Best Laptops for Traktor: Best Laptops for DJing with Traktor

When it comes to buying a laptop for DJing, you should pick one that won’t let you down during a live gig. But with plenty of laptops coming out every day, and with a various range of specifications out there, it’s not easy to choose the right laptop. And while most DJs just get a Macbook,, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t many Windows laptops out there that are capable of delivering an outstanding performance. And in this article, we will try to recommend some of the best laptops for Traktor, because after all, Native Instruments Traktor Pro is hands down the industry standard when it comes to Djing. Let’s first have a look at its system requirements:

What is Traktor and how to choose the best laptop for DJing with Traktor Pro?

Traktor Pro 3 is an industry standard software for mixing nowadays, it is flexible and powerful and can be a complete performance tool in its own right. Released on October 18, 2018, this new version doesn’t have any particularly demanding system requirements as you can see below:

• An Intel Core i5 or equivalent processor.
• 4 GB of RAM.
• 1 GB of free disc space.
• Graphics hardware support for OpenGL 2.1 or higher
• macOS 10.12, 10.13, 10.14 (latest update), or Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 10 version 1803 or later (64 Bit)

However, these specs are the minimum requirements needed to run Traktor, and while even a cheap laptop comes with 4GB  and meets most of these requirements, you will need more than that to have the best performance. So, here are our recommendations when choosing a laptop for Djing with Traktor:

Processor: As mentioned above, you will need an Intel i5 processor or equivalent in order to run Traktor Pro 3. We recommend at least an 8th generation Intel i5 processor.

RAM: The amount of RAM you have will really help when you’re multitasking, or let’s say that you’re mixing multiple tracks together and adding various effects simultaneously. For Traktor, we recommend you go for at least 8 GB of RAM.

Storage: For optimal performance, choose a laptop with SSD. Even if it comes for a higher price than traditional HDDs, a solid state drive allows for a faster start up of your system and makes your laptop faster and more responsive when you’re opening or copying files. For Traktor, this means that you can open existing projects, load samples and tracks quickly.

Portability: Once you’ve checked all the technical specs, there’s nothing else to do but to verify the design of the laptop is suitable for your work on the go. You might have to make a compromise between screen size and portability. While some people have trouble squeezing their eyes at a 13” display, a lesser screen size means the laptop is easier to carry around. But that’s up to your taste! A more important choice is that about the design of the chassis. To avoid any trouble during your gigs, you should aim for well-constructed and sturdy laptops, with an efficient cooling system.

This is where we come in help. It’s not easy to buy a laptop online, as you might discover it doesn’t suit your needs once it gets delivered home. That’s just a frustrating experience. And that is also the reason why we reviewed some of the best laptops for Traktor available right now.

Best Laptops for Traktor

ASUS Vivobook S15 S530FA-DB51-RD

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First, the ASUS Vivobook S15 S530FA-DB51-RD is a rather affordable laptop with some value for DJs. Despite the fact that this is a 15,6 inch laptop, it’s slim and has a footprint of a 14 inch notebook thanks to the narrow bezels around the screen, that also help provide a wider and more immersive view. It features an 8^th generation Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSD.

The original design is another reason why we listed the Vivobook S15 as one of the best laptops for Traktor: It comes with a hinge system that lifts the keyboard for a more comfortable typing position, and the red sides and trims around the display give a rather edgy look. Also, the keyboard includes a separate numeric keypad, if you’ll ever have the need to tackle some data entry tasks. It includes a fingerprint reader for a fast and secure login into your system, other than a USB Type-C port that is the latest standard for connectivity.

Lenovo ThinkPad E580

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Next, we have the Lenovo ThinkPad E580, a high-performance business laptop with a 15.6” Full HD, anti-glare display. This laptop features an 8^th generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD, and you can even get a version with 32GB RAM.

Thanks to the remarkable amount of RAM and the powerful processor, the Lenovo ThinkPad E580 is not only perfect for Traktor, but it is also guaranteed to resist the tides of time. A performing machine is the best investment you could do for your career, as it’ll have your back for plenty of gigs to come. The decent amount of storage is guaranteed to cover your needs for quite some time. Besides, ThinkPads are renowned for their sturdy design and the ergonomic keyboard. This machine comes with a fingerprint reader and many connectivity options, including the USB Type-C port.

MacBook Pro 13

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This list cannot be complete without the MacBook Pro 13, which is undeniably one of the best laptops for Traktor and DJing in general. Sure, you can get a Windows laptop with higher specs for the same price, but chances are you might be well acquainted to the Mac work system. If you can’t resist the beautiful design, that’s been a trademark for so many years, then go for it. The MacBook Pro 13 is a 13” laptop with a brilliant Retina display. It features an 8^th generation Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSD.

The latest model includes the signature Touch Bar, a series of digital keys on top of the keyboard for some added functionality. This machine comes with four USB Type-C ports, that are easily going to be the next standard for plugging in any kind of device. The MacBook Pro 13 also offers an impressive battery life, with up to 10 hours of untethered productivity with a single charge.

Dell XPS 9380

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The Dell XPS 9380 is probably the closest windows laptop to rival the macbook pro, in terms of looks and performance. The XPS series was among the first laptops with thin bezels and this new 13 inch laptop brings a lot of improvements overs the last generation. In fact, despite the little size of this machine, you’ll have plenty of space to work for in your display; and in addition to that, the XPS 9380 packs a serious amount of power. The XPS 9380 features an 8^th generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB PCIe SSD.

The XPS series is highly regarded among professionals and creatives who need a portable, yet high-performing laptop. The design in this one is simply stunning, and it’s definitely worth the investment if you’re looking for a reliable and slim laptop for traktor. The XPS 9380 includes two USB Type-C ports for the best connectivity. It also comes with a backlit keyboard and a fingerprint reader, as nice additional features.

MSI PS42 8RB-059 Essential

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Last, we have the MSI PS42 8RB-059 Essential, a professional 14” Full HD laptop, with a narrow bezel display. It features an 8^th generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16 GB of RAM and a 500 GB SSD. It’s also packed with a dedicated Nvidia GTX MX150 graphics card, that’s going to help you in your occasional use of design and rendering software. The PS42 comes with the Windows 10 Professional operating system.

This machine offers a great compromise between screen size and portability. That’s why we thought it’s so good for the DJ lifestyle. Other than the powerful specs, it includes a fingerprint reader and two USB Type-C ports, for connecting any kind of external device you might need. The value for the price is pretty high with this one, so you can’t go wrong with the purchase.