Best Laptop for DJing

Are you into music production? Then you might be looking for the best laptop for DJing.

Fret not, we have curated a list of the very best options that can make life much easier for a modern DJ.

The music industry is a multi-trillion dollar industry worldwide and is only growing every year. Modern technology has made its mark on the industry in an irreversible manner.

In this modern, high-tech world, DJs have to be equipped with the very best laptops that can help them execute their work to the best of their ability.

Fortunately, there are many laptops that are perfect for running DJ applications and general music production. Let’s jump right in.

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The Best Laptop for DJing– Compared

How We Choose the Best Laptop for DJing

The specificity of DJing makes it a somewhat complicated task to choose the best laptop for this use case. However, we have considered several important factors while making this list so that the resulting laptops are ideal for a modern DJ.

First of all, performance is key. Most DJ applications are not that hard to run in general, however, music production and manipulation can get quite complicated and may require additional resources. We focused on laptops with high single-threaded performance that can handle these tasks very well.

DJing requires a lot of travel and outside work, therefore portability is a huge priority. We selected laptops that were lightweight and did not feel bulky while carrying around.

Furthermore, the build quality of the laptops was taken as a priority since these laptops have to be so versatile. Relatively rugged laptops were given priority over sleek and slender ones in this roundup.

Of course, the battery life of the laptop matters a lot as well, therefore we considered that a priority. We selected only the laptops that provided at least 8 hours of battery life on a full charge. Laptops with extraordinary battery lives (15 hours+) were ranked higher. DJ software needs a lot of battery to support a solid DJ setup.

We laid a specific focus on the screen as well. DJs have to work outside and in the dark, so the screens have to be bright enough to combat the sun while necessary while also providing accurate color reproduction and viewing angles.

Finally, the price to performance ratio of the best DJ laptops is the final deciding factor. Higher value laptops earn a better ranking in our roundup if they satisfy other criteria as well.

With these factors in mind, we have ranked the best laptops for DJing currently available on the market. Let’s dive in.

1. Apple MacBook Air M1 – Editor’s Choice

Size: 13.3 inch | CPU: Apple M1 SoC | GPU: Apple 8 Core | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB SSD| Battery: 18 Hours| Resolution: 2560×1600 | Refresh Rate: 60

As a DJ, portability, and performance are the key factors you need to focus on, and no laptop balances these two better than the Apple MacBook Air M1. The incredible M1 SoC provides just the right mix of performance and efficiency that is required for this use case.

First thing’s first, the M1 chip inside the MacBook is simply outstanding in terms of raw performance. For any DJing software, music production, or editing programs that you might need to run, the MacBook Air will provide you with an impressive experience.

The integrated 8-Core GPU can also handle intense graphical tasks, should you need to indulge in that.

As you constantly have to be on the move in this business, portability is key. The MacBook Air weighs just 2.8 pounds which is extremely lightweight for a laptop in its category.

Furthermore, the long 18-hour battery life is very impressive and can be very helpful for a DJ who has to travel to different gigs.

The display of the MacBook Air M1 is quite premium as well. Apple uses the “Retina” terminology to describe the 2560×1600 resolution screen, and it is quite fitting to do so. The screen also gets fairly bright and can be quite easy to see outdoors which is important for a DJ.

Some people might also consider going for the Dell XPS 13 or HP Spectre X360 instead of the MacBook Air. While the XPS 13 has similar specs, it falls behind in terms of portability and battery life. The MacBook Air is also quite superior in terms of performance when compared to the Spectre X360.

Apple offers a 256GB SSD as base storage for the M1 MacBook Air which might be a bit small for all the music you may need to store. However, storage upgrade options are quite expensive for the MacBook Air so that may impact the purchase decision.

Furthermore, the number of USB ports offered on the MacBook Air might also be a problem.

There are only two USB-C ports on the side of the laptop, and charging also has to take place through the USB-C protocol. Therefore, you might find yourself reaching for dongles more often than not.

Overall, the Apple MacBook Air M1 is a terrific option for DJs and in fact, it earns the title of Editor’s Choice for this roundup. It does have some deficiencies to look out for, but there is not a lot to complain about in the bigger picture.

RATINGS:

• Performance: 8.5/10
• Battery: 9.5/10
• Display: 8.5/10
• Value for Money: 6.5/10
• Overall Rating: 8.5/10

2. Apple MacBook Pro M1 – Best Premium Laptop for DJing

Size: 13.3 inch | CPU: Apple M1 SoC | GPU: Apple 8-Core GPU | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB SSD| Battery: 20 Hours| Resolution: 2560×1600 | Refresh Rate: 60

If budget is no issue, then the Apple MacBook Pro M1 is our pick for the best premium laptop for DJing. Not only does it have incredible performance for your music applications, but it is also a well-built lightweight laptop to take on the go.

Speaking of performance, the M1 MacBook Pro is also armed with the incredible M1 SoC that powers the aforementioned MacBook Air. However, the active cooling solution in the MacBook Pro allows the SoC to perform even better thanks to improved turbo mechanisms.

You will have plenty of performance for all your DJ applications, and you can edit and manipulate music on this laptop as well. Video production and other productivity tasks like rendering are also possible on the MacBook Pro M1.

The MacBook Pro M1 is also equipped with the same 2560×1600 Retina display as the Air, and that is not a bad thing.

The high peak brightness of the display will be a lifesaver for you while performing outdoor gigs, and the excellent viewing angles will be helpful for instances where multiple users are looking at the screen.

Apple has priced the MacBook Pro M1 in the premium category of laptops, so there is no surprise that it competes with some of the best laptops on the market.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 offers a 2-in-1 design that some people might prefer, but the MacBook Pro defeats it in terms of raw performance. The XPS 15 from Dell is another solid contender, however, the MacBook Pro M1 is lighter and more well-rounded in its approach.

All is not perfect, however, as the same USB port problems plague the Pro as well. The two USB-C ports are simply not enough for most users, especially if you have to use multiple external devices at once.

Dongles might be a permanent addition to your bag along with your music devices.

The MacBook Pro M1 does set itself apart in terms of durability and build quality. The materials are premium and the chassis feels incredibly well-made, which is what you want to see in a laptop for DJing.

The extensive battery life of 20 hours is a great help for long travel days, and the lightweight chassis is another plus point in the MacBook’s favor.

Conclusively, the Apple Macbook Pro M1 is a solid premium option for DJing if budget is not an issue. Apart from some minor issues, there really are no significant drawbacks of this laptop that may prove to be deal-breakers for a DJ.

Apple really has hit the nail on the head with the M1 MacBook lineup.

RATINGS:

• Performance: 9/10
• Battery: 9.5/10
• Display: 8.5/10
• Value for Money: 6/10
• Overall Rating: 8.5/10

3. Acer Swift 3 – Best Budget Laptop for DJing – BEST SELLER

Size: 14 inch | CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 4700U | GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 512GB SSD| Battery: 11.5 Hours| Resolution: 1920×1080 | Refresh Rate: 60

You don’t necessarily have to break the bank in order to get the best laptop for DJing. There are several affordable options that can be perfect for this use case, which is why the Acer Swift 3 is our pick for the best budget DJ laptop.

The Swift 3 packs the AMD Ryzen 7 4700U with AMD Radeon Graphics under the hood, which is a decent combination even in 2022. The CPU is actually quite powerful by itself and it can handle most DJ applications without breaking a sweat.

You can also perform single-threaded tasks like music manipulation easily on this mobile processor.

Acer claims a battery that lasts 11.5 hours on a full charge which is more than average for a laptop in this category. The Swift 3 is also incredibly lightweight, weighing in at just 2.65 pounds.

The combination of its light chassis and great battery life will prove helpful for traveling DJs and music producers.

Of course, there are other laptops in this price category that compete with the Swift 3. Lenovo’s Ideapad 3 is closest in terms of price, however, the performance of the Swift 3 is a cut above the Lenovo option. Similarly, the Swift 3 offers a better value proposition than the competing HP Pavilion 14.

It is not all good news, however, as the FHD screen of the Acer Swift 3 is probably one of its weakest features. Not only is it just 1080p, but it is also fairly dull and does not have the best viewing angles or dynamic range.

Furthermore, the build quality of the Swift 3 seems to be mediocre when compared to other laptops on this list.

All in all, the Acer Swift 3 is for those DJs who want to get a decent laptop for work without breaking the bank. It gets the job done at a budget, although it does have some minor weaknesses here and there that you should consider before pulling the trigger.

RATINGS:

• Performance: 7.5/10
• Battery: 8/10
• Display: 7.5/10
• Value for Money: 9.5/10
• Overall Rating: 8/10

4. Dell XPS 13 9310 – Best Built Laptop for DJing

Size: 13.3 inch | CPU: Intel Core i7-1185G7 | GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB SSD| Battery: 10 Hours| Resolution: 1920×1200 | Refresh Rate: 60

The XPS series from Dell has been the go-to recommendation for office and school work for a while now, but it can also function as a great laptop for DJing. The combination of its excellent performance and solid build quality gives it an advantage over other laptops.

Under the hood, Dell has given us an Intel Core i7 11th Gen processor paired with Iris Xe integrated graphics. Opposed to a Nvidia GeForce GTX. The mobile processor is quite powerful and thanks to its 12MB cache pool it can handle single-threaded tasks quite well.

For productivity tasks such as DJ applications and music manipulation, this processor and GPU combo is quite ideal.

The Dell XPS Thin 13 9310 also separates itself from the pack thanks to its excellent build quality. The materials used by Dell feel premium and the overall fit and finish of the laptop are commendable.

The XPS 13 is also quite a lightweight Windows laptop, which is a big advantage for a traveling DJ.

Lenovo’s X1 Carbon and the HP Envy 13 are the direct competitors of the XPS 13 in this category, however, the XPS 13 comes out on top. It offers better performance outright than the HP Envy 13 and has a higher bang-for-the-buck factor when compared with the Lenovo option.

Dell has provided a standard 1920×1200 FHD+ display on the XPS 13 which does not seem anything special on paper, but it is actually decent in real life.

The resolution might be the biggest drawback of the screen, however, the viewing angles and color reproduction are better than one would expect.

The battery life of the XPS 13 9310 falls right around 10 hours, which is fine for a laptop in this category. However, you might need to carry your charger with you in case of longer work trips during the day.

Speaking of carrying things, you might also need to carry several dongles with you every day. The XPS 13 only offers two USB-C ports and that can be a real downside on a day-to-day basis. If you want to connect several flash drives or storage devices, then you will have to use multiple dongles.

The XPS 13 9310 is also a pretty expensive laptop when compared to the specs it offers. Although it earns our award for the best built laptop for DJing thanks to its incredible build quality, the screen resolution, and the Intel Core i7. There are some drawbacks that you should consider before finalizing your purchase decision.

RATINGS:

• Performance: 8.5/10
• Battery: 7/10
• Display: 8/10
• Value for Money: 7.5/10
• Overall Rating: 8/10

5. LG Gram – Best Lightweight Laptop for DJing

Size: 15.6 inch | CPU: Intel Core i5-1135G7 | GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB SSD Storage | Battery: 22 Hours| Resolution: 2560×1600 | Refresh Rate: 60

The LG Gram is a bit of a fan-favorite among school and office users, but it is a multifunctional laptop that can be great for DJing as well. It has a few highlight features that really elevate it above the standard laptop choices in this category.

First thing’s first, the LG Gram is known for being extraordinarily light. The Gram stays quite true to its name by weighing in just under 2.5 pounds. It’s definitely not a clunky laptop.

This can be of great help to DJs whose job requires them to carry a laptop around with them to gigs and other engagements.

The impressive battery life is another huge advantage of the Gram since it has a rated battery timing of around 22 hours on a full charge. That is a staggering number that beats even the Macbook Pro M1. This feature gives the Gram an advantage over its competitors.

Speaking of the competition, the ASUS ZenBook 14 offers a better specs-to-price ratio but does not have the exquisite battery or lightweight chassis of the Gram.

Apple’s MacBook Pro M1 can also be considered a competitor, however, it is more expensive than the Gram in a similar performance category.

On a performance-related note, the 11th Gen Core i5 and Iris Xe Graphics in our selected variant of the Gram do perform admirably in DJ and music-related applications, but they are a bit mediocre for the price.

You might consider upgrading the specs of the Gram to suit your liking, but that may stretch your budget.

The display of the Gram is quite exquisite as the 2560×1600 resolution panel gets very bright and has admirable color reproduction. The high peak brightness can prove useful under harsh sunlight conditions as one may experience in an outdoor gig.

All in all, the LG Gram is a very solid option for DJing despite its steep price tag. The excellent battery life and lightweight nature of the laptop elevate it above the bunch. Therefore, it earns our award for the best lightweight laptop for DJs.

RATINGS:

• Performance: 7.5/10
• Battery: 9.5/10
• Display: 9/10
• Value for Money: 5/10
• Overall Rating: 8/10

6. Acer Aspire 5 – Best Value Laptop for a Professional DJ

Size: 15.6 inch | CPU: Intel Core i5-1135G7 | GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics| RAM: 8GB | Storage: 512GB SSD Storage | Battery: 8.5 Hours| Resolution: 1920×1080 | Refresh Rate: 60

The Acer Aspire 5 is one of the best all-around budget laptops out there, so there is no surprise that it earns the award of the best value laptop for DJing. Being a low-priced laptop does not necessarily translate into a high value for the money, but the Aspire 5 dodges that trap.

With the 11th Gen Core i5 under the hood mated with Intel Iris Xe Graphics, you should have all the processing power you need for your music production programs. These are certainly not the most powerful components on our list, but they get the job done and are fairly efficient while doing so.

Unfortunately, the Aspire 5 is not very portable thanks to its weight of 5.2 pounds. The battery life is mediocre as well, rated at just 8.5 hours which is average for a laptop of this category. These are some drawbacks that come with the budget price tag.

The Acer Aspire 5 faces some competition from other laptops in the budget market. Lenovo’s Ideapad 5 gets fairly close in terms of performance, but the Aspire takes the lead when it comes to value.

The ASUS VivoBook 15 has a variant that is quite similar to the Acer Aspire 5 in terms of price but the specs are a bit worse, therefore we prefer the latter in this comparison.

Acer has equipped the Aspire 5 with a standard 1080p display which may be a bit underwhelming for this use case. The viewing angles are also mediocre and the color reproduction is subpar at best. Not to mention, the build quality of the laptop is not exactly premium due to the price point.

Conclusively, the Aspire 5 is a great value laptop that can be a good option for DJing if you need one on a strict budget. Although its heavy chassis and mediocre display are not ideal for a DJ, the overall package offered by Acer is more than good enough to make up for it.

RATINGS:

• Performance: 7.5/10
• Battery: 6.5/10
• Display: 7/10
• Value for Money: 9/10
• Overall Rating: 7.5/10

7. Microsoft Surface Pro 7 – Best 2 in 1 Laptop for a DJ

Size: 12.3 inch | CPU: Intel Core i5 1035G4 | GPU: Intel Iris Plus Graphics| RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB SSD Storage | Battery: 10.5 Hours| Resolution: 2736×1824 | Refresh Rate: 60

The final pick on our list is a bit of a curveball, as the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is not like your ordinary laptop. It is a 2-in-1 convertible laptop that can alternate between tablet mode with touch screen, and laptop mode. This dual nature makes it the best DJ laptop with 2-in-1 option on our list.

When it gets to performance, the 10th Gen Intel Core i5 operating system is pretty respectable although it is certainly not the latest and greatest in 2022. The Intel Iris Plus integrated graphics are good enough for some moderate productivity work such as video manipulation, but nothing too special for Windows users.

The specs are good enough for most DJ applications and music production software, although you can’t expect it to run everything you throw at it.

Microsoft has provided an excellent 2736×1824 resolution screen for the Microsoft Surface Pro 7, which is actually quite impressive for a laptop in this category. The panel itself gets very bright, has decent color reproduction and the viewing angles are not half bad either.

In terms of competition, the Microsoft Surface laptop Pro 7 faces off against the likes of HP Spectre X360 and the Lenovo Yoga 9i, although the Surface comes out on top against both.

The Spectre does offer a better value than the Surface Pro 7 but falls short in terms of performance. The Microsoft option also clears the Lenovo Yoga 9i when it comes to both performance and value.

The Surface Pro 7 is certainly not perfect, however. The keyboard is quite mediocre which is a consequence of the convertible nature, and the laptop lacks a USB-C port. Both of these drawbacks pale in comparison to the price tag, however, which is quite steep for a laptop in this category.

Although the Surface Pro 7 might not seem a good value on paper, it does offer a unique element that is absent from standard laptops.

The convertible nature, coupled with the great display and decent performance, elevates the Surface Pro 7 above regular laptops in this price bracket.

RATINGS:

• Performance: 7/10
• Battery: 7.5/10
• Display: 8/10
• Value for Money: 7/10
• Overall Rating: 7.5/10

Best DJ Laptops – Buyer’s Guide

DJing is quite a niche use case, so there are not a lot of laptops on the market that are specifically designed with DJing in mind. However, a DJ laptop benefits from the same factors that all good productivity laptops can offer.

To name a few, you will need something with SSD storage, a great sound system, connectivity for sharing music files, high speed RAM and a great operating system. Let’s look at everything you will need in a laptop for DJs.

Performance for DJ Software

The combination of CPU and GPU in your laptop is key for DJing. While many DJ controller programs or applications are not heavy to run, you still need to stay on the safe side due to music production and other productivity tasks.

Laptops with modern 10th or 11th Generation Intel Core i5 or Core i7 processors offer the perfect mix of single-threaded and multi-threaded performance for this task. You can also go for modern AMD Ryzen 4000 or Ryzen 5000 mobile CPUs if you are part of team blue.

Single-threaded performance helps a lot in DJ software, like Serato DJ, and other music tasks and music files. Also, make sure that you get a laptop with at least 8GB of RAM.

You will also need a lot of storage on your laptop for storing all your tunes. An SSD of 512GB should be the bare minimum you should be aiming for.

Gaming laptops offer a lot of high-end specs, but you need to avoid those when it comes to DJing. They are too heavy and the battery lives are abysmal.

Look for productivity-focused laptops that offer these specs in combination with other important factors mentioned below.

Weight and Form Factor

Being a DJ involves a lot of travel and outside work, so you have to prioritize portability as well. Of course, the weight of the laptop plays a key role in this regard.

Look for laptops that weigh less than 3 pounds for the best experience. At a stretch, you can consider some options between 3 to 5 pounds if they really interest you in other aspects, otherwise, the lighter options should be prioritized.

The weight of a laptop is often mentioned clearly on the product page. A lightweight laptop will allow you to travel more freely and you will thank your purchase decision down the line.

DJ Laptop Build Quality

The build quality of the laptop becomes very important if you have to take the laptop with you all the time. Of course, such is the case with being a DJ that you have to use your laptop in harsh conditions while being exposed to the elements.

A thin and light laptop with sleek lines and sharp corners might look very modern sitting on your desk, but it is not the ideal laptop for rugged, outside work such as DJing.

Look for laptops that offer a slightly tougher exterior, one that may be made of plastic instead of metal. You may also want to check for rubberized surfaces and water-resistant seals if you really want to prioritize the safety and durability of your laptop.

Connectivity is also important. You need extra storage space, input and output options, and a high quality operating system. USB A ports and USB type c are good for any mobile DJ and DJ software.

DJ Laptops Screen Size and Resolution

You also need to prioritize the display and screen size of the laptop since that can affect your experience as a DJ quite drastically.

DJs often have to perform outside in the sun, or sometimes in pitch-black environments. It is necessary to have a screen that can provide the best experience in all conditions.

It is necessary to get a screen with a high peak brightness since that can help you combat the sun when needed. If the manufacturer offers an anti-glare option, it is wise to take it.

Also, it is important to prioritize laptops with high-resolution screens that offer decent viewing angles and dynamic range for creative users. Touch screen options can be ok, but not necessarily the best options.

While the screen is not necessarily important for music production or DJ controllers, it can completely make or break your experience so be sure to keep it as a priority.

Battery Life

Of course, the long battery life of any laptop is a key factor to focus on. However, it becomes even more important if you have to be on the move at all times.

Look for laptops with rated battery lives of at least 8 hours. There are some PC laptop options that offer extraordinary battery lives of over 15 hours, so you should try to keep those in mind as well.

A long-lasting battery will give you peace of mind and allow you to perform for long periods without having to worry about charging.

FAQs:

Can You Use Any Laptop to DJ?

You can use any laptop to DJ. However, it helps if the right laptop has certain qualities such as good performance for music production, lightweight chassis, good build quality, and long lasting battery.

How Much RAM Do I Need in Laptops for DJing?

You need at least 4GB RAM for DJing, however, 8GB RAM is recommended for most DJ software installed on your laptop specifically. It is quite common to see 16GB RAM being used in DJ laptops as well.

Is a Gaming Laptop Good for DJing?

Gaming laptops might be good for DJing thanks to their extraordinary performance, but they usually have very short battery lives and are extremely heavy. They also might not support digital audio workstation apps. This is why they are not usually recommended for DJing.

Is a MacBook Good for Music Production?

A MacBook is very good for music production thanks to its combination of high-end performance from the Mac OS, great build quality, lightweight body, and long lasting battery.

Are Laptops Good for Music Production?

Laptops are quite good for music production. Desktop computers can offer slightly better performance to mix music but they are not portable, which is a requirement for most DJs. Virtual DJ apps, like Serato DJ Pro, and the best DJ laptops can be great for any music career.