Top Picks for the Music Producer
When you start getting creative with music production, you need more serious hardware. Something capable of layering tracks and work with a few effects in real-time. You might need extra equipment for recording or instruments, but those will get you started.
Your options 9 top results, ranging in price from ∼ US$719 to US$1190, with accessories.
Let's start with a broad search. The following offer the best value for the lowest price regardless of format preference. As a result, you will most likely see stationary computers down here and maybe a few portable options. You have the option to look for a specific kind of device at the bottom of the page.
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#1, Stationary Computers (under $850)
HP Pavilion 590-p0099 from US$42028%, Best price yet!
~$842 with accessoriesIf you need a PC capable of handling a bit more than garden variety productivity, this computer could be for you; especially if you need something simple, but w... Read More about the 590-p0099
Device Ratings
by Stationary Computers standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A performance in Music Production
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Ableton Live 10
Meets recommended specsperformance in Adobe Audition CC 2018
Meets recommended specsProcessor: Intel Core i5-8400Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 630Memory: 8.00 GBStorage: 1 TBDimensions: 17.00 x 27.70 x 33.80 cmWeight: 5.150 kgdetailed info from US$419.24 - US$419.24 from Amazon (New)as of 2019-12-15 04:30:48, EST
- US$630.39 from HP (New)as of 2019-12-13 10:30:19, EST
- US$673.78 from Newegg (New)as of 2019-12-15 07:38:33, EST
- US$713.17 from eBay (New)as of 2019-12-15 04:30:56, EST
Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. × -
#4, Stationary Computers ($850 - $1400)
HP Pavilion Desktop PC from US$610;
~$1090 with accessoriesThis desktop PC has a lot of storage space and offers a lot of performance for the price. It's a great pick if you keep an extensive media collection and it's a... Read More about the 595-p1009
Device Ratings
by Stationary Computers standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A performance in Music Production
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Ableton Live 10
Meets recommended specsperformance in Adobe Audition CC 2018
More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.Processor: Intel Core i5-9400Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630Memory: 8.00 GBStorage: 2 TB + 128 GB (~2.13 TB)Dimensions: 17.00 x 27.70 x 33.80 cmWeight: 5.150 kgdetailed info from US$607.61 - US$607.61 from HP (New)as of 2019-12-15 12:23:42, EST
- US$683.56 from Best Buy (New)as of 2019-12-15 12:23:13, EST
Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. × -
#5, Stationary Computers ($850 - $1400)
MSI Nightblade MI3 8RA-022CA from US$690;
~$1190 with accessoriesA compact Gaming PC for the living room or anywhere space is limited. With carrying handles, it's also an attractive option for LAN parties or if you have to re... Read More about the MI3 8RA-022CA
Device Ratings
by Stationary Computers standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A performance in Music Production
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Ableton Live 10
Meets recommended specsperformance in Adobe Audition CC 2018
Meets recommended specsProcessor: Intel Core i5-8400Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050Memory: 8.00 GBStorage: 1 TBDimensions: 12.80 x 34.20 x 26.80 cmWeight: 8.400 kgdetailed info US$683.47 from Canada Computers (New)as of 2019-12-13 22:48:14, ESTPricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Canada Computers site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. × -
#8, Stationary Computers ($850 - $1400)
ME PC VT1000A Home PC from US$540;
~$1030 with accessoriesThis cost-efficient PC is a great solution to handle more than just typical homework. And thanks to the way it's built, you have several upgrade options in the... Read More about the MX75756
Device Ratings
by Stationary Computers standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A performance in Music Production
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Ableton Live 10
Meets recommended specsperformance in Adobe Audition CC 2018
Meets recommended specsProcessor: AMD Ryzen 3 2200GGraphics: AMD Radeon Vega 8Memory: 8.00 GBStorage: 1 TBDimensions: 9.60 x 37.00 x 33.40 cmWeight: 10.000 kgdetailed info US$531.65 from Memory Express (Built to Order)as of 2019-12-13 23:50:52, ESTPricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Memory Express site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. × -
#3, Laptops ($625 - $825)
Asus FX504GD 15" Gaming Laptop from US$54018% cheaper than usual
~$720 with accessoriesThis gaming laptop is an affordable option if you're seeking a graphically capable PC for creativity purposes or if you're not interested in playing the most de... Read More about the FX504GD-RS51
Device Ratings
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy performance in Music Production
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Ableton Live 10
Meets recommended specsperformance in Adobe Audition CC 2018
Meets recommended specsProcessor: Intel Core i5-8300HGraphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050Memory: 8.00 GBStorage: 1 TBScreen Size: 15.6"Screen Resolution: 1920×1080Dimensions: 38.40 x 26.20 x 2.50 cmWeight: 2.200 kgdetailed info from US$531.57 - US$531.57 from Canada Computers (New)as of 2019-12-15 04:25:51, EST
- US$721.53 from The Source (New)as of 2019-12-15 06:04:19, EST
- US$732.93 from Mike's Computer Shop (New)as of 2019-12-15 06:11:34, EST
- US$770.9 from Amazon (New)as of 2019-12-14 14:07:00, EST
- US$818.08 from Newegg (New)as of 2019-12-15 07:55:03, EST
- US$1139.28 from Best Buy (New)as of 2019-12-15 09:26:12, EST
Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. × -
#4, Laptops ($625 - $825)
Dell Inspiron 15" Laptop (touch) from US$540;
~$719 with accessoriesBalancing horsepower, a crisp and roomy touchscreen and cost-efficiency; this laptop is a good fit for productivity and multitasking.
Device Ratings
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy performance in Music Production
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Ableton Live 10
Meets recommended specsperformance in Adobe Audition CC 2018
More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.Processor: Intel Core i5-8250UGraphics: Intel HD Graphics 620Memory: 8.00 GBStorage: 1 TBScreen Size: 15.6"Screen Resolution: 1920×1080Dimensions: 37.85 x 25.81 x 2.26 cmWeight: 2.170 kgdetailed info US$530.75 from Newegg (New)as of 2019-12-15 08:50:14, ESTPricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Newegg site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. × -
#2, Laptops ($825 - $1025)
Dell G3 15" Gaming Laptop from US$670;
~$900 with accessoriesA gaming laptop designed with a few cost-saving concessions, it's a capable and upgradable candidate, especially for the price.
Device Ratings
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy performance in Music Production
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Ableton Live 10
Meets recommended specsperformance in Adobe Audition CC 2018
Meets recommended specsProcessor: Intel Core i5-8300HGraphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 TiMemory: 8.00 GBStorage: 1 TBScreen Size: 15.6"Screen Resolution: 1920×1080Dimensions: 38.00 x 25.81 x 2.26 cmWeight: 2.520 kgdetailed info from US$668.28 - US$668.28 from Canada Computers (New)as of 2019-12-13 15:20:39, EST
- US$739.49 from eBay (New)as of 2019-12-15 04:31:34, EST
Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. × -
#3, Laptops ($1025 - $1325)
Asus PRO P2540UB-XB71 15.6-inch Notebook from US$830;
~$1110 with accessoriesThis laptop is all about getting the job done, with a high-octane processor and dedicated graphics which will help with some graphical tasks, but also multitask... Read More about the P2540UB-XB71
Device Ratings
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy performance in Music Production
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Ableton Live 10
Meets recommended specsperformance in Adobe Audition CC 2018
Meets recommended specsProcessor: Intel Core i7-8550UGraphics: Nvidia GeForce MX110Memory: 8.00 GBStorage: 256.00 GBScreen Size: 15.6"Screen Resolution: 1920×1080Dimensions: 38.10 x 25.65 x 2.29 cmWeight: 2.310 kgdetailed info from US$827.87 - US$827.87 from Costco (New)as of 2019-12-14 14:26:55, EST
- US$854.45 from Best Buy (New)as of 2019-12-13 12:56:58, EST
- US$862.88 from Newegg (New)as of 2019-12-14 13:23:25, EST
- US$862.88 from Newegg (New)as of 2019-12-13 23:57:22, EST
- US$968.92 from Walmart (New)as of 2019-12-13 23:48:11, EST
Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. × -
#4, Laptops ($825 - $1025)
Asus ZenBook Flip UX561UA from US$7609%, Best price yet!
~$1020 with accessoriesA versatile 2-in-1, this laptop balances features and ease of transportation.
Device Ratings
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy performance in Music Production
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Ableton Live 10
Meets recommended specsperformance in Adobe Audition CC 2018
More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.Processor: Intel Core i5-8250UGraphics: Intel HD Graphics 620Memory: 8.00 GBStorage: 512.00 GBScreen Size: 15.6"Screen Resolution: 1920×1080Dimensions: 36.32 x 24.64 x 2.03 cmWeight: 1.910 kgdetailed info US$759.49 from Staples (New)as of 2019-12-15 12:22:23, ESTPricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Staples site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
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Looking for a specific kind of device?
Looking for a laptop, tablet, smartphone or desktop computer specifically? Here are the product families in which we found options matching your needs: