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10 Best MacBooks For Music Production 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.7 score

Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M4 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID; Midnight

The Apple 2025 MacBook Air with the M4 chip offers a compelling package for music production enthusiasts. The M4 chip, featuring a 10-core CPU, provides robust performance, allowing users to efficiently handle music editing and production software. The 16GB of unified memory further supports multitasking, enabling smooth operation when running multiple applications simultaneously, which is crucial for music production projects.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,200
Processor (CPU)
RAM (Memory)

Most important from
1170 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The M4 chip marks a significant improvement in speed over previous models, making it a great choice for demanding tasks.
RAM (Memory)
Despite opting for the base model, the performance is impressive, though more memory would enhance the experience further.
#2
9.4 score

Apple 2024 MacBook Pro Laptop with M4 chip with 10‑core CPU and 10‑core GPU: Built for Apple Intelligence, 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD Storage; Silver

The Apple 2024 MacBook Pro Laptop with the M4 chip is a strong contender for music production. The 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU ensure fast, efficient performance, making it suitable for running intensive music production software without lag. The 16GB of unified memory is ample for most tasks, boosting multitasking capabilities, though professionals handling massive projects might prefer upgrading to higher memory options.

Rating
9.4
Screen Size and Resolution
Battery Life
Graphics Card (GPU)

Most important from
1016 reviews

Screen Size and Resolution
The display is stunning, offering twice as many pixels as it shows, and the higher resolution screen is simply gorgeous.
Battery Life
The battery life is exceptional, possibly the longest lasting ever seen in a laptop.
Graphics Card (GPU)
Performance is very fast, with excellent graphics for compatible games.
#3
9.1 score

Apple 2024 MacBook Pro Laptop with M4 Pro, 14‑core CPU, 20‑core GPU: Built for Apple Intelligence, 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display, 24GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD Storage; Space Black

The Apple 2024 MacBook Pro Laptop with the M4 Pro chip is a robust choice for music production. The 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU offer powerful performance, which is crucial for running demanding music production software efficiently. With 24GB of unified memory, users can expect smooth multitasking without lag, and the 512GB SSD provides fast storage access, though some users might find this capacity limited for storing large audio files and projects.

Rating
9.1
Screen Size and Resolution
Battery Life
Build Quality and Portability

Most important from
336 reviews

Screen Size and Resolution
This model is very fast and has a brilliant display, perfect for detailed audio editing.
Battery Life
The MacBook Pro is an absolute powerhouse with impressive battery life.
Build Quality and Portability
The laptop's quality and performance have pleased long-time Apple users.

Top 10 Best MacBooks For Music Production 2025 in the United States

Apple 2024 MacBook Pro Laptop with M4 Pro, 14‑core CPU, 20‑core GPU: Built for Apple Intelligence, 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display, 24GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD Storage; Space Black

Processor (CPU): Apple M4 Pro, 14-core CPU
Memory (RAM): 24GB unified memory
Storage (SSD): 512GB SSD
Screen Size and Resolution: 16.2-inch, 3456x2234
Ports and Connectivity: 3 Thunderbolt 5, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe 3, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Battery Life: 24 hours video, 17 hours web
Build Quality and Portability: 4.71 pounds, 0.66 inches thick

Apple 2024 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M3 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD Storage, Backlit Keyboard, Touch ID; Starlight

Processor (CPU): Apple M3
Memory (RAM): 16GB
Storage (SSD): 512GB
Screen Size and Resolution: 13.6-inch, 2560-by-1664
Ports and Connectivity: MagSafe 3, headphone jack, USB 4, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
Build Quality and Portability: Lightweight, thin, 2.7 pounds

Apple 2024 MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop with M3 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 15.3-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, Backlit Keyboard, Touch ID; Midnight

Processor (CPU): Apple M3, 8-core CPU
Memory (RAM): 16 GB
Storage (SSD): 256 GB
Screen Size and Resolution: 15.3-inch, Liquid Retina, 1 billion colors
Ports and Connectivity: Two Thunderbolt, headphone jack, Wi-Fi 6E
Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
Build Quality and Portability: 3.32 pounds, 13.4 x 9.35 x 0.45 inches

Apple 2022 MacBook Air Laptop with M2 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage, Backlit Keyboard, 1080p FaceTime HD Camera; Space Gray

Processor (CPU): M2 chip, 8-core CPU
Memory (RAM): 8 GB
Storage (SSD): 256 GB
Screen Size and Resolution: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display
Ports and Connectivity: Thunderbolt, MagSafe, headphone jack
Battery Life: up to 18 hours
Build Quality and Portability: 2.7 pounds, robust build

Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Laptop M3 Max chip with 14‑core CPU, 30‑core GPU: Built for Apple Intelligence, 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display, 36GB Unified Memory, 1TB SSD Storage; Silver

Processor (CPU): Apple M3 Max, 14-core
Memory (RAM): 36 GB
Storage (SSD): 1 TB
Screen Size and Resolution: 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR
Ports and Connectivity: Thunderbolt/USB 4, HDMI, SDXC slot
Battery Life: Up to 22 hours
Build Quality and Portability: Durable aluminum, 4.8 pounds

Apple 2022 MacBook Air Laptop with M2 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD Storage, Backlit Keyboard, 1080p FaceTime HD Camera; Midnight

Processor (CPU): M2 chip, 8-core CPU
Memory (RAM): 8 GB
Storage (SSD): 512 GB
Screen Size and Resolution: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display
Ports and Connectivity: MagSafe, two Thunderbolt, headphone jack
Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
Build Quality and Portability: All-aluminum unibody, 2.7 pounds
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Buying Guide for the Best MacBooks For Music Production

Choosing the right MacBook for music production involves understanding your specific needs and how different specifications can impact your workflow. Music production can be demanding on a computer, so it's important to select a MacBook that can handle the software and tasks you plan to use. Here are some key specifications to consider when making your decision.
Processor (CPU)The processor is the brain of your MacBook and is crucial for running music production software smoothly. A faster processor can handle more complex tasks and run multiple applications simultaneously without lag. Processors are typically measured in GHz and come in different cores. For basic music production, a dual-core processor might suffice, but for more intensive tasks, such as running multiple virtual instruments and effects, a quad-core or higher processor is recommended. Consider your workload and choose a processor that can keep up with your demands.
RAM (Memory)RAM is where your MacBook stores data that is actively being used or processed. More RAM allows your computer to handle more tasks at once and can significantly improve performance when working with large audio files or multiple tracks. For light music production, 8GB of RAM might be enough, but for more serious work, 16GB or more is advisable. If you plan to use a lot of virtual instruments and plugins, opting for higher RAM will ensure smoother performance.
Storage (SSD)Storage is where all your files, software, and projects are saved. An SSD (Solid State Drive) is faster and more reliable than a traditional hard drive, which means quicker boot times and faster access to your files. For music production, having ample storage is important as audio files and software can take up a lot of space. A minimum of 256GB SSD is recommended, but 512GB or more is ideal if you have a large library of samples and projects. Consider your storage needs and choose accordingly.
Screen Size and ResolutionThe screen size and resolution can affect your workflow and comfort while working on music production. A larger screen provides more space for your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) interface and can make it easier to see multiple tracks and plugins at once. MacBooks typically come in 13-inch, 14-inch, and 16-inch models. If you prefer portability, a 13-inch model might be suitable, but for a more immersive experience, a 16-inch model with higher resolution can be beneficial. Think about where and how you will be using your MacBook and choose a screen size that fits your needs.
Battery LifeBattery life is important if you plan to use your MacBook on the go. Longer battery life means you can work on your music projects without needing to be constantly plugged in. MacBooks generally offer good battery life, but it's worth checking the specifications to ensure it meets your needs. If you often work in different locations or travel frequently, a MacBook with extended battery life will be more convenient.
Ports and ConnectivityHaving the right ports and connectivity options is essential for connecting your audio interface, MIDI controllers, and other peripherals. MacBooks come with USB-C/Thunderbolt ports, which are versatile but may require adapters for older devices. Ensure the MacBook you choose has enough ports for your setup, or consider getting a hub to expand connectivity. Think about the equipment you use and make sure the MacBook can accommodate all your connections.
Graphics Card (GPU)While the graphics card is not as critical for music production as it is for video editing or gaming, it can still play a role in the overall performance of your MacBook. A dedicated GPU can help with rendering visual elements in your DAW and improve the overall responsiveness of your system. For most music production tasks, an integrated GPU will suffice, but if you plan to do any video work or use graphically intensive plugins, a MacBook with a dedicated GPU might be worth considering.

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