The best laptop being used for music production surrounded by instruments and accessories
Growing up part of the alure of becoming a musician is to fill that dream of becoming a rock star which not only involves playing to thousands of screaming fans each night but also creating that ultimate sign of a professional - a record (or CD or really a digital file now?)
With this dream constantly in my head, I took the money that I had saved and went out to transform my bedroom into the next recording studio. I went out, wallet in hand and bought all the gear I thought I needed, only to comeback and find that my high school computer was about as useful in recording music as it was to get an A in biology.
That was one of the first of many times I followed my heart instead of my head by not doing the research needed before spending hard earned cash.
This post is really for anyone in a similar situation but, being much smarter then I was, have but the breaks on and decided to do some research of there own. I wanted to give you my opinion on laptops to look at that will be help you create some music. I approached it from the angles I thought were most important— I carefully narrowed down options based on their capability to handle DAWs and musical instruments seamlessly looking at new releases, top sellers, and the most-wished-for laptops. I tried to help as many people as I can by looking into all budgets, from entry-level to pro-level laptops.
Here are my picks for the best laptops for music production in 2025!
Contents
What to Consider When Buying a Laptop for Music Production
Before you even look at price tags, there are some key features to consider to ensure your laptop can handle everything from basic track layering to complex mixing and mastering:
Processor (CPU): The heart of your music-making setup. More cores mean more power for running multiple plugins.
RAM: Think of this as your workspace. More RAM means more room to work on large projects without slowing down.
Storage: SSDs offer faster startup times and quicker access to your samples and projects than traditional hard drives.
Sound Card/Audio Interface Compatibility: Ensure your laptop has the right ports or supports the external audio interface you’ll be using.
Battery Life: For those spontaneous park bench sessions, you'll want something that lasts.
Durability and Portability: It should withstand the life of a mobile musician without breaking your back or bank.
What Specs Does My Laptop Need to Meet for Each DAW?
DAWs are the heart of music production. Here are the minimum specs needed for some of the top DAWs in 2025 to ensure your new laptop can handle them:
Reaper:Â 2.5 GHz multi-core processor, 8 GB RAM, 12 GB free disk space.
Logic Pro (Mac only): 2.4 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, 8 GB RAM, 6 GB free disk space for minimum installation or 72 GB for full Sound Library installation.
Ableton Live:Â Intel Core i5 processor or an AMD multi-core processor, 8 GB RAM, 3 GB free disk space.
FL Studio:Â 2 GHz Intel Pentium 4 / AMD Athlon 64 (or later) compatible CPU with full SSE2 support, 4 GB RAM, 4 GB free disk space.
Pro Tools:Â Intel Core i5 processor, 16 GB RAM, 15 GB disk space for installation.
Cubase:Â 64-bit Intel or AMD multi-core processor (Intel i5 or faster recommended), 8 GB RAM, 18 GB free disk space.
What Should I Be Careful of When Purchasing a Laptop for Music Production?
Keep an eye out for:
Overheating: Can throttle performance. Check user reviews for any overheating issues.
Upgradability: Can you add more RAM or swap out the SSD later?
Port Types: Ensure it has the ports you need for your audio interface, MIDI controllers, etc.
Operating System Compatibility: Does it support the DAW and plugins you plan to use?
What Laptop Brands Do Famous Musicians or Producers Use?
Deadmau5 (Joel Zimmerman): Uses a MacBook Pro with Ableton Live for on-the-go editing.
Skrillex: Known to use a Razer Blade laptop with FL Studio to create some of his hits.
Calvin Harris: Utilizes a custom-built MacBook for Logic Pro X.
Metro Boomin: Often seen with an ASUS ROG laptop running FL Studio
Mark Ronson: Uses a MacBook Pro with Pro Tools for production and live performances.
Note: Apple’s MacBook lineup is a standout for beginners, thanks to GarageBand, which comes pre-installed on all Macs.
What Are Some Examples of Good Laptops for Music Production?
Here's a mix of laptops at various price points:
Name | Chip | RAM | Storage | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Intel 4-core Processor | 16 GB | 1 TB SSD | $ | ||
M3 Chip | 16 GB | 512 GB SSD | $$ | ||
M4 Chip | 16 GB | 1 TB SSD | $$$ | ||
Intel Core i9-13900H | 16 GB | 512 GB SSD | $$ | ||
Ryzen 5 | 8 GB | 512 GB SSD | $ |
Detailed Features of 2025 Music Production Laptop Suggestions
Powerful Performance:Â Features an Intel 4-core processor and 16 GB of RAM for smooth multitasking.
Generous Storage:Â Equipped with a 1 TB SSD for storing large music projects and sample libraries.
Enhanced Connectivity:Â Includes Ethernet RJ-45 and multiple USB ports, making it highly compatible with audio interfaces.
Military Durability: Designed to withstand the rigors of a mobile musician’s life.
Budget-Friendly:Â A great choice for beginners or those on a tight budget.
M3 Chip:Â Perfectly sufficient for most music production tasks, providing blazing-fast performance for DAWs like GarageBand and Logic Pro.
Portable Design:Â Lightweight and easy to carry for mobile producers.
Long Battery Life:Â Up to 18 hours, ensuring you can produce on the go without interruptions.
Stunning Display:Â The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display is a treat for editing.
M4 Chip:Â A step up from the M3, offering additional grunt for larger projects and heavier plugin use.
Professional Display:Â 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with exceptional brightness and contrast.
Enhanced Connectivity:Â Features three Thunderbolt 4 ports, an SDXC card slot, and more.
All-Day Battery Life:Â Keeps you productive whether plugged in or not.
High Performance:Â Equipped with a 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900H and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060, this laptop handles demanding plugins and complex DAW sessions.
Fast Refresh Rate:Â 15.6-inch Full HD display with a 144Hz refresh rate for precise editing.
Thunderbolt 4:Â Offers versatile connectivity options.
Efficient Cooling:Â Dual fans ensure it stays cool even during intense sessions.
Affordable Performance:Â Features an AMD Ryzen 5 processor and 8 GB of RAM for beginner-friendly music production.
Crisp Display:Â 15.6-inch Full HD IPS touchscreen display for easy navigation.
Improved Thermals:Â Enhanced fan design for longer and more efficient work sessions.
Lightweight Design:Â Easy to carry without compromising on performance.
What Are Some Useful Tech Accessories for My Musical Production Laptop?
To optimize your music production setup, consider these accessories:
External Hard Drive (e.g., Western Digital WD 2TB My Passport): For storing large sample libraries and projects.
Audio Interface (e.g., Focusrite Scarlett 2i2): Essential for recording high-quality audio.
MIDI Controller (e.g., Akai MPK Mini MkIII): For playing virtual instruments.
Studio Monitor Headphones (e.g., Audio-Technica ATH-M50x): For accurate audio mixing and mastering.
Portable SSD (e.g., Samsung T5): For fast, external storage on the go.
Laptop Stand (e.g., Pyle Pro): For ergonomics and cooling.
USB Hub (e.g., Anker 7-in-1 USB C Hub): For extra connectivity, especially if your laptop lacks ports.
External Monitor (e.g., Dell Ultrasharp U2720Q): For more screen real estate.
Keyboard Cover with Shortcuts for DAW (e.g., Editors Keys): For speeding up your workflow.
Tips for Maximizing Your Music Laptop's Performance
Your laptop is a critical piece of your production setup. Here are some tips to keep it running smoothly:
Regular Maintenance:Â Clean out temporary files and keep your disk space optimized.
External Storage:Â Use external drives to store sample libraries and finished projects to free up internal storage.
Cooling Pads:Â Overheating can kill performance, so consider a cooling pad for extended sessions.
Update Drivers:Â Keep your audio drivers and DAW software up to date for optimal performance.
In Summary - The Best Laptops for Music Production in 2025
Investing in the right laptop can make or break your music production journey. Here’s a recap:
Consider the processor, RAM, storage, and compatibility with your DAW and audio interface.
Famous musicians often rely on high-end laptops like MacBook Pros or Razer Blades.
Newly featured options include the Lenovo V15 Laptop, Apple MacBook Air (2024), Apple MacBook Pro (2024), Nitro V Gaming Laptop, and Acer Aspire 3 Slim Laptop.
Enhance your setup with accessories like external hard drives, audio interfaces, and MIDI controllers.
Looking to kickstart your music production journey with the right gear? Check out our selection of laptops and accessories to ensure you’re set for success. Dive into music production with confidence and the best tools at your disposal!
About the Author
Matt A, Founder and Head Writer @ Music Thought House
Matt is a lifelong musician who picked up his first guitar at the age of 10 and hasn’t looked back since. With years of experience playing in bands, Matt has used the years to level up his skills in writing, recording, and producing.
His passion for the technical side and history sides of music led him to create Music Thought House with a visions to help people understand all aspects of the musical journey. Matt combines his love for music and a vision to break down complex concepts into easy-to-understand content - something that he found lacking around the internet.
Whether you are a seasoned musician or just starting out, Matt’s articles are written to help and inform music lovers at every level.
products mentioned in this post
"Secure your entire library in one place"
Massive Storage: Store entire sample libraries, projects, and finished tracks with ease.
Portable and Durable: Lightweight design for hassle-free transport.
Automatic Backup: Keep your work safe with built-in software for scheduled backups.
Universal Compatibility: Works with Mac, Windows, and popular DAWs seamlessly.
"Your portable production powerhouse"
Compact and Portable: Fits in your bag but doesn’t skimp on performance.
Versatile Controls: 25 keys, 8 pads, and 8 assignable knobs to control your DAW.
Plug and Play: No setup headaches—just connect via USB and start creating.
Inspiration Anywhere: Perfect for crafting beats or melodies on the go.
"Hear your tracks like never before"
Studio-Quality Sound: Crystal-clear highs, mids, and deep bass for accurate mixing.
Comfortable Fit: Soft ear pads for hours of uninterrupted studio sessions.
Durable Design: Built to last with premium materials.
Detachable Cables: Three cable options for flexible connectivity.
"Speed and reliability in the palm of your hand"
Blazing Fast Transfers: Up to 540 MB/s for quick file backups and transfers.
Slim and Sleek: Fits in your pocket without compromising storage (up to 2 TB).
Shock-Resistant Build: Keeps your data safe from drops and bumps.
Universal Compatibility: Works flawlessly with Mac, PC, and mobile devices.
"Affordable gear for every musician"
Wide Variety: Offers affordable microphones, stands, and speakers for home studios.
Surprisingly Sturdy: Solid construction at a budget-friendly price.
Great Starter Gear: Perfect for beginners setting up their first studio.
Accessible Options: Compatible with most standard audio setups.
"Expand your studio in one simple device"
Multi-Port Versatility: 7 ports, including USB-A, HDMI, and SD card slots.
Compact and Durable: Slim, sturdy, and perfect for travel or small setups.
Fast Data Transfer: USB 3.0 ensures speedy backups and file access.
Seamless Compatibility: Works with MacBooks, PCs, and other USB-C devices.
"Every detail, crystal clear"
4K UHD Clarity: Perfect for editing audio synced to video projects.
Wide Color Gamut: Accurate visuals for multimedia projects.
Adjustable Stand: Customize the height and angle for ergonomic comfort.
Multiple Inputs: Connect easily with USB-C, HDMI, and DisplayPort.
"Precision and comfort for long sessions"
Ergonomic Design: Sculpted to reduce strain during extended editing.
Customizable Controls: Assign shortcuts for DAWs like Pro Tools or Logic.
Long Battery Life: Up to 70 days of use on a single charge.
Dual Connectivity: Switch between up to three devices seamlessly.
"Master Pro Tools like a pro"
Dedicated Shortcuts: Clearly labeled keys speed up editing and mixing.
Backlit for Any Setup: Perfect for low-light studio environments.
Sturdy Build: Designed to withstand heavy use.
Compatible Design: Fits seamlessly into your existing Pro Tools workflow.
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