The 5 Best Laptops For DJing

The best laptop for DJing is powerful, reliable, and easy to use.

It comes with a fast processor, lots of storage, and a good screen size to monitor your DJ software. But which one is best overall?

In this article, we’ve assembled a list of the best DJ laptops on the market based on thousands of reviews, user feedback, and our unbiased opinion.

The laptops we’ll be reviewing are:

1. Apple MacBook Pro 16-Inch
2. Dell XPS 13 9310
3. Apple MacBook Air 13-Inch
4. Microsoft Surface Pro 7
5. Razor Blade 15 Studio Edition

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The Best Laptops For DJing

We’ve researched the best laptops for DJs and rounded up information from the most reputable web sources to bring you this definitive guide.

Here’s our list of the best laptops for DJing on the market now:

 

1. Apple MacBook Pro 16-Inch

Why Buy This?

The MacBook Pro 16-Inch is the creme da la creme of laptops for DJing.

First of all, it has a ninth-generation 8-core Intel core i9 processor, which means you’ll have no problem whatsoever running DJ software like Serato and rekordBox.

Next, Apple gives you the option to choose between 512GB or 1TB SSD, meaning even if you don’t store your mixes on a separate external hard drive, then you’ve got tons of room on the laptop. (However, this is not something we advise.)

Memory is the next most important thing, and that’s something you won’t have to worry about with the Macbook Pro, as it comes with 16GB of RAM, which is plenty, and the option to upgrade.

The 16-Inch retina display makes viewing software and applications an absolute breeze.

Gone are the days when you have to squint to see your next track, as if you combine the 16-Inch MacBook with a premium laptop stand, then you can see your tracks easily, and you won’t have to bend over either.

Why We Liked It

It’s the laptop for creatives!

MacBooks have always been known as the laptop of choice for creatives, and DJs are no exception.

The operating system, macOS, is simple, intuitive, and a pleasure to use, and overall, the MacBook Pro 16-Inch is a total workhorse.

After using Macs for over 20 years, we’re still yet to have one die on us, let alone getting a bug/virus or any major problem for that matter.

Highlights

• Ninth-generation 8-Core Intel Core i9
• Touch Bar & Touch ID
• 16-Inch Retina Display With True Tone Technology
• AMD Radeon Pro 5500M Graphics With GDDR6 Memory
• Ultrafast SSD & Four Thunderbolt Three Ports

 

2. Dell XPS 13 9310

Why Buy This?

The Dell XPS 13 9310 is widely regarded as one of the best laptops of all time for Windows users. 

Why do people rave about it so much? Well, right off the bat, it’s a stunning machine to look at.

Its 13.4″ UHD+ Infinity Edge display, with Corning Gorilla Glass 6, makes using DJ software like Serato and RekordBox super easy while maintaining a tough, damage-resistant, no flex display.

The laptop is cut from a single block of aluminum in two pieces to keep the construction simple, robust, and resilient, making it a solid choice to through in your DJ backpack or carrying case on your way to your next gig.

Internally, you’ll find a tenth-generation Intel Core i7 processor, 32GB RAM, and a 2TB SSD, which provide more than enough power, memory, and storage to run all the DJ software you want.

Why We Liked It

For DJs that prefer using Windows over macOS, the Dell XPS 13 9310 is a no-brainer.

It’s got more than enough power under the hood, and, in our opinion, is a great-looking laptop for DJing.

If we weren’t such Apple fanboys, then this is the laptop we’d be using as part of our DJ setup, without a doubt.

Highlights

• Tenth-Generation Intel Core i7 Processor
• 13.4″ UHD+ (3840 x 2400) Infinity Edge Touch Screen
• 32GB RAM
• 2TB SSD
• Intel Iris Plus Graphics (i7)

 

3. Apple MacBook Air 13-Inch

Why Buy This?

Small, lightweight, and powerful, the MacBook Air 13-Inch is another great laptop for DJing.

If you’re looking to stay in the Apple ecosystem but aren’t willing to drop a load of cash for the Macbook Pro 16-Inch, then the Air is the next best option.

It comes with a 10th Generation Intel-Core i3 Processor, 8GB RAM, and a 256GB SSD.

The processor and RAM combined will handle anything Serato DJ throughs at it, and although the SSD isn’t massive, you’ll still be able to store a fair amount of sets on it, which you can remove or swap around when you’ve finished with them.

Battery life is pretty good, up to 11 hours, but you’d want to make sure you’ve got it plugged in during your set, as running certain programs and DJ software for extended periods can use up the battery quickly.

Aside from the crucial internal components essential in laptops for DJing, it also comes with useful features like two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, a backlit Magic Keyboard, Touch ID, and a 13.3″ Retina Display.

The backlit keyboard is a nice little feature as it comes in handy to see what you’re doing in dark clubs and venues DJ booths.

Why We Liked It

Putting all the cool features and benefits aside for a second, Apple MacBook’s work really, really well.

They provide minimal hassle in terms of faults, bugs, or crashing, and although they’re a little pricey, they’re well worth the investment, as you’re pretty much-buying peace of mind in the form of a laptop.

If you’re looking for a smaller, more lightweight, and compact laptop for DJing in the Apple ecosystem, then the MacBook Air 13-Inch is a great option.

Highlights

• 13.3-inch Retina Display
• 10th Generation Intel-Core i3 Processor
• 8GB RAM & 256 SSD
• Up To 11 Hours Battery Life
• Backlit Magic Keyboard & Touch ID

 

4. Microsoft Surface Pro 7

Why Buy This?

If you’re looking for versatility in a laptop, then the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 offers just that.

You can use it to touch, type, draw, write, and work, thanks to its 12.3″ Touch Screen Display and ultra-slim design.

Out of all the modern laptops for DJing, it’s by far the lightest, weighing just 1.7lbs.

With a tenth-generation intel core i5 processor, it’s considerably faster than the Surface Pro 6 and can last up to 10.5 hours on a single charge.

However, if you find yourself running out of juice, you can go from empty to 80% charge in just over an hour.

As well as its processor, it also comes with 8GB RAM and a 256GB SSD.

These provide ample power, memory, and storage to run the best DJ software and save music without any hiccups.

It also comes with USB-C and USB-A ports, allowing you to connect it to an external monitor or other peripherals with ease.

Why We Liked It

Versatility and portability are the main reasons we like the Microsoft Surface Pro 7.

You’re able to do many different things with it or use it for one purpose, like running your DJ software.

The display is also nice and bright and offers ambient light sensing in dark environments, which can be handy for DJs.

It also comes with several configuration options, so if the ones we mentioned above don’t cut it, then you can upgrade the RAM, storage, and processor to suit your specifications.

Highlights

• Tenth-Generation Intel-Core i5 Processor
• 8GB RAM & 256GB SSD
• 12.3″ Touch Screen Display
• USB-C & USB-A Ports
• Multiple Configuration Options

 

5. Razor Blade 15 Studio Edition

Why Buy This?

If you think Razor laptops are just for gaming, then think again, as the Razor Blade 15 Studio Edition is perfect for DJs as it’s packed full of some series hardware.

This powerhouse comes with an 8-core tenth-generation Intel core i7 processor, 32GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD, so you’ll have absolutely no problem running software like Serato DJ and Rekordbox.

The 4K OLED touch display provides a 1ms response time and an extensive color range, so you’re really able to see the deepest of blacks, and all the other colors are vibrant and stand out.

In terms of portability, the laptop is 0.7 inches thick and weighs around 9.03lbs. However, although it’s thin, it’s a little on the heavy side than the Dell XPS 13, for example.

Having said that, if you’re a Windows user who’s not too fussed about size and appearance, but favors the beefy internals, then the Razor Blade 15 Studio Edition is a solid choice.

Why We Liked It

Although you’ll be parting ways with a large amount of cash, it’s worth it, in our opinion.

The 4K OLED display is outstanding, and the laptop has some serious power under the hood.

You could argue that it’s a bit overkill for most DJs, but if you can afford it and want the best laptop for DJing in the Windows spectrum, then the Razor Blade 15 Studio Edition is definitely worth the investment, especially if you’re also into gaming.

Highlights

• 8-Core Tenth-Generation Intel Core i7 Processor
• 32GB RAM & 1TB SSD
• 15.6″ 4K OLED Touch Screen Display
• Thin & Compact Aluminium Chassis – 0.7 Inches Thick
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Super with Max-Q Design

 

FAQs About Laptops For DJing

If you’re still unsure which laptop is best for you, check out our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about laptops for DJing.

 

1. What Is A DJ Laptop?

A DJ laptop is simply a laptop that DJs use to store their music and run DJ software.

The type of laptops DJs use really doesn’t matter as long as it can run the DJs software of choice and store music without any issues.

Typically, most DJs look for laptops with a fast processor, lots of memory and storage, and a large enough screen.

 

2. Do You Need A Laptop For DJing?

The short answer is no.

However, this really depends on the type of DJ equipment you already have, your preferred style, and what you’re looking to achieve.

For example, if you use turntables and a mixer, you don’t need a laptop because your music is coming from Vinyl records, and you mix the tracks using the mixer.

However, this traditional DJ setup is becoming increasingly rare, as technology has made DJing easier.

Another way you can DJ without a laptop is by using a CDJ and mixer.

It’s pretty much the same as a traditional DJ setup, but you’re swapping out the turntables for CDJ controllers.

These allow you to play music straight from a USB drive or a CD, meaning you don’t have to carry around a big bag of vinyl or a laptop.

Finally, the all-in-one DJ controller offers the most creative freedom for DJs without laptops.

You plug your music directly into the controller using a USB drive, and then everything you need to DJ is right there, ready to go.

 

3. How To DJ With A Laptop?

To DJ with a laptop, you will need your laptop and some DJ software.

We recommend using Serato DJ Pro’s free trial to get started and one of the DJing laptops mentioned in this list.

Next, sign up for the free trial of Serato DJ Pro and download it to your laptop.

You’ll need to set up the software, create your first crates/playlists, and choose the songs you’re going to use.

After that, you’ll need to analyze your songs, load them onto the decks, and sync the BPMs so that you can mix the tracks properly.

But, to get the right transition, you’ll also need to make sure the beats are aligned using the plus and minus buttons in Serato.

Finally, once your songs are aligned, you’re ready to mix them using the crossfader.

 

4. What Laptop Do Professional DJs Use?

For years, Apple Macbooks have been the laptop of choice for most professional DJs.

They’re perfectly suited for music production and live performance, thanks to having some of the market’s best internal specifications.

They’re also super reliable, which is an absolute must when DJing, as if your laptop breaks down, you’ll be up the creek without a paddle.

 

5. What Is The Best Laptop For DJing?

Aside from the specifications best suited for running DJ software, the answer to this question often boils down to personal preference.

However, strictly speaking from a performance side of things, the laptop most likely to get the job done to the highest possible standard is Apple’s MacBook Pro.

The majority of the world’s highest-paid DJs use Macbook Pros to power their DJ set-up, and the laptop is widely regarded among peers as the best laptop for DJing.

 

Summary

We hope you enjoyed our list of the best laptops for DJing.

If it isn’t already clear which one we’d recommend, it’s the MacBook Pro 16-Inch.

It’s our daily workhorse for things like music production, DJing, and general work-related tasks, and we know that whenever we turn it on, it’s always going to work.

We can also say that as we’ve used MacBook Pros for years, running software like Serato DJ Pro, Logic Pro X, Pro Tools, and Rekordbox are still yet to disappoint!

Here’s a quick recap of the best laptops for DJing:

1. Apple MacBook Pro 16-Inch
2. Dell XPS 13 9310
3. Apple MacBook Air 13-Inch
4. Microsoft Surface Pro 7
5. Razor Blade 15 Studio Edition

What’s the best laptop for DJing, in your opinion? Leave a comment below.