When selecting a good laptop for DJing, it’s not just about the hardware specs, the brand, or your preferred software. The most critical factor is ensuring reliability and stability during your live performances.
After all, no DJ wants to deal with audio dropouts, glitches, or—worst of all—a complete computer crash mid-gig. This is probably every DJ’s worst nightmare. Here is an interview with DJ Sasha speaking about having a brand new laptop crash right before the live gig. Sh*t happens, so you need to be prepared.
But how can you avoid such disasters?
Unlike other professions, DJs don’t yet have access to laptops specifically tailored for their needs. This means hours of scouring reviews, forums, and reports on hardware reliability, driver stability, and potential issues. But don’t worry—we’ve done the legwork for you. Below, you’ll find our curated list of the eight best laptops for DJing in 2024.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, the options today are vast and cater to every budget. Many modern laptops are robust, affordable, and more than capable of meeting your needs. However, it’s essential to understand that some laptops are optimized for specific tasks like gaming, graphic design, or office work. Choosing the right one for DJing requires identifying the features that matter most for live performances and software compatibility.
All the laptops on our list are fully compatible with industry-standard DJ software, including Rekordbox, Serato DJ, Traktor Pro, and Virtual DJ. If you’re unsure which DJ software to start with, check out our guide to the best DJ software or explore a free mixing app to get started.
Top 8 Best Laptop for DJing in 2024
1. Apple MacBook: The Gold Standard for DJs
Key Specs:
- 13-inch Retina Display
- 10th-generation Quad Core i5 processor
- 16GB RAM
- Up to 1TB SSD Storage
- Four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
If you’ve ever noticed the prevalence of MacBooks in DJ booths, there’s a good reason: reliability. While MacBooks may not always offer the highest specs compared to other laptops, they deliver seamless performance and are built to last.
MacBooks are renowned for their all-in-one design. Since Apple develops the software, operating system, motherboard, and sound card, everything works in harmony. This level of integration minimizes the risk of crashes or glitches during live sets. If budget isn’t a constraint, starting your DJ career with a MacBook is a safe and professional choice.
Why DJs Love MacBooks
- Processor & Performance
Equipped with a 10th-generation i5 quad-core 2.0GHz processor and 16GB of RAM, the MacBook has enough power to run even the most resource-intensive DJ software or digital audio workstations (DAWs). Pair this with up to 1TB of SSD storage for faster file reading and enhanced reliability compared to traditional hard drives. - Display & Resolution
The MacBook’s retina display offers a resolution of 2560×1600 at 227 pixels per inch. This sharp display is perfect for managing multiple VSTs, plugins, and interfaces without clutter. - Battery Life
Long-lasting battery life ensures you won’t be scrambling for an outlet during your performance. - Design & Connectivity
The backlit keyboard is a lifesaver for dark venues, and the laptop features versatile connectivity options: a charging port, DisplayPort, and four Thunderbolt USB-C ports supporting speeds of up to 40Gbps. These ports can accommodate USB audio interfaces, DJ microphones, and other essential DJ gear seamlessly.
MacBook Pro: The DJ’s Choice
The MacBook Pro remains the most popular laptop for DJing and music production. Available in two sleek colors—classic Mac Silver or modern Space Gray—it pairs performance with style.
2. Dell Inspiron: Affordable Reliability for DJs
Key Specs:
- 15.6-inch FHD Display
- 10th-generation Quad Core i5 processor
- 16GB RAM
- Up to 1TB SSD Storage
- Three USB 3.1 ports
- Up to 9 hours of battery life
For DJs seeking a reliable, budget-friendly option, the Dell Inspiron series is a standout choice. While Dell’s XPS and Precision series cater to high-performance needs, the Inspiron offers excellent value for money, making it an ideal pick for beginner DJs or those working with a tighter budget.
Despite its affordability, the Dell Inspiron 15 5000 delivers a robust performance with features that are more than adequate for DJing and live performances:
- Processor & Memory
The Inspiron is equipped with a 1.8GHz Quad-core processor and 8GB of RAM, which is upgradeable to 16GB. While 8GB of RAM is sufficient for most DJ software, upgrading to 16GB is a straightforward process and can future-proof your setup for more demanding applications. - Storage Options
The Inspiron strikes a perfect balance between speed and storage with a 128GB SSD for fast access to your samples, tracks, and mixes, and a 1TB HDD to store larger music libraries, DJ software, and backups. The SSD’s lightning-fast read speeds ensure smooth performance during live gigs, while the HDD provides ample storage space for all your essentials. - Backlit Keyboard
Like more expensive models, the Inspiron features a backlit keyboard, making it a practical choice for low-light environments like nightclubs or dark home studios. - Connectivity
The laptop includes multiple ports to connect your external devices with ease:- 1 x USB 2.0
2 x USB 3.0
1 x HDMI for additional display setups.
These options ensure seamless integration with DJ controllers, audio interfaces, or external displays. For beginner DJs, check out our guide to the best DJ controllers for beginners to pair with your new laptop.
- 1 x USB 2.0
This is probably the best laptop to DJ with on a tight budget. Here you will find the best DJ controller for beginners to connect to your laptop and start mixing from day one.
Its display size is bigger than the MacBook Pro shown above. So, if you have problems with setups far from an optimal viewing distance might be a better option for this 15.6″ Full HD screen.
3. Alienware m15 R3: High-Performance Gaming Laptop for DJs
Key Specs:
- 15.6-inch FHD Display
- 10th-generation Intel Core i7 processor
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- 512GB SSD Storage
- Three USB 3.1 ports
- Up to 12 hours of battery life
The Alienware m15 R3 is primarily a gaming laptop, but its powerful hardware and premium build make it an excellent choice for DJing. Designed with materials like magnesium alloy, copper, and steel, this laptop offers a durable, secure exterior while remaining lightweight and compact enough to fit in most DJ backpacks.
Top-Tier Performance
With a 10th Generation Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM, the Alienware m15 R3 is one of the fastest laptops on this list. It can handle demanding DJ software like Serato DJ Pro, Traktor Pro 3, and Ableton Live with ease, delivering seamless performance for live gigs.
Advanced Cooling System
A standout feature of the Alienware m15 is its Cryo-Tech cooling system, which keeps the laptop running cool even during extended sessions. This ensures consistent performance without overheating, a critical feature for DJs who rely on their laptops for hours at a time.
Display and Usability
The ultra-bright, color-balanced screen eliminates the need for an external laptop light, while the backlit keyboard ensures visibility in dimly lit environments. These features make it ideal for nightclubs and stage performances.
Considerations
While gaming laptops like the Alienware m15 offer exceptional performance, their bold “gaming” aesthetics might not align with a DJ’s sleek setup. This is easily remedied with a custom DJ laptop skin, which can help tone down the gaming vibe.
If you’re looking for a laptop that can handle DJing and more, the Alienware m15 R3 is a powerhouse worth considering.
4. ACER ASPIRE 5: Budget-Friendly DJ Laptop
Key Specs:
- 15.6-inch FHD IPS Display
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200U Intel Dual Core processor
- 8GB DDR4 RAM
- 256GB SSD Storage
- One USB 3.1 port, Two USB 2.0 ports
- Up to 6 hours of battery life
For DJs on a tight budget, the Acer Aspire 5 is a great entry-level option that doesn’t compromise on performance. It’s affordable yet reliable, making it perfect for beginners or as a backup laptop.
Performance at a Glance
The Aspire 5 is powered by an 8th Generation Intel Core i5-8250U processor with speeds of up to 3.4GHz, and it includes 8GB DDR4 RAM for smooth multitasking. Its 256GB SSD provides fast loading times for music files and DJ software, ensuring you’re ready to perform without delays.
Display Features
The laptop features a 15.6-inch Full HD LED-lit IPS display, offering crisp visuals and a natural color balance. This is particularly beneficial for DJs who need a clear interface while navigating their software of choice.
Connectivity and Portability
The Aspire 5 includes versatile connectivity options:
- 1 x USB 3.0
- 2 x USB 2.0
- 1 x HDMI port
- SD card reader
- Bluetooth 4.1
At just over 5 pounds, this laptop is lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry between gigs. Its 6-hour battery lifeensures reliable performance, even for extended sets.
Additional Features
While the Aspire 5 includes a 2GB NVIDIA GeForce 940MX graphics card, its benefits are more aligned with video playback than DJing. That said, it remains a solid laptop for running popular DJ software like Virtual DJ, Rekordbox, and others.
5. Microsoft Surface Pro X: The Ultimate Touchscreen DJ Laptop
Key Specs:
- 13-inch Touch-Screen Display
- Microsoft SQ2 (co-developed with Qualcomm)
- Up to 16GB RAM
- Up to 512GB SSD Storage
- Two USB 3.0 ports
- Up to 15 hours battery life
While most professionals lean toward the MacBook Pro or Air for DJing, the Microsoft Surface Pro X offers a unique alternative for those seeking a powerful, ultra-thin laptop with touchscreen capabilities.
Why DJs Love the Surface Pro X
Why DJs Love the Surface Pro X
- Compact and Lightweight: Weighing just 1.7 pounds and only 7.3mm thin, the Surface Pro X is ideal for DJs on the move. Its 13-inch touchscreen display is sleek and responsive, providing an intuitive interface for navigating DJ software.
- Configurable Storage and Memory: The base model features 128GB of storage, which may require external hard drive support after some use. However, upgraded models with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage or 16GB RAM and 512GB storage offer ample space for music libraries and DJ apps.
- Practical Accessories: Pair it with a quality laptop stand to keep it secure during live sets.
Microsoft is always considered a big competitor of Apple, and this ultra-thin yet powerful notebook is the answer if you are looking to DJ with a touchscreen. The new 13″ touchscreen display with a sleek matte black finish sits perfectly on the Surface Pro X. It is still 1.7 pounds and just 7.3mm thin. Just remember to look for a good laptop stand to keep it safe and stable during your DJ set.
The Surface Pro X stands out for DJs who value portability, innovation, and flexibility, though its premium features come at a price.
6. MacBook Air 13.3: Lightweight Power for Mobile DJs
Key Specs:
- CPU: Intel Dual-Core Core i5 1.6 GHz
- RAM: 8GB 2133MHz DDR4
- Storage: 128GB SSD
- Display: 13.3” LED-backlit display with IPS technology; 2560×1600
The MacBook Air 13.3-inch is a favorite among DJs who prioritize portability and reliability. Its sleek design and unmatched battery life make it a top choice for live gigs and travel-heavy schedules.
The Air notebook by Apple, is entirely different from the Pro, it’s far more portable and has probably the most extended battery life as far as ultrabooks and laptops go. It’s the only 2.91b, and with +13 hours of battery life, it will deliver the job for any DJ on the road.
Performance Highlights
- Processor and RAM: Powered by an 8th generation 1.6GHz dual-core Intel i5 processor and 8GB RAM(upgradeable to 16GB), the Air handles popular DJ software like Rekordbox, Virtual DJ, and Serato DJ Lite with ease.
- Battery Life: With up to 13 hours of battery life, this ultrabook can handle even the longest DJ sets.
An important thing for a DJ is a large and fast hard drive disc. Unfortunately, the MacBook Air cannot deliver the best possible. The 128GB SSD storage (from 2017 – PCIe flash storage) it will probably not fill your needs. The backlit keyboard is not missing from this model. Also, the Air has the fastest bootup times on this list, mainly due to its hard drive technology.
Regardless of the connectivity and ports of this laptop: It has two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, which is pretty cool for a skinny laptop.
Note: This is one of the most affordable Apple laptops in the market!
7. Lenovo ThinkPad T460: Durability Meets Functionality
Key Specs:
- CPU: Intel Core I5-6300U up to 3.0 GHz
- RAM: 16GB 2133MHz DDR3
- Storage: 500GB
- Display: 14” LED-backlit Widescreen Display, Full HD Matte Finish.
Known for their reliability and durability, Lenovo ThinkPads have become a go-to for DJs who travel frequently. The T460 model, in particular, combines affordability with performance, making it an excellent option for beginner DJs. With exquisite and robust design and build, a massive bonus for every DJ who travels a lot.
This model is one of the best beginner DJ laptops at under $500 in the market. It is not a gaming laptop, nor does it have any unnecessary features (no dedicated graphics card). T460 has excellent characteristics in every function as far as DJing is concerned.
Top Features for DJs
- Processor and RAM: Equipped with a 3.0GHz core processor and 16GB RAM, the ThinkPad can handle multiple apps simultaneously without lag.
- Storage: The 500GB hard disk drive ensures fast data access and plenty of space for music libraries and software.
Display and Build Quality
- 14-inch Full HD screen: Offers the perfect balance between portability and visibility, with a matte finish to reduce reflections during performances.
- Durable Design: Renowned for its spill-resistant, backlit keyboard, the ThinkPad is built to withstand the rigors of live performances and travel.
Out of this list, it has the highest number of ports: Including 3 USB 3.0 ports, Ethernet, HDMI, and an SD card slot, the ThinkPad is one of the most versatile and rugged laptops on this list.
ThinkPad T460 is a very cheap laptop for DJing and ideal for beginners that cannot afford any of the above.
8. ASUS ROG GL552VW: A Gaming Powerhouse for DJs
Key Specs:
- CPU: Intel Core i7 3.5Ghz Quad Core
- RAM: 16GB 2133MHz DDR4
- Storage: 128GB SSD & 1TB HDD
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M 4GB
- Display: 15.6″ Matte IPS HD (1920×1080)
The ASUS ROG GL552VW is a gaming laptop that doubles as a high-performance machine for DJs, thanks to its robust specifications and competitive pricing.
Power-Packed Performance
- Processor and RAM: Featuring an i7 Quad-Core 3.5GHz processor and 16GB RAM, this laptop is overkill for most DJing needs but ensures you’ll have no issues running multiple DJ or production software simultaneously.
- Storage: A hybrid setup with 1TB HDD for music libraries and 128GB SSD for essential files provides speed and capacity without requiring external drives.
The ASUS ROG GL552VW has too much power for DJing. It will be able to run multiple DJ or production softwares at the same time. Best of all, it comes at a great price.
A display screen of 15.6″ is a must-have if you have your set up quite far from your view. Also, the Matte Display is perfect for those instances where bright reflections are unavoidable (working outside or when the sun is playing against you).
Plus, you get way too many ports to play around with, probably far more than you’ll ever need: x3 USB 3.0 ports, xl USB 3.1 port, HDMI, SD Card Reader, and a backlit keyboard too. If you don’t mind the considerable gaming tag on it, this laptop has everything you may need for DJing while remaining affordable at the same time.
Buyers Guide – DJ Computer
What is the best laptop for DJing?
- MacBook Pro
- Dell Inspiron 15
- Alienware m15 R3
- MacBook Air
- Microsoft Surface Pro X
- Lenovo ThinkPad T460
- ASUS ROG GL552VW
- Acer Aspire 5
- Dell XPS 13
How to DJ with a laptop?
Playing and mixing songs with a laptop is the most popular way to DJ today. To DJ with a laptop, you will need a DJ software such as the Serato or Virtual DJ. Import or sync your music library into the software and add a song on each desc. There is an auto-cue function so you won’t need to manually beat-match the tracks at first. Use the mixer interface to manipulate EQ (lows, mids, high) and add FX filters to achieve a smoother transition between tracks.
Later on, you can invest in a good DJ controller for a more natural way of mixing by using headphones, knobs, faders, jog-wheels, etc.
Here are five tips for DJing with just a laptop and start mixing before your DJ controller arrives.
Video: How to DJ with a Laptop?
What to look for before buying a laptop for mixing
There are a few basic things to check, but for a budget of around $1000, you can get a powerful laptop with proper specifications of Processor, RAM, Hard drive, and the rest. Connectivity and battery life are also two things to consider. However, for a decent amount of money, those two characteristics won’t differ a lot from other contestants. So, a roundup on what to consider before choosing your next DJ laptop.
- Processor – Your laptop’s performance depends on it. Suitable processing power is a 2.3GHz dual Intel Core i5, which along with a good RAM size, will allow your laptop to handle heavy applications and multitasking without a problem.
- RAM – You should pick a laptop with 8GB RAM or more.
- SSD Hard drive – Well, here it mostly depends on your needs. An external hard drive will eventually become a necessity, so go for an SSD of 250GB or more.
- Screen Display – The same as the above, it depends on your needs and wants. DJing on a small 13-inch laptop screen can be quite challenging. The safest option would be a 15-inch notebook that it’s big enough to check your mixing and small enough to transfer it around easily.
Durability Matters
DJs are constantly on the move, and your laptop will face wear and tear far beyond what a regular consumer device might endure. From gigs to travel, your laptop needs to withstand:
- Frequent physical handling
- Vibrations from music systems
- Potential spills during performances
Always prioritize laptops with a solid build and durable design. While cheaper models may offer impressive specs, manufacturers often cut costs on construction quality, leaving you with a fragile machine.
Most manufacturers today do not pay much attention to design. Consumers usually look at the specifications, such as CPU and GPU. Therefore there is less attention to the design part. There are, however, exceptions, such as the beautiful MacBook Pro and Air by Apple or the Alienware series. Most famous DJs out there, you will see them use an Apple laptop (sometimes totally covered with stickers).
We have busted the myth of laptop DJs, so get ready and build the best DJ setup for beginners to perform like pros.
The main issue, however, is not that your laptop may not look cool on stage, but most laptops end up having a weak cooling system. That may cause your laptop to skip or even completely blackout. So, make sure your laptop is appropriately ventilating, and all the openings are dust-free.
Minimum Specs For DJ Laptop:
Laptop requirements for Serato DJ Pro:
- CPU: i3 2GHz
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 5GB
Laptop requirements for Virtual DJ:
- CPU: i3 2GHz
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 30MB
Laptop requirements for Traktor Pro:
- CPU: i5 2GHz
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 1GB
What to remember before finding a cheap laptop for DJing?
You can search and find the best laptops for DJing by yourself, but those above are the most reliable, and popular laptops used by DJs all around the world.
All the above are top laptops on the market that haven’t reported issues in forums, social media, or reviews. You can feel safe about having issues when performing live with any of the models below. These also have more than enough hardware requirements for you to comfortably run your favorite DJ software and DAW applications.
FAQs:
- What is the best laptop for Serato DJ Software?
Most computers out there will work ideally with every DJ software. Serato DJ, Traktor Pro, Virtual DJ, and Rekordbox are the most popular, and they will run sufficient if you take care of the DJ Laptop specs listed above. - Are gaming laptops good for DJing?
Yes, in most cases, gaming laptops carrying the same specifications that DJs want. - What is the best MacBook for DJing?
Every MacBook Pro and Air Model released from 2021 till today, are a great choice for every beginner DJ. - Do I need a laptop for my DJ controller? You will most likely need a laptop for your DJ controller unless you buy a standalone unit such as the new Denon DJ Prime 4.
- Can you DJ with a desktop? A Desktop for DJing might not be the best option, but since they produce lighter and more compact all-in-one computers you can consider it.
Final Thoughts
MacBook Pro and Air laptops are an excellent choice for DJs and music producers if you can afford them. They have the reputation of expensive products, but quality, reliability, and design come with a cost. There are, however, some great cheap DJ computers by Dell, HP, Asus, and Lenovo that are worth your attention. Plus, you can add some really lovely DJ laptop skins to match your style.
Remember to make sure the laptop you buy is offering well built and has a solid design. A laptop for DJ purposes will take more physical damage than a laptop from a regular consumer, which is just simply standing on a desk as opposed to being always on the move.
Even if you find a laptop with all the specifications listed above for a lower price, look at the design and built because that’s where manufacturers try to cut the cost down.
Another good tip is to aim for business class laptops as opposed to regular consumer laptops; they are built with durability and reliability in mind.
DJing without headphones is impossible. Find now The best DJ headphones on the market, including the no.1 choice of professional DJs, the Sennheiser HD25.
You can leave your comment and let us know what do you believe. Any suggestions for beginner DJs? Drop them below.
I really like the look of the Asus Rog, I am more or less finish with computers and I’m serious is starting to consider getting a McIntosh: so you know how it has got good specs won’t run smoothly just as a mac would?
Asus Rog is a great Laptop that will run smoothly your DAW and digital instruments. Mac might run faster but is not necessarily a better option that WIN. If you decide to go for MAC, you can’t go back afterward.
Thx for your article. I decided I couldn’t afford a Mac so I purchased a Dell G7 15 i7 16 Ram thinking it would be awesome with TRAKTOR pro 3. Hopefully you can pass this along but the G7 has huge latency issues and horrible for TRAKTOR software. I really wanted this pc to work but after doing my own exhaustive trouble shooting it doesn’t matter what the specs are, some pc will not work with DJ software. I am exchanging it for a Mac book pro. Disappointed about the 13 “ screen but the rest is gonna give me peace of mind. Horrible experience and wish I had purchased one of your suggestions. Thx
Thats impossible! Did you check for audio optimations and asio driver? I have Dell Inspiron I5 5th gen, dual core, 2.6ghz, 8gb ram, 256gb ssd and smooth run over Traktor Pro 3! Cpu on 4 decks about 40% and less, and latency is very low with my Audio 8 DJ sound card. I’m playing about 3 years on that laptop and didn’t have any problem with reliability. Check power options and midi controllers also always chose asio driver for the audio setup!
Are these laptops good for karaoke dj??
Yes, all laptops in our list will work great for karaoke DJs!!
Hello. I’m looking for a macbook that would support Video Mixing from Serato DJ. I was told by forums to go for the Macbook Pro 15″. However, I’m having a hard time googling any type of article to suggest what type of macbook pro 15 I should go for for Serato Videos. Do you have anything in mind of what specific macbook 15 I should go for? Do I need to look into a certain graphics card as well?
Hello.
We also believe that the Macbook Pro is the best option for DJs out there. And will work perfectly with Serato DJ.
The newest Macbook Pro 15 comes with a 9Th-generation 8-Core Intel Core i9 Processor. Along with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD. Four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports and up to 10 hours of battery life. The ultimate DJ laptop, but comes with a price. A big price indeed!
If you cannot afford this monster-laptop, I suggest you go for the slightest smaller model with the 9Th-generation 6-Core Intel Core i7 Processor, and 256GB SSD, but for a big reduction of price.
The graphics card is not something to consider in your DJ laptop.
Cheers!
I have a Lenovo Ideapad 330. It has all the specific configuration mentioned in this article. I think it can do all the tasks. Thank you.
Hi, am thinking of buying a laptop for my DJing but looking at other brand as apple might be too expensive for me now. Please can I get suggestion on the best specs and brands to go for
Lenovo and HP laptops are great value-for-money options and will handle your DJ software and other apps. Acer computers are also pretty stable and reliable if you can afford a bit more. For specs, I would suggest a minimum of 8GB RAM (16GB IDEAL) and a new generation i5 or i7 Processor. Also, keep in mind for a big SSD hard drive for your music library.
What computer would you suggest for a teenager just starting out. Easy for him to earn and hook up things, affordable, and not easy to break? Thank you as I am still confused about this list as a mom that doesn’t know much about djaying
Lenovo, Toshiba, and HP laptops are stable, robust and great value-for-money options for beginners. They will handle abuse and have all the necessary connections for all the equipment needed to start DJing and mixing.
Can you not have 4 gb of ram if you have an ssd? Will the ssd not help in the operating speed. I’m building one on a budget and have the choice of 8gb of ram ,without the ssd and 500gb. Or 4gb of ram and 250gb ssd. What would be best if I can only have one option?
Hi,
If you open the DJ software and load the tracks from your music library before you perform live, then an SSD hard drive is not essential. If I was building a laptop on a budget, I would probably go for an 8GB RAM and a simple HDD hard drive.