Best Apple Laptop For Recording Music

Computer for Music Production Feature Price; Apple MacBook Air Z0UU3LL/A Laptop: Leading the list is none other than one of the giants of technology. Check Price: Apple iMac MK482LL/A: For a more heavy-duty computer, Apple's iMAC is the perfect choice for you. Check Price: ASUS ROG STRIX AMD Gaming Laptop: Gaming laptops are the kind that can. The main reason why many people prefer Mac is because of some music production software that is only available for Mac operating systems. Examples are GarageBand and Apple Logic Pro X. GarageBand will allow you to create music as an expert. Sep 10, 2020 This entry by Alienware, despite its emphasis on graphics for immersive game-play, might just well be one of the best the best laptops for music production on the market. It has rapidly responsive quad-core Intel i7 processor to efficiently boot and import inside your digital audio workstation. Best Computer Monitor for Music Production: Our Picks 1. Dell P2419H 24-inch Monitor. One of the top options for music production is this 24-inch model from Dell. It's a great size that will fit on just about any desk and the slim profile allows it to easily blend into your existing setup without taking up too much space.

• Best Laptop For Recording Studio
• Best Apple Laptop For Recording Music Software
• Best Laptops For Making Music

In order to even begin to start working with music production, aside from instruments and other gear, you need a computer. Without a desktop computer or a laptop, you'll have no way to record, mix, and master any music.

Sometimes it's hard to find the best cheap laptop for music production when you're on a tight budget, so we're providing you with a list to help expedite your process.

Setting Expectations

Before I begin getting into things, let me say a few things. First of all, since this is a budget laptop review list, you're not going to find any new MacBooks or gaming computers on here. With a $500 budget, you'll likely be able to find some better quality laptops that run Windows.

Now, Windows may be a bit more finicky when it comes to running DAWs and different plugins as opposed to Apple's computers, but a $500 Asus laptop can be just as powerful as a MacBook if you find the right hardware.

If you want something that's worth more but don't have the budget for it, try to find a used laptop. I strongly suggest looking on eBay or other secondhand seller websites where you'll find a lower price for more expensive computers. Even if you can find an older MacBook, they can still hold their own against a newer Dell or Asus laptop.

Top 8 Best Budget Music Production Laptops Under $500

Here are the best cheap laptops under (or around) $500 for music production:

Acer Aspire E 15

Acer is a really great brand with some reliable, fast computers. The Aspire E 15 is equipped with an 8th generation Intel Core i5 3.4GHz processor, an Nvidia GeForce MX150 graphics card with 2GB of GDDR5 VRAM, a 1920 x 1080 widescreen display, 8GB of memory (dual slots), a 256GB solid state drive, a rewritable DVD double layer drive, a webcam, and it runs on Windows 10 Home Edition.

The battery will stay charged for up to 10 hours. The Aspire E 15 also has Bluetooth so you can connect your Bluetooth-compatible MIDI instruments and other devices to the computer.

Having a solid state drive (SSD) greatly increases the speed of the laptop. Solid state drives don't have any moving parts, so accessing files is much faster than if you have a normal hard drive (HDD). A lot of laptops have issues with slowing down once they become full of files and programs, so a solid state drive helps to prevent that.

The Intel Core i5 processor is one of the faster ones out there so navigating and using your DAW and plugins will be a breeze. With dual slot memory, both the solid state drive and the memory of the laptop are upgradeable.

The Acer Aspire E 15 goes for around $500 and is a great, affordable laptop. I highly recommend it for both seasoned producers and beginners, as it's upgradeable, fast, and has amazing battery life. In my opinion, the Acer Aspire E 15 is the best budget laptop for around $500.

HP Business 15.6 Touchscreen

The HP Business 15.6 Touchscreen laptop is definitely one of the best budget laptops out there. HP is a brand that has been trusted by many music producers and computer users in general and I personally have found HP's computers to be the most reliable and well built.

The HP Business laptop features a 3.6GHz Quad-Core AMD CPU, 8GB of RAM, a 1 TB hard drive, a webcam, HDMI, and Radeon R7 graphics. It's a lightning fast laptop that will be able to handle a heavy workload filled with tons of plugins in your favorite DAW. Must have apps macbook pro 2018.

With a 1 TB hard drive, you'll have plenty of storage for project files and music software. 8GB of RAM is plenty to run plugins without slowing your computer down. If you have graphics-heavy plugins, that shouldn't be an issue either due to the Radeon R7 graphics card. The laptop runs on Windows 10.

Of course the most defining feature is the touchscreen, which is one of the reasons why I'm ranking this laptop so high. Having a laptop with a touch screen makes your workflow much more efficient as you get a chance to break away from using a mouse.

The touch screen makes using faders and knobs in your DAWs and plugins so much easier and therefore expedites mixing and mastering.

One of the main gripes people have with this laptop is that it slows down once it has so many programs and files on it. This can be remedied by switching out the hard drive with a solid state drive.

While it's at the very top of the $500 budget (and slightly over, depending on where and when you buy it), it's very worth it. The HP Business Touchscreen laptop goes for a little over $500 on Amazon but depending on where you get it, it might be cheaper.

HP Jaguar 15.6 Touchscreen

As you can see, I'm a fan of the touchscreen laptops. The HP Jaguar is another fantastic choice for a decent laptop for music production that also happens to be inexpensive.

The HP Jaguar has an Intel Core i5 processor that has a base of 2.50GHz and goes up to 3.10GHz. It has 8GB of RAM, which is enough to run many plugins in your DAW. It also has a 1 TB hard drive.

The touchscreen on this laptop supports 10 finger multi touch and has a 15.6-inch screen. It's Bluetooth compatible and if you don't like Bluetooth, there are several USB ports and a full size island style keyboard as well as a touchpad.

Having a hard drive versus a solid state drive isn't really a big issue, but for some people it really does matter. If you care a ton about speed, get a solid state drive for this one. Overall though, this laptop is a great budget choice laptop, and it's also under $500 on Amazon.

Asus VivoBook X541UA

The Asus VivoBook X541UA is a laptop that's especially designed for those who want portability, and it definitely serves this purpose while being powerful enough to produce music and handle a ton of plugins and whichever DAW of your choice.

The VivoBook X541UA is a touch screen laptop made with multimedia in mind. It has a 15.6-inch screen and an Intel Core i5 processor with a base of 2.5GHz and a turbo up to 3.1GHz.

It is equipped with a 1 TB hard drive and 8GB of RAM, which will leave you with plenty of space and memory and the chance to upgrade it (max memory up to 32GB).

The keyboard is more ergonomic than others made by Asus so anything that you have to do with the keyboard will be much easier on your hands if you have to spend hours working on a project. It's also Bluetooth compatible and has many USB ports including USB-C, so it's compatible with newer hardware that uses USB-C.

The graphics card is an Intel HD Graphics 620 so you'll have no problem rendering videos or using plugins that have a lot of graphics. Since this is an Asus computer, it runs on Windows 10 Home.

This laptop goes for a little bit more than $500 on Amazon, but because of the processor and touch screen I think you should definitely consider it if looking into buying a laptop for music production. If you're not willing to shell out $550, try to find it on sale.

Lenovo IdeaPad 320

The Lenovo IdeaPad 320 is an inexpensive middle of the road laptop that won't break your wallet but also will allow you to make music without any lag during the process.

The IdeaPad 320 features a 15.6-inch HD screen and AMD Radeon R7 graphics, a 2.7GHz AMD A12 Quad-Core processor, 8GB of RAM that can be upgraded to a maximum of 12GB, and a 256GB solid state drive.

The laptop also has many USB ports, an HDMI port, and is Bluetooth compatible for use with all your MIDI devices that connect using Bluetooth. Additionally there is a built in HD webcam with a microphone.

The keyboard of this computer is full size and even has a full size numeric keypad, which is something you don't usually see on smaller laptops.

While the processor is a bit slower than others on this list, it should give you enough power to run your DAW with all its plugins without causing any issues. Lenovo has some really great computers and this is one of them.

Dell Inspiron i5378 2 in 1

The Dell Inspiron 2 in 1 laptop is a really nice choice for seasoned producers who often have recording sessions with clients while also being a good option for beginner producers.

The Dell Inspiron 2 in 1 has Waves MaxxAudio Pro technology and Intel HD Graphics 620 so you'll have no problem navigating through your DAW and if you're not using an audio interface to listen to the laptop, it'll sound great whether you're using headphones or speakers.

The processor is a 7th Generation i3 Intel Core processor which means it's powerful enough to run a DAW without getting bogged down by plugins. The laptop comes with 4GB of RAM but is upgradeable up to 16GB of RAM, which is a lot for a 2 in 1 laptop. As for storage, it's got a 1 TB hard drive.

Here's arguably the best feature of this computer: it's a 2 in 1, which means that you can use it like a normal laptop, or you can use it in a stand, tablet, or tent mode since it has a touch screen. This comes in handy especially if you are recording live sessions in a studio and need to be up on your feet.

If you use the Inspiron 2 in 1 as a tablet, that saves you a ton of money because you won't need to buy an iPad to control your DAW during sessions.

I absolutely 100% recommend this laptop, as it'll save you a ton of money in the long run because it's a 2 in 1, and it's also upgradeable if you find that its base specifications aren't enough for what you're using it for.

Dell Inspiron i3567

The Dell Inspiron 15.6-inch laptop is a modest choice that still gets the job done easily when making music.

It boasts a 7th Generation 2.4GHz Intel Core i3 dual core processor for smart and high definition computing, 8GB of RAM so you should have no problem with plugins, a 1 TB hard drive, and an Intel HD Graphics 620 graphics card if you end up wanting to use the laptop for making beat videos or music visualizers.

The Dell Inspiron Business laptop has MaxxAudio from Waves to provide you with a crisp, clean sound if you're using headphones or speakers. It's also Bluetooth compatible and has a webcam, plenty of USB ports, and an HDMI output for connecting to a bigger screen.

Dell has omitted an optical drive in this laptop model to allow for a ton of portability. If you want an optical drive, you should be able to find an external USB one for not a lot of money.

Being one of the cheaper laptops on this list doesn't mean it skimps on quality or performance. It's definitely a decent laptop and would be great for producers that are just starting out and don't need a ton of processing power just yet.

Apple MacBook Pro (renewed)

This is a wildcard. Like I mentioned before, an older MacBook Pro can easily hold its own against a newer Dell, Asus, HP, or Lenovo laptop.

As long as it's not super old, an older MacBook should be able to be upgraded with Apple's latest OS, and oftentimes MacBooks have a ton of RAM and a good amount of storage. Mac processors have a ton of power too.

I found a late 2011 MacBook Pro on Amazon with an Intel Core i5 2.4GHz processor, a 500GB hard drive and 4GB of RAM, and it is currently running El Capitan.

It's more than capable of handling a giant DAW like Pro Tools and a host of plugins. On top of that, it's only around $400. At that rate, it's an absolute steal.

Putting the cons aside since they're not too big of a deal, a used Apple laptop is an amazing option if you want to save a lot of money, and if you're not afraid of getting a refurbished or used computer, I definitely suggest looking into it.

Conclusion

There are a lot of great laptops out there that will do well with running music production software. While looking for a budget laptop, make sure to never skimp on RAM, CPU, and a hard drive or solid state drive.

Having a fast, capable processor will enable you to work efficiently and save you from waiting several minutes just to start your computer up and get things running. RAM allows for more plugins to be used in your DAW and works hand in hand with your CPU.

If your processor isn't fast enough, you'll get issues like latency while recording, and if your RAM isn't big enough, you'll get issues like your plugins running slowly or crashing. This is why having a good computer is so important.

That being said, don't forget to look at older computers, especially ones from Apple. They can be just as good as newer computers and you'll be able to save much more money if you buy something that's been refurbished or used.

For more information on the best computers touse for music production to help you choose the best laptops and desktopswithin your budget, be sure to check out the articles and guides that we havecoming up in the near future!

In this article, we'll be reviewing the best laptops for music production in 2021. When you have so many options, it's hard to navigate through finding one that suits your workflow, has all the ports you need, works with your DAW and plugins, and has enough space. This list of reviews will help you choose the best laptop for you and your needs.

Here are the best laptops for music production:

Best Laptop For Recording Studio

1. Apple MacBook Pro

The ultimate best laptop for music production

Without a doubt, Apple has the best laptops for audio production in general, or if you prefer Apple's operating system and hardware over Windows'. The MacBook Pro has been a standard in music production for years and continues to hold that title as the best overall laptop.

The MacBook Pro boasts a powerful Intel processor (you can choose from 4-, 6-, and 8-core processors) and up to an impressive 32GB of memory (depending on the model you choose and hardware upgrades), making processing DAWs and plugins seem like a miniscule task.

The MacBook Pro uses a solid state drive rather than a normal hard drive, which allows you to navigate through files at lightning speed. The 13-inch model of the laptop has a capacity of up to 2TB and the 15-inch model has 4TB of storage.

I will stress heavily that this really is the best Mac laptop for music production, although there are many good Apple laptops out there. If you don't have a big budget, this computer might not be for you. If you can find a used model, do that. The used ones usually work as well as ones that are brand new.

The MacBook Pro is a great choice for anyone from beginners to experienced producers, and if you're looking to switch from Windows to Apple, definitely try out a MacBook Pro.

2. Lenovo ThinkPad P52

The best Windows laptop

For those of you who are Windows fans, the Lenovo ThinkPad P52 is probably the best Windows laptop for music production. While it has a giant price tag, its specifications definitely make up for it.

The ThinkPad P52 is equipped with an 8th generation Intel Core i7 6 core processor with vPro technology. The ThinkPad P52 allows for up to 64GB of RAM and you can choose either a 1TB 7200 RPM hard drive or a solid state drive (up to 1TB) depending on what type of storage you want.

The battery life of this laptop will last pretty long, up to 10 hours, which of course will vary depending on how many programs you have open and what you're doing with it.

The graphics card of this laptop is also customizable, you can either choose between an NVIDIA Quadro P1000 4GB or an NVIDIA Quadro P2000 4GB card. You should have no problem handling graphics heavy plugins or DAWs with these graphics cards.

Overall, this computer is a fantastic model, and although I'm a Mac fan, I would definitely consider using the Lenovo ThinkPad P52 for my own studio if I was to switch from Apple to Windows. It's an absolute workhorse of a laptop.

If you like the familiarity of Windows computers and want to stick with a really nice laptop that will get you through hours of recording sessions and beat making, definitely go with this one.

3. Dell XPS 13 9360

A great option for beginners

The Dell XPS 13 9360 is the best laptop for amateurs. This top-rated computer has 8GB of RAM (up to 16GB in some versions) and is soldered therefore RAM cannot be upgraded in the future.

However, it comes with a completely up to date 7th gen dual-core i5 (or i7) processor, SSD (up to 512GB) , and runs a Windows 10 64-bit operating system comfortably which is perfect for most users who are working with entry-level knowledge of music production.

It also has a 13.3-inch touch screen display with an Intel HD Graphics 620 processor (8GB RAM card) that makes its operations far more user-friendly, with the ability to manipulate and draw automation in if so desired.

If you are just starting out in music production, the Dell XPS 13 9360 will meet nearly all requirements for music production. It is fairly high in cost considering what it lacks so finding one that is used but still in good condition might be the better option for those seeking to start out with this laptop. When all is said and done, though, it does provide an adequate level of specs to run the majority of DAWs.

4. Razer Blade Stealth 13

The best ultrabook

The Razer Blade Stealth laptop is powered by the quad-core 8th generation Intel Core i7 processor, giving it a speed of 1.8 GHz. However, it is fully capable of reaching a max speed of 4.6 GHz when put in turbo mode for up to four times performance increase in content creation.

It comes with a RAM of 16GB with a memory speed of 1866 MHz combined with an Intel Graphics card 620. The hard drive capacity is 256GB SSD but is upgradeable up to 512GB SSD.

This laptop is incredibly sleek and visually stunning. It features up to 4K resolution QHD+ 3200 X 1800 touch display giving it incredible graphics in a thin bezel 13.3' display. This in addition to a new Razer Chroma keyboard, the Razer Blade Stealth combines both mobility and style with power that makes it perfect for music production and gaming if that is something you would want to use it for as well.

The Razer Blade Stealth 13 is perfect for any professional looking to launch multiple programs all at once. Both stylish and productive for work, music production, and gaming, this laptop is supported by the Windows 10 OS.

5. MSI GX63VR

The best laptop for making beats

I know what you're thinking: that the price of this laptop automatically makes it one that you'd never put your money towards. However, if you're heavy into making beats, the MSI GX63VR is an extremely solid choice for those of you who want a laptop that will provide hours of great performance but will also be portable and sturdy enough to carry with you wherever you go.

Like the Razer Blade Stealth, the GX63VR is a gaming laptop (hence the price tag). The GX63VR is considerably heavier and a little bigger, but it has some extra features that make it well worth it to consider as an option if you need somewhere to keep all your samples and recordings while simultaneously using graphics-heavy plugins and projects with a lot of tracks.

The MSI GX63VR has the 7th generation Intel Core i7 processor, VR Ready graphics with compatibility for graphics cards up to the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 card, 16GB of RAM, and here's the killer: there are not one, but two storage drives. You get a 256GB solid state drive and a 2TB hard drive.

If you're the type of person that likes to store your files on your computer, or you just don't want to shell out the money for an external drive, I highly suggest this laptop, as you can store a ton of your samples and plugins on the hard drive and store your DAWs on the solid state drive so that you can access everything at lightning fast speeds.

Additional features include huge speakers and virtual surround sound, as well as individually customizable backlit RGB keys and a special fan made with copper heat pipes to keep the laptop from overheating even when you have a ton of programs open.

This laptop is definitely one of the more extreme ones on this list, but well worth the price if it's something you can afford or want to consider. I encourage you to not be afraid of the price tag, as it's an incredibly great laptop for making beats since it can handle so many plugins and DAWs with a lot of tracks.

6. Dell Inspiron i5378 2 in 1

The best budget laptop

The Dell Inspiron 2 in 1 is a really nice high-end choice for seasoned producers who often have recording sessions with clients while also being a good option for beginner producers.

The Dell Inspiron 2 in 1 has a 7th generation i3 Intel Core processor, RAM that starts at 4GB for the base model of this laptop (which is upgradeable up to 16GB), and a 1TB hard drive.

The Inspiron 2 in 1 has Waves MaxxAudio Pro technology which makes this laptop one of the best sounding laptops on this list. It also has an Intel HD Graphics 620 card to handle plugins and DAWs with lots of graphics.

The most obvious feature of this laptop is clearly the touch screen. Since the Inspiron is a 2 in 1, you can easily transport it as well as use it in laptop mode or tablet mode. This is beneficial for producers who like to be up on their feet instead of sitting at a desk or in a chair.

If you frequently need to move around your studio I strongly suggest using a 2 in 1 to control your DAW.

Since this is the budget option for this list, I would consider it to be a good middle of the road, affordable option. It's not super cheap (and therefore not fragile), it is upgradeable, and it allows for way more freedom in terms of transportation and creation in the studio.

Depending on where you buy this laptop it could go anywhere from $500 to $700 but it's definitely worth it considering it's one of the best laptops for recording music.

7. HP Jaguar 15.6 Touchscreen

The best laptop under $700

Best Apple Laptop For Recording Music Software

The HP Jaguar is a great laptop that is also fairly affordable if you're not wanting to spend more than $700. HP has some of my favorite computers, and all the HPs I've used have been really well built.

The HP Jaguar has a 2.50GHz (3.10GHz Turbo Boost) Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, a 1TB hard drive, HDMI capabilities, updated USB ports, and a touch screen.

The 1TB hard drive will leave you more than satisfied with the amount of storage, although if you want more speed when accessing your files you should go with a solid state drive. 8GB of RAM is plenty of memory to run plugins and store DAW information without slowing your computer down and causing it to crash.

The processor is one of the faster ones out there, especially for a laptop that runs Windows and has a touch screen. Speaking of the touch screen, it will definitely help you maximize efficiency in the studio and enable you to mix, master, and record very easily.

This laptop is upgradable so if there are some specifications that don't meet your expectations or preferences, that can easily be remedied. The only letdown of this laptop, which is barely a letdown, is that the battery life is not as long as others on this list. Nevertheless, it is still good.

If you want something that definitely has a lot of bang for your buck, this one is the way to go.

8. Lenovo Yoga 720 2 in 1

A good option for around $1000

If you're on somewhat of a budget and don't want to shell out over $1000 for a new laptop for audio recording that doesn't fail or fall short of what you need it for, the Lenovo Yoga 720 2 in 1 is probably the best option for a laptop for producers who need good quality but don't want to go broke.

The Lenovo Yoga 720 has a 2.8Ghz i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. It has updated USB ports and a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 graphics card with 2GB of video RAM.

Best Laptops For Making Music

You can use the Yoga as a tablet or a laptop since it's a 2 in 1, and it's also compatible with a stylus if you prefer to control your DAWs with a stylus or to write in automation.

The Yoga is actually a big rival right now against the Razer Blade Stealth 13 laptop, so if you were looking at getting one of those, check out the Yoga first. If you're not satisfied with the solid state drive capacity, you can always get a 1TB external hard drive to use.

The Lenovo IdeaPad 320 is an inexpensive middle of the road laptop that won't break your wallet but also will allow you to make music without any lag during the process.

The IdeaPad 320 features a 15.6-inch HD screen and AMD Radeon R7 graphics, a 2.7GHz AMD A12 Quad-Core processor, 8GB of RAM that can be upgraded to a maximum of 12GB, and a 256GB solid state drive.

The laptop also has many USB ports, an HDMI port, and is Bluetooth compatible for use with all your MIDI devices that connect using Bluetooth. Additionally there is a built in HD webcam with a microphone.

The keyboard of this computer is full size and even has a full size numeric keypad, which is something you don't usually see on smaller laptops.

While the processor is a bit slower than others on this list, it should give you enough power to run your DAW with all its plugins without causing any issues. Lenovo has some really great computers and this is one of them.

Dell Inspiron i5378 2 in 1

The Dell Inspiron 2 in 1 laptop is a really nice choice for seasoned producers who often have recording sessions with clients while also being a good option for beginner producers.

The Dell Inspiron 2 in 1 has Waves MaxxAudio Pro technology and Intel HD Graphics 620 so you'll have no problem navigating through your DAW and if you're not using an audio interface to listen to the laptop, it'll sound great whether you're using headphones or speakers.

The processor is a 7th Generation i3 Intel Core processor which means it's powerful enough to run a DAW without getting bogged down by plugins. The laptop comes with 4GB of RAM but is upgradeable up to 16GB of RAM, which is a lot for a 2 in 1 laptop. As for storage, it's got a 1 TB hard drive.

Here's arguably the best feature of this computer: it's a 2 in 1, which means that you can use it like a normal laptop, or you can use it in a stand, tablet, or tent mode since it has a touch screen. This comes in handy especially if you are recording live sessions in a studio and need to be up on your feet.

If you use the Inspiron 2 in 1 as a tablet, that saves you a ton of money because you won't need to buy an iPad to control your DAW during sessions.

I absolutely 100% recommend this laptop, as it'll save you a ton of money in the long run because it's a 2 in 1, and it's also upgradeable if you find that its base specifications aren't enough for what you're using it for.

Dell Inspiron i3567

The Dell Inspiron 15.6-inch laptop is a modest choice that still gets the job done easily when making music.

It boasts a 7th Generation 2.4GHz Intel Core i3 dual core processor for smart and high definition computing, 8GB of RAM so you should have no problem with plugins, a 1 TB hard drive, and an Intel HD Graphics 620 graphics card if you end up wanting to use the laptop for making beat videos or music visualizers.

The Dell Inspiron Business laptop has MaxxAudio from Waves to provide you with a crisp, clean sound if you're using headphones or speakers. It's also Bluetooth compatible and has a webcam, plenty of USB ports, and an HDMI output for connecting to a bigger screen.

Dell has omitted an optical drive in this laptop model to allow for a ton of portability. If you want an optical drive, you should be able to find an external USB one for not a lot of money.

Being one of the cheaper laptops on this list doesn't mean it skimps on quality or performance. It's definitely a decent laptop and would be great for producers that are just starting out and don't need a ton of processing power just yet.

Apple MacBook Pro (renewed)

This is a wildcard. Like I mentioned before, an older MacBook Pro can easily hold its own against a newer Dell, Asus, HP, or Lenovo laptop.

As long as it's not super old, an older MacBook should be able to be upgraded with Apple's latest OS, and oftentimes MacBooks have a ton of RAM and a good amount of storage. Mac processors have a ton of power too.

I found a late 2011 MacBook Pro on Amazon with an Intel Core i5 2.4GHz processor, a 500GB hard drive and 4GB of RAM, and it is currently running El Capitan.

It's more than capable of handling a giant DAW like Pro Tools and a host of plugins. On top of that, it's only around $400. At that rate, it's an absolute steal.

Putting the cons aside since they're not too big of a deal, a used Apple laptop is an amazing option if you want to save a lot of money, and if you're not afraid of getting a refurbished or used computer, I definitely suggest looking into it.

Conclusion

There are a lot of great laptops out there that will do well with running music production software. While looking for a budget laptop, make sure to never skimp on RAM, CPU, and a hard drive or solid state drive.

Having a fast, capable processor will enable you to work efficiently and save you from waiting several minutes just to start your computer up and get things running. RAM allows for more plugins to be used in your DAW and works hand in hand with your CPU.

If your processor isn't fast enough, you'll get issues like latency while recording, and if your RAM isn't big enough, you'll get issues like your plugins running slowly or crashing. This is why having a good computer is so important.

That being said, don't forget to look at older computers, especially ones from Apple. They can be just as good as newer computers and you'll be able to save much more money if you buy something that's been refurbished or used.

For more information on the best computers touse for music production to help you choose the best laptops and desktopswithin your budget, be sure to check out the articles and guides that we havecoming up in the near future!

In this article, we'll be reviewing the best laptops for music production in 2021. When you have so many options, it's hard to navigate through finding one that suits your workflow, has all the ports you need, works with your DAW and plugins, and has enough space. This list of reviews will help you choose the best laptop for you and your needs.

Here are the best laptops for music production:

Best Laptop For Recording Studio

1. Apple MacBook Pro

The ultimate best laptop for music production

Without a doubt, Apple has the best laptops for audio production in general, or if you prefer Apple's operating system and hardware over Windows'. The MacBook Pro has been a standard in music production for years and continues to hold that title as the best overall laptop.

The MacBook Pro boasts a powerful Intel processor (you can choose from 4-, 6-, and 8-core processors) and up to an impressive 32GB of memory (depending on the model you choose and hardware upgrades), making processing DAWs and plugins seem like a miniscule task.

The MacBook Pro uses a solid state drive rather than a normal hard drive, which allows you to navigate through files at lightning speed. The 13-inch model of the laptop has a capacity of up to 2TB and the 15-inch model has 4TB of storage.

I will stress heavily that this really is the best Mac laptop for music production, although there are many good Apple laptops out there. If you don't have a big budget, this computer might not be for you. If you can find a used model, do that. The used ones usually work as well as ones that are brand new.

The MacBook Pro is a great choice for anyone from beginners to experienced producers, and if you're looking to switch from Windows to Apple, definitely try out a MacBook Pro.

2. Lenovo ThinkPad P52

The best Windows laptop

For those of you who are Windows fans, the Lenovo ThinkPad P52 is probably the best Windows laptop for music production. While it has a giant price tag, its specifications definitely make up for it.

The ThinkPad P52 is equipped with an 8th generation Intel Core i7 6 core processor with vPro technology. The ThinkPad P52 allows for up to 64GB of RAM and you can choose either a 1TB 7200 RPM hard drive or a solid state drive (up to 1TB) depending on what type of storage you want.

The battery life of this laptop will last pretty long, up to 10 hours, which of course will vary depending on how many programs you have open and what you're doing with it.

The graphics card of this laptop is also customizable, you can either choose between an NVIDIA Quadro P1000 4GB or an NVIDIA Quadro P2000 4GB card. You should have no problem handling graphics heavy plugins or DAWs with these graphics cards.

Overall, this computer is a fantastic model, and although I'm a Mac fan, I would definitely consider using the Lenovo ThinkPad P52 for my own studio if I was to switch from Apple to Windows. It's an absolute workhorse of a laptop.

If you like the familiarity of Windows computers and want to stick with a really nice laptop that will get you through hours of recording sessions and beat making, definitely go with this one.

3. Dell XPS 13 9360

A great option for beginners

The Dell XPS 13 9360 is the best laptop for amateurs. This top-rated computer has 8GB of RAM (up to 16GB in some versions) and is soldered therefore RAM cannot be upgraded in the future.

However, it comes with a completely up to date 7th gen dual-core i5 (or i7) processor, SSD (up to 512GB) , and runs a Windows 10 64-bit operating system comfortably which is perfect for most users who are working with entry-level knowledge of music production.

It also has a 13.3-inch touch screen display with an Intel HD Graphics 620 processor (8GB RAM card) that makes its operations far more user-friendly, with the ability to manipulate and draw automation in if so desired.

If you are just starting out in music production, the Dell XPS 13 9360 will meet nearly all requirements for music production. It is fairly high in cost considering what it lacks so finding one that is used but still in good condition might be the better option for those seeking to start out with this laptop. When all is said and done, though, it does provide an adequate level of specs to run the majority of DAWs.

4. Razer Blade Stealth 13

The best ultrabook

The Razer Blade Stealth laptop is powered by the quad-core 8th generation Intel Core i7 processor, giving it a speed of 1.8 GHz. However, it is fully capable of reaching a max speed of 4.6 GHz when put in turbo mode for up to four times performance increase in content creation.

It comes with a RAM of 16GB with a memory speed of 1866 MHz combined with an Intel Graphics card 620. The hard drive capacity is 256GB SSD but is upgradeable up to 512GB SSD.

This laptop is incredibly sleek and visually stunning. It features up to 4K resolution QHD+ 3200 X 1800 touch display giving it incredible graphics in a thin bezel 13.3' display. This in addition to a new Razer Chroma keyboard, the Razer Blade Stealth combines both mobility and style with power that makes it perfect for music production and gaming if that is something you would want to use it for as well.

The Razer Blade Stealth 13 is perfect for any professional looking to launch multiple programs all at once. Both stylish and productive for work, music production, and gaming, this laptop is supported by the Windows 10 OS.

5. MSI GX63VR

The best laptop for making beats

I know what you're thinking: that the price of this laptop automatically makes it one that you'd never put your money towards. However, if you're heavy into making beats, the MSI GX63VR is an extremely solid choice for those of you who want a laptop that will provide hours of great performance but will also be portable and sturdy enough to carry with you wherever you go.

Like the Razer Blade Stealth, the GX63VR is a gaming laptop (hence the price tag). The GX63VR is considerably heavier and a little bigger, but it has some extra features that make it well worth it to consider as an option if you need somewhere to keep all your samples and recordings while simultaneously using graphics-heavy plugins and projects with a lot of tracks.

The MSI GX63VR has the 7th generation Intel Core i7 processor, VR Ready graphics with compatibility for graphics cards up to the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 card, 16GB of RAM, and here's the killer: there are not one, but two storage drives. You get a 256GB solid state drive and a 2TB hard drive.

If you're the type of person that likes to store your files on your computer, or you just don't want to shell out the money for an external drive, I highly suggest this laptop, as you can store a ton of your samples and plugins on the hard drive and store your DAWs on the solid state drive so that you can access everything at lightning fast speeds.

Additional features include huge speakers and virtual surround sound, as well as individually customizable backlit RGB keys and a special fan made with copper heat pipes to keep the laptop from overheating even when you have a ton of programs open.

This laptop is definitely one of the more extreme ones on this list, but well worth the price if it's something you can afford or want to consider. I encourage you to not be afraid of the price tag, as it's an incredibly great laptop for making beats since it can handle so many plugins and DAWs with a lot of tracks.

6. Dell Inspiron i5378 2 in 1

The best budget laptop

The Dell Inspiron 2 in 1 is a really nice high-end choice for seasoned producers who often have recording sessions with clients while also being a good option for beginner producers.

The Dell Inspiron 2 in 1 has a 7th generation i3 Intel Core processor, RAM that starts at 4GB for the base model of this laptop (which is upgradeable up to 16GB), and a 1TB hard drive.

The Inspiron 2 in 1 has Waves MaxxAudio Pro technology which makes this laptop one of the best sounding laptops on this list. It also has an Intel HD Graphics 620 card to handle plugins and DAWs with lots of graphics.

The most obvious feature of this laptop is clearly the touch screen. Since the Inspiron is a 2 in 1, you can easily transport it as well as use it in laptop mode or tablet mode. This is beneficial for producers who like to be up on their feet instead of sitting at a desk or in a chair.

If you frequently need to move around your studio I strongly suggest using a 2 in 1 to control your DAW.

Since this is the budget option for this list, I would consider it to be a good middle of the road, affordable option. It's not super cheap (and therefore not fragile), it is upgradeable, and it allows for way more freedom in terms of transportation and creation in the studio.

Depending on where you buy this laptop it could go anywhere from $500 to $700 but it's definitely worth it considering it's one of the best laptops for recording music.

7. HP Jaguar 15.6 Touchscreen

The best laptop under $700

Best Apple Laptop For Recording Music Software

The HP Jaguar is a great laptop that is also fairly affordable if you're not wanting to spend more than $700. HP has some of my favorite computers, and all the HPs I've used have been really well built.

The HP Jaguar has a 2.50GHz (3.10GHz Turbo Boost) Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, a 1TB hard drive, HDMI capabilities, updated USB ports, and a touch screen.

The 1TB hard drive will leave you more than satisfied with the amount of storage, although if you want more speed when accessing your files you should go with a solid state drive. 8GB of RAM is plenty of memory to run plugins and store DAW information without slowing your computer down and causing it to crash.

The processor is one of the faster ones out there, especially for a laptop that runs Windows and has a touch screen. Speaking of the touch screen, it will definitely help you maximize efficiency in the studio and enable you to mix, master, and record very easily.

This laptop is upgradable so if there are some specifications that don't meet your expectations or preferences, that can easily be remedied. The only letdown of this laptop, which is barely a letdown, is that the battery life is not as long as others on this list. Nevertheless, it is still good.

If you want something that definitely has a lot of bang for your buck, this one is the way to go.

8. Lenovo Yoga 720 2 in 1

A good option for around $1000

If you're on somewhat of a budget and don't want to shell out over $1000 for a new laptop for audio recording that doesn't fail or fall short of what you need it for, the Lenovo Yoga 720 2 in 1 is probably the best option for a laptop for producers who need good quality but don't want to go broke.

The Lenovo Yoga 720 has a 2.8Ghz i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. It has updated USB ports and a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 graphics card with 2GB of video RAM.

Best Laptops For Making Music

You can use the Yoga as a tablet or a laptop since it's a 2 in 1, and it's also compatible with a stylus if you prefer to control your DAWs with a stylus or to write in automation.

The Yoga is actually a big rival right now against the Razer Blade Stealth 13 laptop, so if you were looking at getting one of those, check out the Yoga first. If you're not satisfied with the solid state drive capacity, you can always get a 1TB external hard drive to use.

As it rivals the Razer Blade Stealth 13 and is a very easily transportable laptop, definitely try it out.

How to choose a laptop for music production?

When looking for a laptop for music production, there are several things you must take into consideration:

• Operating system: Do you want a Mac? A Windows computer? Or do you want something with a different operating system, like Ubuntu, for example? This all comes down to personal preference but it also has to do with the DAW you'll be using. Some DAWs only work with Mac, some only work with Windows.
• Your DAW: What's your DAW of choice? Is it compatible with Mac or Windows or both? Is it hard to navigate through on a smaller screen? Does it require a computer with a lot of memory or CPU when using plugins?
• Your plugins: You may already have experience working with different audio plugins in your DAW. You may already have a suite of plugins in mind that you'd like to use. Think about them. Are they graphics-heavy? Do they require a lot of computer power?
• How you mix: Are you the type of person who likes to use only a few plugins, or do you come up with elaborate signal chains? Do you typically make songs that have many audio tracks, or just a few?
• Preparedness for future projects: Who do you anticipate working with? Will they want or need a lot of plugins? Will they likely have a lot of audio tracks?
• Studio size: How big is your studio? Are you a bedroom producer, or do you have a professional-grade studio to work in?
• Portability: Do you plan on taking your computer with you to work on projects at other studios or while you're on the go, or will it stay in one location?

Once you've considered these factors, you can now make a decision based on what your answers are to the questions above. You'll need to focus on the following:

CPU

CPU stands for Central Processing Unit. The CPU is the main component of a computer that processes instructions. It is made up of many circuits and a chip that performs calculations to execute every task you do on your computer. CPU affects the speed of your computer and how much work it can take on.

RAM

RAM stands for Random Access Memory. As its name suggests, RAM is a type of computer memory that can be accessed randomly. RAM chips only remember information when a computer is powered on, so it's used for storing information that a computer is working on only in the very short term.

Storage drives

There are two types of storage drives: hard disk drives (HDD) and solid state drives (SSD). Both are for long term file storage.

• A hard disk drive is a storage drive that has spinning, moving parts and uses that to access the information. There are hard drives with different rotation speeds. Depending on the speed, it will either be quite fast, or it could be slow. Hard drives slow down as you put more and more files on them.
• A solid state drive is a storage drive that has no moving parts, just like a thumb drive. This means it's extremely fast and efficient at locating and storing files. Solid state drives don't slow down like hard drives do.

Graphics cards

A graphics card outputs graphic information to your computer screen. All computers have something called integrated graphics, which uses the CPU to output graphics to your screen, but that slows down your computer a lot and usually integrated graphics don't have enough power to do much more than load images while browsing the web. A graphics card can do much more, like loading videos and games.

Once you've answered the base questions and decided what technical specifications would be best for what you're doing with the laptop, go out and do some window shopping or looking around on Amazon or other websites to find some options that you think would be a good fit.

I also suggest watching reviews on YouTube and even asking other producers what laptops they use or like. I encourage you to check out our upcoming guide on how to choose a computer for music production as well.

Is Mac better than Windows or vice versa?

This is more of a personal preference thing. Some people like Apple computers better and others like Windows. Both Mac and Windows laptops have their own specifications, and that means that some Windows models will have better specifications than some Mac models and vice versa. Windows laptops for music production are just as good as Mac laptops as long as you do your research on the technical specifications.

Are gaming laptops a viable option for music production?

Absolutely. If anything, gaming laptops are more than capable of running DAWs, plugins, and storing project files.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the choice is up to you, but hopefully this list of good laptops for making music has provided you with a solid amount of options of laptops (some more expensive and others being more budget friendly) for what you'll need in order to make the right purchase based on the best laptops for music production in 2021.

Remember that there's no right or wrong answer and that whatever you end up choosing will be based on what is best for you and your needs.

Jordan is a music producer, content creator, writer, and session musician. He has been producing music and engineering live performances for over 7 years. He is an experienced guitarist and enjoys listening to and playing many different genres of music.