We have reviewed the top 5 best laptop for FL STUDIO 21 (2023) to let DJs and music producers experience smooth performance, connectivity, and excellent sound.
If you are keen on music production and haven’t been living under a rock, you will know FL STUDIO 21.
The excellent software for DJs promises a super-fast route from your brain to the speakers, and we daresay it delivers. The best part is: it offers an unlimited free trial during which you can create and export projects into formats of your choice, including MP3 and WAV. (The trial period includes free updates and tech support too.)
Whether you use FL STUDIO 21 as a hobbyist or at a professional level, you will need a laptop that’s up to the challenge. The range of options open to you is vast since FL Studio is compatible with Windows (Windows 8.1 onwards, but 11 is recommended) and macOS (10.13.6 or higher).
Top 5 Best Laptop for FL STUDIO 21 (2023)
The laptops below offer a commendable mix of performance, connectivity options like HDMI and display ports, and sufficient storage space. They also deliver quiet – something you cannot do without focusing on the distinct sounds in your tracks.
Tip: Look for laptops with sound cards that support ASIO drivers. It lets FL Studio access the audio interface directly, translating into a clear performance advantage.
1. ASUS G614JI-AS94 ROG Strix G16 (2023)
Remarkable performance with a MUX Switch
Conventionally a gaming machine for ardent gamers, the ASUS G614JI-XS96 ROG Strix G16 can double up as the perfect music production platform.
Check Price on AmazonIt runs on an Intel Core i9 processor, 32GB RAM, a 1TB SSD, and RTX 4070 graphics.
It supports Wi-Fi 6E and has two USB ports. The capable and sustainable machine (thanks to liquid metal cooling) is now available for around $1,700.
We love the display on this one: a smooth FHD screen with a 165Hz refresh rate, 100% sRGB color, and Dolby Vision.
You should feel comfortable looking at the controls on the interface of FL STUDIO for long work hours. ASUS even offers a MUX Switch to give you a performance boost of up to 10% when required.
2. Acer Predator Helios 16
Plenty of connections and sustainable cooling
Acer is no stranger to exceptional performance at reasonable prices. The Acer Predator Helios 16, at approximately $1,600, is a terrific option for running FL STUDIO 21.
Check Price on AmazonIts processing compartment is top-notch, but the connectivity provisions are also impressive.
You can experience the speeds of an Intel Core i7 CPU, 16GB RAM, a 1TB SSD, and RTX 4070 graphics. Acer has equipped this laptop with two Thunderbolt 4 ports, Killer Wi-Fi 6E, an HDMI, and a Micro SD card reader.
Great looks are vital for Acer, and we aren’t complaining. This Predator has a 240Hz display and per-key RGB backlighting. More importantly to DJs, it also has efficient AeroBlade cooling and 3D metal fans to keep heat and noise low as you lose yourself in melodies and beats.
3. Apple 2023 MacBook Pro 16-inch
Audio-visual dazzle with integrated performance across devices
You must have expected a Mac to make it to this list. The 16.2″ Apple 2023 MacBook Pro is as glorious as glorious goes, showing off a Liquid Retina XDR screen with 100+ nits brightness.
Check Price on AmazonIt is also a hardworking machine, running an M2 Pro chip and 16GB RAM and offering a 1TB SSD for storage. That’s enough strength to fiddle with presets, loops, etc., on the program without encountering roadblocks.
Macs are not short on connectivity options, in case that was a concern you had. This one has three Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI, and an SDXC slot.
Other standout features include ample unplugged usage (22 hours!) and a comfortable, secure Magic Keyboard with Touch ID. The aluminum chassis extends durability to your laptop during gigs that involve travel and rough handling.
The ease of using other Apple devices, like your trusty iPad, is also a significant plus. You never know what will be helpful when creativity strikes while mixing a track.
4. Razer Blade 16
Upgradable performance with spatial audio and surround sound
You should consider the Razer Blade 16 for running FL STUDIO 21 if your needs are extensive (and you have cash to spare).
Check Price on AmazonThis ultra-powerful beast gets powered by an Intel Core i9 CPU, 16GB RAM, a 1TB SSD, and an RTX 4060 GPU.
Its QHD+ screen has a stunning 240Hz refresh rate – you can rule out difficulties while keeping track of things on the UI. Razer infuses this machine with beautiful THX Spatial Audio and 7.1 surround sound.
One of the highlights of this device for DJs is its portability and compact build. It is hard to find such mobility (similar to the form factor of a 15″ model) in a machine with specs like these. Even the charger is much smaller than in many other brands!
The Razer Blade is one of the priciest picks on this list at close to $2,700. But Razer aficionados find the intimidating price tag worth it for the superb performance and oodles of upgradability.
It also has a rough-and-tough, scratch-resistant surface that will protect your device in dark nightclubs and damp car boots.
5. Alienware m16 Gaming Laptop
Dependable performance with AI noise cancellation
There are many reasons behind the success of Alienware as a gaming laptop brand, but reliable performance and customization are paramount.
Check Price on Dell OfficialThis $1,699.99 device delivers unfettered speeds and support for FL STUDIO 21.
You can upgrade to premium specs if your budget allows (up to an Intel Core i9 processor, RTX 4090, and 64GB of RAM). This laptop even supports 8TB SSD storage space.
Further, it has a clean and bright QHD+ display with a 165Hz refresh rate. Dolby Atmos and AI-led noise cancellation elevate your sound mixing experience. And oh, the ports are aplenty: two Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, an SD card reader, the works.
FAQs
Should I get a desktop or a laptop for FL STUDIO 21?
Many musicians opt for desktops to allow for smoother upgrades and unmatched performance. You should look into this option if you are a professional music producer or a DJ who does several gigs for extended hours.
However, laptops have an edge in portability, and the ease of working from anywhere is essential to contemporary audiophiles. Some options in the portfolios of Razer and Dell, for instance, can reach desktop-replacement performance levels.
Should I invest in speedier CPUs and more RAM to run FL STUDIO 21?
The beauty of this music production software is it is pretty lightweight despite all the frills. For instance, it has plenty of integrated audio clips, controls, tools, synths, and effects. But the typical recommendation is 8GB RAM, or 16GB at most. Getting more than 16GB of RAM might be overkill.
You may consider using 32GB if sample-oriented instruments are your favorites. These require additional libraries and plugins. However, you don’t need to invest an extravagant sum on the specs; the money will help with accessories, a video card, etc.
A powerful and efficient processor will let you use effects and samples liberally. You don’t want your creativity to get bogged down by a slowcoach. But you will get sorted with an Intel Core i7 or i9. Intel can offer capable single-core performance and not disappoint while multitasking. Server-grade processors, for example, Intel Xeon are not recommended for FL Studio.
