DJing has evolved rapidly alongside music production technology. While vinyl is still used by many DJs, laptops have become essential tools for mixing, editing, and performing sets.
Choosing the right laptop can make your DJing experience seamless and enjoyable. The best DJ laptops offer a balance of portability, processing power, memory, storage, and software compatibility specifically suited for music production and live performance.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to pick the perfect laptop for DJing, at any skill level or budget.
Key Considerations For DJ Laptops
Portability
If you expect to travel and move around with your laptop for gigs, portability should be a top concern. Prioritize lighter weight and compact size without sacrificing durability.
Processing Power
A faster processor directly correlates to better performance running intensive music software and multitasking during sets. For complex projects, higher processing power is a must.
RAM
Having enough RAM ensures your computer can handle running multiple programs simultaneously without lag or crashing. For DJ use, 16GB RAM is recommended, with 32GB being ideal for complex sets.
Storage
SSD storage offers much faster load/access times compared to traditional hard drives. Faster storage reduces latency when accessing samples, plugins, or switching between tracks while mixing. Prioritize 512GB+ SSD.
Display & Graphics
A quality, high resolution display allows you to clearly see waveforms, editing tools, and visualizers while mixing and performing. Dedicated graphics cards also help process visuals.
Battery Life
A longer battery life provides more flexibility to move around and means one less thing to worry about during long gigs. If playing live sets, 6+ hours of charge is ideal.
Software Compatibility
Make sure to choose a laptop optimized for your preferred DJ software and Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). MacBooks work especially well with Logic Pro.
The 5 Best Laptops for DJing in 2023
1. Best Overall: Apple 2022 MacBook Air M2
The latest 13” MacBook Air M2 packs excellent performance into a super portable 3 pound chassis. It lasts over 18 hours on a charge, so you can mix all day and night.
The sharp, vibrant 2560×1660 resolution Liquid Retina display provides ample screen real estate for editing in your DAW and arranging your library. At 500 nits brightness, visuals stay clear even in bright conditions.
Apple‘s new custom M2 chip delivers up to 18% faster CPU performance and 35% faster GPU versus the prior M1 chip. Combined with a speedy 256GB SSD, it runs intensive music software like Logic Pro smoothly.
Weighing the power, price, portability, and software compatibility – the MacBook Air M2 is hard to beat as the best DJ laptop available today.
Key Specs:
- 13.6" Liquid Retina Display
- Apple M2 chip (8-core CPU, Up to 10-core GPU)
- Up to 24GB RAM
- Up to 2TB SSD storage
- 18+ hour battery life
- 2.7 lbs, 0.44” thin
Pros
- Incredibly portable and lightweight
- Blazing fast new M2 processor
- Long 18+ hour battery life
- Brilliant Liquid Retina display
- Works seamlessly with Logic Pro
Cons
- Limited to 24GB RAM
- No SD card slot
- Only two USB-C ports
2. Best Budget: Asus Vivobook 15
The Asus Vivobook 15 delivers reliable performance for DJing at a very affordable sub $500 price point. It packs an 11th generation Core i5 CPU, 8GB RAM and a 256GB SSD into a slim 0.7” footprint.
The 15.6” 1920×1080 Full HD display provides enough screen space for mixing and arranging tracks. ASUS’ Tru2Life video technology also enhances video playback quality.
While more limited compared to premium laptops, the Vivobook 15 hardware configuration still meets the baseline requirements for music production. It capably runs mainstream DJ software like Serato DJ Pro, Traktor Pro, and Virtual DJ.
If you’re just starting out DJing and want a laptop that gets the job done on a budget, the Vivobook is a great value pick.
Key Specs:
- 15.6” 1920×1080 Full HD display
- 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7
- 8GB DDR4 RAM
- 256GB M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD
- Up to 5 hours battery
- 3.75 lbs
Pros
- Excellent value and performance for price
- Compact and fairly portable
- Speedy 256 GB SSD
- Runs leading DJ software well
Cons
- Only 8GB RAM
- Mediocre battery life
- Fans can get loud under heavy loads
3. Best Portability: Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360
Weighing just 2.29 pounds, the brilliantly thin Galaxy Book Pro 360 is arguably the most portable 15” laptop out there. It‘s lighter than even the MacBook Air.
Housed in a sleek aluminum chassis, the Pro 360 feels sturdy and durable enough to survive life on the road. The vibrant 15.6” 1080p AMOLED touchscreen provides a gorgeous visual experience with support for the included S Pen.
Internal specs are potent for a laptop this size, with 11th Gen Core i7 processing, 16GB memory, and 1TB NVMe SSD storage. You‘ll be set for complex DJ sessions with ample multitasking power.
If premium portability is your priority alongside capable DJ performance, the Galaxy Book Pro 360 can‘t be beat.
Key Specs:
- 15.6”1920×1080 AMOLED Touch Display
- 11th Gen Intel Core i7
- 16GB LPDDR4x RAM
- 1TB NVMe SSD Storage
- Up to 16 hours video playback battery
- 2.29 lbs
Pros
- Exceptionally lightweight and portable
- Vibrant 15.6” AMOLED touchscreen
- Powerful 11th gen Core i7 CPU
- Massive 1TB super fast SSD
Cons
- Expensive
- Limited to 16GB RAM
4. Best Display: Razer Blade 15
The Razer Blade 15 rocks an immersive 15.6” display with super vibrant colors. You can opt for a blistering fast 360Hz 1080p panel or a touch-enabled 4K OLED.
VJing or performing alongside appealing visuals will look fantastic on the Razer’s screen. The matte finish also minimizes glare under bright lights.
You also get beastly performance via 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processing, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti graphics, and 1TB SSD storage. With 16GB DDR5 RAM, it tackles demanding audio production workloads with ease.
If you want a stellar viewing experience for DJing alongside elite gaming-grade power, the Razer Blade 15 is a top choice.
Key Specs:
- 15.6” 1080p 360Hz or 4K OLED Touch Display
- 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12800H
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti
- 16GB DDR5 RAM
- 1TB SSD storage
- 80Wh battery
- Starting at 4.4 lbs
Pros
- Gorgeous 15.6” 1080p 360Hz or vibrant 4K OLED display options
- Beastly 12th gen performance and RTX 3070 Ti graphics
- Plenty of memory and fast SSD storage
- Solid build quality and premium metal chassis
Cons
- Expensive, especially for higher display configs
- Mediocre battery life while gaming/DJing
- Runs warm under heavy loads
5. Best Performance: 16" Apple MacBook Pro 2021 M1 Max
If you demand unbridled processing muscle for complex sets and live production, Apple‘s 16" MacBook Pro M1 Max is unmatched. The M1 Max chip hits peak performance levels comparable to a high end desktop.
The 16-core CPU plows through DJ tasks with incredible speed. With a 32-core GPU and 64GB unified memory, you get immense multitasking power. Everything from editing high resolution video visuals in Final Cut Pro alongside hundreds of audio tracks feels smooth.
Stunning visuals shine through on the 16” 3456×2234 Mini LED screen with extreme 1200 nit peak brightness levels. At only 4.7lbs, it‘s surprisingly portable for the performance inside.
DJs performing live production and wanting desktop-class power in a portable chassis can‘t do better than the 16” M1 Max MacBook Pro. Just be prepared to pay the premium price for bleeding edge Apple silicon.
Key Specs:
- 16" 3456×2234 Mini LED Display (120Hz adaptive)
- Apple M1 Max Chip (10-core CPU, 32-core GPU)
- 64GB unified RAM
- 1TB SSD storage
- Up to 21 hours battery life
- 4.7 lbs
Pros
- Otherworldly Apple M1 Max performance
- A massive 64GB RAM and 10-core CPU
- Gorgeous 16" 120Hz Mini LED display
- Super fast 1TB SSD storage
- Surprisingly portable 4.7 lb chassis
Cons
- Extremely expensive
- No SD card slot
DJ Laptop Buyer’s Guide
Laptop Processors For DJing
For the best DJ laptop performance, prioritize Intel Core i5, i7, i9 or Apple M-series chips like the M2 and M1 Pro/Max. These processors offer multi-core performance to handle intensive DAWs well.
Many affordable laptops now come with decent Entry level Core i3 and Ryzen 3 chips suitable for beginners. But avoid low end Atom, Celeron and Pentium processors – they struggle with complex music software.
RAM Requirements
We recommend 16GB RAM as the current sweet spot for smooth DJ use. This allows keeping multiple tracks, plugins, tabs and programs open without slowdown.
Entry-level DJ laptops often pack 8GB RAM to hit lower prices. This can suffice when starting out and mixing simpler sets. But intermediate and professional DJs benefit from 32GB RAM for intricate live performances involving many tracks and plugins simultaneously.
Storage
SSDs are vastly faster than HDDs, which reduces loading times for samples and tracks. 512GB serves as a good starting point to store an ample music library and software. But serious DJs should consider 1TB+ SSDs for production work holding thousands of lossless audio files and rich media content.
Key Features To Consider
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Display Resolution & Brightness: Aim for 1920×1080 Full HD or 2560×1600 Retina minimums with over 300 or 400 nits brightness for clear viewing detail and contrast.
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Input/Output Ports: Look for a variety of USB 3.2, USB-C Thunderbolt 3, HDMI and 3.5mm audio ports to easily connect controllers, mixers, audio interfaces and other gear.
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Tactile Keyboard: A responsive keyboard with noticeable travel can improve typing and shortcut accuracy while mixing tracks and editing projects.
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Webcam: An integrated 1080p webcam makes it easier to livestream DJ sets over the internet while traveling.
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Wireless/Networking: WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 offer faster, more stable connections to download audio tracks and sync equipment wirelessly during gigs. An SD card slot also simplifies transferring files.
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Audio: A 3.5mm combo audio jack lets you connect headphones and compact speakers. More advanced DJs use USB audio interfaces instead for high-fidelity monitoring. Quality built-in dual speakers enhance quick previews, and some laptops also integrate premium Dolby Atmos sound.
Matching A Laptop To Your DJ Needs
Of course, different DJs have different preferences and budgets to work with when selecting a laptop. Let‘s explore some typical scenarios you may relate to while fine tuning your choice.
Good Starter Laptop – Asus Vivobook 15
The 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD Vivobook 15 provides just enough power for new DJs on a budget. Serato, Rekordbox and other entry level DAWs run smoothly for practicing basic at home mixing. It‘s lightweight too for carrying to small local gigs. If just dipping your toes into DJing, the Vivobook lets you get started without a huge upfront investment.
Performance For An Established DJ – MacBook Air M2
For regular club DJs with some experience already, investing in a more capable laptop brings longer term returns. The MacBook Air M2 provides a big step up with faster Apple Silicon performance, improved battery life and a better screen. The M2 chip handily runs Logic Pro sessions with various instruments and plugins layered. 18+ hour battery means no hunting for an outlet mid-way through late night gigs. Greater CPU and graphics muscle also future proofs to handle advancing DJ software demands. Up to 24GB unified memory keeps your entire creative arsenal primed for whatever the crowd wants to hear next.
All Out Pro DJ/Producer Rig – 16" MacBook Pro M1 Max
Globally touring DJs collaborating on original productions and performing intricate live remixes need extreme processing power and mobility. The game changing M1 Max chip found inside the 16-inch MacBook Pro delivers exactly that – desktop class performance rivaling high end workstations. With the M1 Max‘s 10-core CPU, a cavernous 64GB RAM, and blazing fast 1TB SSD, no session, effect chain or compositional idea is unattainable. Impressive 21-hour battery life keeps the music playing on long red eye flights between festivals too. The Mini LED screen‘s vibrant colors and contrast visualizes all your hard work in breathtaking clarity. For professional DJs pushing creative limits, the investment into Apple‘s silicon summit pays back tremendously.
Pick Up DJ Accessories To Enhance Your Laptop
A competent laptop is the core tool for mobile and residency DJs today. But you can transform and expand your laptop‘s capabilities even further by hooking up dedicated DJ gear.
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Controllers: Hardware DJ controllers connect via USB and integrate physical faders, jog wheels, pad grids and other tactile controls. Adding a controller tightens your software integration for more accurate, instinctive performances. Top picks include:
- Pioneer DDJ-400
- Numark Mixtrack Pro FX
- Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3
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Headphones: High quality DJ headphones are essential for accurate monitoring while you cue tracks and mix. Great options include:
- Sony WH-1000XM5
- Sennheiser HD 25
- Pioneer HDJ-X5
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Audio Interfaces: Dedicated external audio interfaces offer enhanced sound quality, inputs for microphones and instruments, better volume/gain staging and near zero latency monitoring. For pro sound try:
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
- Universal Audio Volt 1
- Native Instruments Komplete Audio 1
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Rugged Storage: External solid state drives provide reliable redundant storage for entire DJ libraries while traveling between gigs. Helpful picks include:
- Samsung T7 SSD
- WD My Passport SSD
Wrapping Up
We‘ve covered all the bases when it comes to picking an ideal laptop for DJ use in 2023. Balancing portable form factors with excellent displays, ample memory, the latest Intel or Apple silicon processors and abundant high speed storage, these 5 options deliver fantastic DJing experiences. Anyone from novice to working professionals can find their perfect match for creating MEMORABLE mixes while on the move.
Whichever laptop you choose, remember to back up your music library and sessions regularly to keep your creativity protected. Dive in to crafting unique sounds, building unforgettable sets and sharing the DJ vibes that only you offer. Let us know how your DJ journey goes with your new laptop partner!
