10 Best Laptops For Music Production In 2024 [DAW Compatible]

Making music is a passion for many people. It's an art form that allows you to express yourself and create something that can touch other people's lives.

If you're looking to take your music production skills to the next level, you need the best tools available.

In this article, we will discuss the 10 best laptops for music production. We'll also provide a comprehensive guide on what to look for when purchasing a laptop for music production. Let's get started!

The 10 Best Laptops For Music Production In 2024

Choosing the right laptop for music production can significantly influence your creativity and productivity.

It's not just about selecting a device with sufficient storage or a powerful processor; you also need to consider aspects unique to music production, like its audio output, software compatibility, and battery life.

Here is a list of our top ten picks for the best laptops for music production:

We've researched and compiled a list of the top 10 laptops that offer the optimal combination of these essential features for music production. Let's dive in and explore each one in detail.

1. LG Gram 17Z90P

There is this feeling of captivation that I got when I first laid my eyes on the LG Gram 17Z90P. I could tell I was looking at something special.

Here is what really caught my eye: an elegant, sleek device with a jaw-dropping 17-inch vibrant screen, and it's ridiculously lightweight - just under 3 pounds.

For a laptop that comes with a generous screen real estate, the portability of this beast makes all the difference.

Right out of the box, my hands found themselves appreciating the smooth magnesium alloy body of the LG Gram.

The well-constructed chassis, despite its lightness, gives an air of robustness that tells you it can stand up to rough use without caving in. Its matte finish lends it a refined look that quickly impressed me.

Talking about the screen, have I said enough about how crisp and sharp every detail became? So clear was every hue and color. It felt like it breathed new life into everything from watching movies to browsing photos.

Working (and not-so-much working) has never been more immersive, thanks to its killer 17" WQXGA display.

When it comes to raw power, this machine doesn't hold punches either. From its Intel Core i7-1165G7 CPU to hefty 16GB RAM and whooping 2TB SSD storage to work with!

Multi-tasking becomes breezy such that you can run demanding music production apps seamlessly alongside some heavy-duty tabbed browsing without any hint of lagging.

Another point worth noting is a comprehensive array of ports offering variety for your connectivity needs - a lovely combo of USB-C & Thunderbolt ports, USB-A 3.2 for old-school, HDMI port for output, and standard audio jack.

Now, is it all rosy? Well, not exactly. The area where I feel the LG Gram 17Z90P fell short was the speakers. The sound from the twin 2W Stereo speakers can best be described as mediocre.

Also, I got reports of some really unfortunate crashing incidents, but these seemed to be isolated cases from what I gathered.

Our Verdict

Regardless of the minor drawbacks, this laptop has shown itself to be an impressive choice for music production with its seamless blend of power, display quality, and lightweight. To say this is a delightful tool for creators is no overstatement.

Pros And Cons

2. Acer Aspire Vero

When it comes to purchasing a laptop for music production, I must mention the Acer Aspire Vero. Priced at a very reasonable $680, this machine offers incredible performance for the cost, featuring specs such as a vibrant 15.6" FHD screen, an Intel Core i7-1195G7 CPU, and Intel Iris Xe graphics capabilities.

To add to this power-packed combo is its 16GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB SSD storage – all contributing to an ultra-smooth workflow whether you're jamming out your next hit single or editing tracks late into the night.

One feature that I greatly appreciate as a music producer is the port selection on this laptop: it's equipped with one USB 3.2 (Type-C) Gen 1 port (up to 5 Gbps), two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Ports (one even has Power-off Charging capabilities), one USB 2.0 Port, and one HDMI Port with HDCP support. It means I’m always ready for periphery magic – from MIDI controllers to audio interfaces.

You'd think with all these features packed in that, this laptop might weigh quite a bit, but it tips the scales at a modest ‎‎3.97 lbs only! This makes it easy to carry around from my home studio to live sessions or even cafés when I fancy working somewhere different.

The speakers aren't too shabby either, with 2W x 2 Stereo functionality making impromptu listening sessions a joy – of course, dedicated monitor speakers are recommended for accurate mixing and mastering.

My journey with Acer Aspire Vero hasn't been without bumps, though. Around six weeks into using it, I experienced some display issues that caused me trouble – an eerily lit keyboard against a backdrop of absolute screen darkness!

I had to attach an additional monitor as a workaround, which was a drag. Thankfully, Acer's warranty came to the rescue, albeit with additional shipping and supplies costs.

Our Verdict

Considering my voyage with the Acer Aspire Vero, I would suggest this laptop to budding music producers looking for significant horsepower at an affordable price. Its music production relevant features are too good to dismiss due to its early display glitch and issues, especially as Acer stood by its warranty obligations.

Pros And Cons

3. Dell Inspiron 5510

The Dell Inspiron 5510 quickly became one of my go-to laptops for music production. Equipped with an Intel Core i7-11390H CPU and NVIDIA MX450 graphics, this laptop packs a punch when it comes to handling heavy audio project files.

The pricing is also pretty reasonable, coming in at $999, which is amazing for the specs you're getting.

A huge bright spot is its stunning 15.6-inch full HD display. The screen can effortlessly support multiple open window applications, which, as a music producer myself, is vital for when you're layering sounds and dealing with complex software interfaces.

The laptop also contains 8GB DDR4 RAM and a storage space of 512GB SSD, perfect for storing bulky audio files and guaranteeing seamless performances even with memory-hungry applications like Logic Pro or Ableton Live.

Now let's talk about the ports because, as a music producer, connectivity matters- you'll be connecting equipment like MIDI keyboards or audio interfaces routinely.

This model comes with respectable options: an SD card reader, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, an Audio jack, a Power Jack, an HDMI 1.4 port, and a Thunderbolt 4.0 port.

One thing that really caught my attention was the sound quality this machine produces—a pair of robust W x 2 speakers that serve up rich and immersive sound quality.

Despite packing all these bells and whistles in terms of specifications and hardware, surrendering itself relatively light at just ‎‎‎‎‎‎3.6 pounds—I love carrying it to studio sessions—it's no hassle whatsoever!

However, like any device honestly reviewed till now., it does come with some drawbacks based on my personal experience and other user reviews I’ve seen online.

While I've had fantastic experiences so far using this laptop for music production, other users have cited an issue with the power on/off button.

It seems the system fails to boot up upon pressing the power button - a common issue cited among a few Dell models.

The solution offered was to disconnect and reconnect the battery, which understandably can be a headache if it occurs repeatedly.

Our Verdict

The Dell Inspiron 5510 is an impressive laptop for music production, with its attributes outweighing its flawed power button design from my personal experience as well as other users.

Its generous port selection, memory payload & reasonable pricing make this piece of hardware a perfect accomplice to your music-making venture.

Pros And Cons

4. Lenovo ThinkPad P15s 

The Lenovo ThinkPad P15s is, in my opinion, an underdog in the world of laptops for music production. But don’t let that fool you.

This powerhouse machine has some killer specs that make it a great choice for music producers of all levels, and I can't wait to share my experience with you.

The very first thing that caught my eye was its sleek appearance. Encased within an all-black exterior, it subtly screams sophistication and high productivity levels- perfect vibes for your music studio.

Not only does it look professional, the performance certainly doesn't disappoint. A combination of Intel Core i7-1165G7 CPU and NVIDIA Quadro T500 Graphics makes everything run as smoothly as butter on toast! It's like having a whole recording studio at your disposal on just one laptop.

One of the most important aspects of any laptop for music production is its ability to handle multiple tasks at once. With 16GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB SSD storage space, multitasking has never been easier or smoother.

Whether I'm running multiple plugins on Ableton Live or trying out new sound samples, this beast can handle it all without any hiccups.

What grabbed my attention next is the fantastic array of ports available- two USB ports, one USB-C port, an HDMI 2.0 port, and an RJ45 port- connectivity will not be a major concern whenever you're producing or performing!

One fellow user review caught my eye as they praised the built-in speakers! The 2 x 2W speakers deliver an impressive sound quality, considering they are built into such a compact system. And let's face it; having good speakers is crucial when you're making music!

Weighing in at just ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎3.87 pounds, mobility won't weigh you down when inspiration strikes anywhere other than your home studio.

It’s important to note that it's not without its flaws. I did come across a few fellow users noting that this laptop might be a tad expensive compared to its competitors. Even though true to some extent, I feel the powerhouse performance you get justifies the price tag of $1,049.

Our Verdict

It's safe to say that the Lenovo ThinkPad P15s is a gem among laptops for music production with its powerful performance capabilities, extensive connectivity options, high-quality inbuilt speakers, and lightweight frame - all justifying the price tag. It's definitely a great contender in my book!

Pros and Cons

5. ASUS VivoBook Pro

The ASUS VivoBook Pro, priced at $1,049, checks many boxes as one of my personal favorites in the realm of productivity-oriented laptops, especially when it comes to creating brilliant symphonies or pulsing beats.

The machine boasts superior specifications suitable for even heavyweight production use. Under the hood, you'll find an AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor working side-by-side with a robust NVIDIA RTX 3050 graphics card.

This synergy of processing power and graphics performance makes most multimedia applications run like a dream on this laptop.

This laptop truly surprised me when it greeted my eyes with sharp, vibrant visuals on its spacious 15.6” WQXGA+ display.

The OLED screen technology takes the visual performance to another level, enhancing every shade and detail - a significant advantage when working on video clips associated with your music tracks.

As a music producer, one feature that gained my favor is its RAM and storage capacity. With the smooth functioning of the 16GB DDR4 RAM and a fast yet ample 512GB SSD storage configuration, managing large sound libraries or dealing with multiple simultaneous tracks did not slow down or impede my workflow.

One factor that placed this device as such a favorite in my eyes was its lightweight design. Weighing in at only ‎‎3.09 pounds, traveling or moving around with this laptop felt effortless - perfect for producers on the go or those who thrive on change in scenery while working.

Its connectivity options include one USB-C port, two standard USB-A ports (both 3.2), an HDMI port for multimedia output, one USB-2 port, and a combo audio jack port - enough to ensure swift transmission of data with other devices or external storage.

The device also houses dual stereo speakers, which deliver decent sound outputs during basic usage. However, for professional mixing, I’d recommend utilizing headphones or dedicated external speakers for optimal audio quality.

If I had to point out an area of possible improvement, it would be the integration of Wi-Fi 5 in a brand-new laptop. In an era where most devices are moving towards Wi-Fi 6 for a faster and more efficient wireless experience, this seemed like a step backward.

Despite the minor hiccup with the older version of Wi-Fi, this machine left me thoroughly impressed and satisfied throughout my exploration and use in music production.

Our Verdict

ASUS VivoBook Pro appears to be a serious contender in our search for the perfect music production laptop. It's amply equipped, high-performing, portable, and, most importantly - capable of facilitating smooth music production workflows without creating big dents in your wallet.

Pros and Cons

6. MSI Katana GF76

When I first got my hands on the MSI Katana GF76, it was clear that this laptop wasn't just your run-of-the-mill device. Boasting a price tag of $909, the Katana GF76 brings quite a lot to the table.

Let's talk specs. The MSI Katana GF76 features a 15.6” FHD screen that is perfect for detailed work like song composition or audio editing. Under the hood, it houses an Intel Core i7-12650H CPU paired with NVIDIA RTX 3050 Ti Graphics, a combination that offers smooth performance and minimal latency, which is crucial for music production.

Add to that its 16GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB SSD storage - you've got yourself a computer that is built to handle heavy loads effortlessly.

Expanding upon its capabilities, the notebook comes with an impressive array of ports, including your standard USB connections (1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A), but also an additional USB (1 x USB 2.0 Type-A), RJ45 LAN port, HDMI (4k@60Hz), Audio combo jack and DC-in as well.

Audio is driven by two Hi-Res certified speakers offering clean and crisp sounds – perfect for fine-tuning those tracks! Despite packing so many features, it manages to maintain a reasonable weight of just under ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎5 pounds.

Having used the MSI Katana GF76 for several months now, I've had quite a blast using this as my primary choice for all sorts of computing needs, not only music production but also gaming.

Upgrading its RAM to 64GB made video processing even smoother, while switching out the original NVMe with Kingston Fury doubled data transfer speed!

Not all experiences have been daisy and roses with this machine. One concern that cropped up in the early phase of using this laptop was an issue with the game downloading speed.

Initially, it was slow and a bit uncertain, but with tech support's guidance, a reset fixed most of these issues. All things considered, though, these were minor hiccups in what is otherwise a pretty solid laptop.

Our Verdict

I'd say the MSI Katana GF76 is an excellent choice for music producers and content creators. It delivers outstanding performance at an affordable price, making it worth your consideration.

Pros and Cons

7. Apple MacBook Pro

One of the most formidable contenders in the realm of music production laptops is the sleek and sturdy Apple MacBook Pro.

As someone who's always seeking top-notch performance from electronic devices, I've witnessed firsthand how this machine stands out among its peers, allowing enhanced accessibility and unprecedented outcomes for my musical creations.

Featuring an extraordinary 16.2'' LED screen, the MacBook Pro graces you with crystal-clear and vivid imagery that can provide a visually satisfying workspace for your projects.

Under the hood, powering this beast is none other than Apple's M1 Pro 10-core CPU teamed up with a 16-core Graphics unit.

I can attest that this setup pumps out substantial power and speed when handling demanding applications, ensuring swift responses without skipping a beat (literally).

To facilitate running multiple heavy-duty music software simultaneously, it comes packed with an ample 16GB DDR4 RAM alongside an impressive 512GB SSD storage space.

When I first unboxed this machine, I was delighted by its assortment of ports—the best friend of any music producer! It supports various connectivity options such as three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports friendly to Charging, DisplayPort Thunderbolt (up to a whopping 40 Gbps), USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10 Gbps), HDMI port, SDXC card slot—to name a few.

The cherry on top? The built-in front-facing speakers offer a nuanced sound output, enabling me to dissect even minute adjustments in my tracks—a perfect accompaniment when checking over minute details during final master edits.

All these features get packed into a rather compact footprint of only ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎4.7 pounds! Considering all it has to offer, I categorize it as one highly portable powerhouse.

Now, it's worth mentioning: not everyone had experiences mirroring mine. Some users reported experiencing technical issues after a few months, such as screen brightness dimming, trackpads becoming laggy, and specific keys behaving erratically.

Some even felt like they didn't get enough value for their spent bucks—something worth considering if you're venturing outside the box of an official Apple Store purchase.

In my experience and drawn from others' positive notes as well—the MacBook Pro was a reliable partner in my creative process. I found the device to bear tremendous potential for anyone serious about their music production journey.

Our Verdict

To sum it up, the Apple MacBook Pro, with its robust specs and efficient performance, is a worthy candidate for the title of 'best laptop for music production.’ Yet, as with any device, it's always better to stick to certified sellers to ensure your investment pays off without hiccups.

Pros and Cons

8. Razer Blade 15

Step into the world of flawless performance, precision, and power with the Razer Blade 15. This sleek piece of tech has earned its stripes in the demanding field of music production.

Based on my experience, the Razer Blade 15 is a powerhouse. The Intel Core i7-12800H CPU, teamed up with the NVIDIA RTX 3060 Graphics, creates a versatile platform suitable for more than just gaming.

In fact, they do wonders when it comes to running demanding audio software. Whether you're tracking large multi-instrument sessions or mixing complex projects, this laptop does not break a sweat.

What got me awed is its vibrant UHD OLED display that delights your senses – offering a visual treat as well as practical benefits for working on intricate music production tasks.

With a solid 16GB DDR5 RAM, this laptop has all the memory you’ll need for multiple plug-ins and heavy sample libraries, though I felt it could be more for this price range.

Installing an upgraded RAM (just like I did!) can skyrocket its performance to another realm altogether. The generous 1TB SSD storage gives you space aplenty to store all your work files and samples without worrying about running out of room any time soon.

The availability of assorted ports, including SD Card Reader, Thunderbolt™ 4 USB-C Port, HDMI2.1, and more, makes connectivity effortless and fast, thus saving precious time during tight deadlines.

Weighing at around 4.4 pounds, it's certainly not super light, but given its powerful features, it’s not something that should deter potential buyers.

My overall impression of this beast was brilliant except for a few shortcomings, such as heating issues. It's important to use a good quality laptop cooling pad, especially during long hours of process-heavy tasks, to keep it cool and functional.

I Must warn that I didn’t have the best experience with their customer support service. When the initial euphoria waned off after a month, the sound from the speakers went south – probably a hardware problem. But the customer service was unhelpful and downright disappointing.

Final Verdict

If you are seeking a robust and performance-centric laptop for music production that defies the odds of cost, then the Razer Blade 15 should undoubtedly be on your list.

Pros and Cons

9. Dell G15

Stepping into the music production world, it goes without saying that I needed the perfect device to complement my creative endeavors.

With this in mind, I got my hands on the Dell G15. Packing a set of extraordinary specs with an affordable price tag, this laptop surely needs some spotlight.

The highlight of the G15 has got to be its remarkable processing capability with the AMD Ryzen 7 5800H under its hood - from arranging complicated compositions to running high-end audio software, it breezes through it all smoothly.

With state-of-the-art NVIDIA RTX 3060 Graphics, I find myself giving quick touches to a music video or playing swift gaming sessions as a quick fun break.

Speaking of storage and RAM comes as an absolute delight. At 16GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB SSD storage capacity, I can effortlessly juggle numerous software while storing gargantuan gigabytes of raw audio files without breaking a sweat.

However, one may not recognize the worth of abundance in port selection until faced with music recording situations.

Trust me on this one! Dell offers a plethora of ports – USB Type-C and USB 3.2 for fast data transfer speeds, HDMI for presentations or multi-screen setups, and an RJ45 Ethernet port for steady internet connections during live remote performances.

But what's music without sound? The stereo speakers of Dell G15 managed to impress me decently with their clear audio delivery even at peak volumes - perfect for those impromptu jamming sessions or just lounging around absorbing some melodies.

Sometimes, when I carry this magnificent beast around (it weighs just ‎‎‎‎‎‎3.6 pounds), my fellow musicians cannot help but notice the fantastic build quality coupled with the exceptional performance promised by its specs embedded behind a gorgeous 15.6” FHD Screen!

It pains me to say, but this wouldn’t be a fair review if I didn’t broach the few shortcomings I experienced with the Dell G15. While the laptop offers breathtaking specifications, it fell slightly short in terms of battery life and fan noise.

During my intensive music production sessions, I noticed that it required more juice than expected while the fans made their presence known.

Our Verdict

Considering the overall picture with every poised feature and offering of the Dell G15, I would certainly give this grunty powerhouse two thumbs up!

Pros and Cons

10. Alienware X17

No one can deny the prowess of Alienware when it comes to gaming rigs, but let's see how the Alienware X17 fares in the music production department. Sporting a hefty price tag of $1,927, the X17 comes with some impressive gear under its hood.

Let's start with the powerhouse within - it's fueled by an Intel Core i7 12700H CPU and accompanied by an NVIDIA RTX 3070Ti for graphics processing, ensuring minimal lag during high-level task execution.

There’s also 16GB LPDDR5 RAM, providing ample headroom for memory-intensive applications such as DAWs and synthesizers.

The onboard storage is a generous 1TB SSD, offering ample space to store your massive audio sample libraries and projects. Plus, lightning-quick data transfers ensure that time-critical tasks are never delayed.

The genuine star of the show is obviously its 17.3'' FHD screen – essential for any music producer who works with numerous applications and plugins at once; pair this with a broad array of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, USB ports, and even a MicroSD Card Slot… Trust me when I tell you—connectivity will never be in question.

Now, let’s move on to one of our deal-breakers: sound quality. The built-in stereo speakers are just that—built into a laptop frame, but they deliver quite well considering their placement.

If you're relying on them heavily for your listening needs - you just might be facing some choppy waters ahead.

It’s important to address user feedback here - many seemed taken aback by an ‘overheating’ issue, but honestly, from my firsthand experience using this behemoth, I admit there was noticeable heat coming from the vents while performing hefty tasks like prolonged gaming or rendering files. However, it wasn't enough to disrupt regular use.

Our Verdict

Bear in mind, though, that some users did report system crashes and audio issues. I didn't encounter these personally, but if you're a traveling music producer who values reliability over raw power, this might throw a wrench in your machine.

To wrap it up, the Alienware X17 is a tough nut to crack. It’s rich with power and features that any music producer could desire, but it stumbles slightly in the reliability department.

Pros and Cons

Laptop Requirements For Music Production

Certainly, when it comes to music production, the demands on a laptop can be quite different from general usage. Here's a professional breakdown of things to consider before purchasing a laptop for music production:

Processor

The processor is the most important component of a laptop for music production. It determines how quickly your computer can handle tasks and operations related to music production.

Look for a laptop with a high-end processor, such as an Intel Core I-series or an AMD Ryzen.

Core Count & Speed

For music production, a quad-core processor is generally a minimum requirement. If you can afford it, go for hexa-core or octa-core processors.

A higher core count will allow your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) and plugins to run more smoothly, especially when handling large sessions.

RAM (Memory)

• Size: 16GB of RAM should be your baseline, but if you're using a lot of sample-based instruments or running large sessions, 32GB or more can be beneficial.
• Speed: While speed can be a factor, capacity is more crucial for music production. Still, if you have the option, DDR4 3200MHz or faster can be beneficial.

Storage

• Type: An SSD (Solid State Drive) is a must. It offers faster data access times than traditional HDDs, which is essential for streaming large sample libraries and ensuring your DAW operates smoothly.
• Capacity: Depending on your library size, a 512GB SSD can be a starting point. Many professionals prefer 1TB or more, especially if they work with extensive sample libraries.
• Expandability: If the laptop has additional slots for M.2 drives or a 2.5" bay for extra SSDs, it can be advantageous for future storage needs.

Sound Card & Audio Interface

While built-in sound cards in laptops have improved over the years, for professional music production, an external audio interface is recommended. This will provide you with better audio quality, reduced latency, and necessary inputs/outputs for equipment.

Display

• Resolution: A full HD display (1920x1080) should be a minimum. If your budget allows, a 4K resolution can be beneficial for clearer visuals and more screen real estate.
• Size: Depending on your preference, a 15-inch screen or larger can be more comfortable when dealing with complex DAW interfaces.

Graphics Card (GPU)

While music production is not particularly graphics-intensive, some DAWs and plugins can benefit from a dedicated GPU, especially if they have visually rich interfaces or if you're working with video.

Ports & Connectivity

Ensure the laptop has enough USB ports (preferably USB 3.0 or higher) for your gear - audio interface, MIDI controllers, dongles, etc.

A Thunderbolt port can be a significant advantage, especially if you're looking to connect high-end audio interfaces or external GPUs.

Build Quality & Cooling

Music production can be CPU-intensive, making the laptop generate heat. A good cooling system is essential to prevent throttling and ensure consistent performance.

A sturdy build quality is beneficial, especially if you're going to be on the move with your laptop.

Battery Life

If you're planning to produce on the go, consider a laptop with a robust battery life. However, remember that intensive tasks will drain the battery faster.

Operating System

This often boils down to personal preference and software compatibility. Some DAWs and plugins are platform-specific.

Software Compatibility

Ensure that your preferred DAW and essential plugins are compatible with the laptop's specs and operating system.

Budget

Finally, always keep your budget in mind. It's essential to strike a balance between cost and performance. Remember, the most expensive option isn't always the best for your specific needs.

Before purchasing, always check the latest reviews, and if possible, test the laptop with your DAW to see how it handles in real-world scenarios.

Conclusion

Now that we've looked at some of the best laptops for music production, it's time to decide which one is right for you.

If you need a laptop that can handle powerful music software and you don't mind spending a bit more money, then the MacBook Pro or HP are good options.

Whichever laptop you choose, make sure to do your research and find one that fits your specific needs. With the right tools and equipment, anyone can become a successful musician!

Thanks for reading! I hope this article helps you choose the perfect laptop for your music production needs.