Creating a perfect melody requires talent and the right equipment. Musicians and producers need to find a laptop that fits their creative process. This guide offers a range of choices tailored for anyone wanting to merge tech with tunes, providing a symphony of options to improve your music production experience. With the right laptop, you can turn your musical ideas into reality more smoothly and efficiently, making every note and beat count.
Choosing the Ideal Laptop for Music Production
- Audio Processing Power: Make sure smooth music production with high CPU performance.
- Robust Memory & Storage: Choose plenty of RAM and SSD space for quick multitasking and data access.
- Connectivity Options: Check for sufficient ports to connect all your musical devices easily.
Once you have picked the best laptop for your music production needs, why not improve your audio experience further? Consider the best gaming headsets under $75, perfect for those critical listening sessions and mixing your latest tracks. Quality sound is essential in music production. These headsets offer just that without breaking the bank.
Best Budget Laptops in 2024
Elevate your tech game without breaking the bank. Our budget laptop guide is your key to cost-effective, powerful computing.
Game ZXC's Best Laptops for Recording Music
MSI Raider GE78 HX 17.3 Gaming Laptop
The MSI Raider GE78 HX 17.3-inch Gaming Laptop is one of the best all-around RTX 4090 PCs players can currently grab with the top-of-the-line Intel Core i9 processor, the RTX 4090. It also has an excellent display coupled with plenty of RAM and SSD space.
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Home
- CPU
- Intel Core i9-13980HX
- GPU
- RTX 4090 16GB GDDR6 175W
- Storage
- 2TB NVME SSD
- Battery
- 4-Cell 99 Whr Battery
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 2K (2560x1600) 17.3'', 240Hz
- Camera
- 1080P 30FPS
- Speakers
- 2x 2W Speakers, 4x 2W Woofers
- Colors
- Core black
- Memory
- 32GB DDR5
- Ports
- USB Type-C, USB Type A, SD Card, HDMI, Ethernet
- Network
- Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 2.5G Ethernet
- Dimensions
- 380 x 298 x 23 mm
- Weight
- 6.8 lbs
- Form
- 17.3''
- Brand
- MSI
- Power
- 330W AC Power Adapter
- Intel Core i9-13980HX and RTX 4090 GPU for unmatched performance
- 32GB DDR5 RAM and 2TB NVMe SSD for ample storage and speed
- Flexible connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and 2.5G Ethernet
- Some users may find the sound quality could be improved
- 330W AC adapter adds to the overall weight and size
The MSI Raider GE78 HX stands out as the best overall laptop for music production, boasting a high-end Intel Core i9 processor and RTX 4090 GPU. These powerful components ensure seamless handling of demanding audio tasks, allowing your creativity to flow without any technical interruptions. It comes equipped with 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a generous 2TB NVMe SSD, offering plenty of space for extensive sound libraries and efficient multitasking capabilities.
Although its weight might be a slight concern for producers who are always on the move, the laptop's exceptional performance makes it a worthwhile trade-off. The 17.3-inch 2K display enhances the visual experience, providing clarity for complex sound editing projects. While there are some mentions of sound quality issues, the overwhelming majority of feedback praises its performance. This solidifies the MSI Raider GE78 HX's position as the best overall choice for laptop for music recording and production.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 Gaming Laptop
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 Gaming Laptop comes packed with features including a Mini-LED 2K display, the best Intel laptop CPU money can buy, and plenty of storage and RAM in a neat 16-inch package that still allows you to get the performance you need versus competing 17-inch laptops.
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Pro
- CPU
- Intel Core i9-13980HX
- GPU
- RTX 4090 Laptop GPU
- Storage
- 2TB (1+1TB in RAID 0 config)
- Battery
- 4 cell 90WHr Battery
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 2K (2560 x 1600), Mini-LED, 240Hz
- Camera
- 720P Camera
- Speakers
- 4 Speakers
- Memory
- 32GB DDR5
- Ports
- USB-C, USB-A, Thunderbolt, Ethernet, Headphone Jack, HDMI 2.1
- Network
- Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, 2.5G Ethernet
- Dimensions
- 13.94" x 10.39" x 0.89"
- Weight
- 5.73 lbs
- Form
- 16''
- Brand
- ASUS ROG
- Power
- 330W AC Adapter
- Intel Core i9-13980HX and RTX 4090 Laptop GPU for high performance
- 32GB DDR5 RAM and dual 1TB RAID 0 SSDs for plenty of storage and speed
- Full-range ports including Thunderbolt and HDMI 2.1 for extensive connectivity
- 16-inch form factor could be bulky for some users
- Wi-Fi 6E requires compatible routers for maximum efficiency
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 emerges as the best multi-purpose laptop for Recording Music. Equipped with a top-of-the-line Intel Core i9 processor and a beastly RTX 4090 GPU, it easily handles complex audio production tasks. The stunning 2K Mini-LED display, combined with a 240Hz refresh rate, makes sure that every track and plugin looks as good as it sounds.
While it's packed with high-performance components, it's worth noting the size and weight might not suit everyone. Plus, the premium features come at a cost. However, for those seeking unparalleled performance in music production and beyond, the Strix Scar 16 stands out as the best multi-purpose laptop, making sure hardware limitations never slow down your creative process.
ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED Business Laptop
Asus Zenbook 14X OLED is a graphics design laptop that offers maximum power while still being light. Its 13th Gen Intel 12-core i5-13500H Processor and 18MB Smart Cache makes graphic design seamless. Asus Zenbook 14X OLED also has an extra slim design built for effortless portability and features ASUS 3D Noise Reduction to ensure that designers work in a quiet environment.
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Pro
- CPU
- Core i5
- GPU
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- RAM
- 8 GB
- Storage
- 512 GB
- Brand
- Asus
- 13th Gen Intel i5 for powerful processing
- Ultra-portable design for musicians on the go
- ASUS 3D Noise Reduction for clear audio recording
- Limited RAM for high-end production tasks
- Port selection might not meet all needs
As the best lightweight laptop for recording music, The ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED Business Laptop hits a perfect chord with music producers looking for high performance and portability. Its 13th-gen Intel i5 processor and OLED display promise a seamless experience for audio processing and visual tasks, making it an ideal companion for your creative journey.
Even though it's powerful in a slim package, users should note the 8 GB RAM might fall short for more demanding production setups. Also, the integrated graphics might limit some software applications. Nevertheless, the Zenbook 14X is the best lightweight laptop for recording music, which makes sure your sessions are as musical as efficient.
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 14”165Hz Gaming Laptop (RTX 4070)
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 14”165Hz Gaming Laptop is one of the most well-respected compact gaming laptops in the business, throwing in impressive CPU and GPU combinations in a tight form factor while exacting a significant amount of performance out of them.
With an AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS and an Nvidia RTX 4070 in tow, the G14 comes equipped to take on games at its target display resolution of 2K with a refresh rate of 165Hz which offers an IPS panel and up to 500 nits of brightness as part of its feature set.
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Home
- CPU
- AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS
- GPU
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
- RAM
- 16GB DDR5
- Storage
- 1TB NVME SSD
- Battery
- 76WHr 4-Cell
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 14 Inches ,2560 x 1440 (QHD)
- Camera
- 1080P FHD IR Camera
- Speakers
- Yes
- Colors
- Moonlight White
- Network
- Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
- Weight
- 3.64 lbs
- Brand
- ASUS ROG
- Slim and lightweight design improves portability for musicians on the go
- Powerful AMD Ryzen 9 processor and RTX 4070 GPU handle demanding music production software
- 16GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB NVME SSD offer plenty of storage and smooth multitasking
- Battery life can be short under intensive workloads
- Limited ports may require additional adapters for music peripherals
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is the best mid-range laptop for music recording. Its performance and portability make it a top pick for music producers who want to travel without sacrificing performance. Its AMD Ryzen 9 and RTX 4070 configuration delivers the horsepower needed for complex tracks and mixing, all in a chassis that's light enough to carry from studio to gig.
While it's powerful, the G14's features might be more than what's needed for audio tasks alone, and its battery may dip quickly during heavy sessions. Yet, its fast performance and high-quality display make it the best mid-range laptop for recording music, making sure that every session hits the high notes.
MSI Titan GT77 17.3' Gaming Laptop (Core i9, RTX 4090)
The MSI Titan GT77 is a laptop that covers all one's bases when it comes to a gaming PC and then some as it pushes well north gaming PC territory in pricing. It justifies this by offering some of the best PC performance one can expect from a gaming laptop to date while throwing in one of the most impressive laptop displays for good measure.
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Pro
- CPU
- Intel Core i9-13980HX (8 P-Cores, 16 E-Cores)
- GPU
- RTX 4090 16GB GDDR6 175W
- Storage
- 4TB NVME SSD
- Battery
- 4-Cell 99 WHR Battery
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 4K (3840 x 1920), Mini-LED, 144Hz
- Camera
- 720p 30fps
- Speakers
- 2x 2W Speaker, 2x 2W Woofer
- Colors
- Core Black
- Memory
- 64GB DDR5
- Ports
- USB-C Thunderbolt (4.0), USB-A, SD Card, Mini DP, HDMI 2.1, Ethernet
- Network
- Wi-Fi 6E, BT 5.3, 2.5G Ethernet
- Weight
- 7.3 lbs
- Form
- 17.3' Form Factor
- Brand
- MSI
- Power
- 330W Power Adapter
- Intel Core i9-13980HX for unmatched processing power
- RTX 4090 GPU and 128GB DDR5 RAM for superior performance
- Massive 4TB NVMe SSD storage and a durable 99 WHR battery
- High-end price tag
- Limited portability due to size and weight
The MSI Titan GT77 is our best pick for a high-end laptop for music recording, perfectly suited for handling the most challenging production tasks. It's powered by an elite Intel Core i9 processor and an RTX 4090 GPU, ensuring it can effortlessly run complex music production software. The inclusion of 128GB DDR5 RAM facilitates seamless multitasking, making it a powerhouse for any music producer.
However, the premium features and superior quality of the Titan GT77 come at a higher cost, and its size may pose a challenge for those who need portability. Despite these considerations, the Titan GT77's exceptional performance makes it the best choice among high-end laptops for music recording.
Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop AN17-41-R7G3
The Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop is a large 17-inch gaming laptop powered by an efficient, but potent octa-core AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and Nvidia's mid-range RTX 4060 GPU. The display features Quad HD resolution and a high 165 Hz refresh rate for fast-paced gaming. That is all topped up with a large 1TB SSD and 16 GB of DDR5 memory, making it an ideal desktop replacement for those looking to grab one.
- Operating System
- Windows 11
- CPU
- AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS 8-Core CPU
- GPU
- Nvidia RTX 4060 8GB
- RAM
- 16GB DDR5
- Storage
- 1TB NVME M2 SSD
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 17'' 3 QHD/2K 165Hz
- Network
- Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1
- Brand
- Acer Nitro
- Model
- AN17-41-R7G3
- Card Reader
- Yes
- Keyboard
- Backlit
- Webcam
- Yes
- Powerful AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU
- 16GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB NVME M2 SSD for fast performance
- Great value for its high-end specs
- Some users reported crashes
- Sound quality might not meet all professional needs
The Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop AN17-41-R7G3 stands out as the best budget laptop for music recording, delivering gaming-grade performance that seamlessly adapts to the needs of music production. Its QHD display, coupled with a high refresh rate, ensures a crisp and fluid experience for both audio and visual tasks, facilitating an uninterrupted creative workflow.
While the Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop AN17-41-R7G3 delivers impressive performance suitable for music production, there have been some reports of system crashes. Despite this feedback, the laptop's high-quality specifications and affordability make it a standout as the best budget laptop for recording music.
Best Laptops for Artists in 2024
Unlock your creative potential with our guide to the best laptops for artists, designed for every type of digital masterpiece.
Finalizing Your Choice of Laptop for Music Production
Choosing the right laptop for recording music is a symphony of factors that harmonize to support your creative journey. From processing power to connectivity options, every facet contributes to the smooth flow of your music production process. As you explore your options, consider how each component works together to support your unique musical interests. It makes sure your laptop becomes an invaluable tool in your creative toolbox.
Audio Processing Power
At the core of music production is the need for powerful audio processing capabilities. A laptop with a powerful CPU makes sure that your software runs smoothly, allowing for smooth recording, editing, and mixing.
Robust Memory & Storage
Ample RAM and fast SSD storage are instrumental in simultaneously managing multiple tracks and plugins. This combination reduces latency and provides quick access to your projects and samples, keeping the creative flow uninterrupted.
Connectivity Options
Music production often involves a variety of peripherals, from MIDI controllers to audio interfaces. A laptop with diverse connectivity options, including USB, Thunderbolt, and HDMI ports, makes sure all your gear integrates smoothly into your setup.
FAQ
Q: Can any laptop be used for music production?
While many laptops can run music production software, those with higher CPU performance and ample RAM are best suited for smooth operation and complex projects.
Q: How important is storage space for a music production laptop?
Very important. Large SSDs are recommended to access large sample libraries and store multiple projects quickly.
Q: How crucial are connectivity options in a laptop for music production?
Very crucial. You'll need enough ports to connect audio interfaces, MIDI controllers, external drives, and other peripherals.