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 8 top results, ranging in price from ∼ US$0 to US$2390, 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.

#2, Stationary Computers ($1000 - $2000)

Dell G5 Gaming Desktop from US$1060;
~$1590 with accessories

This Gaming PC delivers great graphics for the investment. It lacks a few features I'd rather see in a gaming system (like paired memory), but with fast storage... Read More about the dg5000_sb_s96e
Device Ratings

by Stationary Computers standards

Bang for the Buck 3.5/5
Versatility for the Price 5/5
Power 3.5/5
Storage 1.5/5
Portability 2.5/5
Autonomy N/A

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck 4.5/5
Versatility for the Price 4/5
Power 4/5
Storage 3.5/5
Portability 0.5/5
Autonomy N/A

by Tower Computers standards

Bang for the Buck 3.5/5
Versatility for the Price 5/5
Power 3.5/5
Storage 1.5/5
Portability 2.5/5
Autonomy N/A

performance in Music Production

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

performance in Ableton Live 11

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

performance in Adobe Audition CC

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.
Specs

Processor: Intel Core i5-10400F

Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060

Memory: 16.00 GB

Storage: 512.00 GB

Dimensions: 16.90 x 30.80 x 36.70 cm
Weight: 8.200 kg

detailed info
US$1059.79 from Dell (Canada) (New)
as of 2021-05-06 03:25:13, EDT

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 Dell (Canada) site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
#1, Stationary Computers ($2000 - ∞)

Dell G5 Gaming Desktop from US$1640;
~$0 with accessories

Here's a Gaming PC combining the power of an i7 CPU and RTX graphics fed by a speedy Solid-State Drive... Read More about the dg5000_s63e
Device Ratings

performance in Music Production

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

performance in Ableton Live 11

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

performance in Adobe Audition CC

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.
Specs

Processor: Intel Core i7-10700F

Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti

Memory: 16.00 GB

Storage: 512.00 GB

Dimensions: 16.90 x 30.80 x 36.70 cm
Weight: 8.200 kg

detailed info
US$1630.45 from Dell (Canada) (New)
as of 2021-05-06 03:25:26, EDT

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 Dell (Canada) site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
#4, Stationary Computers ($1000 - $2000)

Dell Inspiron 3880 Desktop from US$1260;
~$1830 with accessories

This computer is a good fit for advanced productivity, creativity and multitasking on a budget, and thanks to fast storage, it'll keep your loading times to a m... Read More about the di3880_s4400e
Device Ratings

by Stationary Computers standards

Bang for the Buck 2.5/5
Versatility for the Price 1.5/5
Power 3.5/5
Storage 4/5
Portability 5/5
Autonomy N/A

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck 4/5
Versatility for the Price 1.5/5
Power 3.5/5
Storage 5/5
Portability 1.5/5
Autonomy N/A

by Tower Computers standards

Bang for the Buck 2.5/5
Versatility for the Price 1.5/5
Power 3.5/5
Storage 4/5
Portability 5/5
Autonomy N/A

performance in Music Production

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

performance in Ableton Live 11

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

performance in Adobe Audition CC

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.
Specs

Processor: Intel Core i7-10700

Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GT 1030

Memory: 16.00 GB

Storage: 1 TB + 256 GB (~1.25 TB)

Dimensions: 15.40 x 29.30 x 32.43 cm
Weight: 6.020 kg

detailed info
US$1255.44 from Dell (Canada) (New)
as of 2021-05-06 03:24:10, EDT

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 Dell (Canada) site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
#6, Stationary Computers ($1000 - $2000)

Asus Strix Gaming PC from US$1390;
~$1990 with accessories

This Gaming PC manages to combine pretty impressive specs for the price without compromising much in terms of ease of maintenance and upgrades... Read More about the G15DH-SBR563-CB
Device Ratings

by Stationary Computers standards

Bang for the Buck 1.5/5
Versatility for the Price 2.5/5
Power 4.5/5
Storage 4.5/5
Portability 0.5/5
Autonomy N/A

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck 4/5
Versatility for the Price 2/5
Power 5/5
Storage 5/5
Portability 0/5
Autonomy N/A

by Tower Computers standards

Bang for the Buck 1.5/5
Versatility for the Price 2.5/5
Power 4.5/5
Storage 4.5/5
Portability 0.5/5
Autonomy N/A

performance in Music Production

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

performance in Ableton Live 11

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

performance in Adobe Audition CC

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.
Specs

Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 3600X

Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060

Memory: 16.00 GB

Storage: 1 TB + 512 GB (~1.5 TB)

Dimensions: 15.80 x 42.10 x 49.80 cm
Weight: 11.000 kg

detailed info
US$1385.88 from Best Buy (New)
as of 2021-05-06 11:05:19, EDT

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 Best Buy site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
#4, Stationary Computers ($2000 - ∞)

Dell G5 Gaming Desktop from US$1720;
~$2390 with accessories

Here's a Gaming PC combining compelling features such as an i7 Processor, a fast Solid-State Drive to keep loading times to a minimum and a dedicated Graphics C... Read More about the dg5000_s70e
Device Ratings

by Stationary Computers standards

Bang for the Buck 1/5
Versatility for the Price 2/5
Power 4/5
Storage 1.5/5
Portability 2.5/5
Autonomy N/A

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck 3.5/5
Versatility for the Price 2/5
Power 4.5/5
Storage 3.5/5
Portability 0.5/5
Autonomy N/A

by Tower Computers standards

Bang for the Buck 1/5
Versatility for the Price 2/5
Power 4/5
Storage 1.5/5
Portability 2.5/5
Autonomy N/A

performance in Music Production

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

performance in Ableton Live 11

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

performance in Adobe Audition CC

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.
Specs

Processor: Intel Core i7-10700F

Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti

Memory: 16.00 GB

Storage: 512.00 GB

Dimensions: 16.90 x 30.80 x 36.70 cm
Weight: 8.200 kg

detailed info
US$1711.97 from Dell (Canada) (New)
as of 2021-05-06 03:26:36, EDT

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 Dell (Canada) site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
#6, Stationary Computers ($2000 - ∞)

Dell G5 Gaming Desktop from US$1600;
~$2251 with accessories

This Gaming PC delivers great graphics for the investment. It lacks a few features I'd rather see in a gaming system (like paired memory), but with fast storage... Read More about the dg5000_sb_ls90e
Device Ratings

by Stationary Computers standards

Bang for the Buck 0/5
Versatility for the Price 3.5/5
Power 3.5/5
Storage 5/5
Portability 2.5/5
Autonomy N/A

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck 3/5
Versatility for the Price 2.5/5
Power 4/5
Storage 5/5
Portability 0.5/5
Autonomy N/A

by Tower Computers standards

Bang for the Buck 0/5
Versatility for the Price 3.5/5
Power 3.5/5
Storage 5/5
Portability 2.5/5
Autonomy N/A

performance in Music Production

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

performance in Ableton Live 11

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

performance in Adobe Audition CC

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.
Specs

Processor: Intel Core i5-10400F

Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060

Memory: 16.00 GB

Storage: 2 TB + 256 GB (~2.25 TB)

Dimensions: 16.90 x 30.80 x 36.70 cm
Weight: 8.200 kg

detailed info
US$1598.65 from Dell (Canada) (New)
as of 2021-05-06 03:26:27, EDT

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 Dell (Canada) site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
#1, Laptops ($1075 - ∞)

HP OMEN 17" Gaming Notebook from US$1550;
~$1950 with accessories

This laptop features impressive hardware for the price, promising rich gaming experiences and a fluid creative process. It's not the most portable PC out there... Read More about the 17-CB1010CA
Device Ratings

by Laptops standards

Bang for the Buck 4/5
Versatility for the Price 3/5
Power 5/5
Storage 5/5
Portability 0/5
Autonomy 0/5

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck 2.5/5
Versatility for the Price 3/5
Power 4.5/5
Storage 5/5
Portability 1.5/5
Autonomy 0/5

by Large Laptops standards

Bang for the Buck 4/5
Versatility for the Price 3/5
Power 5/5
Storage 5/5
Portability 0/5
Autonomy 0/5

performance in Music Production

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

performance in Ableton Live 11

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

performance in Adobe Audition CC

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.
Specs

Processor: Intel Core i7-10750H

Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070

Memory: 16.00 GB

Storage: 1 TB + 256 GB (~1.25 TB)

Screen Size: 17.3"

Screen Resolution: 1920×1080

Dimensions: 40.50 x 28.50 x 2.99 cm
Weight: 3.300 kg

detailed info
US$1548.93 from HP (New)
as of 2021-05-06 10:27:33, EDT

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 HP site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
#3, Laptops ($1075 - ∞)

Dell XPS 15 7000 series laptop from US$1390;
~$1720 with accessories

This laptop packs a large battery and some powerful hardware in a package that's easy to carry. It's better suited for short high-performance sessions, but not... Read More about the XPS7590-nxps157590_s1608e
Device Ratings

by Laptops standards

Bang for the Buck 4/5
Versatility for the Price 3/5
Power 4/5
Storage 4/5
Portability 1.5/5
Autonomy 3/5

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck 2.5/5
Versatility for the Price 3.5/5
Power 4/5
Storage 3.5/5
Portability 2.5/5
Autonomy 3/5

by Large Laptops standards

Bang for the Buck 3.5/5
Versatility for the Price 3.5/5
Power 3/5
Storage 4/5
Portability 3/5
Autonomy 4/5

performance in Music Production

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

performance in Ableton Live 11

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

performance in Adobe Audition CC

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.
Specs

Processor: Intel Core i7-9750H

Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650

Memory: 16.00 GB

Storage: 512.00 GB

Screen Size: 15.6"

Screen Resolution: 3840×2160

Dimensions: 35.71 x 23.55 x 1.68 cm
Weight: 2.041 kg

detailed info
US$1385.88 from Dell (Canada) (New)
as of 2021-05-06 03:24:47, EDT

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 Dell (Canada) site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×

Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
Versatility for the Price	5/5
Power	3.5/5
Storage	1.5/5
Portability	2.5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
Versatility for the Price	4/5
Power	4/5
Storage	3.5/5
Portability	0.5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
Versatility for the Price	5/5
Power	3.5/5
Storage	1.5/5
Portability	2.5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
Versatility for the Price	1.5/5
Power	3.5/5
Storage	4/5
Portability	5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	4/5
Versatility for the Price	1.5/5
Power	3.5/5
Storage	5/5
Portability	1.5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
Versatility for the Price	1.5/5
Power	3.5/5
Storage	4/5
Portability	5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	1.5/5
Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
Power	4.5/5
Storage	4.5/5
Portability	0.5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	4/5
Versatility for the Price	2/5
Power	5/5
Storage	5/5
Portability	0/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	1.5/5
Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
Power	4.5/5
Storage	4.5/5
Portability	0.5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	1/5
Versatility for the Price	2/5
Power	4/5
Storage	1.5/5
Portability	2.5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
Versatility for the Price	2/5
Power	4.5/5
Storage	3.5/5
Portability	0.5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	1/5
Versatility for the Price	2/5
Power	4/5
Storage	1.5/5
Portability	2.5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	0/5
Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
Power	3.5/5
Storage	5/5
Portability	2.5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	3/5
Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
Power	4/5
Storage	5/5
Portability	0.5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	0/5
Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
Power	3.5/5
Storage	5/5
Portability	2.5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	4/5
Versatility for the Price	3/5
Power	5/5
Storage	5/5
Portability	0/5
Autonomy	0/5

Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
Versatility for the Price	3/5
Power	4.5/5
Storage	5/5
Portability	1.5/5
Autonomy	0/5

Bang for the Buck	4/5
Versatility for the Price	3/5
Power	5/5
Storage	5/5
Portability	0/5
Autonomy	0/5

Bang for the Buck	4/5
Versatility for the Price	3/5
Power	4/5
Storage	4/5
Portability	1.5/5
Autonomy	3/5

Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
Power	4/5
Storage	3.5/5
Portability	2.5/5
Autonomy	3/5

Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
Power	3/5
Storage	4/5
Portability	3/5
Autonomy	4/5

Know a music producer searching for a smart device?

Narrow down your search

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:

Top Picks for the Music Producer

Your options 8 top results, ranging in price from ∼ US$0 to US$2390, with accessories.

Dell G5 Gaming Desktop from US$1060;~$1590 with accessories

Device Ratings

performance in Music Production

performance in Ableton Live 11

performance in Adobe Audition CC

Pricing Accuracy

Dell G5 Gaming Desktop from US$1640;~$0 with accessories

Device Ratings

performance in Music Production

performance in Ableton Live 11

performance in Adobe Audition CC

Pricing Accuracy

Dell Inspiron 3880 Desktop from US$1260;~$1830 with accessories

Device Ratings

performance in Music Production

performance in Ableton Live 11

performance in Adobe Audition CC

Pricing Accuracy

Asus Strix Gaming PC from US$1390;~$1990 with accessories

Device Ratings

performance in Music Production

performance in Ableton Live 11

performance in Adobe Audition CC

Pricing Accuracy

Dell G5 Gaming Desktop from US$1720;~$2390 with accessories

Device Ratings

performance in Music Production

performance in Ableton Live 11

performance in Adobe Audition CC

Pricing Accuracy

Dell G5 Gaming Desktop from US$1600;~$2251 with accessories

Device Ratings

performance in Music Production

performance in Ableton Live 11

performance in Adobe Audition CC

Pricing Accuracy

HP OMEN 17" Gaming Notebook from US$1550;~$1950 with accessories

Device Ratings

performance in Music Production

performance in Ableton Live 11

performance in Adobe Audition CC

Pricing Accuracy

Dell XPS 15 7000 series laptop from US$1390;~$1720 with accessories

Device Ratings

performance in Music Production

performance in Ableton Live 11

performance in Adobe Audition CC

Pricing Accuracy

Narrow down your search

Looking for a specific kind of device?

Dell G5 Gaming Desktop from US$1060;
~$1590 with accessories

Dell G5 Gaming Desktop from US$1640;
~$0 with accessories

Dell Inspiron 3880 Desktop from US$1260;
~$1830 with accessories

Asus Strix Gaming PC from US$1390;
~$1990 with accessories

Dell G5 Gaming Desktop from US$1720;
~$2390 with accessories

Dell G5 Gaming Desktop from US$1600;
~$2251 with accessories

HP OMEN 17" Gaming Notebook from US$1550;
~$1950 with accessories

Dell XPS 15 7000 series laptop from US$1390;
~$1720 with accessories