Best Laptop for DJing 2024 – Buying Guide with Reviews

DJing has never been easier and more accessible than in 2024. The calling has become so popular, and many people from all age groups are trying their best to bring the heat to the party.

If you want to DJ or produce, you need to back yourself up with the right hardware. You need something that will run the latest DJ applications.

You may be thinking that a laptop won’t be enough to successfully do a DJ party, but with the modern softwares, you can DJ very quickly with just a mouse or a keyboard. There are even applications for iPads and Chromebooks on which you can DJ with a touchscreen. This will be more than enough for a simple crossfade transition, but a laptop is the starting point if you want to be more serious. Continue reading to find out which laptops for DJs we handpicked for you.

Our Top Picks

Table could not be displayed.

1. Apple MacBook Pro

The new model from Apple is a tried and tested formula. With an 8th Generation Intel Core i5 processor, you are sure that the laptop will follow your instructions at any point in the night. An incredible 13-inch Retina screen also backs the premium price with True Tone, a backlit keyboard, and an SSD. They promise a 10-hour battery life, and we do believe them. It is a small, customizable powerhouse, and you won’t go wrong if you get one. It is a classic choice, and for the same money, you could get a more feature-packed Windows laptop, buy a MacBook is a MacBook. In any case, you can’t go wrong!

• Processor: 1.4GHz quad-core 8th-generation Intel Core i5, Turbo Boost up to 3.9GHz
• Display: 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit Retina display with 2560 x 1600 resolution
• RAM: 8 GB
• Graphics Chip: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645
• Storage Size: 256 GB SSD
• Operating System: Mac Catalina
• Ports: 2 x USB Type – C Thunderbolt, 1 x 3.1 Gen 2
• Connectivity: 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
• Weight: 3.1 lb

2. Dell XPS 13

A pricey option, but one that will keep you covered for a long time. Be it that you want to DJ, do production, or design, the Dell XPS 13 is a true powerhouse. We want to highlight this one because of the fantastic build quality. The chassis is made from one block of aluminum from the start, which ensures premium quality.

It is scratch resistant and light as a feather at the same time—truly premium quality with some excellent specifications. Under the hood, you will get the 10th Generation Intel Core i7 processor with 16 GB of RAM! This machine won’t chug, ever! It also rocks some cool features as a fantastic video camera and a fancy lid sensor so you can open up and boot your laptop at any point.

• Processor: 10th Generation Intel Core i7-1065G7 Processor up to 3.9 GHz
• Display: 13.4 inches full HD, 1920 x 1200 InfinityEdge
• RAM: 16 GB DDR4
• Graphics Chip: Intel Iris Plus Graphics
• Storage Size: 512 GB SSD
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Pro
• Ports: 2 x USB Type – C Thunderbolt, 1 x 3.1 Gen 2
• Connectivity: 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
• Weight: 8.93 lbs

 

3. Lenovo IdeaPad 3

A budget-friendly option that goes around $450 to $500, the Lenovo IdeaPad is an everyday computer that packs a punch and will be enough for your DJ needs. Lenovo was always famous for its build quality and stable machines, and this device is no exception. Powered by the AMD Ryzen 5, which is on par with an Intel Core i5 processor, you don’t have to worry about power. AMD processors are usually a bit cheaper, and this is why you can get this one for that money. We especially like the narrow bezel. The AMD processor ensures a stable battery life, too, in addition to the powerful multitasking option. It falls a bit short on some flashier features, but your pocket will thank you.

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 3500U Mobile
• Display: 14 inches full HD, 1920 x 1080 with a narrow bezel
• RAM: 8 GB DDR4
• Graphics Chip: AMD Vega Integrated Graphics
• Storage Size: 256 GB SSD
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Pro
• Ports: 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0, Connectivity: 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
• Weight: 3.30 lbs

 

4. ASUS ZenBook 13

An ultra-slim option from Asus’s ZenBook line is excellent to use for a DJ laptop. Asus has outdone itself in creating a sleek and good looking machine. The awesome thing, and with a weight of just 2.6 lbs, you will be able to carry it anywhere with no hassle. They made sure to build the laptop right, and their product page boasts “military-grade” durability, which includes altitudes, drop, and temperature tests—a premium device for almost a premium price. Priced around $790, it is not the cheapest nor the pricier option. Still, with this, you get an Intel Core i5 CPU and 8 GB of RAM. There are also some nifty side additions as a built-in IR camera and super extensive connectivity possibilities. A convenient option, in our opinion, with all the things you may need!

• Processor: 10th generation Intel Core i5-1035G1 Core Processor up to 3.6 GHz
• Display: 14 inches full HD, 1920 x 1080 with a narrow bezel
• RAM: 8 GB DDR4
• Graphics Chip: Intel UHD Graphics
• Storage Size: 256 GB SSD
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home
• Ports: 2 x USB Type – C Thunderbolt, 1 x USB 3.2, 1 x HDMI
• Connectivity: 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth,
• Weight: 2.62 lbs

 

5. HP Pavilion x360

Another WIndows option, the HP Pavilion x360, is an excellent 2 in 1 convertible laptop that you can use as a bedroom DJ option easily. With its 360 hinges, you can use it as a tablet too. Multitasking on an Intel Core i5 processor will feel good, and you will be sure to run any DJ software you like. Note that you can’t upgrade with RAM as some of the others listed in our article. So be aware that as with this device, you get 8 GB, which we are sure it will suffice for starting DJs. It has an impressive 9-hour battery life and a 14-inch touch screen that is amazing to look at. If you need an excellent machine that will cover your DJ aspirations and daily tasks, this will come in handy.

• Processor: 10th Generation Intel Core i5-1035G1, Quad-Core up to 3.6 GHz
• Display: 14-inch FHD IPS WLED-backlit, 1920 x 1080
• RAM: 8 GB DDR4
• Graphics Chip: Intel UHD Graphics
• Storage Size: 256 GB SSD
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home
• Ports: 2 x USB Type – C Thunderbolt, 1 x USB 3.2, 1 x HDMI
• Connectivity: 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth,
• Weight: 3.50 lbs

 

6. Samsung Galaxy Book Ion

A strong contender to Apple and Microsoft, Samsung has upped it’s laptop game and delivered a premium 15.5-inch laptop that looks just beautiful. Packed with an Intel Core i7 processor and a 512 GB SSD, you have enough power for any task. It has an astonishing FHD QLED display that feels amazing to work on and look at. This is a selling point for this computer. It does come with a drawback, the magnesium chassis is a bit weaker, so you need to be a tad bit more careful, but we think this is good enough. You can also expect a great battery life of whopping 21 hours under average load. Also, we have some great connectivity options via new Wi-Fi tech, great speakers by AKG, and a fingerprint scanner.

• Processor: 10th Generation Intel Core i7-1065G7 Processor
• Display: 15.6 inch FHD QLED-backlit, 1920 x 1080
• RAM: 8 GB DDR4
• Graphics Chip: Intel UHD Graphics
• Storage Size: 256 GB SSD
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home
• Ports: 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x HDMI
• Connectivity: 802.11ax Wi-Fi, Bluetooth,
• Weight: 3.99 lbs

 

7. Acer Spin 5

Acer has outdone themselves with the Acer Spin 5! This 2 in 1 device boats impressive specifications and a lot of features for that price point. A practical option that will let you use powerful audio manipulation software if you come to that point. With an impressive screen ratio and Corning Gorilla Glass, you will be sure to look at a beautiful display that is secure and scratch resistance. We love the 2K resolution and the fast charging speed! The two thunderbolt ports are also a cool addition! In any case, we recommend the Spin for your bedroom DJ needs!

• Processor: 10th Generation Intel Core i7 3.9 GHz
• Display: 13. 5 inches Acer VertiView 2K 2256 x 1504 Widescreen IPS LED
• RAM: 16GB LPDDR4X
• Graphics Chip: Intel UHD Graphics
• Storage Size: 512 GB SSD
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home
• Ports: 2 x USB 3.1, 1 x Type C, 1x USB-C, Thunderbolt 3, USB Charging, 1 x HDMI
• Connectivity: 802.11ax Wi-Fi, Bluetooth,
• Weight: 3.99 lbs

 

Buying Guide

We want to present the most critical aspects of planning accordingly and what type of laptop should be right. We highlighted the most important aspects of your future machine. In this case, it’s not just what’s under the hood, but also takes note of the laptop’s build quality.

How powerful should a DJ laptop be?

A DJ laptop should have the minimum of an Intel Core i5 or an i7 processor unit. The minimum system requirements for Native Instruments Traktor lists an Intel Core i5 or an equivalent for Windows and Mac, at least 4 GB of RAM, and a graphics card that supports OpenGL 2.1. The graphics card is not an essential part when you are buying a device for DJing. Be aware that with most i5 or i7 processors, if you don’t get a dedicated card, you will get Intel Integrated Graphics, which will be more than enough for your DJ software needs.

DJ software needs a lot of juice because you are constantly switching out music and analyzing tracks to mix them in. So you need a fast processor to be able to do all those things in a breeze. You don’t want to end up in a situation where you have a FLAC file, and you try to play it, and your computer chugs because of the file size. So avoid that by getting a good CPU.

What type of build quality do I need?

The best laptop for a DJ would be something that has good build quality—no cheap plastic and something that is spill and knocks resistant. If you carry your laptop around on gigs and parties, the chances are that it will get hit over or something similar. So it’s better to choose a more robust material for the chassis and the casing of your laptop. In this case, premium builds are better in the long run. Some of the list options have military-grade ratings, where laptops were purposefully tested in different situations to see how they handle. We suggest checking out Lenovo and Asus machines for such devices.

What battery life do I need?

To ensure that your setup is portable, be it that you DJ with just a laptop or later on, include a controller, you need good battery life. There will be moments where you won’t have a plug at the moment. The minimum for newer laptop models is around 8 hours, so if you are paying up, get a device that promises that. Be mindful that with different software and under other conditions, the battery life will fluctuate.

How much RAM do I need for a DJ Laptop?

4 GB of RAM is the bare minimum for any machine that you are buying in 2024. The ideal would be 8 GB. Most modern applications require 4 GB, and if you plan on doing any music production or any type of editing, be it video or image, you will require more RAM! If you plan on using live DJ software like Ableton Live or create music on the go, you need at least 8 GB. 16 GB would be ideal, but machines like that are pricer.

How big of storage do I want?

With the addition of external SSD drives that are relatively inexpensive, you can get a smaller hard drive. A solid-state drive is a must to ensure the fast boot of your software and fast loading times of your music. If you want to store your music on the laptop directly, we would advise going for at least 512 GB, but 1 TB would be ideal. Even that can get small, but you need a couple of years of music collection to fill that space.

How big of a screen should I get?

The screen should be on the bigger side, Yes, you can DJ today on an iPad or your android phone, but if you want to be serious, you need at least a 13-inch display. Fourteen inches or 15.6 would be ideal, we think. Bear in mind that your laptop should not be too heavy, so getting a workstation Lenovo Thinkpad with excellent specifications may not be the best option. You want to get a good high-quality screen with at least full HD resolution. So 1920 x 1080 is a minimum as with that resolution, you get enough workspace on display. A 4K display would also be a nice addition here!

What ports do I need?

An important thing to think about. You need as many parts as you can. You can buy hubs and expanders, but if you have more than 3 USB ports from the start, that is considered good! You may not need one right now, but imagine you lost your USB hub, and you need to plug a mouse, a USB, and a controller and just have 2 USB ports. That can pose an issue. Still, all this is usually negated with a good USB hub, but better to be prepared.

Do I get a MacBook or a Windows device for a DJ laptop?

This comes to preference! Most DJs and producers use MacBooks more, but that is because of their usually more stable operating systems. Still, we think this is not something to worry about if you get a premium Windows machine. The gist of it was that some artists would get a stable machine out of the box with the high price point of Mac. As you know, the Windows market is far wider, and you have laptops that go from $300 to $3000. If you get a medium-priced machine, you are sure that you won’t lag or hiccup. The apps are shared, and what you can do on one, you can do on the other one. So up to you!

Can I DJ With A Laptop?

Yes, with software such as Traktor, Rekordbox, or Virtual DJ, you can DJ with just a laptop!

What is the best DJ software?

– Serato DJ

– Ableton Live

– Native Instruments TRAKTOR Pro

– Mixxx

– Virtual DJ

These apps are accessible and easy to use, but note not all of them are free to use. Still, these companies offer trials and lite versions of their software, so you may try them and see what you like.

What DJ Software Do I Need?

Traktor or Serato are the two choices you have! These two are used by most amateurs and professionals alike. Software like this lets you organize and prepare your playlists; they offer to mix on four decks, loop sections, effects, and different sampling options. With all these options, you can play with and try out.

Virtual DJ was the go-to software for a lot of amateur DJs, and at some point, it was very advanced. Still, the Virtual DJ software is not that advanced compared to the other. Yet they do offer interesting Video DJ software options.

Learn more about this topic in our article about software and  DJ laptops.

What Kind Of Laptop Do I Need For DJing

A laptop for DJing should be powerful enough, and you need to make sure that it won’t lag or chug in the crucial high point of the night. A poorly running laptop can ruin your night and your chance for future gigs. You need a powerful processor, a lot of RAM, and a good battery life!

Later on, when you get the gist of playing music and how to mix it, you can expand into different sets of controllers and more advanced mixing techniques!

Be advised that you need a powerful machine to keep up with you. A powerful enough processor is a must and enough working memory. We will dwell a bit deeper into what you should get into our following small buying guide on buying a laptop for DJing.

Watch the following videos for more tips on how to set up your laptop before the show:

Conclusion

We hope that you got some basic tips and ideas on how you can start your DJ hobby by reading this article. Be aware of what type of machine you are buying and how you will later implement it in your DJ setup. With that, we want to wish you luck, and may you never fail to mix well!

Check out the accessories that you will need for your DJing with a laptop:

No products found.