What Are The Best Laptops For DJs?
If you’re a DJ, finding the right laptop can turn your music set into one endless, enjoyable party. It’s always great to ensure your mixes and songs play seamlessly throughout the night.
The best laptops for DJs are not only easy to operate, but also have powerful memory and sync with other parts of your setup.
Almost all DJs use laptops to generate their mixes in the set. And it applies to people of all abilities, whether it’s at a local club or shining at the main stage of Coachella.
What does muddy the waters though is the sheer range of options to choose from. Should you opt for a more basic laptop or go all-out in a high-spec gaming laptop?
The Best Laptops For DJs
The Ultimate Macbook: Macbook Pro M2
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You could probably fill this entire list with Macbook models. Almost all pro DJs will have one in their arsenal too.
Out of all of Apple’s laptop army, the Macbook Pro M2 shines above the rest. And much of this comes down to its outrageous processing power.
Armed with their new M2 Pro 12-core processor, this is a fast-loading computer that runs any type of software with minimal fuss.
You can load up anything from Garageband to Ableton Live without suffering from any delays whatsoever. This makes switching from track to track easy no matter what setting you are in.
It is also outrageously blessed with the ability to link with any type of gear possible.
It comes with multiple Thunderbolt 4 ports, MagSafe charging points as well as a jack for headphones.
You will also find one of the best displays around with the 14-inch XDR display averaging an excellent 1000nits of brightness.
If you add a minimum of 512GB of storage space and an average battery life of 22 hours, you will be set for anywhere you play. It’s why you will always find the creative types wanting a Macbook at their disposal.
Specs:
Processor: M2 16-core processor
Memory: 16GB RAM
Storage: 512GB
Display: 14.2in XDR Display
Pros:
- Excellent battery life
- Great processing power
- Lots of connection ports
Cons:
- Runs exclusive software
- Expensive price tag
The Signature Edition: ROG Zephyrus G14 Alan Walker Edition
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When a laptop comes bearing a top DJ’s name, you expect it to be fit for purpose.
Well, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 does just that in the form of a partnership with Norwegian DJ Alan Walker. It has all the looks expected from the “Faded” hitmaker with custom logos and stylish colors. But this is a seriously loaded laptop under the cover too.
Sporting the AMD Ryzen 9 processor, you get 16GB of RAM to seamlessly complete any task in a matter of seconds. It also sports a 14-inch QHD display that offers everything in crystal clear PANTONE color.
There’s plenty to like once this software is fired up too, with the laptop pre-loaded with beat software and remixes of several of Walker’s biggest hits. Also, this comes with full Dolby ATMOS speakers and two subwoofer drives to crank up the sound output whenever the time calls for it.
Throw in the ability to connect other devices via USB-C ports or even a 3.5mm audio jack and your platform extends 10-fold. It’s a great laptop designed by a DJ for other DJs.
Specs
Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 5900
Memory: 16GB
Storage: 1TB
Display: 14.2in QHD display with PANTONE
Pros:
- Loaded with effects software
- Crystal-clear display
- Excellent sound output
Cons:
- No built-in camera
- Can get hot when operational
The Touchscreen Icon: Microsoft Surface 4
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Microsoft is a computing icon for a reason – they never miss a beat.
For anyone wanting to switch things up with a flick of a finger, the Microsoft Surface 4 is for you. Everything is easily movable thanks to the Pixelsense technology built within the 13.5-inch display.
You can switch everything around with great precision, making a quick track change seem effortless. It’s exceptionally lightweight too and the screen’s one-finger lift mechanism makes booting up softwares particularly easy compared to its rivals.
Of course, the Surface 4 isn’t lacking in the power department either. Powered by Intel i7 processors, it sports a huge 32GB of memory meaning large mixes can load with minimal delay.
Throw in the ability to link up several USB-A and USB-C connections and you have your rig ready to go for the show. The casing is also available in 4 different colors, allowing for a bit of style to show in your tech as well.
Specs
Processor: Intel i7 processor
Memory: 32GB
Storage: 1TB
Display: 13.5in Pixelsense display
Pros:
- Reactive touchscreen
- Powerful memory
- Customisable casing
Cons:
- Awkward keyboard feel
- Average battery life
The Loaded Laptop: Dell XPS 13
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If you want powerful packages in small bundles, look at the Dell XPS 13. Despite its small look, the XPS 13 outlasts many of its bigger rivals.
This is one of Dell’s best displays to date. The 13.5-inch display has Dolby Vision platforms to showcase everything at an astonishing resolution of 3450×2160 to guarantee ultra-clear resolution.
Furthermore, there is also anti-reflective layering inside to ensure that glare is never an issue when using the laptop in any setting.
There are plenty of ways for the XPS to link up with other parts of your setup too. The laptop comes with USB-C connections, as well as a Thunderbolt 4 port and 3.5mm audio jack for headphones.
You will also find plenty of power within the laptop as it sports an Intel Core i7 processor and can store up to 512GB on the HDD.
Specs
Processor: Intel Core i7
Memory: 16GB RAM
Storage: 512GB
Display: 13.5in OLED Infinity Edge Touch
Pros:
- Great screen clarity
- Anti-reflective screen
- Lots of connection ports
Cons:
- Runs very hot
- Delayed touch features
The Colourful Character: Acer Predator Helios 300
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Should you want a laptop that looks as good as it performs, look no further than the Acer Predator Helios 300.
This high-end gaming laptop comes to life when it is in full swing. It has a fully RGB backlit keyboard which oozes character and is easy to see.
Furthermore, it has a crisp 15.6-inch display that has a 144Hz IPS refresh rate to keep everything visible in high-end clarity. All this is powered by an Intel Core i7 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card.
With all this power in the unit, Acer has designed a 3D AeroBlade fan system to prevent the laptop from overheating at peak performance.
When in the studio, the Helios 300 comes loaded with 360˚ Dolby DTS X speakers to give extra clarity and tone when looking to play your sounds back and hear all levels.
Specs
Processor: Intel Core i7
Memory: 16GB RAM
Storage: 512GB
Display: 15.6in HD IPS display
Pros:
- Good cooling system
- Backlit keyboard
- Excellent sound system
Cons:
- Loud fan
- Poor battery life
The Bigger Option: Razer Blade 18
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Even if the Razer Blade 18 might be larger than many of its rivals, it still is up there with many of the more compact offerings.
For starters, the Blade 18 is one of the most powerful devices you can use. Sporting Intel Core i9 processors, it can run 64GB of memory, meaning that nothing lags when you are streaming or playing any media.
On top of that, you can get up to 2TB of storage on the dual-partition drives, meaning you can store a gigantic library of music and still have room for your mixes.
If you are a fan of a big screen, then the Razer Blade 18 will strike a chord with you as well. Sporting an 18-inch screen, everything is displayed in QHD and has a 240Hz IPS rating to guarantee excellent clarity.
You can also link it up with plenty of other devices with including a USB-C port, a Thunderbolt 4 connection, and an audio jack to link headphones in. With so much packed into this laptop, sometimes bigger can be better for some users.
Specs
Processor: Intel Core i9
Memory: 64GB RAM
Storage: Up to 2TB
Display: 18in QHD 240Hz IPS display
Pros:
- Extremely powerful
- Lots of connection ports
- Almost endless storage
Cons:
- Extremely expensive
- Small keyboard
- Large weight
The Budget Choice: HP 15 FHD
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At first glance, the HP 15 FHD might seem like a standard home laptop, but scratching beneath the surface shows a lot more at play.
What drives the HP 15 into perfect territory for DJs is that it has a lot of power at its disposal. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 processor and sporting 32GB of memory, this is a device that won’t struggle running any beat software package.
On top of that, you can store a lot of work on the 1TB hard drive, giving you the means to load up a show’s worth of material.
A lot of thought has also gone into putting together a great-looking display.
The 15.6-inch display has anti-glare features included to minimize any visibility issues, and everything is displayed in full HD.
With it coming fully loaded with Windows 11, as well as sporting an AMD Radeon Graphics card, you won’t find any real issues with the HP 15.
Specs
Processor: AMD Ryzen 5
Memory: 32GB RAM
Storage: 1TB
Display: 15.6in FHD IPS anti-glare display
Pros:
- Powerful processing unit
- Lots of storage
- Anti-glare screen
Cons:
- Average battery life
- No Thunderbolt connection
What Specs Are Required For DJ Laptops?
Searching for the best laptop for DJs is no easy feat. After all, a lot of you might think that the same features are just dressed up in new terms to sound convincing.
To a point, that is true. They all have slight variations in technical features. But that doesn’t stop the feature itself from being pivotal for what you need.
So no matter what processor it is using or the screen type it has, you need to know that the laptop has what you need to get the job done. So what should you look for?
Memory and Storage Space
At the heart of any of the best laptops for DJs, you need to have a device that has enough power and space to hold everything you need. This means looking for laptops that are sporting large numbers in both RAM (memory) and overall SSD space (storage). For many people, the reason to have the high hardware specs is simple: audio software requires it to run smoothly.
Unlike a basic word processing program or even websites, media software uses much power to moderate files and splice them together. Therefore, having a higher memory enables you to run these programs without any issues or any lag when loading the program for the first time.
It’s a similar story when it comes to storing files. Having everything backed up on portable hard drives or SD cards can be clunky and awkward if you don’t have the space. And not everywhere is going to give you access to cloud networks. By having a large amount of storage space, you can save all your audio files in one spot and run them directly saving space and hassle.
Compatability
With your laptop being the base platform for your set, having it link up with other devices is almost essential when in the booth. What this means then is you need to find a laptop that has a wealth of different ports available to use.
And it’s not just looking at your standard USB slots either. It’s best to search for a device that has a wealth of different ports.
This includes having an audio jack to connect headphones or microphones. And you should also look for a Thunderbolt port for quick links to other devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do laptops come loaded with beat-making software?
No – in most cases, even the best laptops for DJs will not come with music software. It would have to be installed from the developer’s website after the initial setup.
Some companies who own platforms, such as Apple with Garageband, might offer this option but it is often a rare bonus.
How long does the average laptop battery last?
Most of the best laptops for DJs will have a battery life spanning between 9-12 hours. The battery life does differ though depending on what apps are open and if any power saver modes are on. If you find that the battery life is fluctuating, play around with the settings to find what works best for you.
Do all laptops for DJs support external devices?
Yes – you will find there will be multiple ways to link your laptop to other devices. The best laptops for DJs will sport not only USB connections but also the ability to support at least headphones or a microphone. This is important when playing in a live setting.
Conclusion
There are plenty of laptops that not only have powerful hardware, but also the ability to link up with other platforms when you need them to. If you want to have a unique look, then getting the ROG Zephyrus 14 or the Razer Blade 18 will show off your character to the crowd. Meanwhile, other laptops such as the Microsoft Surface 4 or the Dell XPS 13 are some of the best laptops to use in any setting.
If you want something a little different, then the Acer Predator Legion 3000 and the HP 15 FHD deliver an all-round package that meets your needs.
However, Apple is still the king to beat with the Macbook Pro M2. Not only is it ridiculously powerful and looks great, it eclipses anything close in comparison. It also sports astonishing battery life and comes with music software too. All of these features underline why all the pros consider the Macbook Pro M2 as the best laptop for DJs today.
