As a DJ, the ability to mix and master sounds is either boosted or hampered by the tools used. In order to produce the best output, it becomes essential that tools such as the best laptops for DJing And DJs be purchased.
We understand that there are a lot of laptops out there and most of them do not come with an advertisement tag of being the best for sound production. As a matter of fact, close to 90% of laptops do not come with tags that assign them for a specific use. Well, this is where we come in.
After several hours of research and testing, we were able to arrive at the top best DJ laptops suitable for DJing. We made use of the criteria of performance, storage, display, connectivity and portability to arrive at our roundup.
Recommendation for April 2024
- Microsoft Pro 6 – Best Laptop For DJs
- Apple MacBook Pro – Laptop For Professional DJing
- Asus VivoBook S15 – Travel-Friendly Laptop For DJs
- Asus TUF – Best Budget DJ Laptop
- Apple MacBook Air – Cheaper Mac Option For DJs
- Asus ZenBook 13 – Best Portable Laptop For DJing
- Apple MacBook Pro 16″ – Touch Bar For Custom DJing
- HP Spectre x360 – 2-in-1 Laptop For DJs
- Dell XPS Thin & Light – Superb Power DJing
- Alienware R4 – Enormous Storage For DJs
Best Laptops For DJing And DJs In 2024
Microsoft Pro 6 – 2-in-1 Laptop For DJs
One thing that most DJs love to do is pump up the crowd and mix at the same time. However, not all laptops provide the flexibility for that. The hybrid laptop-tablet nature of this laptop allows this.
A DJ can choose to use the kickstand of the DJ laptop on a stand or hold it as a tablet within their palms whichever option works.
For it to effectively serve as a tablet, the design has to be thin enough that it does not take much space.
The weight of the laptop is barely up to 2 pounds effectively meeting the criteria of portable.
Therefore, for the constantly traveling disc jockey, this is a great DJ laptop to have as it is hard to feel the weight of the laptop when traveling.
One great feature a DJ might look forward to in this one are the different modes of operation.
You can decide to use a pen, a mouse, a keyboard or just the touch screen depending on your preference.
However, note that you may have to pay a bit more for the added accessories.
Shuffling between tracks and loading up a new playlist or alternating among DJ applications requires fast processing speed.
It has the 8th Generation Intel Core i5-8250U (quad-core) which is known for being a fast processor and ensures a lag free use of DJ software.
Recommended configuration for Microsoft Surface Pro 6
CPU: Intel Core i5-8250U | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 12.3″ 2736×1824 HD PixelSense Touch Display| Storage: 128GB SSD | Operating System: Windows 10 | Battery Life: 10 hours | Weight: 1.96 pounds
Apple MacBook Pro – Laptop For Professional DJing
As most tech enthusiasts know, the Apple Macbook Pro, unlike the iPad and iPhones, are targeted at professionals. This is more evident in the specs included in the 15-inch model which enhances the performance of the DJ laptop.
The criterion that make sure it a good investment for professional DJs is the fact that the Macbook has more than just a base label. You can mix and match various components to fit your profession.
For example, as a DJ, you will be looking at a fast processor and high SSD storage. It also has a touch bar that has a context-based use. Depending on the apps you use on the laptop, the MacBook with the touch bar provides shortcuts that create a seamless workflow.
Apple has always been known for its futuristic design with other tech giants following in its steps. That is no different with the Apple Macbook Pro which comes fitted in a slim and light grey case. However, the chassis is no different from the previous models.
Apart from the 13.3 inches of screen size that make it easy to view applications easily, the laptop also possesses True Tone display tech.
The technology has a sensor which adjusts the lighting of the screen to fit with the environment you are working in. So, if you are in a bar, at the park, at a concert etc, the laptop brightness automatically adjusts.
Recommended configuration for MacBook Pro
CPU: Intel Core i5-8th Gen | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 13.3″ 2560×1600 Retina with True Tone Display| Storage: 256GB SSD | Operating System: Mac OS | Battery Life: 10 hours | Weight: 6.19 pounds
Asus VivoBook S15 – Travel-Friendly Laptop For DJs
The ASUS VivoBook S15 is packaged with hardware meant to give competitors like the Lenovo Ideapad 530s a run for its money. As a matter of fact, most techies believe it offers better value for money.
For fast processing, the has the intel 8th generation Intel Core i5. It also possesses both SSD and HDD (hard drive) storage spaces. Both storage drives are upgradeable making it easy for DJs to access files and load music seamlessly.
The 8 GB RAM also makes multitasking easy. You can easily move from one DJ app to the other without any lag.
The presence of varied ports on the ASUS VivoBook is what makes it user friendly. You can easily connect a device and transfer files or data you need for your DJing gig. The ports available include USB Type-C, USB 3.1, USB 2.0, HDMI and SD card.
Using the USB 3.1 port is 5 times faster than traditional USB 2.0. If you need to transfer music files from your phone to your DJ laptop, this feature will come in handy as transfers of up to 1GB can be completed in less than a minute.
In DJing, you might find yourself shuffling from one location to another on short notice. What this means is that you might not have time to charge your DJ laptop as you change gigs.
The laptop itself is lightweight making it easy to lug around but another feature that makes it good for travel is the fact that a power bank can be used to top up the battery life. This is possible due to the USB-C port.
Recommended configuration for Asus VivoBook S15
CPU: Intel Core i5-8250U | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 15.6″ 1920×1080 Wide View Color-Rich Display| Storage: 256GB SSD | Operating System: Windows 10 | Battery Life: 8 hours | Weight: 3.7 pounds
Asus TUF – Best Budget DJ Laptop
From experience, HP laptops are prone to overheating after a period of use. Going by the fact that DJing involves long hours of playing music, a system that can conduct heat properly is necessary.
The ASUS TUF happens to be one of the best heat managers. The system can be optimally used without any worries about an overheating laptop. This is due to the anti-dust cooling system which serves a dual purpose.
The anti-dust cooling system removes dust that can lead to the damage of the laptop’s hardware and also keeps the device cool.
The screen size of the ASUS TUF is up to 15 inches making it ideal for optimal viewing of apps. The laptop also has a matter panel designed to help reduce the glare of the sun during outdoor DJing activities. However, the laptop is not made for continuous use outdoors as it affects the screen visibility.
The screen resolution of 1920x 1080 pixels enable it to easily load up popular DJing apps like Serato and Tracktor Pro which have 1024 x 768 and 1280 x 720 screen resolution respectively.
Recommended configuration for Asus TUF
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 R5-3550H | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 15.6″ 1920×1080 Full HD IPS Display| Storage: 256GB SSD | Operating System: Windows 10 | Battery Life: 3 hours | Weight: 4.85 pounds
Apple MacBook Air – Cheaper Mac Option For DJs
In 2008, Steve Jobs pulled out the first MacBook from a Manila envelope and that has forever been a notable feature of the MacBook Air. The ultrathin design is what makes it a preference for individuals who are constantly on the go.
For DJs who move from one show or concert to the other, it is easy to appreciate this feature as it makes the laptop lightweight and easier to handle.
SSD storage is very important for the DJing profession as it allows fast retrieval of files. The MacBook Air offers up to 256GB SSD. The presence of 8GB RAM and 8th generation Core i5 ensure that applications load up with little to no lag in between.
Regardless of its fast processing speed which can be amped with the turbo feature, the Macbook Air lasts for up to 10 hours. For a DJ, the battery life is a major perk as then, it becomes possible to have a long set without worrying about charging.
For internet connection and file sharing, the MacBook Air boasts of Wifi, 2 USB 2.0 ports, Bluetooth and a Thunderbolt 3. Therefore, as a DJ it is easy to decide on whether you want to download music files or transfer from another source to your system.
Recommended configuration for MacBook Air
CPU: Intel Core i3-10th Gen | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 13.3″ Retina Display with True Tone Technology Display| Storage: 256GB SSD | Operating System: Mac OS | Battery Life: 11 hours | Weight: 5.14 pounds
Asus ZenBook 13 – Best Portable Laptop For DJing
If Apple and Mac OS aren’t your thing, ZenBook 13 might even be a better option for djing. It’s equipped with the latest 8th generation of Intel i7 processor, and a Windows 10 operating system.
For the speed, 16GB of RAM and 512GB SSD are pretty much standard when it comes to the music industry. It’ll be more than enough to provide the necessary speed for even the most difficult tasks.
The ZenBook 13 weighs only under 3 lbs but is definitely not fragile. It’s got a durable and rugged body that makes traveling worry-free.
Along with the speed, the 1920 x 1080 resolution offers 95% screen to body ratio that helps users to get the most out of the software by bringing up the precision. The touch display offers even more features and makes things easier since users don’t have to rely solely on the keyboard and trackpad.
On a single charge, you’ll get the chance to get a day of work on average, while the battery can last up to 12 hours during the heaviest usage. Some light use will give you a battery life of up to 10 hours.
The trackpad is very responsive and precise. It might not be as good as in MacBook Pro, but it’s definitely suitable for djing.
Recommended configuration for Asus ZenBook 13
CPU: Intel Core i7-8565U | Graphics: Intel Iris HD Graphics | RAM: 16GB | Screen: 13.3″ 1920×1080 WideView NanoEdge Display| Storage: 512GB SSD | Operating System: Windows 10 | Battery Life: 12 hours | Weight: 2.6 pounds
MacBook Pro 16” – Touch Bar For Custom DJing
When you are looking for the best of the best, MacBook is the number one laptop in the music industry. Needless to say, it’s almost everywhere you go. It might be the pricey investment, but it’s definitely the best tool you can get to have a reliable solution for your needs.
No matter which software you use, MacBook Pro can handle it with its 9th generation i7 Intel processor that comes with a Turbo Boost feature.
For the speed, 16GB of memory and at least 512GB SSD storage will open, save, render, and play music through any software. You won’t even have to pay attention to the number of plugins and effects you’ll be using.
While graphics might not be very important for djing, users still get the best experience with the combination of the Retina display and the latest Radeon graphics. If you’re DJ-ing at night clubs, you’ll never have a screen visibility problem ever again.
Working on your music whenever you get inspired is very much possible. The battery can handle up to 11 hours of work no matter where you’re at.
Users love the ability to precisely adjust the tracks according to the software with just a tip of their finger. It’s definitely the best laptops for DJing And DJs you could get.
Recommended configuration for MacBook Pro 16”
CPU: Intel Core i7-9th Gen | Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 5300M | RAM: 16GB | Screen: 16″ Retina with True Tone TEchnology Display| Storage: 512GB SSD | Operating System: Mac OS | Battery Life: 11 hours | Weight: 8.23 pounds
HP Spectre x360 – 2-in-1 Laptop For DJs
It’s wonderful how powerful components can fit inside such a thin and lightweight 2-in-1 laptop. Whatever your music needs are, this laptop is really the best overall laptop for DJs.
HP Spectre is very similar to the Microsoft Surface Pro, yet it has the differences that make it unique, and very suitable for music, especially recording.
It handles the music production with ease thanks to the quad-core Intel Core i7 processor in combination with the 16GB of RAM.
HP Spectre x360 offers a lot of space on the 512GB SSD drive which makes sure that multi-tasking and working in different software at the same time isn’t slowing you down at all. However, what we don’t like about this laptop is that it has only one USB port.
Performance-wise, it’s perfect for music production and recording, and even its portability and functionality is amazing. However, HP just didn’t do well with the ports. For some people who are just producing music, it might not be a big problem, but if you’re planning to connect a few other devices, it’s definitely going to be a bit of a trouble.
When you’re looking to get the easiest and the most effortless laptop for music production, HP Spectre x360 is a perfect choice. It has everything necessary to keep you up and running even when you’re on a go.
Recommended configuration for HP Spectre x360
CPU: Intel Core i7-8565U | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce MTX150 | RAM: 16GB | Screen: 15.6″ 3840×2160 4K IPS Display| Storage: 512GB SSD | Operating System: Windows 10 | Battery Life: 4 hours | Weight: 4.78 pounds
Dell XPS Thin & Light – Superb Power DJing
Dell XPS Thin and Light boasts an unbelievably fast Core i7 processor and massive 32GB RAM with improve memory speed so you can take on any DJing challenge.
The 15” display has 4K resolution which means you can count on it in terms of visual, it ha a really narrow bezel that makes the screen looks bigger.
The input-output ports of this device are completely taken care of as it has many USB ports, HDMI, and anything a laptop has, not just DVD-RW though.
The stylus could be pretty handy when it comes to editing music, for better grip of cutting and mixing audio panels.
Though you really don’t need the GPU it comes with a dedicated GPU that can render your visual fast.
The only downside is the price as this laptop is almost priced as double than other XPS series but if you have that money it’s definitely worth it.
Recommended configuration for Dell XPS Thin & Light
CPU: Intel Core i7-7700U | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 | RAM: 32GB | Screen: 15.6″ 3840×2160 4K IPS Display| Storage: 1TB SSD | Operating System: Windows 10 | Battery Life: 12 hours | Weight: 3.97 pounds
Alienware R4 – Enormous Storage For DJs
When we hear the brand Alienware we then assume we need to pay thousands of dollars to buy one right? Well, this one is under $900 and got some powerful components and stunning aesthetics you’ll surely love!
This alienated laptop is fitted with a Core i7 processor and a dedicated GPU to ensure you can take on your DJing smoothly and can even play AAA games in your spare time.
The 16GB RAM and 1TB HDs are more than enough, you can save thousands of songs you can use for your remixes without the help of any external storage.
The laptop is very compact and looks very sturdy so you’ll never worry about having a clunky laptop with this one, while the display features IPS display so you can have crisp and vivid images when doing visuals.
Overall this is a fast performing laptop that is priced really fair, you can’t really say it is overpriced based on performance and quality of build that you get.
Recommended configuration for Alienware R4
CPU: Intel Core i7-8750H | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 | RAM: 16GB | Screen: 15.6″ 1920×1080 FHD IPS Display| Storage: 8GB SSD + 1TB HDD | Operating System: Windows 10 | Battery Life: 5 hours | Weight: 7.69 pounds
Best Laptop For DJing And DJs In 2024
Performance
DJing is not a profession that places high demand on specs especially in the modern-day devices. However, when you have a live performance, you need a system that can handle the workload. Therefore, the processor and RAM matter a lot.
The processing power of the best laptop for DJs needs to be at least a core i5. If your budget allows it, you can go for the latest i7 as it makes it easy to multitask and load up heavy sound applications. RAM space is also an important criterion if you want your PC to perform at the highest speed. Therefore, we recommend getting a minimum of 8GB specially if you are into production alongside DJing.
Storage Capacity & Type
The storage capacity of your laptop affects your ability to manage an extensive library. DJing has evolved beyond the ordinary turntables to applications. If you are the type that uses a laptop for most of the shuffle, play and mixing, then you will need large storage space.
Most new laptops have sufficient space to handle audio sizes as they are not hefty. As a result, it would be best to get a laptop with space of up to 500GB. Remember we said that speed is important in DJing? . Therefore, you need to ensure the storage on the laptop is SSD as this type of drive makes it easier to retrieve audio files.
Display Size & Resolution
As a DJ statistics show you are likely going to spend 70% of your time with your eyes fixed on the screen display of the laptop. Therefore, the size should be comfortable enough to display your DJ software easily. The resolution of the screen also determines how far or how close the laptop can be from you.
If you are the type of DJ that loves to be mobile and prefers the use of a stand, getting a 15-inch notebook would be best. However, if you are sure of your stationary position during your set, a 12 to 13-inch notebook should suffice. A 17-inch notebook offers optimum screen display and resolution with DJing apps playing without any hassle however, it may be too large to port around.
Fast USB Connectivity
The role of a DJ requires mixing sounds and projecting such sounds to an audience. Your laptop speakers alone will not be sufficient to transmit the sound on to the intended audience. This is where USB ports come in.
An average turntable and AI require the use of USB ports for connectivity. Before making a purchase, consider the input and output specs of the system. Although supplementary USB hub ports can be purchased to extend the connectivity capabilities of a laptop, it is best to ensure that the system itself can carry out such function.
Therefore, the best laptop for a DJ should boast of fast USB connections. A system with a thunderbolt or C/3 USB fits the criteria of speed and high powered.
Travel-Friendly
Most DJs travel around for shows and since you are going to take your laptop with you, it becomes important that it can hold up against such transit. Therefore, in terms of travel friendly laptops for DJs, the PC needs to be lightweight but with a strong construction. Another component the laptop ought to have to make it travel-friendly is a long battery life.
It is not always certain that an outlet will be provided for your laptop to be charged during a show, therefore, the ability of your laptop to conserve battery while on the road matters a lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much RAM Do I Need for DJing?
Is a Gaming Laptop Good for DJing?
Can I download a DJ Software on MAC?
Resources
- Si Truss, Best DJ Software: 10 Apps We Recommend, Tech Radar
- How Cast, How to DJ With a Laptop
Kenny Trinh is a seasoned expert in the field of laptops and technology, boasting an extensive background enriched by years of hands-on experience and in-depth research. With a keen eye for innovation and a passion for staying ahead of the technological curve, Kenny has established himself as a trusted voice in the tech community. Holding a prestigious degree in Computer Science, he combines his academic insights with practical expertise to deliver valuable insights and recommendations to his readers and followers. Through his work, Kenny aims to demystify complex tech concepts, empowering individuals to make informed decisions and optimize their digital experiences.