Are you looking for the best laptop for music production 2024? Well, I know what you are thinking right now—it’s really tough to choose the perfect option, especially with so many options, right?
Just answer my few questions— Do you need fast performance, lots of RAM, or a top-notch display for mixing and editing?
Believe me or not—the right laptop can transform your workflow and allow you to run heavy DAWs, plugins, and virtual instruments with ease.
So, now if you are convinced to invest in a laptop for music production, then our best picks will surely help you decide. In this article, we have enlisted the 5 bests laptop for music production for beginners, so you don’t have to hustle over the internet. So, keep scrolling.
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How We Choose the Best Laptop for Music Production for Beginners?
Do you know—that choosing the best laptop for music production is no small feat. We surveyed over 50 tech sites and reviewed 100+ laptops to get a comprehensive view of what really matters. Although some renowned websites had their favorites.
We dug deeper and rejected top picks that fell short on key features such as connectivity or cooling. Our hands-on testing involved running popular DAWs, and checking audio rendering speeds, to ensure user comfort with the keyboard and trackpad.
Not only this, we have also gathered insights from trusted sources including TechRadar and PCMag to ensure our recommendations are solid.
The result? A carefully curated list of laptops that empower you to unleash your creativity without a hitch!
Features To Consider Before Buying “Best Laptops For Music Production”
1. Processor (CPU) Power
The processor determines how fast and efficiently your computer can perform tasks. Therefore, for music production, you need a robust CPU. For this, Intel i7 or Apple M2 chips are excellent choices, as they handle complex calculations and multiple applications without breaking a sweat.
However, if you’re into heavy mixing and use many virtual instruments, then you can opt for even higher, such as the Intel i9 for smother performance.
Remember, a powerful CPU means smoother playback and faster rendering times. Thus this surely allows you to focus on your creativity rather than waiting for your computer to catch up.
2. RAM (Memory)
RAM is like your laptop’s workspace; the more RAM you have, the more tasks you can juggle at once. In my opinion, 16GB of RAM is generally the minimum recommended for music production. This amount allows you to run your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) alongside multiple plugins and virtual instruments without lag.
However, if you’re planning on handling large projects or using extensive sample libraries, bumping up to 32GB or even 64GB can surely help you future-proof your setup. This extra memory ensures you can work on complex arrangements without any performance hiccups.
3. Storage (SSD vs. HDD)
Do you know that solid State Drives (SSDs) are much faster than traditional hard drives (HDDs). This makes them the preferred choice for music production. An SSD significantly reduces load times for your software and samples. Hence, it is undoubtedly vital when you’re deep into a project. Therefore, you should aim for at least 512GB of storage.
Whereas, if your music involves large sample libraries or high-resolution audio files, then you should consider a 1TB SSD or more. Moreover, external storage solutions are also a great option to extend the memory capacity. Thus, it allows you to back up projects and manage large libraries efficiently.
4. Display Quality and Size
Well, if you want to count on it—your laptop’s display is your window into your creative world. A larger screen, such as a 17-inch display, provides ample space for mixing and editing tracks. It allows you to see everything clearly without constant scrolling.
However, if you are a detail, oriented person, then a laptop with high resolution is your best friend. Therefore, you should look for Full HD (1920 x 1080) or higher for crisp visuals and accurate color representation. This clarity surely makes color mixing more precise and accurate.
Moreover, laptops with a touchscreen display can also be a great addition. It enhances your experience and gives you intuitive controls for your DAW, especially when sketching ideas or adjusting parameters.
5. Portability and Design
If you create music on the go, portability is essential. Lightweight models, such as the MacBook Air (M2), are easy to carry and powerful enough for most tasks. So, I recommend you look for a sleek, sturdy design that can withstand travel.
Moreover, comfort is equally important—thus we should –invest in a laptop with a great keyboard and trackpad for long sessions. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 stands out for its innovative 2-in-1 design, allowing you to switch between laptop and tablet modes. This flexibility is fantastic for sketching ideas or presenting your work.
6. Connectivity (Ports and Expandability)
Connectivity options can make or break your setup. You’ll want various ports to connect your audio interface, MIDI controllers, and other peripherals. If you have models such as the Dell XPS 17, Then you can benefit from its multiple connection options such as USB-C, Thunderbolt, and HDMI ports.
Consider future expansion too; having a laptop with room to grow—like additional USB ports or even SD card slots—can save you headaches later. If you need to connect multiple devices simultaneously, a docking station can be a valuable addition to your setup.
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5 Best Laptops For Music Production
Microsoft Surface Pro 9
Specs
Processor (CPU): Intel 12th Gen i7
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 256GB SSD
Audio Interface: Compatible with USB-C and Thunderbolt 4
Screen: 13″ display, 2880 x 1920 resolution
Battery Life: Up to 15.5 hours
Who Should Buy It?
The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is ideal for music producers who value portability and flexibility. If you need a device that can easily switch between being a powerful laptop and a convenient tablet for on-the-go work, this 2-in-1 is indeed a perfect option for you. Its Intel Evo i7 processor and 16GB RAM make it capable of handling music production software such as Ableton or FL Studio. Whereas, its lightweight design and long battery life make it easy to take to gigs, studios, or cafes. Therefore, if you’re someone who prefers working with a touchscreen or digital pen for quick notetaking or sketching ideas, the Surface Pro 9 stands out.
What Is It Best For?
The Surface Pro 9 shines when it comes to mobility and versatility. It’s best for producers who need a mix of creativity and productivity in one device. The 13-inch high-res display offers a great visual experience for arranging tracks or fine-tuning audio. Moreover, the Intel Evo platform ensures smooth multitasking across multiple apps or plugins. However, that’s not all—its strength actually lies in its hybrid nature. Thus it allows you to use it in tablet mode for sketching ideas and laptop mode for serious work with a full keyboard. Therefore, for music producers who are often on the go or who value a flexible workspace, it’s a solid choice.
| Reasons To Buy | Reasons Not To Buy |
| ✅ Powerful Intel 12th Gen i7 processor | ❌ Limited storage (256GB may fill up quickly) |
| ✅ 16GB RAM for smooth multitasking | ❌ Accessories are sold separately |
| ✅ High-res 13″ display for detailed work | ❌ No headphone jack |
| ✅ Lightweight and portable design | ❌ Expensive compared to other options |
| ✅ Long battery life for extended sessions | ❌Limited ports (only 2 Thunderbolt 4) |
| ✅Compatible with Thunderbolt 4 audio interfaces | ❌It is not ideal for use on laps due to the kickstand setup |
MSI Creator Z16
Specs
Processor (CPU): Intel Core i7-11800H (8-Core, up to 4.6 GHz)
RAM: 64 GB
Storage (SSD): 1 TB
Audio Compatibility: Supports USB and Thunderbolt interfaces
Screen: 16-inch QXGA touchscreen (2560 x 1600), 120Hz
Battery Life: Around 4.5 hours
Who Should Buy It?
The MSI Creator Z16 is perfect for creative professionals who require a powerful laptop for demanding tasks. Thus no matter if you’re a music producer, video editor, or graphic designer, this machine can handle all your resource-intensive software with ease. It supports high RAM along with dedicated graphics to ensure that you can handle multitasking without a hitch. Moreover, if you appreciate a stunning display for visual work, this laptop won’t disappoint. However, it’s best suited for those who have a budget for premium devices.
What Is It Best For?
The MSI Creator Z16 excels in performance and display quality. Its Intel i7 processor and RTX 3060 graphics card make it ideal for music production, especially when working with complex projects and multiple tracks. Moreover, the 16-inch QXGA touchscreen offers vibrant visuals to enhance your creative workflow. Not only this, but the high RAM capacity ensures smooth operation even with demanding applications. Thus, it’s not wrong to say—it’s indeed the best laptop option for professionals who need a high-performance, visually impressive laptop that can tackle a variety of creative tasks.
| Reasons To Buy | Reasons Not To Buy |
| ✅ Powerful performance with i7 and RTX 3060 | ❌ Limited battery life (~4.5 hours) |
| ✅ High-quality 16-inch touchscreen display | ❌ Lacks HDMI port for easy connectivity |
| ✅ Ample RAM (64 GB) for multitasking | ❌ Keyboard can feel flimsy |
| ✅ Great audio quality from built-in speakers | ❌ Bloatware included out of the box |
| ✅ Stylish, thin design for portability | ❌ No 4K screen option available |
| ✅ Solid for both creative work and casual use | ❌High price point compared to competitors |
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HP Omen 15
Specs
CPU: Intel Core i5-10300H (2.5 GHz, up to 4.5 GHz)
RAM: 16 GB DDR4
Storage: 1 TB PCIe NVMe SSD
Audio Interface: Compatible with USB Type-A and Type-C
Display: 15.6″ FHD (1920 x 1080), 144 Hz, IPS
Battery Life: 6-8 hours (varies by usage)
Who Should Buy It?
If you’re a music producer on a budget but still want a powerful laptop, the HP Omen 15 is a solid choice. It’s particularly great for those who also enjoy gaming or need a versatile machine for various tasks. It supports the powerful Intel Core i5 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics to ensure that you can handle all your demanding software with ease. Hence, no matter if you need a laptop for mixing tracks, editing audio, or working with virtual instruments, this laptop offers the performance you need without breaking the bank.
What Is It Best For?
The HP Omen 15 excels in multi-tasking and performance-heavy applications which makes it well-suited for music production. Its 16 GB of RAM and fast 1 TB SSD ensure quick load times and smooth operation, even with large projects. Moreover, the high-refresh-rate display enhances visual clarity, which is a plus when working with detailed music software. Not only this, the laptop’s variety of ports allows for easy connectivity with external audio interfaces and peripherals. Thus, if you are a music producer who actually values power and versatility, then this laptop is indeed a great option for you.
| Reasons To Buy | Reasons Not To Buy |
| ✅ Strong performance in music production | ❌ Flimsy chassis feel |
| ✅ High-quality FHD display | ❌ No USB-C charging |
| ✅ Ample storage with 1 TB SSD | ❌ Noisy fans under heavy load |
| ✅ Good RAM capacity (16 GB) | ❌ Average battery life |
| ✅ Compatible with various audio interfaces | ❌ Basic webcam quality |
| ✅Backlit keyboard for low-light use | ❌Heavier than some competitors |
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ASUS ProArt StudioBook 16
Specs
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800H (3.2 GHz, up to 4.4 GHz)
RAM: 32 GB DDR4
Storage: 1 TB PCIe NVMe RAID0 SSD
Audio Interface Compatibility: Works with most USB audio interfaces
Screen: 16 inches, 2560 x 1600, 120Hz
Battery Life: 5-7 hours, depending on usage
Who Should Buy It?
Trust me—if you’re a serious music producer or creative professional, the ASUS ProArt StudioBook 16 is worth considering. It’s designed for those who demand high performance and stunning visuals in their work. From composing music, and mixing tracks, to producing multimedia content, this laptop supports all the features and power that you need. Its exceptional display and graphics capabilities make it perfect for visual artists as well. Thus, it indeed provides you with a seamless editing experience across different creative applications.
What Is It Best For?
The ProArt StudioBook 16 excels in music production thanks to its powerful AMD Ryzen 7 processor and NVIDIA RTX 3060 graphics. This combination ensures that it can smoothly handle all demanding software such as DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) and plugins without lag. Moreover, the vibrant 16-inch display provides accurate color representation, which is beneficial if you’re also involved in visual content creation. Furthermore, it also features an ASUS Dial to enhance your workflow. This dial helps you conveniently tweak settings and controls. So, overall, this laptop is best for creators who need a reliable, high-performance machine for music production and beyond.
| Reasons To Buy | Reasons Not To Buy |
| ✅ Great 16-inch display with vibrant colors | ❌ Battery life isn’t very long |
| ✅ Powerful Ryzen 7 and RTX 3060 for heavy tasks | ❌ Keyboard can feel cramped |
| ✅ 32 GB RAM for smooth multitasking | ❌ RAID0 SSD may be slower |
| ✅ Handy ASUS Dial for easy control | ❌ Heavier than some other laptops |
| ✅ Good build quality | ❌ The price might be too high for some |
Dell Inspiron 7630
Specs
Processor: Intel Core i7-13700H
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 512GB SSD
Audio Interface: Compatible with most standard interfaces
Screen: 16-inch, 2.5K (2560 x 1600)
Battery Life: 6-8 hours
Who Should Buy It?
If you’re into music production and need a reliable laptop, the Dell Inspiron 7630 is a solid choice. It’s powered by an Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics, which means it can handle demanding software with ease. Moreover, the 16-inch display offers a great balance of size and portability which makes it easy to work from anywhere. Thus, it is indeed a great laptop option for musicians, producers, and content creators who want performance without sacrificing mobility.
What Is It Best For?
The Inspiron 7630 excels in music production. Its strong processor ensures the smooth operation of complex software such as Ableton Live or Logic Pro. It supports 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM that enables you to run multiple applications simultaneously. It is specifically crucial when you have to mix tracks and use virtual instruments. Moreover, its 2.5K resolution display provides you with clear visuals, and the 16:10 aspect ratio allows for better workspace organization. Additionally, the anti-glare feature helps reduce eye strain during long sessions, while the Dolby Atmos speakers deliver rich, immersive sound. Overall, it’s a reliable tool for bringing your music ideas to life, whether you’re in the studio or on the go.
| Reasons To Buy | Reasons Not To Buy |
| ✅ Fast Intel Core i7 processor | ❌ Hard to find in stock |
| ✅ 16GB RAM for smooth performance | ❌ Some have sound issues |
| ✅ Good NVIDIA RTX 3050 graphics | ❌ Heavier than lighter models |
| ✅ Sharp 16-inch 2.5K display | ❌ Battery life can be short under load |
| ✅ Great for music production and creativity | ❌ Can be pricey for a basic laptop |
Conclusion
Remember, choosing the best laptop for music production comes down to your needs and workflow. No matter if you are after portability, raw power, or a great display, there’s a laptop out there for you. All you need to do is–first think about what matters most—speed, memory, or even just comfort for long sessions, then decide. The right laptop can elevate your music-making experience and keep up with your creativity. So, pick the one that fits your style and get ready to create without limits.
