Music production isn’t just about having a good ear; it’s about having the right tools to bring your creativity to life. From mixing and mastering to running heavy VST plugins and DAWs, your laptop needs to be a reliable workhorse. Here’s a rundown of the best laptops for music production in 2025.
1. MSI Thin 15 — Best For Budget Music Production
It’s hard to argue with the value you get from the MSI Thin 15, especially when it’s priced at $799. With an Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM, this laptop handles most audio editing tasks with ease. It’s not built for massive projects with endless plugin chains, but if you’re working on basic tracks, mixing, or even light mastering, it delivers where it counts. Plus, the lightweight build is perfect for taking your setup wherever inspiration strikes.
2. MSI Creator A16 AI+ — Best For Heavy-Duty Projects
When you need a machine that can handle massive projects with multiple tracks and plugins, the MSI Creator A16 AI+ is a solid choice. At around $1,999, it’s packing a powerful Intel Core i9 processor and Nvidia RTX 4070 graphics. While you don’t necessarily need a high-end GPU for audio production, it’s a nice bonus if you dabble in video editing or visual production alongside your music work. The 16-inch display offers excellent color accuracy, which can be surprisingly useful when visualizing your DAW interface.
3. MacBook Pro 14.2" M4 — Best For Professional Production
For $1,399, the MacBook Pro 14.2” M4 is practically designed for music production. Its M4 chip provides the power needed for intense projects involving multiple audio tracks and complex plugins. Apple’s optimization with DAWs like Logic Pro makes the experience even smoother. Not to mention, the battery life is solid, so you can create without interruption whether you’re in the studio or working on the go.
4. ASUS ProArt StudioBook Pro 16 OLED — Best For High-End Studio Work
It’s hard to top what the ASUS ProArt StudioBook Pro 16 OLED offers, but it comes at a premium price of $7,998. That’s a lot, but you’re getting an absolute beast of a machine with Intel Xeon processors, Nvidia RTX A5000 graphics, and a gorgeous 16-inch 4K OLED display. If you’re running the most demanding plugins and need flawless performance for studio-level production, this laptop is unmatched.
5. ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 — Best For Gaming and Music Production
Priced at $1,430, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 offers powerful specs including an Intel Core i7 processor and Nvidia RTX 4060 graphics. While marketed as a gaming laptop, its high-performance hardware makes it a great choice for producers working on projects that require heavy processing power. And the 16-inch QHD display gives you plenty of screen real estate to work with when you’re deep into a session.
6. MSI Titan 18 HX — Best For Absolute Performance
There’s no holding back with the MSI Titan 18 HX. At $5,799, this laptop is made for the most demanding tasks you can throw at it. With its Intel Core i9 processor, Nvidia RTX 4090 graphics, and up to 64GB of RAM, you can run multiple DAWs, plugins, and editing software without a hiccup. The 18-inch 4K display provides a crystal-clear view of your workspace, making it ideal for complex editing and mastering tasks.
7. MacBook Air 13" M4 — Best For Portable Production
Not everyone needs a powerhouse. The MacBook Air 13” M4, at $949, is perfect for those who value portability above all else. The M4 chip still offers enough power to handle most music production tasks, especially if you’re working primarily in Logic Pro or Ableton Live. Its lightweight build makes it easy to carry around, and the battery life is strong enough to last through extended studio sessions.
Final Thoughts
Picking the Right Tool for Your Sound Finding the best laptop for music production depends on your specific workflow. If you’re focused on heavy-duty production with numerous tracks and plugins, the MSI Creator A16 AI+ or ASUS ProArt StudioBook Pro 16 OLED are worth the investment. If you need a reliable, portable option, the MacBook Air 13” M4 is a great pick. Choose a machine that fits your needs and elevates your creativity, so you can spend less time worrying about your gear and more time perfecting your sound.