If you are Disc Jockey, you will probably be looking for a laptop competent enough to run Serato DJ smoothly. You are at the right place; I have compiled the seven best laptops for Serato DJ recommended by experts.
It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or professional DJ, Serato DJ and other music software like Ableto Live, Traktor Pro 2, and Pro Tools are widely used across the globe in 2021. If you need a laptop for dual operating system like Hackintosh, then check out my best Hackintosh laptops.
This software allows a DJ in digital music mixing and production during live performances. Professional DJs across the globe are known for producing breathtaking music with these tools. However, these technological advancements require future-proof hardware configuration.
Nobody wants to have a laptop that gets dropout or crash during live performances. Therefore, you must have a future-proof notebook that can help you thrive in the field. However, do not let the brand name and affordable price fascinate you because there is a lot more to consider.
Since there is no specific laptop made for Serato DJ, you have to do some research. Nevertheless, I have done most of the job for you and compiled a list of the top 7 best laptops for Serato DJ recommended by experts.
Buying Guide
A DJ has to find out creative ways to keep entertaining the audience. If you have ever been to discs, you probably listen to unique and appealing music sounds. These themes are produced with the help of different software like Serato DJ, Ableto Live, etc. If you are a beginner or professional DJ, you need a laptop competent enough to handle Serato DJ smoothly. Hence, it would help if you observed the following specs on a computer.
Large Display:
It is vital to have a laptop with a large display that will help you have maximum viewing. Moreover, it will help you to perform graphics-intensive tasks as well.
Powerful Processor:
To install and run Serato DJ hassle-free, you must have a powerful processor. This will allow the system to be more responsive and fast during intense moments.
Large Storage Capacity:
Whether you are a DJ or not, you must have a laptop with high storage capacity to accommodate massive data.
Laptop Requirements for Serato DJ software
Here are the recommended system requirements to help get the most reliable and suitable laptop for your professional needs. Check them out.
| CPU | 9th Gen Intel Core i7 |
| RAM | 16GB |
| GPU | 2GB NVIDIA GeForce MX350 |
| Storage | 512GB |
| Battery | Up to 8 Hours |
| Display | 15.6 Inch FHD IPS |
Even though you can run Serato DJ on a laptop with average hardware configuration, a computer with these specs is worth considering.
7 Best Laptops For Serato DJ In 2021
Here are the top 7 laptops recommended by professional DJs across the globe. Could you have a look at them?
| Microsoft Surface Pro 7 |
| Dell XPS 13 7390 |
| HP Envy x360 |
| Lenovo ThinkPad |
| Acer 14 Swift 3 Notebook |
| ASUS 14 ZenBook |
| Razer Blade 15 |
1. Microsoft Surface Pro 7:
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 has the most prominent Windows OS that assists a Serato DJ efficiently. In addition, it has a robust processor, powerful battery, and dedicated GPU to enhance your productivity.
It comes with a 12.3-inch FHD IPS display. Although the size is less than recommended yet it provides stunning results. It provides a 2736 x 1824 p with a touch input facility to get a Virtual DJ experience. During intense music production, you can do instant interaction via touch input.
Similarly, it has a 10th generation Intel Core i5 quad-core processor based on 10 nm fabrications. This superb hardware configuration enhances its maximum performance and allows a DJ to run and play heavy software like Serato DJ hassle-free.
It has 128 GB flash storage capacity, which offers 70-80 GB free space after installing OS, which is insufficient. However, being a DJ, you probably have massive data and music files to keep, so you have to upgrade it with at least 256 GB.
Despite the low storage capacity, we have another problem, and i-e does not support a USB A-Type port. Unfortunately, it means you won’t be able to track music files from external devices.
Aesthetically, it has an elegant design and sturdy structure. Despite providing excellent performance, it offers 10 hours battery backup. It is compact and light, weighing only 1.1 pounds which ensures incredible convenience. It has an external keyboard which allows you to use its tablet as well.
2. Dell XPS 13 7390:
For those looking for advanced and stunning display features in a compact size, Dell XPS 13 7390 is for you. It has brilliant visuals on a 12.3-inch screen. The compact display comes with a 4K screen offering a resolution of 3480 x 2160 pixels. In addition, the thin bezels provide a high screen-to-body ratio that gives a wide-angle view to a DJ with touch input.
Dell is known for making efficient and durable laptops, and so is XPS 13 7390. It comes with a powerful 10th generation Intel Core i7 processor with a clock frequency of up to 4.1 GHz. This efficient processor makes the CPU run heavy applications smoothly and improves battery performance.
The integrated UHD graphics help a DJ to execute graphic intensive tasks. Along with that, it enables you to do intense multitasking smoothly. A DJ has to operate several software and tools during the live performance, and this advanced technology makes the system capable.
It has a 1TB SSD storage capacity which makes it a perfect device for storing massive data. Being a DJ, you probably have loads of data and critical files to keep. Hence, store much data without worrying about space.
Aesthetically, Dell is known for making a sturdy and durable laptop. It has a modern design yet compact and lights weighing only 2.93 pounds. If you are a person who’s always on the go and have different performance at different locations then takes XPS 13 along you. It is portable and has a long battery life of up to 8 hours.
3. HP Envy x360:
If you are a beginner DJ, then you must be seeking an affordable laptop. HP is known for making a sophisticated laptop with decent features that are suitable for DJing. The model Envy x360 might not be offering premium features, yet it has much to offer a beginner DJ.
Let us begin with the display. It has a 15.6-inch FHD IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The thin bezel gives a wide-angle view along with touch screen input. While DJ night, you get stunning visuals and more vibrant colors.
Since a DJ only works on single music software like Serato DJ initially, Envy X360 is suitable for you. It comes with an AMD quad-core Ryzen 5 processor with a clock speed up to 3.60 GHz. So it helps a user to run and install Serato DJ smoothly. However, it isn’tisn’t high as others, yet it’s perfect for beginners.
It has 256 GB SSD storage capacity, making it superior to the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 in terms of storage. In addition, 8 GB DDR4 RAM helps you perform intense multitasking simultaneously, which allows you to learn multiple software usage at once.
We have a built-in Windows 10 OS, and it has an LED keyboard backlit to operate in the dim light environment. To keep the floor hot, it offers 10 hours battery backup. To me, all of these specs are equally suitable for both beginners and professionals.
4. Lenovo ThinkPad:
If you are looking for an affordable alternative to MacBook Pro, then Lenovo ThinkPad is ideal for you. It comes with handsome features that are suitable for DJing. On the other hand, if you are a beginner and don’t know much about laptops, you should get your hands on ThinkPad.
It comes with premium features on a budget. You get numerous features for your live performances, music production, compilation, and much more. Let’sLet’sSo let’s get straight into it.
It comes with a 15.6 inch HD WLED-backlit with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. The wide-angle display makes it equally suitable for gaming. In addition, Intel UHD Graphics 620 helps to execute graphic-intensive tasks.
Nothing will be as powerful as ThinkPad, and It comes with a robust 8th Gen Intel Core i5 processor with a clock frequency of up to 3.9 GHz. It allows a DJ to install and run Serato DJ smoothly. Along with that, we have an upgraded high-bandwidth 8 GB RAM for executing intense multitasking.
ThinkPad offers 256 GB SSD storage space to help you save essential and massive digital data. You have the option to upgrade it as it suits you. As recommended, you can replace it with a 512 GB SSD drive to improve the overall performance.
Design-wise, you get a sturdy and durable structure. Moreover, it comes with a striking keyboard with a significant critical travel distance to improve typing. Therefore, Lenovo is among the best gaming laptop.
5. Acer 14 Swift 3 Notebook:
Acer 14 Swift 3 Notebook comes with sophisticated features out of which long battery life is worth adoring. Moreover, it comes with durable and competent features that are accurate for Serato DJ.
It comes with a 14 inch 1920 x 1080 p display resolution with anti-glare technology. It means your eyes will not get strain due to continuous screen consumption. Along with that, we have UHD graphics 620 that allows a user to perform graphical tasks.
You get a decent chassis, i-e Intel core i5 with 1.5 GHz clock speed that can run Serato DJ hassle-free. In addition, 8 GB DDR4 RAM helps you out with intense multitasking smoothly. Being a DJ, it’s a part of work to use multiple applications simultaneously, so a dedicated RAM is important to proceed quickly.
You get 256 GB SSD storage space which is less than recommended; however, it’s still fruitful. You always have the opportunity to upgrade it with your desired capacity.
If you seek more of a sturdy and professional look, then this is for you. It comes with a sleek yet sturdy structure suitable for your professional needs. Moreover, the metallic body makes it shock-resistant. However, this quality makes it a bit bulky, due to which you might find it inconvenient when it comes to traveling.
6. ASUS 14 ZenBook:
If you are looking for portability and screen size, then this laptop is for you. Surprisingly, ASUS 14 ZenBook delivers it amazingly with both of these features. In addition, you get various components that make it suitable for your professional needs. So Let’s check them out in detail.
It comes with a 14-inch screen size with thin bezels to give you maximum screen viewing. In addition, the wide-angle 178-degree view makes it convenient for screen sharing. Moreover, you get anti-glare, which prevents your eyes from straining due to continuous screen consumption.
During observation, experts find its performance incredible. At its heart, you will get future-proof hardware configuration. It comes with an 8th Gen Intel Core i7 processor with 16 GB DDR3 RAM. It helps a user to load heavy music software like Serato DJ smoothly. Whether it is music production, compiling, or rendering, you can do intense multitasking smoothly.
It has everything beyond the minimum requirements, like 512 GB SSD storage capacity, which allows you to store enormous data. Unlike the above laptops, you will not get the urge to upgrade the storage device as it is sufficient itself.
This laptop comes with a briefcase-friendly thickness of a mere 0.67 inches despite all the stunning and future-proof features. Moreover, it will never be a burden while traveling due to its 2.9 lbs weight.
7. Razer Blade 15:
If you are looking for a laptop with a sturdy structure and modern design, Razer Blade 15 is the best option for you. It contains loads of stunning features that can help your professional needs. So let’s find out the elements.
It comes with a 15-inch thin-bezel display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 p with anti-glare technology. It means that it won’t reflect disc lights. This makes it equally suitable for gamers as well.
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphics can run music software like Serato DJ and Ableto lives hassle-free. This also makes it capable of running intense games like DOTA 2, Fortnite, and PUBG smoothly. That’sThat’s it is equally popular among gamers.
It has a powerful processing speed due to the 9th Gen Intel Core i7 processor with 16 GB RAM, which helps the system run heavy applications efficiently. We ran different rich software like Revit, 3D modeling, Blender, and AutoCAD to observe the power. Believe me, and everything went so smoothly, which makes it among our best 3D modeling laptops.
You get dual storage capacity, i-e 128 GB SSD and 1TB HDD; being a DJ, you get enormous space to accommodate your massive files and music data. Despite these advanced features, the Razer blade 15 comes in a lightweight of 4.63 pounds. This makes it convenient while carrying it around yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How Much RAM A Laptop Should Have?
To run music software like Serato DJ, Ableto Live, and Traktor Pro 2, the minimum requirement of a laptop is 8 GB. However, it is better to have a computer with 16 GB RAM for more convenience.
What Type Of Laptop Does DJ Use?
Most probably, DJs use a laptop with Windows OS or macOS. These laptops should have a large screen, powerful processor, long battery life, and ample storage capacity for loading and rendering music quickly.
Why DJs prefer Mac Laptops?
Mac laptops offer more stable performance than windows. As a result, they crash less often and helps a DJ to operate peacefully during live performances.
What Should Be The Storage Capacity Of A Laptop For DJs?
The minimum requirement of a laptop for a DJ is 256 GB SSD. However, it is better to have 512 GB ROM if you have enormous data to accommodate. Hence, a laptop with high storage capacity is better for a DJ
Final Words:
Being a DJ is now considered a very noble profession. Many people join this profession and earn a lot with fun and creativity. If you are among those people, you must have a laptop for it.
Therefore, I compiled a list of top laptops that can help you with your professional needs. All of these laptops are suitable and recommended by experts. I hope this would have been proving helpful to you. I wish you the best of luck and hope you get the right laptop for DJing.
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