Best Laptops for Ableton Live | The Ultimate Guide

Electronic Music is in fashion these days and pretty much every teen is aspiring to be a DJ or an Electronic Musician. DAW plays a key role in this domain and Ableton is one of such applications. In order to get a fine grip over Ableton, the first thing you need is a device that can run this application without any lags and errors. So, we are here to help you in finding such devices that are the best laptops for Ableton.

In this article, we have compiled a list of the best laptops for Ableton that are available in the market. Some of these laptops are high-end and expensive while others are affordable but still efficient. The point is, the article has a piece for everyone. So, without further ado, let’s dive right into it.

Before going into the details let’s take a bird’s eye view of what these laptops are offering

PRODUCT	PROCESSOR	RAM	PRICE
Gigabyte Aero 15X	Core i7 8th Gen	16GB	Check Price
ACER ASPIRE	Core i7 8th Gen	8GB	Check Price
ASUS Zenbook	Core i7 8th Gen	16GB	Check Price
Apple MacBook Pro	Core i7 9th Gen	16GB	Check Price
LG Gram	Core i7 8th Gen	16GB	Check Price
Dell XPS	Core i7 8th Gen	16GB	Check Price
MSI Stealth	Core i7 9th Gen	32GB	Check Price
Aero 15	Core i7 9th Gen	16GB	Check Price
Prostar NH70	Core i7 9th Gen	16GB	Check Price
ASUS Gaming Laptop	AMD Ryzen	8 GB	Check Price

Gigabyte Aero 15X is a powerful machine, it is basically a gaming laptop with a number of GPU variants as well. The list includes RTX 2060, GTX 1070, and GTX 2080. However, GPU is not the only area where it excels, the other particulars are just as good as well.

For starters, the processor used in it is intel i7-8750H. It is a 6-core processor with 12 threads. The base clock speed of 2.2Ghz and the turbo speed is 4.1GHz. This powerful CPU will not let your laptop down no matter which plugins or VSTs are being used. Also, two fans installed in this laptop will not let your laptop heat much but beware as it can be noisy sometimes.

Moving on, It has a 16Gb of ultrafast DDR4 ram, which is considered ideal for a DAW, but it can also be extended up to 32Gb.

The storage used in it is 512GB SSD. SSD is considered to be the fastest storage device. 512GB will surely save your time but it isn’t much storage for a person who uses Plugins like Nexus and Omnisphere which take a hefty amount of storage. Fortunately, you have an SD card slot in the laptop which can act as your second storage device and you also have a 2nd slot for upgrading your storage.

The location of the camera is the only shortcoming that I have noticed on the laptop. The camera is placed just above the keyboard (Not below the screen) which gives a terrible angle for video recording. So, if you are into video calling and video recording, it can present some problems. However, there is only so much one could expect from a device.

If we talk about the display of this laptop, it has 15.6 inches of fairly thin FHD display. Thanks to the GPU installed in it, the color quality of this laptop is very good too.

It also has RGB keyboards which will help you work in the dark and also it looks cool. Its battery life is almost 10 hours as mentioned above. Battery life is a key feature of any laptop and 10 hours is a lot for one recharge. If you want a laptop on which you can work as well as play some high demanding games then this your go-to laptop.

This Laptops also come with a 2 years warranty. If you feel your laptop isn’t working properly, fixing and repairing will be the headache of the seller. 

Specifications:

Processor	Intel Core i7-8750H
Ram	16-32 Gb
Storage	512GB SSD
Display	15.6 Inch
Average Battery Life	Almost 10 hours

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ACER ASPIRE 7 is also a decent option for a Music producer using Ableton or any other DAW. I do not want to bum you out straight away but there is something about the laptop you must know before proceeding further. The body of the laptop has plastic in it which is prone to scratch which is not the ideal device for rough users. However, for those who can behave delicately, let’s proceed further.

The processor used in it is also intel core i7-8750H, It’s a Hexa-core processor which will never let your computer down at crunch moments. i7-8750H is considered to be one of the best CPUs for gaming so it is designed for bearing stress more than some CPUs. Moreover, this laptop has two cooling fans which are located just beneath the keyboard. So heating is not much of a problem.

The display used in it is FHD (1920 x 1080) with 15.6 Inches screen size. The more the resolution the less you need to scroll for seeing the next bar or Midi pattern. The Colour quality is decent. It retains its color fairly well while seeing from different angles. It also contains a GTX 1050 Ti with 4GB of dedicated GDDR5 VRAM which obviously improves display quality.  GTX 1050Ti will let you play some of the most demanding games at medium or high medium preset.

It has pretty decent storage which contains both SSD and HDD. SDD used in this laptop is 128GB storage while HDD used in it has 1Tb storage. SSD will let you launch your DAW and boot the computer quicker while HDD can be used to store various plugins for your DAW. You also have an SD card slot installed in it which can be utilized for extra storage.

The speakers used in it are louder than many laptops, but the catch is, they do not capture low frequencies very well. Therefore, you would have to use the headphones all the time while using Ableton on this device.

The device has an average battery time of 8 hours which is enough for most people. Some miscellaneous features of the device include a backlit keyboard and fingerprint feature installed at the mouse pad.

Specifications:

Processor	intel core i7-8750H
Ram	8Gb
Storage	128GB SSD and 1TB SATA HDD.
Display	15.6 inches

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If you’re looking for a lightweight device that can run DAW smoothly then this is where you should stop the search. The device weighs only about 2.56lbs which makes it easy to carry it around while traveling. Another unique selling point for Ableton users is its speakers. These speakers are as good as they come, capable of catching low frequency, amplifying the sound, and providing clarity are what they are known for.

The remaining particulars are just as good as well. The device has an intel i7-8550U Base clock speed of 1.8GHz with turbo this speed can be increased up to 4.0Ghz. This CPU is powerful enough to handle plugins like Nexus and omnisphere. It has one fan for cooling but it performs better than some laptops with dual fans. Fans are quiet and don’t make much noise too.

Moving on, it has a 14 inches FHD display that lets you see the Midi patterns fairly well. Also, the color quality is very good and realistic than some of the laptops in this price range.

Furthermore, it has 512 SSD as storage. SSD lets your laptop boot and load plugins fasters. As they say, “Time is money”, this device ensures you save a whole lot of it. In addition, it has 16 Gb and 32Gb DDR3 ram variants which can’t be upgraded as it is mounted on the motherboard. It also provides us with an SD card slot as well so if you think you’re running out of storage you can insert and eject the SD card quite easily.

The device has an average battery time of 9 hours and 12 minutes, It also has a fingerprint sensor for extra security as well. The sound and video quality of the stock microphone and camera are better than some laptops but not extraordinary.

The keyboard has backlit keys but it lacks a number pad which can be a bother for persons who are used to the number pad. The camera is positioned at the top of the screen which is a very good location so you can use it as a stock camera for online calling but don’t expect it to perform like some extraordinary camera.

Specifications:

Processor	i7-8550U
Ram	16Gb
Storage	512Gb SSD
Display	14 inches
Average Battery Life	9 hours

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The device we have at hand, as the name implies, is from Apple. The company whose devices are known for their smooth performance and the device under examination is no exception as well. The device is simple from the exterior but takes a complete 180 when we examine the interior of it. To sum it up, it is a total beast when we look at its hardware and experience the seamlessness of this device.

The processor used in it is intel core i7-9750H which has 6 cores and a base clock speed of 2.6Ghz which can be boosted up to 4.5GHz. 6 Cores boost the performance of this laptop 34% more than that of its older version. So, This CPU is a powerful one that can bear more stress than some CPUs. There are no heating issues whatsoever.

Moving on, The device has QHD (1900 by 1200) 15.4-inch display, QHD is slightly better than a 1080p display but it can be very helpful for a person using DAW. The Colour quality is pretty good regarding which angle you are seeing it from. It also has two Thunderbolt 2 ports so you can connect two 4K screens with it at a time. It has a Radeon Pro 560x with 4GB VRAM which makes its video interference more realistic and will let you play some high-end games pretty well. Speakers produce good quality sound and are loud enough for a music producer to work on.

512 SSD storage is used in it. This SDD is very fast and reads at a speed up to 3.2GB per second. 512 SSD is not very high storage for a music producer but it is also not very low too. This laptop is a good choice if you can compromise your storage for performance. It also has an SD slot which can be used as extra storage space.

The keyboard has backlit keys which help while working at night or in a darker environment. It is also compact and carrying it around is not much of a problem. The camera is located at the top of the screen which obviously helps while taking online classes or for video Callings.

Lastly, it has an average battery life of 10 hours which most certainly helps if you commute a lot.

Specifications:

Processor	Intel Core i7-9750H
Ram	16Gb
Storage	512Gb SSD
Display	15.4 inches QHD
Average Battery Life	up to 10 hours

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The next device to make it to our list is from LG that from a couple of years ago has started delivering some of the most light-weight devices in the market. LG gram is one of them. The device is ideal for you if the job involves a lot of travelling. However, the drawback is, the body is prone to scratches, so you would have to put it and remove it from your backpack with great care.

Moving on, the device does not disappoint when it comes to hardware. Processors used in it are intel core i7 8550U with a base clock speed of 1.8GHz and can be boosted up to 4.0GHz without a problem. This processor lets your laptop work smoothly as butter. This laptop has no heating issue even if it has one fan installed and it also does not make much noise even if you are using your laptop as a workhorse.

For storage, it uses two 512GB SSD. This storage is Ideal for a Music producer as 1Tb will let you store a lot of Music and project files.

In addition, it has a 15.6 FHD display. FHD is pretty decent for working on a DAW. The display quality is exceptional which allows you to see and pay attention to the minor details on the Ableton.

The camera location is also pretty good which is at the top of the screen. Mouse Pad is quite reactive and precise but location can cause problems to a lefty as it is not located just under the space bar but moved a bit toward the right side. Keyboard has got backlighting which is surely a great help when you like to work at night or at the evening.

Moving on, It has a battery life of 16.5 hours. Theoretically, if you charge it once in a day then you don’t have to bother it again. Also with its ultralight weight of 2.5lbs, it is easy to carry. These qualities make this laptop stand out for a music producer and DJ. It also has a fingerprint sensor at the power button which starts your laptop quickly and provides you with extra security measures.

Specifications:

Processor	Intel i7 8550U
Ram	16Gb
Storage	1Tb (2X 512Gb SSD)
Display	15.6 FHD
Average Battery Life	almost 16.5 hours

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XPS is one of the most popular and successful series of the laptops Dell has ever designed. Along with the powerful engine, the device has a slim and smart design which makes it not just practical but good-looking as well.

The device comes in silverish color and has no bells and whistles attached to it. It has a fairly simple design but decent and elegant nonetheless. The thickness of the device is just about half an inch and weighs just around four and a half pounds. The dimensions of the design make it easy to carry around and leave a lot of space for other stuff when packed in a backpack.

Moving on, the interior of the device is just as good as its exterior, which is exactly why I included it in my best laptops for Ableton. It features Intel’s 8th generation core i7 engine which finds itself amongst the fastest processors available. Furthermore, it has 16GB of RAM, again a feature that makes it a high-performing device. Lastly, the 512GB of SSD is available which is more than enough for the storage of electronic music.

All of the above-mentioned features make the laptop a great choice for the use of the Ableton. These features would allow you to work on your music without countering an error, lag, or any issue whatsoever.

Another feature that makes it a decent choice is the availability of the graphic card. I know the Ableton does not demand a high-performance GPU but it has quite an impact on the overall performance of the system. The clarity in the display and the sharpness of the graphics make the working on device more fun. Plus, if you get tired of the work, you can install some games on it to escape the stress of the job.

If the above-mentioned features were not good enough let me tell you another feature which is Cinema sound. This is a high-performance audio unit that boosts the volume and clarifies the tone which improves the overall sound quality. Though while using Ableton, you’re mostly going to use a headset there are times when one gets tired of it, which is why a sound unit like this would help.

Specifications:

Processor	Intel 8th Generation core i7
Ram	16GB
Storage	512GB SSD
GPU	NVIDIA GeForce 105

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MSI is known for designing powerful devices when it comes to hardware. The company is known for delivering high-end gaming devices in the market and the one under examination is no exception. Although the device was specifically designed for gaming, it is just as good for the Ableton.

The device has a vibrant design which makes the people who have taste for it fall in love with it at first glance. Black is the most dominant color with touches of different colors on the keys and on the ports. For some, it can be quite overwhelming but for others, it is exactly what they want. The only shortcoming in the design is it is quite bulky which is understandable considering the technology that has gone into making such a powerful device.

If we talk about the interior, the device comes in a number of variants but the one under discussion has the following specifications. The processing chip that this device feature is Intel’s 9th Generation core i7 processor which is arguably the fastest chip available. In addition, it has 32GB of RAM which is something pretty rare. Features like this ensure that there is not a single software or application that this device cannot run.

Storage is another area where it shines. The 1TB of SSD storage completes the package that is an ultimate powerhouse designed to run every single application available on the store. The SSD is a high-performing storage unit that has an exceptional reading and writing speed. Plus, it reboots the system in a matter of seconds.

Moving on, the device features NVIDIA GeForce RTX2070 designed to run every single game available on high graphics. As mentioned earlier the GPU is not required for Ableton but it has quite an impact on the overall performance of the PC. Having said that, I would not recommend this device to the people who only want it for Ableton as it is quite expensive. However, those who are into live streaming and gameplay as well would enjoy this device quite a lot.

Specifications:

Processor	Intel 9th Gen core i7
Ram	32GB
Storage	1TB SSD
GPU	RTX 2070

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Aero 15 Classic is another powerhouse that could not go unnoticed while I was compiling the list. It is the kind of device that provides a perfect balance between efficiency and the cost of the machine.

AERO has tried to give it a modern touch by mounting the screen on a smaller than usual strip. Apart from that, the design is fairly simple with black being the dominant color. The company has also tried giving vibrance to devices by mounting the multicolor lights underneath the keys. Those who are into gaming would find it quite enjoyable.

Moving on, the hardware of the device is exciting as well. Intel’s Core i7 9th generation processor is available which is the fastest of the lot and needs no further explanation considering the times it has already been mentioned before. In addition, it has 16GB of RAM which transfers, reads, and writes the data in a matter of seconds. Software like Ableton would run at exceptional speed without encountering any lags which is why it is often described as the best Ableton laptop.

If we talk about the storage, it has 512GB of SSD which is not just fast but also enough for the storage of music. The combination of such a powerful hard drive with a high-performing processor ram really makes it a beast that never disappoints. You would not encounter any issue even if you run multiple software simultaneously. Thanks to such powerful hardware, this device is one of the best laptops for Ableton.

The graphic processing unit is another area where it shines as it has one of the powerful GPU units. As mentioned earlier it is not something that Ableton demands but the impact on overall performance is a factor to consider. Plus, it provides you with a handsome escape from the stress and tensions of the work.

Another feature that an Ableton user would find quite enjoyable is the Nahimic 3D audio which improves the sound quality of the unit. In case one gets tired of wearing the earphones this would provide great help. The sound quality, bass, and sharpness are simply magnificent. 

Specifications:

Processor	Core i7 9th Generation
Ram	16GB
Storage	512GB
GPU	1660T

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Prostar is not the name you hear too often but let me tell you it is just as good as the devices of hp or dell. Plus, its device comes at much lower prices if we compare it with the competition. The device we have at hand is one of such devices that comes at an affordable price but is a total beast when it comes to performance.

For starters, the device has Intel’s 9th generation core i7 processor about which I have already mentioned before. Coupled with it is the RAM of 16GB which makes it one of the high-performing devices that are available on the market. It is these powerful pieces of hardware that make it a top laptop for Ableton.

The storage of this device is massive considering it has two drives, one 250GB of SSD and the second 1TB of SSHD. Although the speed of both these drives is pretty fast SSD is relatively faster. It is why I recommend that you install your windows and other software on SSD and use the SSHD for storage of other stuff. The software on the SSD, thanks to its own power coupled with the efficient RAM and processor runs seamlessly and lag-free.

Like most of the devices mentioned above, this device also has a decent graphic processing unit. It has NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660Ti with 6GB of dedicated memory. The GPU is powerful enough to run almost all modern games on medium graphics. In the medium setting, you would easily achieve 60+ FPSs which almost every gamer wishes.

Despite the addition of a powerful GPU, the device comes at a much lower price if you compare it with other brands. So, in an affordable device, you can get a gaming pc that can also run Ableton seamlessly. It is why many people are calling it the best budget laptop for Ableton.

The overall design of the device is quite simple and has a pretty compact dimension. The lights on the keyboard are flashy but if it is too much, you can always turn them off. Heat vents are located at the back of the device which dissipates the heat efficiently without increasing the temperature of the surroundings.

The feature that makes it a really good device for Ableton users is its sound blaster cinema 5 with large speakers. This audio unit provides unmatchable clarity, range, and strength. Plus, the speakers can pick those frequencies that most audio units do not. So, you can work without using headphones without worrying about the quality of music you are producing.

Overall, it is an excellent choice for people who are into gaming but cannot afford expensive devices. This device would quench your thirst for gaming at a cheap price and would also be a wonderful choice for your work on Ableton. In a nutshell, if you are looking for a cheap Ableton laptop, this one is it. 

Specifications:

Processor	Core i7 9th Gen
Ram	16GB
Storage	250 GB SSD, 1TB SSHD
GPU	GTX 1660Ti

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ASUS is the ultimate solution for Ableton users if they are running low on budgets. It is a cheap laptop for Ableton, as cheap as it gets. The price is just above six hundred and it comes with a built-in powerful graphic processing unit. It does not get any better or does it?

In case the low price of the laptop has put you off, do not worry. The laptop, despite its low price, is one of the high-performing devices that is available on the market. Be it the processor, RAM, or storage it does not disappoint in any area.

The processor it uses is AMD Ryzen 5 which is not as efficient as Intel but it gets the job done. The best thing about this processor is the fact that it uses much low electricity and consequently increases battery performance. In addition, it has 8GB of RAM which is not too high considering the laptops that have already been mentioned but it is more than enough for what you need it for. The requirement for Ableton is 4GB and it is almost twice that so it should present any issues or whatsoever

For storage, it uses 256GB of SSD which is enough if you are only going to use it for Ableton. However, if you want to install games on it you would have to extend it via an external hard drive or SSD card. But always keep the SSD for the storage of windows and other demanding software to optimize the performance.

Moving on, the GPU on the device is NVIDIA GTX 1050, which obviously is not as powerful as some of the others that have been mentioned. However, it can still run most modern games on low to medium graphics and can provide decent frame rates. In addition to running demanding games, the GPU improves the overall display quality as well which can make one more productive and creative.

The design of the device has a modern touch to it. The matte finish on the back makes the device glossy and shiny. The dominant color in the design is black but the lights under keyboards provide a yellowish touch. In case, you do not like it, the option to change the color or completely turn it off is always available.

Although the design of the device looks bulky, it is not the case. The device weighs just over five pounds which makes it easy to carry around. Plus, the dimensions of the device are compact which allows you to put it in a backpack effortlessly.

The only shortcoming that might bum you out is the fact that it does not have a special sound system like most of the other devices mentioned on the list. However, one cannot help but take the price of the device into consideration as well. When one looks at it from this point of view it becomes quite evident that it is not a big deal. Plus, the earphones are always available, so, it should not be a deal-breaker.

Specifications:

Processor	AMD Ryzen 5
Ram	8GB
Storage	256GB SSD
GPU	Dedicated

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Ultimate Buyer’s Guide For Selection of Best Laptops For Ableton

 While looking for the best laptop for Ableton, there are certain features you need to take a closer look at. In this section, we will let you know about these features and tell you why they are important. So, without any further ado, let’s dive into it. 

1. Specifications of the Laptop

When you are specifically looking for a device that can run Ableton you need to take the requirement of that particular application into account. In this case, the minimum requirements are 4GB RAM and a Core i5 processor. So, anything over it is good.

However, laptops are a one-time investment, so go as up high in the specification as it is possible. The higher specifications would help you run the software more smoothly and seamlessly.

2. Sound Quality of Device

It does not take rocket science to know why the sound quality of the laptop is important. Some would argue that it is not important as most people use headphones while using Ableton. However, there are times when one gets tired of wearing heavy earphones and wants to give one’s ears a rest. It is where the sound quality of the device plays a key part.

Therefore, before making the purchase, look for a device that offers a better sound quality.

3. Ease of carrying

Electronic music is an art and like all the other art one needs to travel to get inspiration. In case you own a heavy laptop, you would not be able to do that. It is why you need to look for a laptop that is compact in size and does not have a lot of weight.

Therefore, always ensure that the device you are getting weighs not more than seven to eight pounds because that is the max one can hold while traveling.

4. Battery Timing

You can call it the extension of the above-mentioned features. As it said, you need to travel and sit at places where plugs are not available. Therefore, you should look at the battery timing of the device as well. It should be enough to last while you are making music outside. 

Conclusion- Best Laptops For Ableton

Well, there it is folks! This was everything we had on the best laptops for Ableton. I hope this article was helpful in finding the Ableton best laptop or at least has narrowed down your choices. In case there is anything you want to add or ask, let us know in the comment section. We would love to respond.

You can also check out or other Laptop related posts below.

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