Best laptop for music production – April 2025

I’ve been DJing for the biggest part of my life, but I’m also a software engineer by trade and for the last 20-some years I regularly fill in at the local computer store when they have staff shortages.
I sell and repair laptops for customers, so I’m up-to-date when comes to the ins and outs of new laptops and the repairs behind the scenes.

In many articles on the topic I miss the specifics as to why THESE specific laptops they recommend.
My recommendations on this page are based on the advice I gave in my computer for music production buying guide.

Difference producer & DJ laptops

Music producers and DJs need vastly different laptops, because the software is different.
If you are not sure about the difference, check out my article on the difference between DJ and producer.

A music producer needs a faster computer than a DJ.
All music producer laptops can cope with DJ software, but not all DJ laptops with music production software, because they might be too slow.

Looking for advice on DJ laptops?
Check my article on best laptops for DJing.

Top 5 best laptops for music production

I have assembled a list that inspired by my recommended specs from by music production laptop buying guide.
The specs of the laptops below are recommended for the most popular DAWs.

#1

#2

#3

Best budget laptop for music production

With budget laptops you have to do some consessions, often when it comes to processor.

#1 HP B0DP14SLW2