Unlike when using a laptop for music production, you don’t really need that much power (RAM) when you’re DJing.
This is coming from an event executive who worked with the world’s top artists and promoters at a super club in Dubai. Yes I know how to party too 🙂
So no matter what DJ program you use, we are very happy to provide you with REAL professional advice.
As most DJ controllers are simply attached to laptops through USB, you can pretty much play anywhere. If you’re playing at a club, most likely you’re using the Pioneer CDJ-2000. They seem to be the standard for any club or any professional music event that you play at.
So if those turntables don’t require a super powerful computer, then you definitely don’t need one when you’re just practicing on a DJ controller or DJing at your local clubs.
All you need is 4mb to 8mb of ram and you should be good to go. The more space the better but you can resolve that by using a USB. That’s what most DJs use anyways.
Let’s have a look at which is right for you. A PC or a MAC. We’ve used both so you’ll get the real deal news here from us.
Macbook Pro For Djing
- Ninth-generation 8-Core Intel Core i9 Processor
- Stunning 16-inch Retina Display with True Tone technology
- Touch Bar and Touch ID
Now MacBook Pro is the ultimate laptop for DJing. If you can get a MacBook Pro, most likely you can DJ anywhere and make your own music on the same laptop. Especially if you have a whole bunch of RAM. You don’t necessarily need anything else.
These days, it’s official.
MacBook is pretty much the standard when it comes to DJing. They are lightweight, super powerful and compatible with any DJ controller that is out there. Whether it’s amateur or professional.
You never have to worry about “drivers”, things breaking down or anything of that nature. A mac just works. Especially if you use Serato software which is the standard for live DJing all around.
You might have heard a few artists like Deadmau5 talk about the RazorBlade Stealth PC laptop but we’ll leave that one for you PC lovers alright?
Don’t worry, we talk about it a little later as well.
Macbook Air for DJing
- Stunning 13.3-inch Retina display with True Tone technology
- Backlit Magic Keyboard and Touch ID
- Tenth-generation Intel Core i3 processor
This is the one that I have and once again, it’s more than enough for making music and DJing. The only difference is when it comes to a MacBook Air vs a MacBook Pro, you can’t really master music using a MacBook Air.
Just because you need a lot more RAM. If you’re editing your own music videos as well, then you definitely need a MacBook Pro.
The best way to select between these two would be to look at things this way . . .
If you don’t have any live gigs, and your music isn’t being played anywhere right now, stick with the MacBook Air.
Once you get to a level where your music is being played, or you’re at least DJing somewhere else other than your bedroom, than upgrade to a MacBook Pro.
Heck get a quality refurbished MacBook Air if you have to. Most likely it will be more than enough.
One thing we’ll like to point out though is with the MacBook Air, you can even get by with just four megabytes of RAM. However, when you start playing live, double it up.
The last thing you need is screwing up your live gig because of a less powerful computer. By the way, Macbook air is a good choice for the Traktor DJ software as well.
The RazorBlade Stealth for DJing
- Designed for mobility: Built for performance with an ultra thin, light, and durable CNC anybody, anodized aluminum frame
- Futureproof design: Thunderbolt 3 capable, compatible with Razer Core x External GPU enclosures for additional power;...
- Biometric security: Supports Windows Hello instant facial unlock and authentification with integrated webcam and IR...
If you’re a PC user, then the RazorBlade Stealth might be for you. A lot of famous artists use this as well but it is nothing compared to the number of professional artists that use a mac.
This was more of a gaming laptop that got adopted by the music industry. It’s great for PC lovers but to be honest, PC, in general, is just a dying breed. Just look at what’s happening with Windows . . .
Even some hip hop or urban DJs who use the RazorBlade Stealth to make beats because it’s their DAW of choice is FL Studio, usually, end up DJing using their MacBook Pros.
It’s just easier guys. Sooner or later you’ll find out but your choice.
Our job is to make sure you are properly informed. If this is out of your budget, below are some more choices for you PC users.
Acer Aspire Laptop For DJing
Now if you’re a PC user, and you want to do some DJing, you must remember going for 8-megabyte ram or more. More is better.
There is just no ifs and buts about it. Even if you use Virtual DJ as your mixing software.
On a side note, Virtual DJ looks so amateur we thought it was made for PC in the first place – Burrrrrrn!
Now the Acer itself is a pretty decent brand and has a fairly good name. The Aspire seems to be a popular choice for most people who are beginners so if it’s your first time, don’t worry about it.
It comes with the few USB ports which are essential for any DJ. Main reason is as a DJ, you are always plugging things in (USB that holds your mixes) on the go and if one USB port malfunctions, you can switch it up with another one.
That’s an insider tip by the way and once your start playing in different places, you will definitely appreciate it.
Dell Latitude E6430 Laptop for DJing
- 3rd Generation Intel Core i5 Processor (i5-3230M) Dual-Core | 2.6GHz up to 3.20GHz Turbo Boost High performance
- Intel HD Graphics 4000 | 8GB DDR3 1600MHz 320GB SSD
- Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 | 802.11g/n | Bluetooth 4.0 | 2 x USB 2.0 | USB 2.0/eSATA | VGA | HDMI | RJ-45
Dell is another brand in the PC world that we really respect. As they’ve been around for a long time. Now they might not be the most popular these days, because they just don’t do any promotion, but if you know PC, you know Dell. Guess that’s good enough for them.
Now this Laptop, comes with 16mb ram and is pretty sleek. See size really matters when you are Djing as you want the most compact piece of equipment around. With a DJ controller, speakers and few other things on a music desk, things can get cluttered fairly quick.
So you want to make sure you got a nice clean setup going.
This Dell laptop will help you with that right away and that’s why we consider this one of the best laptops for DJing if you are a PC user. The Dell “Latitude” is pretty well respected by Mac users and PC users alike.
Don’t forget, it comes with 4 USB ports too. If you find yourself down to just 2 USB ports due to excessive use, we highly recommend that it would be a good time to upgrade.
Either get external USB ports or just get a new laptop.
You never want to screw up your gig because your laptop wasn’t up for it. It could really hurt your reputation in the DJ business. Think ahead alright?
HP ENVY Laptop for DJing
- HP Envy 17T Touch 2019 Model, Intel Core i7-8565U Quad Core, 512GB SSD, 16GB RAM, Win 10 Pro Installed,17.3 FHD WLED...
- HP Envy 17T Touch 2019 Model, Intel Core i7-8565U Quad Core, 512GB SSD, 16GB RAM, Win 10 Pro Installed,17.3 FHD WLED...
The HP Envy comes with 12megabyte ram. Which is really good if you are using a PC for DJing.
The HP as you may have guessed stands for Hewlett-Packard. Another respectable brand that is still alive and kicking in the PC world.
It comes with a nice 15” inch screen and enough USB ports to help you get started right away.
We like the sleek design as well.
Another decent choice for you PC lovers who are looking for a nice portable laptop for DJing.