Best Laptops for Music Production (2025 Guide by Budget)
- Matt
- Dec 14, 2024
- 9 min read
Updated: 15 minutes ago
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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 we look at price tags, there are some key features you need to consider to make sure that your laptop can handle everything from basic tracking to complex mixing and mastering:
Processor (CPU): This is 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: Maybe not important right now if you are going to be producing at home but could come in handy when you have a moment of inspiration on the bus. Make sure you don't forget that idea!
Durability and Portability: It should withstand the life of a mobile musician if you are looking to record with others outside of your home.
What Specs Does My Laptop Need to Meet for Each DAW?
DAWs are the heart of music production now. I went and got some specs for the most popular DAWs in 2025 to make sure your new laptop can handle them:
Reaper: 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: Intel Core i5 processor or an AMD multi-core processor, 8 GB RAM, 3 GB free disk space.
FL Studio: 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: Intel Core i5 processor, 16 GB RAM, 15 GB disk space for installation.
Cubase: 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?
We have now taken a look at the things that are important to get when you buy your laptop, but as always the bad comes with the good. Here are some things that could get in the road of your recording with a laptop.
Overheating: Can throttle performance as you put more and more pressure on the system.
Upgradability: Can you add more RAM or swap out the SSD later? My suggestions are pretty purpose built but there could be a time when you might need to increase the size.
Port Types: Ensure it has the ports you need for your audio interface, MIDI controllers, etc. This is a big impact for us musicians with a lot of gear. MAke sure you have enough ports for your gear. If not, you can also solve the problem with and expander adaptor.
Operating System Compatibility: Does it support the DAW and plugins you plan to use? This is a good thing to double check. These day DAWs will have compatibility with most, but some might be better suited for one or the other.
What Laptop Brands Do Famous Musicians or Producers Use?
I did some research as I was interested to see what the professionals are using and was quite surprised to find that most are in a 'normal' persons price range. Here is what I found:
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 great if you are just starting out, GarageBand, comes pre-installed on all Macs so you don't have to initially spend money on the DAW.
What Are Some Examples of Good Laptops for Music Production?
Here's is my mix of laptops spread across various price points. I have tried to give a high level summary to help you make a decision. Each line item has a more detailed explanation in the section following.
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: Has an Intel 4-core processor and 16 GB of RAM for multitasking.
Large Storage: Equipped with a 1 TB SSD for storing large music projects and libraries.
Connectivity: Includes Ethernet RJ-45 and multiple USB ports, it's highly compatible with audio interfaces.
Durability: Designed to withstand the rigors of a mobile musician’s life.
Budget-Friendly: A great choice for beginners or those on a tight budget.
M3 Chip: This is perfectly sufficient for most music production tasks, providing really fast performance for DAWs like GarageBand and Logic Pro.
Portable Design: Lightweight and easy to carry.
Long Battery Life: Up to 18 hours.
Clear Display: The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display is a great for editing.
M4 Chip: A step up from the M3, offering additional speed for larger projects and heavier plugin use.
Display: 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with exceptional brightness and contrast.
Connectivity: Features three Thunderbolt 4 ports, an SDXC card slot and more.
All-Day Battery Life: Keeps you going whether plugged in or not.
High Performance: Equipped with a 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900H and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060, this laptop handles demanding plugins and complex DAW sessions.
Refresh Rate: 15.6-inch Full HD display with a 144Hz refresh rate for precise editing.
Thunderbolt 4: Offers versatile connectivity options.
Cooling: Dual fans ensure it stays cool even during intense sessions.
Performance: Features an AMD Ryzen 5 processor and 8 GB of RAM for beginner-friendly music production.
Display: 15.6-inch Full HD IPS touchscreen display for easy navigation.
Improved Heat: Enhanced fan design for longer and more efficient sessions.
Lightweight: 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:
Maintenance: Clean out temporary files and keep your disk space optimized.
Storage: Use external drives to store sample libraries and finished projects to free up internal storage.
Cooling Pads: Overheating can hamper performance, so think about a cooling pad for extended sessions.
Update Drivers: 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.
About the Author
Matt A, Founder and Head Writer @ Music Thought House
I have had a lifelong passion for music. I picked up my first guitar when I was 10 and it's been there, most of the time haha, ever since. I have played and studied music ever since that time, always trying to learn more and get better. There is not one aspect of music that I am still not in awe of.
I have gathered a lot of information over time and now, with Music Thought House, I have decided to release it on the world.
I know that music can be daunting and seemingly complex and I am not a complicated person. The blog posts I write am to keep things simple and straightforward so everyone can get a better understanding of music.
products mentioned in this post
"Secure your entire library in one place"
Huge 2TB Storage: Store entire sample libraries, projects and finished tracks with ease.
Portable: Lightweight design for transport.
Automatically Backs up: Keep your work safe with built-in software for scheduled backups.
Compatibility: Works with Mac, Windows and popular DAWs seamlessly.
"Your portable production workhorse"
Compact and Portable: Fits in your bag but doesn’t impact on performance.
Controls: 25 keys, 8 pads and 8 assignable knobs to control your DAW.
Plug and Play: No setup hassle - just connect via USB and start creating.
Inspiration: Perfect for crafting beats or melodies on the go.
"Hear your playing like you have never before"
Studio-Quality: Clear highs, mids and deep bass for accurate mixing.
Comfortable: Soft ear pads for hours of uninterrupted studio sessions.
Durable: Built to last with premium materials.
Detachable Cables: Three cable options for flexible connectivity.
"Speed & reliability"
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: Keeps your data safe from drops and accidents.
Universal Compatibility: Works with Mac, PC and mobile devices.
"Affordable gear for every musician"
Variety: Offers affordable microphones, stands and speakers for home studios.
Sturdy: Solid construction at a budget friendly price.
Starter Gear: Perfect for beginners setting up their first studio.
Accessible: Compatible with most standard audio setups.
"Expand your studio in one device"
Multi-Port: 7 ports, including USB-A, HDMI and SD card slots.
Compact: Slim, sturdy and perfect for travel or small setups.
Fast Transfer: USB 3.0 ensures speedy backups and file access.
Compatibility: Works with MacBooks, PCs and other USB-C devices.
"Every detail, crystal clear"
4K UHD: 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 editing sessions"
Ergonomic Design: Sculpted to reduce strain during extended editing.
Customizable: Assign shortcuts for DAWs like Pro Tools or Logic.
Long Battery: Up to 70 days of use on a single charge.
Connectivity: Switch between up to three devices seamlessly.
"Master Pro Tools"
Dedicated Shortcuts: Clearly labeled keys speed up editing and mixing.
Backlit: Perfect for low-light studio environments.
Sturdy: Designed to withstand heavy use.
Compatible: Fits seamlessly into your existing Pro Tools workflow.
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