10 Best Music Laptops 2025 in the United States

The Apple 2025 MacBook Air with the M4 chip is a strong contender for music enthusiasts and creators who want a blend of power, portability, and excellent audio features. It sports a fast 10-core CPU and 8-core GPU that handle multitasking and audio software smoothly, supported by 16GB of unified memory, which is good for running multiple music apps or plugins without lag. The 256GB SSD offers quick file access, though some users might find the storage a bit limited for large music libraries or project files, meaning an external drive could be needed.

Audio-wise, the MacBook Air shines with a four-speaker system supporting Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos, which provides immersive sound—great for mixing or enjoying music. The three-mic array with voice isolation also ensures clear recordings and calls. Compatibility with high-impedance headphones through the headphone jack adds flexibility for serious audio work. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display offers sharp, vibrant visuals, useful for detailed editing or reading music sheets. Battery life is impressive, promising up to 18 hours on a single charge, which benefits musicians working on the go or in locations without easy power access. The build is slim and lightweight (just 2.73 pounds), making it easy to carry.

On the downside, the integrated graphics are not tailored for heavy video rendering if your music projects involve video production. Also, the limited port selection (two Thunderbolt 4 and headphone jack) might require adapters for connecting multiple audio interfaces or instruments simultaneously. Lastly, the 256GB storage might fill up quickly with large audio files. This MacBook Air suits musicians needing a powerful, portable laptop with excellent audio quality and long battery life, especially if they are already in the Apple ecosystem. However, those requiring extensive ports or large internal storage might need additional accessories.

The ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2025) is a powerful laptop featuring a fast Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of DDR5 RAM, enabling smooth handling of music production software and multitasking. It includes a 1TB Gen 4 SSD, providing ample and quick storage for large audio files and projects, which helps programs load swiftly. The 16-inch FHD+ display with a 165Hz refresh rate is bright and clear, useful for viewing multiple tracks and plugins, although music work typically doesn't require high refresh rates.

While the laptop does not have specialized audio hardware, it offers multiple USB 3.0 ports and supports the modern USB standard Wi-Fi 7, allowing easy connection to external audio interfaces, microphones, and other gear. Gaming laptops like this tend to have shorter battery life due to high-performance components, so plugging in during longer sessions is advisable. Weighing around 5.8 pounds, it is on the heavier side, which may affect portability if frequently moved.

Designed primarily for gaming, the strong CPU, fast RAM, and storage make this model quite suitable for music production, especially when using external audio interfaces. If ultra-long battery life or a lighter device is a priority, other options more tailored for mobile music work might be preferable.

The Dell Inspiron 15.6" Touchscreen laptop offers a solid balance of power and portability, making it a good option for music enthusiasts who need reliable performance. It comes with a capable Intel i5-1155G7 quad-core processor which can handle music production software well enough for beginners and intermediate users. The standout feature here is the generous 32GB of RAM, which is excellent for managing multiple audio tracks and plugins without slowing down. A large 1TB SSD provides plenty of fast storage for storing music files and projects, which is important since audio files can take up a lot of space.

The laptop’s Full HD IPS display with touchscreen support offers decent clarity and color accuracy, useful for reading detailed audio waveforms and mixing. While the integrated Intel UHD graphics are not geared for gaming, they are sufficient for music-related tasks. The device includes common ports like USB 3.2 and HDMI for connecting audio interfaces and external monitors, though it does not specify professional-grade audio interface compatibility, so users might need to check their specific requirements.

Portability is decent with a weight of about 3.65 pounds and a slim profile, making it easy to carry to gigs or studios. Battery life is moderate at around 7 hours, which should cover typical sessions but may require recharging during long days. Build quality is typical for a Dell Inspiron—sturdy enough for daily use but not particularly rugged. The laptop runs Windows 11 Pro, offering good software compatibility for a wide range of music applications. It lacks a dedicated audio card or specialized sound features, which could be a drawback for advanced music production requiring ultra-low latency. This Dell Inspiron is well-suited for students, hobbyists, or business users who want a capable, portable machine to handle music production alongside general tasks. Users needing professional-level audio performance might want to consider additional audio hardware or more specialized laptops.