Looking for the best audio PC or laptop without blowing your budget? We’ve rounded up the top systems for music production that offer serious performance at great value.
Whether you’re a music production veteran or just starting to build your home studio, it's vital to buy the right machine. A good audio PC should be able to handle demanding sessions in DAWs like FL Studio, Pro Tools, or Ableton Live with ease, and it shouldn’t have to cost a fortune to do it.
The best PCs for music production offer plenty of storage for your projects, enough RAM to run your plugins without lag, and reliable connectivity for your audio interface and gear.
You want a setup that works, stays quiet, and most importantly, does not slow you down when creativity hits.
That’s why we’ve carefully selected a line-up of high-performing PCs and laptops that strike the right balance between power, reliability, and price. These systems have been tested for audio production tasks and offer real-world performance where it counts.
Each recommendation on our list has been chosen for its ability to keep up with modern music workflows without requiring a studio-sized budget.
The best music production PCs of 2025 - at the best prices
Below, you’ll find detailed write-ups for each entry on our music production PC list based on our extensive reviews and experience, along with the best prices available anywhere.
How to choose the best audio PC
Choosing the best audio PC is one of the most important decisions you'll make in music production.
While it’s tempting to save money where you can, audio work demands power, and budget systems often fall short.
Whether you're producing professionally or as a passion project, solid performance is worth the investment. Start by focusing on CPU and GPU power, especially if your work also includes high-resolution video editing.
Compatibility is also key, make sure the machine works seamlessly with your existing audio interfaces and gear.
We’ve covered both Apple and Windows systems here. Which you’ll want to go for depends on your workflow, software preferences, and whether you need portability, upgradeability, or macOS-exclusive tools like Logic Pro.
Finally, consider storage. If you're not relying on external or cloud solutions (beyond for backups), choose a PC with enough internal space to comfortably handle session files, project backups, sample libraries, and the like.
10 essential features of a great audio PC
- Low-latency performance for real-time recording and monitoring
- Quiet operation to avoid noise during mixing or tracking
- Fast multi-core CPU to handle plugins, virtual instruments, and DAW processes
- Ample RAM (16GB or more) to support large sessions and sample libraries
- High-speed SSD storage for quick project load times and smooth playback
- Reliable motherboard with stable power delivery
- Plenty of USB and Thunderbolt ports for audio interfaces and peripherals
- Compatibility with pro audio software and drivers (some programs might only be available for macOS not Windows, and vice versa)
- Dedicated GPU (optional) for video scoring or visual work
- Efficient cooling system to maintain performance during long sessions
How we test the best audio PC
Like any content creator, when it comes to editing and mixing music, your production will only be as good as your tech allows.
It's why we've run the rule over some of the best audio PCs money can buy, comparing both Mac and Windows-based PCs and listing their veritable strengths, and occasional weaknesses.
When it comes to testing out each PC's specifications, we've first looked under the hood to see what the engine looks like. That includes comparing graphics, processing power, RAM, and hard drive storage space.
We've also looked at what you can see on the outside, including screen size, design and aesthetics, and general bulk and size.
We've taken into account some of the factors that are often overlooked, but are equally as important when it comes to usability. This include connectivity options like ports, sound systems, and additional features like styluses. Lastly, although as stated above, these computers don't come cheap, we have also compared costs and offered cheaper alternatives to some of the big hitters.
