If you’re a DJ or aspiring to be one, a laptop is essential to your craft. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to find the best DJ laptop or the best laptop for music production. In this post, I’m going to cover the three main things that really matter to a DJ looking for their perfect dj laptop.
The most important thing when it comes to a DJ computer their speed stability and overall performance. Speed, one of the main things that really matters is how fast the computer can go and how low you can bring its software’s latency or buffer size. You see, the lower the latency or buffer size the faster the response of the program and the audio to your commands and requests.
One of the challenges of djing is balancing your latency with your real-world djing needs. This is because the lower the latency, the more computer power your DJ program will need to run smoothly. This is something you need to look out for before getting a laptop for djing purposes.
In this article, we’re going to focus on just the best laptop for DJs. All the laptops mentioned in this list come with powerful processors which means you won’t have any latency issues at all.
Let’s go ahead and get started.
The Best DJ Laptop
1. MacBook Pro
The first laptop on my list is the Apple MacBook Pro, honestly, it’s been one of the greatest laptops for DJs and for music production. Currently, in 2023, we have the M2 version of the MacBook Pro regardless if it’s the MacBook Air, the MacBook Pro, or M2 Pro, you are going to have really great results.
This laptop comes with a perfect display with true tone technology for really great color accuracy. It also comes with multiple Thunderbolt 4 ports for super high-speed data transfers. Not only that, Thunderbolt 4 can be used for so many other things.
Processors
The M2 and M1 Pro processors are super high quality and fast. And it’s like, honestly, you may not even need to get the M2 version you could probably save some money by getting the M1 Pro. Plus, the battery life lasts all day and honestly, on this list, this probably has the longest battery life of any laptop that’s on this list.
It also comes with high-speed charging, you can charge this thing really fast within 30 minutes. Say you want to leave the house in 30 minutes and you just quickly throw it on the charge. Say your battery is at 20% and you take it off the charger within 30 minutes, and you’ll probably be at like 70% or more. No other laptop on this list will give you those types of results.
In my personal opinion, I think you should save money to get the M1 Pro, and get that off, you’re still going to get really great results versus getting an M2 and spending more money. and personally. You’ll definitely love it for music.
2. HP Zbook Studio G5
The next laptop is the HP Zbook Studio G5, this is a really great laptop. This laptop will get you super-high performances with music production, open up all your VSTs, and you get professional military-grade durability. I don’t know exactly what that means, but you know, because regardless of any of these laptops that you drop on this list, you’re not going to have a great day. But it’s really great to know that there are some military-grade materials on this laptop.
This laptop is super configurable for music production, you can change out the RAM, and the SSDs, if you are into those types of things, you might want to check out this laptop in the future. And if you are still doing music production and you want to jump into the video creation field, it comes with the Nvidia graphics card that’s super powerful, that will help you create videos.
It also comes with multiple USBs available to plug things into it. I highly recommend it, check it out, and give it a try if you’re thinking about getting a new laptop.
3. Dell 2023 SPX15
This is an ultralight, UHD high-quality screen laptop. A super new 13-generation Intel processor that’s going to get you really great results for mixing and mastering or making music for your music production needs.
It has a really great ergonomic keyboard that lights up at night, so if you’re making beats at night you don’t get to worry about turning on the lamp or anything like that. You’re going to be fine with the backlit keyboard.
Another great thing about this laptop is that it is super lightweight. It’s really great for traveling if you need to go to different studios and stuff like that. You’re not going to be worrying about carrying a brick.
Definitely, you want to check out this laptop for music production.
4. Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen5
Next is the Lenovo ThinkPad P1 gen5. This laptop is built super durable and is really great for music production with so many options available. This laptop also has a 13-generation processor from Intel so you’re going to get super high-speed computer power with all your VSTs. So you’re going to get super high-speed computer power to open up all your VSTs as soon as possible because this is a very powerful laptop.
The Intel processors want to make sure you’re plugged into a wall, and this is supposed to be ISV music production certified. I don’t know what that means, but it certainly has something to do with music.
5. Asus Zbook Pro Duo
The next is the Asus Zbook Pro Duo, this laptop has two screens and I think it’s really great. You might want to try it out for music production especially if you’re a Windows user.
And with dual screens, this opens so many doors and possibilities for your Music Creation needs that you might not even know that you might need because it has two screens. Not only does it come with two screens, but it’s also a touch screen as well, you can touch the Fader knobs and stuff like that when you’re mixing and mastering, or when you’re making music just touch those Fader knobs and you can easily level out your music. This laptop is also coming with the 13-generation Intel processor, one of the newest processors at the time of writing this article.
This laptop also comes with a backlit keyboard, so if you have some really long sessions and stuff like that you don’t have anything to worry about.
6. Acer Aspire Vero
The Acer Aspire Vero is a suitable laptop for DJs offering a balance of performance functionality and affordability. It typically comes with an 11th generational intel core i5, 1155 G7 processor, and 8 gigabytes of RAM which should provide smooth operation for popular DJ software like Serato tractor or Virtual DJ.
The full HD display ensures that you have a clear view of your software interface, while the built-in stereo speakers can deliver decent audio quality for monitoring your mixes. Additionally, the Aspire Vero offers a good selection of ports making it convenient to connect various peripherals such as DJ controllers or audio interfaces.
Yet again, you should have in mind that the 8 gigabytes of RAM may be limiting for multitasking or running multiple resource-intensive applications simultaneously. So, if you use heavy workloads in general, the best thing to do when something is worth considering is to upgrade to 16 gigabytes.
7. Microsoft Surface Pro 6
The Microsoft Surface Pro 6 is a pretty sweet option for DJs especially if you’re into Compact and versatile gadgets. With its 8th generation Intel core processors and either 8 gigabytes or 16 gigabytes of RAM, it got enough power to run DJ software like Serato, tractor, or Virtual DJ without breaking a sweat.
The 12.3-inch pixel says the display looks amazing, and the touchscreen makes interacting with your DJ software a breeze. Plus, it’s super portable with its compact size and detachable keyboard perfect for DJs always on the go.
But let’s be real, there are a few things to think about. The smaller screen might not be everyone’s cup of tea and the integrated Graphics might not cut it for some heavy-duty visuals.
All in all, the Surface Pro 6 is a solid choice for all of those DJs who value portability and flexibility.
8. Asus ROGSTRIX G16
The Asus ROGSTRIX G16 is a pretty awesome laptop for DJs. It’s got a powerful processor and a dedicated graphics card, meaning it can easily handle DJ software like Serato, tractor, or Virtual DJ without breaking a sweat.
The display is fantastic and the audio experience is top notch which is super important for DJs who need to keep an eye on their mixes.
Also, the cool RGB lighting and Sleek design give your set up some extra flair.
Now just a heads up, gaming laptops like the ROGSTRIX G16 can be a bit heavier and bulkier than Ultrabooks or regular laptops, so if you’re always on the move and need something super portable this might not be the perfect fit.
But overall the Asus ROGSTRIX G16 is a fantastic choice for DJs who want great performance and features. Just remember it might be a bit bigger and pricier than other options out there.
9. HP Envy X360
The HP Envy X360 convertible 15-inch is a very cool laptop for DJs. It got powerful processors like Intel Core I5, or i7, or AMD ryzen 5 or 7 and enough RAM. 8 or 16 gigabytes to run DJ software like Serato, tractor, or Virtual DJ smoothly.
The 15-inch full HD touchscreen is a real bonus letting DJs get Hands-On with their software, plus the convertible design offers some extra flexibility so you can set it up just the way you like it. The audio quality on this laptop is nice, making it enjoyable to work on your mixes.
Since it’s slim and lightweight, it’s perfect for DJs who are always on the Move.
Now, it doesn’t have a dedicated graphics card so it might not be the best for some intense visuals. But honestly, that shouldn’t be a big deal for most DJs as the focus is more on the audio side of things.
10. Asus TUF Gaming A15
Finally, if you’re a DJ looking for a solid laptop the Asus TUF Gaming A15 is definitely worth checking out. It’s got a very powerful AMD ryzen processor and a dedicated Nvidia GeForce graphics card. So running DJ software like Serato, tractor, or Virtual DJ poses no problem at all.
The 15.6 inch full HD screen is super clear and vibrant which is important for DJs working with their software. And the audio on this laptop is also impressive making it great for monitoring your mixes.
The build is 32 so you can handle being carted around between gigs. Plus, it’s got plenty of ports for connecting all your DJ gear.
But keep in mind just like the Asus ROGSTRIX G16, this one is a bit heavier and bulkier than most laptops, so if you’re all about portability it might not be the best choice.
Final Take
Definitely, there are some laptops that I have not mentioned that should be on this list, but because I wanted to keep it ten laptops, you know these are the laptops on this list. But let me know if there are some other laptops you know that I didn’t mention, put them in the comments.
I know there are some other laptops like from MSI, they have a lot of great options. Let me know if you want me to write a dedicated article on some of the MSI computers. Most people complain about latency, if you are having latency with any of these laptops let me know in the comments.
I hope this post has been helpful in guiding you toward the perfect laptop for your DJ needs. Always remember to consider your specific requirements when making your decision. Happy Mixing!!
