops as well as the best work-from-home laptops.
Best Pick!
If you are in a hurry and have no time to read the complete article, check out the best one out here!
To cut to the chase, the ASUS ROG Strix G16 is considered to be the best laptop for music production for beginners. This laptop offers cutting-edge hardware and unique features to meet the needs of current music production workflows. It has everything you need to create professional-quality music with ease and comfort.
With 14 cores and 20 threads, the CPU can easily handle several audio tracks, complicated virtual instruments, and resource-intensive effects. This laptop guarantees that your creative process is seamless and unbroken, whether you’re writing elaborate symphonic arrangements or layering sophisticated synth sounds.
With its powerful graphics card, you can enhance the realism of virtual instruments, simulate complex acoustic environments, and create immersive audio experiences without any lag.
- 【Processor】The 13th Gen Intel Core i7 13650HX (up to...
- 【Graphics】Reach another level of gaming realism with the...
- 【Upgraded】Up to 64GB DDR5-4800MHz RAM significantly...
Last update on 2024-05-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon
What makes this laptop the best laptop for music production for beginners:
- Delivers exceptional performance for demanding music production tasks with its Intel i7 processor.
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card proves to be a valuable asset for music production.
- 32 GB RAM to handle even the most demanding music production projects.
- The laptop stays cool during intense cooling.
- 16-inch FHD (1920×1080) display with a 165Hz refresh rate visual aspects of music production.
This laptop suits the title of best laptop for music production for beginners if affordability is not a concern for you.
Hardware Requirements for DAW
If you want to make music on your computer, You’ll need to consider some factors before choosing your DAW and your computer. Here are some hardware requirements for DAWs that you should know while buying the best laptop for music production for beginners:
| Hardware | Minimum Req. | Recommended Req. |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 | Intel core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 |
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB or more |
| Hard drive | 256 GB SSD | 512 GB or more |
| Graphics card | Integrated with DirectX 11 | Dedicated graphics card |
| Operating system | Windows 10,11, Mac | Windows 10,11, Mac |
Now, that you are aware of the minimum and recommended specs for your DAW while choosing the best laptop for music production for beginners, let us proceed further and get to know the various factors in detail.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Laptop for Music Production for Beginners
Before we start to share our recommendations regarding the best laptop for music production for beginners let’s get to know the various key factors you must consider before finalizing your laptop because it’s about your hard-earned money.
Processor
Processing power plays a vital role in the field of music production. While buying the best laptop for music production for beginners, I strongly recommend considering a laptop with at least an Intel i5 processor with the latest generation or an AMD Ryzen series 5 processor because DAW requires power to handle multiple tracks, effects, and plugins.
To future-proof your machine if your budget allows consider opting for the Intel i7 series or AMD Ryzen 7 series processors for even better performance.
RAM (Random Access Memory)
RAM comes into play while doing lag-free multitasking without compromising the performance of your laptop. Software such as FL Studio, and Ableton are resource-intensive so you require plenty of RAM.
So, for the best laptop for music production for beginners, look for at least 8 GB of RAM and if you need multitasking 16 GB of RAM is recommended for music production to seamlessly enjoy your music production work and future-proof your machine.
Storage
While looking for the best laptop for music production for beginners, go with an SSD(Solid state drive) only to improve the loading time and performance of your software and plugins.
Even the most modern laptops are coming prebuilt with SSDs only as HDDs (hard disk drives) have slower boot times with more mechanical parts.
Portability vs. Performance
Before buying a good laptop for music production, you must consider your usage scenario. If you prioritize mobility, a lightweight laptop might be preferable, but if performance is your primary concern, a slightly bulkier device with better cooling and higher processing power would be a better choice for you.
Compatibility
While buying the best laptop for music production for beginners, you must consider the compatibility of various DAW software for the smooth and lag-free running of your system.
You should check the system requirements and recommendations of your software and hardware before buying a laptop for music production.
Audio Interface and Ports
Pay close attention to the available ports and the compatibility with audio interfaces and other music production gear while buying the best laptop for music production for beginners.
USB, Thunderbolt, and HDMI ports are essential for connecting external devices like MIDI controllers, audio interfaces, and monitors.
Graphics
A graphics card is not essential for music production if you are a learner, but if you want to use advanced graphics features in your DAW, such as 3D visualization or VR support, you need a dedicated graphics card with enough memory and power.
Budget
Last but not least is the budget. If you are on a tight budget, I strongly recommend you choose this laptop from Acer; however, if budget is not an issue, you must go with this ASUS laptop for music production.
List of Best Laptops for Music Production for Beginners
Now that you are aware of the important factors to consider while buying the best laptop for music production for beginners, I’ll share my recommendations for good music production laptops that are known for their performance and reliability in music production.
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon
Now, let’s discuss each laptop in detail so that you can finally come to the point of buying the best laptop for music production according to your needs.
Apple MacBook Air Laptop with M2 chip (Best MacBook for Music Production)
The best Mac laptop for music production is the Apple Macbook Air. The MacBook has always been known for its sleek and lightweight design, and this one is no exception. With its M2 chip that has an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU, you will be able to run multiple tracks, instruments, effects, plugins, and more without any lag or glitches.
I tested with Logic Pro X and found the laptop handles everything smoothly and flawlessly. The speakers are loud and clear, and the headphone jack supports high-impedance headphones up to 600 ohms. I’ve been able to mix and master my tracks with ease and accuracy.
About the display, it has a 15.3-inch Liquid Retina Display that allows me to see more tracks and plugins at once. The high resolution makes everything sharp and detailed. With true-tone technology, you will be able to adjust the colors based on the lighting conditions.
The Thunderbolt 4 ports are also very useful for connecting external devices such as audio interfaces, MIDI controllers, monitors, hard drives, etc.
Key Specifications:
- Processor: 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU
- Graphic Card: Apple 10-core GPU
- RAM: 8 GB DDR5
- Hard Disk: 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.3-inch Liquid Retina Display
- Ports: 2x thunderbolt port | 1x headphone jack | 1x MagSafe 3 charging port
- Dimensions: 13.4″L x 9.35″W x 0.45″Th
- IMPRESSIVELY BIG, IMPOSSIBLY THIN — The 15-inch MacBook...
- SUPERCHARGED BY M2 — Get more done faster with a powerful...
- UP TO 18 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — Go all day with the...
Last update on 2024-05-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon
PROS:
- Three-microphone array for clear voice recordings
- Up to 14 hours of battery life
- Six speakers with spatial audio
- A powerful, thin, light, portable laptop
CONS:
- The operating system is not suited for all
If you are a Mac lover and the operating system suits you well I highly recommend you choose this laptop as it’s the best Mac laptop for music production. This laptop has everything for a beginner in music production.
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Best Windows Portable Laptop for Music Production)
The next best laptop for music production for beginners is the Microsoft Surface Pro 9. This is a versatile 2-in-1 tablet and laptop that offers a compelling package for music producers.
Its 12th Generation Intel i7 processor provides ample power for music production tasks. It can handle multiple demanding plugins without any lag or slowdown, making it suitable for even the most complex projects. CPU usage was found to be low to moderate most of the time working with DAW such as Ableton Live, Cuebase, and Reaper.
To keep the smooth multitasking with different applications 16 GB of RAM is provided which is far more enough for lag-free work.
Additionally, its high-quality touchscreen display and pen support make it a great tool for creative workflows in the music production field.
For mixing and mastering music, it has a 13-inch high-resolution PixelSense touchscreen display with pen support which further enhances the creative experience, allowing you to sketch out ideas, annotate documents, and create expressive performances with virtual instruments.
Key Specifications:
- Processor: Intel 12th Gen i7
- Graphic Card: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- RAM: 16GB LPDDR5 RAM
- Hard Disk: 512GB SSD
- Display: 13″ PixelSense touchscreen
- Dimensions: 12.22 x 1.97 x 9.06 inches
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- Immersive 13" touchscreen – Adapts to your surroundings,...
- Hinges on your every move – Adjust the angle with built-in...
Last update on 2024-05-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon
PROS:
- Portable yet powerful
- Dual microphones for clear voice recordings
- Dolby Atmos for immersive audio playback
CONS:
- A bit pricey
- Touch pen to be purchased separately
- Fan noise can be noticeable under heavy load
Now, if you are a traveler and looking for a premium laptop that not only fits your music production needs but also provides you the portability, then this laptop is all you need. It is one of the premium Windows laptops for music production that will be able to run all your DAW with ease.
Dell XPS 17 Laptop
The Dell XPS 17 9710 is a beast of a laptop with its Intel Core i7-11800H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card. It can handle any music project you throw at it, even with multiple tracks and effects.
This combination of hardware provides ample power for running demanding music production software, such as Digital Performer, Logic Pro X, and Ableton Live.
Another good feature of this laptop is its screen. It’s a 17″ FHD+ 4-sided InfinityEdge display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, which means you can have more vertical space for your DAWs and plugins. The bezels are also super thin, giving you an immersive viewing experience.
Key Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i7-11800H
- Graphic Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 RAM
- Hard Disk: 1TB SSD
- Display: 17-inch FHD display
- Ports: 4x thunderbolt port (USB Type C) | 1x SD card reader | 1x headphone jack
- Dimensions: 13.57″L x 9.76″W x 0.71″Th
- Aspect Ratio:16:10.Voltage:20.0 volts_of_direct_current
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: 11th Generation Intel Core i7...
- STUNNING SCREEN: A 16:10 4-sided InfinityEdge display is...
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon
PROS:
- Portable yet powerful
- Dual microphones for clear voice recordings
- Dolby Atmos for immersive audio playback
CONS:
- A bit pricey
- A bit heavy
Overall, this laptop from Dell is an excellent laptop for music producers who want a powerful and portable machine that can handle music production projects with ease.
ASUS ROG Strix G16 Laptop (Best Laptop for Music Production)
ASUS ROG Strix Laptop is one of the newest and most powerful laptops on the market right now for music producers. The laptop is built for gamers however, for a music producer it is equally beneficial because just like a game even DAW requires a lot of power and graphics capabilities to perform.
To test the performance of this laptop for music production, I used FL Studio 20 as my DAW (digital audio workstation) software. I loaded up a project with about 20 tracks, each with several plugins and effects. I was able to play back the project smoothly without any glitches or pops, even at high buffer sizes.
In terms of display, it has smooth and fluid visuals. The display also has good color accuracy and contrast, which is important for music producers who work with visuals.
Further, the laptop has a full-size keyboard with per-key RGB backlighting which can be customized using ASUS Armoury Crate software. You can even keep multiple DAWs, plugins, and samples open without experiencing any lag or slowdown.
If you are a beginner or at a pro level, this laptop suits the title of best laptop for music production for beginners as well as for advanced music producers.
Key Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i7 13650HX
- Graphic Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060
- RAM: 32GB DDR5
- Hard Disk: 2TB SSD
- Display: 16″ FHD 165Hz Display
- Ports: 1 x HDMI 2.1 | 2 x USB-A 3.2 | 2 x USB-C 3.2 | 1 x RJ-45 | 1 x Audio jack
- Dimensions: 13.94″ L x 10.39″ W x 0.89″ H
- 【Processor】The 13th Gen Intel Core i7 13650HX (up to...
- 【Graphics】Reach another level of gaming realism with the...
- 【Upgraded】Up to 64GB DDR5-4800MHz RAM significantly...
Last update on 2024-05-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon
PROS:
- A complete package for music producers (reliability at its best)
- Supports VR
- Silent fans even during intensive work
CONS:
- Webcam quality is not up to the mark.
If you are serious about music production needs, then this laptop is the best Windows laptop for music production and is comparatively cheap with other laptops of the same specs.
If budget and affordability are not your primary needs, I highly recommend this versatile and well-rounded machine to anyone who is looking for the best laptop for music production for beginners.
Acer Nitro 5 Laptop (Best cheap laptop)
The Nitro series from Acer is a well-known series in the field of gaming because of its components at a budget-friendly price and that is the reason this laptop is included in the list of best laptop for music production for beginners.
As a beginner in music production, one should choose a laptop that can run multiple software and plugins without lagging or crashing at an affordable price. That is where the Nitro 5 comes into play. The specs of this laptop are more than enough for any DAW at the beginning of the journey.
The Acer Nitro 5 scored 22759 points in the Cinebench R23 Multi-Core test, which is very impressive for an i5 processor. It outperformed some laptops with i7 processors in this test. This shows that this laptop can handle heavy multitasking and demanding applications with ease.
Key Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i5-12500H
- Graphic Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
- RAM: 16 GB DDR4
- Hard Disk: 512 GB SSD
- Display: 15.6″ FHD 144Hz IPS Display
- Ports: 3x Type-C Port USB 3.2 Gen 2 | 1x Thunderbolt 4 | 1x HDMI 2.1 Port | 1x Headphone Jack | 1x Ethernet (RJ-45)
- Dimensions: 14.19″ W x 10.67″ D x 1.06″ H
- Take your game to the next level with the 12th Gen Intel...
- RTX, It's On: The latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti (4GB...
- Picture-Perfect. Furiously Fast: With the sharp visuals of a...
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon
PROS:
- A complete package for music producers (reliability at its best)
- Supports VR
- Silent fans even during intensive work
CONS:
- The audio quality is decent with only 2 stereo speakers.
- Battery lasts for around 4 hours during normal usage.
The Acer Nitro 5 is the best laptop for music production under $1000 and can handle all your multitasking needs. You can even play some of the latest games at high settings due to the dedicated graphics card in the system.
So, if you are a beginner and looking for the best budget laptop for music production, you should go with none other than Acer Nitro 5.
Summary: Best Laptop for Music Production for beginners
In this blog post, I recommend the best laptop for music production for beginners. Whether you are a beginner and looking for a cheap laptop for music production or you are pro-level and need to upgrade your machine, this blog post has covered all the aspects for you.
Here, I have provided the best laptops that suits music producers, a gamer, or a creator. An affordable budget-friendly laptop for music production is also provided so that as a beginner you can start your journey without worrying about the budget (at least with a laptop).
If you are a gamer, you must check out our best quietest gaming laptops that will also fulfill the needs of music production.
Most users found the Mac to be more friendly than Windows and that is the reason Mac is also considered in the list of best laptop for music production for beginners.
Leave your worries regarding the laptop buying guide for music production to us so that you can concentrate on producing high-quality music.
I hope in the end you will be able to buy a good laptop for music production. I wish you all the success in your life.
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FAQ: Best Laptop for Music Production for beginners
People ask some common questions on different websites, so I tried to give appropriate answers that solve their problem regarding the best laptop for music production for beginners.
Are gaming laptops good for music production?
Gaming laptops have specs that are recommended by DAW (Digital Audio Workstations) and are designed to perform in extreme conditions. So gaming laptops are good for music production.
Do you need an expensive laptop for music production?
As a beginner, I highly recommend you go with a cheap laptop for music production that meets the specs for DAW, and once all is set you can upgrade it with the best one.
Is a laptop or desktop better for DAW?
A laptop or desktop depends on individual needs. If you are running out of space and portability is your need you should consider a Laptop while choosing the best laptop for music production for beginners or else go with a desktop so that you can upgrade it anytime in your music production journey.
