Your laptop is at the heart of your DJ setup, managing your tracks and running the software that powers your performance. But not every laptop is up to the task. Choosing the wrong one could mean dealing with crashes, slow performance, or other problems during your gigs. A reliable laptop lets you focus on your performance without worrying about technical issues.
To help you find the right laptop, we’ve broken down the best options for DJs in 2025 into easy-to-navigate categories, ensuring there’s something for every need and budget.
What to Look for in a DJ Laptop
Before jumping into the list, here are the key features to think about when picking a DJ laptop:
- Processing Power (CPU): A fast processor ensures your DJ software runs smoothly without crashes or delays, especially when handling multiple tracks or effects simultaneously. Choose an Intel Core i5/i7 or Apple M1/M2 processor for smooth operation. These chips effortlessly handle DJ software like rekordbox or Serato.
- RAM: It’s important to have enough RAM as it allows your laptop to multitask efficiently – whether that’s running DJ software alongside streaming apps or downloading tracks. Aim for at least 8GB of RAM; however, 16GB or more is ideal for multitasking and running intensive software like Ableton Live.
- Storage: An SSD gives you faster loading times for your tracks and software, which is crucial for a smooth DJing experience. Ample storage ensures you can keep an extensive music library at your fingertips. Opt for a Solid State Drive (SSD) with at least 512GB capacity to accommodate tracks, playlists, and software.
- Display: A clear and bright screen makes it easier to navigate the software, particularly in dim venues where visibility might be an issue. A 13-15 inch screen with high brightness and resolution should be perfect for keeping an eye on everything in any space.
- Portability: Lightweight laptops are essential for DJs who travel frequently, but they also need to withstand wear and tear from frequent gigs. Look for something that meets the right balance for your needs.
- Connectivity: You’ll need plenty of ports to connect controllers, other DJ equipment, and USB drives. If the laptop doesn’t have enough (many only have a few USB C ports), you’ll need to get a hub to add extra ports.
- Battery Life: Long battery life is essential, especially if you’re practising or performing in locations where power outlets might not always be accessible.
High-End Laptops for Professional DJs
Apple MacBook Pro (14-inch, M4)
The MacBook Pro is perfect for DJs who need top-tier performance and dependability. Its M4 chip can easily handle heavy DJ software like Serato, rekordbox, and Traktor. Its Retina display is bright enough for even the darkest venues, making it a reliable choice for professionals. Beyond DJing, it’s also great for music production and video editing, making it a versatile choice for creative professionals.
Specs:
- CPU: Apple M4 Pro (10-core or 12-core)
- RAM: 16GB (configurable up to 32GB)
- Storage: 512GB to 2TB SSD
- Ports: 3x Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, SD card slot
Price: Starting at $1,599 / £1,599
Pros: Super reliable, great performance, premium build quality, excellent macOS ecosystem.
Cons: Expensive and no built-in USB-A ports.
Dell XPS 15 (2025 Edition)
Combining sleek design with powerful specs, the Dell XPS 15 is an excellent choice for DJs who prefer Windows. Its high-resolution display and top-notch performance make it ideal for running DJ software smoothly and reliably. Its thin bezels and premium build make it one of the most stylish Windows laptops available, perfect for DJs who care about aesthetics.
Specs:
- CPU: Intel Core i7-13620H
- RAM: 16GB (configurable to 32GB)
- Storage: 512GB or 1TB SSD
- Ports: USB-C with DisplayPort, 2 x Thunderbolt 4
Price: Starting at $1,359 / £999
Pros: Stunning display, powerful hardware, solid build quality.
Cons: Pricey, requires dongles for USB-A.
Portable Laptops for DJs on the Go
When you’re a gigging DJ that’s frequently travelling between venues or practice sessions, portability becomes a key factor, especially when you need to carry around extra gear like controllers or headphones.
Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, M2)
For DJs who value portability, the MacBook Air is a lightweight, dependable choice, and the M2 chip runs DJ software smoothly. Whether you go for the 13 or 15-inch version is down to preference, but we think the 13-inch screen is a bit more convenient most of the time. Its fanless design ensures silent operation, making it ideal for quieter venues or practice sessions. With excellent battery life, it’s perfect for DJs who are always on the move.
Specs:
- CPU: Apple M2
- RAM: 16GB (configurable up to 32GB)
- Storage: 256GB to 2TB SSD
- Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt 4
Price: Starting at $999 / £999
Pros: Lightweight, great battery life, dependable macOS, silent operation.
Cons: Limited ports, base model storage is small.
ASUS ZenBook 14
The ASUS ZenBook 14 is an excellent choice for DJs who need a portable laptop without compromising performance. It’s slim, lightweight, and durable, making it ideal for travelling DJs. The ZenBook 14 also offers great battery life, so you can focus on your performance without worrying about recharging during a gig.
Specs:
- CPU: Intel Core i7-1165G7
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Ports: USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, microSD card reader
Price: Starting at $1,099 / £999
Pros: Lightweight, great battery life, sleek design.
Cons: Limited GPU performance for more demanding production tasks.
Budget-Friendly Laptops for Beginner DJs
Acer Aspire 5
Perfect for DJs on a budget, the Aspire 5 is a solid choice that handles DJ software well without breaking the bank. The specs may not be mindblowing but they’re enough for pretty much everything you’ll need. Its lightweight build also makes it a good option for mobile DJs starting out.
Specs:
- CPU: Intel Core i5-1235U
- RAM: 4 – 32GB
- Storage: 128GB to 1TB SSD
- Ports: USB-C, USB-A, HDMI
Price: Starting at $599 / £549
Pros: Affordable, lightweight, reliable.
Cons: Limited RAM, not as durable as higher-end models.
ASUS VivoBook Pro 15
An excellent entry-level option, the VivoBook Pro 15 offers great performance for its price. It’s reliable and affordable, making it a solid choice for beginner DJs or those on a budget. Its large display and decent processing power ensure you can comfortably manage your software and music library without hiccups.
Specs:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Ports: USB-C, USB-A, HDMI
Price: Starting at $899 / £799
Pros: Affordable, decent performance, large screen.
Cons: Build quality isn’t as premium, battery life is average.
Gaming Laptops for DJs
If you love a bit of gaming in between your DJ gigs and practice, why not get a laptop that can do both? While DJ and music software typically isn’t as intensive as gaming, especially when it comes to GPUs, many of the features that gamers look for are exactly what you want as a DJ – big storage capacity, large bright screens, powerful CPUs and plenty of connection options.
Razer Blade 14
The Razer Blade 14 is a great option for DJs who want a compact laptop without sacrificing performance. Given its immense power, it’s surprisingly lightweight and reliable, making it perfect for travelling DJs who need excellent performance for things like hybrid live sets. What’s more, it’s perfectly capable of running even the most demanding video games.
Specs:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Ports: 2x USB-C, 2x USB-A, HDMI
Price: Starting at $2,399 / £2,299
Pros: Lightweight, stylish, powerful, effective cooling.
Cons: Expensive, battery life could be better.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon is designed to handle just about any task you can throw at it; whether that’s gaming, everyday use or DJing. With excellent connectivity options and a great keyboard, it’s a practical choice for DJs who need functionality and reliability.
Specs:
- CPU: Intel Core i7-1260P
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Ports: USB-C, Thunderbolt 4, HDMI
Price: Starting at $1,299 / £1,199
Pros: Durable, excellent keyboard, reliable, great connectivity.
Cons: No dedicated GPU.
Start DJing with just a laptop
Your laptop really is the most important bit of gear for any DJ – in fact, you can start mixing with nothing but a laptop, free software and some tunes! We’ve put together a complete guide to getting started DJing with a laptop.
Or if you’re ready to take the next step, and get stuck into some proper DJing, our rekordbox beginner course or Serato beginner course are the perfect place to start.
Hi! Thinking of getting a 15 inch M3 Macbook Air for Serato DJ. Use case includes stems. However, I’ve seen a few comments mentioning that the laptop might overheat due to the lack of active cooling. Your thoughts and experience please?
From personal experience, I can only say that I’ve got an M1 13 inch MacBook air and haven’t had issues with overheating. Serato isn’t as intensive to run as some other programs that might cause issues with a MacBook air. If you’re still worried, the MacBook Pros have fans so maybe consider a slightly older model Pro as the M3 ones might be overkill anyway.
Can I use virtual dj . My new Hp 17.3 Omen RTX 4060 laptop.
Hi, these are the minimum specs for Virtual DJ, your laptop should be more than powerful enough.