The 5 Best Laptops For Music Production of 2025

The best laptop for music production we've tested is the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2024). This exceptionally well-built device has plenty of processing power for even the most demanding music production workloads. Its Mini LED display gives you ample space to see all of your tracks and tools, and its wide port selection lets you plug in multiple peripherals, like your production station, keyboard, audio interface, etc. There's even a high-output headphone jack for hard-to-drive producing/mixing cans. One downside is that you'll be paying for graphical performance you don't necessarily need in music production on the Pro and Max models. Topping out at 47 dBA, the fans aren't overly loud but still loud enough that your mics could pick it up. If you want more screen space and don't mind paying more, get the larger Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2024). It's the same device but with better-sounding speakers.

For Windows users, we recommend the Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 (2024), also a premium workstation laptop that can handle intensive workloads. Unlike the MacBook Pro, this model is available with integrated graphics only, so you don't have to pay for performance you don't need. CPU options range from an Intel Core Ultra 5 to an Ultra 9, and you can get up to 64GB and 8TB of storage. You get plenty of space on its 16-inch screen to place your tools, making them easily accessible, as well as a large, easy-to-use haptic touchpad. Its outstanding port selection includes one USB-A, three USB-Cs (two with Thunderbolt 4 support), an HDMI 2.1, and an SD card reader. Like the MacBook Pro, fan noise also reaches 47 dBA under load, so you'll have to be careful where you place your microphone when recording.

Looking for the best laptop for DJing or music production but want something a little cheaper than the MacBook Pro? Check out the Apple MacBook Air 15 (M4, 2025). Though not as powerful as the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2024) above, it's still fast enough to handle most music production workloads with little trouble. Plus, you don't need to worry about fan noise ruining your recordings since this is a fanless device. You get the same premium build as its Pro siblings, as well as the same spacious keyboard and haptic touchpad. Its main downside is its limited port selection, which comprises only two USB-Cs. One upgrade worth noting on this M4 model is that it can now support two 6k @ 60Hz external displays while still using the built-in screen.

The Lenovo ThinkPad X9 15 Aura Edition (2025) is our recommendation for Windows users. Also a 15-inch model, it provides a similarly premium user experience as the MacBook Air, sporting a sturdy full-aluminum chassis, a gorgeous 2.8k OLED display, and a remarkably comfortable keyboard. It has more ports, including a USB-A, two USB-Cs, and an HDMI. Unlike the MacBook Air, the X9's SSD is user-replaceable, making it much cheaper to upgrade. This laptop has cooling fans—they're audible but relatively quiet. Another thing to keep in mind is that the OLED display flickers at 480Hz, which some people might find bothersome, as it can cause eye strain.

If you want a more affordable mid-range model, check out the Acer Swift Go 14 (2024). Configurable with up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H CPU, this 14-inch ultraportable packs plenty of processing power to handle most music production workloads. You can get up to 32GB of RAM and 2TB of storage—the RAM is soldered, so get enough for your needs upfront. As for storage, there are two M.2 2280 slots, so you can easily store thousands of tracks and various audio files, eliminating the need for an external drive. Port selection is outstanding; you get two USB-As, two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4s, an HDMI, a MicroSD card reader, and a headphone jack.

Display options include an FHD+ IPS or a 2.8k OLED panel. Both get bright enough for use in most indoor settings; just remember that the OLED is susceptible to permanent burn-in and will drain the battery faster. Speaking of battery life, the Core Ultra 7 with an FHD display we reviewed lasts around 11 hours of light use, enough to comfortably get through a typical workday, and you can charge the laptop via USB-C. Fan noise isn't too bad at around 47 dBA under load, and there's an app to adjust the fan speed if it really bothers you.

The best budget laptop for music production we've tested is the ASUS Vivobook 16 M1605 (2023). Like our mid-range pick, the Acer Swift Go 14 (2024), this is also an ultraportable. It has a larger 16-inch screen, so you can see more of your tracks and timeline or keep your tools on the sides for easy access. You still get a nice keyboard, a large touchpad, and decent performance from its AMD Ryzen CPU. Its fingerprint sensor allows you to log in quickly, and its battery lasts around eight hours of light use. Ports include three USB-As, a USB-C (not Thunderbolt 4 or USB4, sadly), and an HDMI.

As this is a budget model, there are a few compromises. First, the display only gets to about 250 cd/m² at full brightness, which is fine for most indoor settings but not for sunny environments or outdoors in broad daylight. Next, the USB-C port doesn't support video output, meaning you can only use the HDMI port to connect to an external monitor. Lastly, you can only get 8GB of memory. If you want 16GB, you must upgrade it via the empty SO-DIMM slot.

If you like the versatility of 2-in-1 tablets, consider the Microsoft Surface Pro 11th Edition (2024). Like previous Surface Pros, the design hasn't changed much, as it's still a tablet PC with a built-in kickstand and a detachable keyboard. In fact, you can even use the type cover keyboards made for the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 (2021) and the Surface Pro X. If you don't mind spending a bit more (the type cover is a separate purchase), Microsoft has released a new 'Flex' keyboard, which sports a haptic touchpad and Bluetooth connectivity. The latter lets you use the keyboard even when detached from the tablet, giving you more freedom to position the device or the keyboard to your liking.

The most significant change in this 2024 model is the new Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC. Though not the first Surface Pro to feature an ARM-based chip, Microsoft seems committed to making it work this time with its new Prism emulation. That said, because music production apps—and peripherals—are more specialized, compatibility might be an issue, so it's best to check that everything works first. You can choose between an IPS or OLED panel, but the display choice depends on the SoC. The Snapdragon X Plus model sports the IPS panel, while the faster X Elite model sports the OLED. The OLED will give you deeper blacks; however, its digitizer creates a 'screen door effect,' which some may find distracting. If that's a dealbreaker, go for the X Plus model, but keep in mind that the X Plus chip is slower.