It can be tricky to find the best laptop for podcasting since there are so many factors to consider. From audio software and plugins to sound quality, battery life, and storage capacity, there are a lot of things that should be taken into account before selecting the right laptop. To make this process easier, this article will provide you with ten top options that have all the features you need for recording podcasts successfully in 2023. With options ranging from budget laptops to more expensive gaming laptops, we’ve got something here no matter your personal preference or multimedia project. Read on to find out which laptop is the best fit for you!
Related Article: Best Podcast Equipment For Any Budget (Beginners & Pros)
10 Laptop Requirements for Podcasting
The best laptop for podcasting depends on a variety of factors such as the type of CPU, graphics card, RAM, screen size and resolution, storage capacity, operating system, battery, weight, and more. To ensure that your chosen laptop meets all your needs without breaking the bank it is important to consider each factor in its entirety. First, selecting a laptop with a powerful CPU will help make sure that audio editing and production processes run smoothly without draining too much battery. Additionally, the operating system (OS) should be taken into account; Windows is the most popular option but there are also versions available for macOS and Linux depending on which products you plan to use in your setup.
When choosing a laptop for podcasting it is also important to consider editing capabilities as well as fingerprint and face recognition technology. A digital audio workstation (DAW) with multi-track recording, mixing tools, effects plugins, and video editing features will give you the ability to create high-quality podcasts. Furthermore, having a laptop with a fingerprint reader or facial recognition technology enables quick, secure access without needing to enter long passwords every time. Ultimately, by understanding all the various requirements of podcasting you can select the best laptop for your needs no matter what your budget may be.
Processor
When deciding on a laptop for podcasting, it is important to consider the processor. Since podcasting involves multitasking with audio tools and plugins, as well as editing and recording multiple audio tracks at once, you will need a high speed processor that can handle all of these tasks. The minimum recommendation is an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor; however, if you are looking for something more powerful, then an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 multi core processor would be best.
RAM
Random Access Memory (RAM) plays an important role in a laptop for podcasting. Generally speaking, the more RAM you have, the better. At a minimum, 8GB of RAM is recommended for basic podcasting tasks such as recording and editing audio; however, if you are looking to do more intensive work such as running multiple editing software or plugins at once or creating music with your podcasts then 16GB of RAM would be ideal. Additionally, having more RAM can also help speed up other tasks on your laptop such as photo editing and video streaming.
SSD Storage
Storage is also an important factor to consider when selecting a laptop for podcasting. You will need enough storage space to save all your recordings, audio files, music, and other media. The ideal option would be an SSD (Solid State Drive) as it will provide faster read and write speeds compared to an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). However, if you are on a budget then an internal storage hard drive might suffice as long as it has plenty of space. Additionally, if you don’t have the budget for either of these options then look out for cloud storage services that offer free or low-cost plans so that you can store your podcasts in the cloud rather than on your device.
Display
The display of your laptop is also important for podcasting. A good HD (High Definition) display will ensure that you have a clear picture when editing audio, creating an HD video or watching podcasts. Additionally, having an external monitor can be advantageous as it allows you to have a dual-screen setup so that you can easily view multiple windows at once or watch podcasts on one screen while working on the other. Furthermore, if you are looking to do video podcasts then having an HD display is essential to produce high-quality videos with crisp images and vibrant colors. Lastly, look out for features such as anti-glare technology which can help reduce eyestrain when working for longer periods of time.
Keyboard and Trackpad
The keyboard and trackpad of your laptop are also important factors to consider when selecting the best laptop for podcasting. A backlit keyboard can be particularly useful in allowing you to work in low light conditions, as well as making it easier to find specific keys such as hotkeys used for audio editing. Additionally, having a comfortable and responsive trackpad will make navigation easier while recording or editing audio. Furthermore, if your laptop has additional features such as shortcut keys or macro keys then it may provide an even more efficient workflow. Lastly, look out for additional features such as palm rejection technology which can help reduce accidental mouse clicks caused by resting your palms on the trackpad while working.
Ports and Connectivity
Having ample ports and connectivity options is also important when selecting a laptop for podcasting. The USB Type C port is becoming increasingly common, as they allow you to connect multiple external devices such as keyboards, headsets, and microphones quickly and easily. Additionally, having multiple USB ports will give you more flexibility in terms of connecting other external devices like cameras or music equipment. Furthermore, having an HDMI port will allow you to connect your laptop to a larger monitor or projector for presentations or streaming. Lastly, look out for additional features such as Bluetooth 4.0 which can allow you to wirelessly connect external devices without the hassle of cables.
Battery Life
Battery life is a key consideration when selecting the best laptop for podcasting. While most laptops can easily handle one hour raw audio recording without draining too much battery, you should look out for models with an impressive battery life that can last at least 8 hours when used for general tasks such as surfing the internet or streaming media. Furthermore, if you plan to record podcasts on the go then having a laptop with a good battery life will be essential in ensuring that you don’t run out of power mid-recording. Additionally, some laptops also come with features such as rapid charging which can drastically reduce your charging time and get your laptop back up to full power in no time.
Operating System
The operating system of your laptop is also an important factor to consider when selecting the best laptop for podcasting. Windows is the most popular choice for podcasting due to its wide range of audio editing and recording software, as well as its compatibility with many external devices. Additionally, macOS can be a great option if you are looking to use Apple products such as iPhones or iPads in your podcast setup. Both Windows and macOS come with their own versions of audio editing software that have varying levels of features and capabilities which can make it easier to create high-quality podcasts. If you plan on using Linux then there are several options available such as Audacity that offer powerful features despite being free or low-cost. Ultimately, whichever OS you select should depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Audio And Video Editing
For podcasting enthusiasts, having a laptop with powerful editing capabilities is essential. A digital audio workstation (DAW) is the recording program used for creating and editing audio on your computer, as well as creating new projects from existing raw recordings. DAWs typically come with features such as multi-track recording which allow you to record multiple audio tracks simultaneously, mixing tools that help you combine different elements of sound into one cohesive track and effects plugins that can be added to create unique sounds or musical compositions. Additionally, some DAWs also come with built-in video editing tools so you can use them to create videos along with podcasts. Ultimately, having a laptop with powerful audio and video editing capabilities will enable you to create higher-quality podcasts and videos.
Fingerprint Reader
The fingerprint reader is becoming an increasingly popular feature on laptops, as it adds an extra layer of security and convenience. With a fingerprint reader, you can create a secure password to protect your laptop from unwanted access while still being able to quickly and easily unlock your device with the touch of your finger. Additionally, some laptops also come with facial recognition technology which can recognize your face even in low light or other challenging conditions. This makes accessing audio tracks, editing projects, and recording podcasts much easier. It is important to note that the accuracy and speed at which these technologies operate will differ depending on the make and model of the laptop, so be sure to do your research before committing to a purchase.
The 10 Best Laptops For Podcasting In 2023
1. Apple MacBook Pro – Most Powerful Laptop For Podcasting
Specifications |
|
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5-8th Gen |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Plus Graphics |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Screen | 13.3-inch 2560×1600 Retina with True Tone display |
| Storage | 256GB SSD |
| OS | Mac OS |
| Battery Life | up to 10 hours |
| Weight | 5.99 lbs |
Our Verdict
With its 8th generation Intel Core i5 processor, Intel Iris Plus graphics card, 8GB of RAM, 256GB SSD capacity, and 13.3-inch Retina display with True Tone technology, the MacBook Pro offers superior performance and reliable visuals. Additionally, this laptop comes preinstalled with macOS which gives you access to hundreds of audio and video editing apps as well as compatibility with other Apple devices like iPhones and iPads. This makes it incredibly convenient to record podcasts on your mobile device while still having the power of a full-fledged laptop to edit them later. Overall, the Apple MacBook Pro is an ideal laptop for podcasting on a budget and is highly recommended for those looking to create professional-level podcasts.
2. Dell XPS 15 – Best Laptop for Podcast and Video Editing
Specifications |
|
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i7-9750H |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 (4GB) |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Screen | 15.6-inch 3850×2160 4K UHD InfinityEdge Touch display |
| Storage | 1TB SSD |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Battery Life | up to 8 hours |
| Weight | 5.50 lbs |
Our Verdict
The Dell XPS 15 features an Intel Core i7-9750H processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card with 4GB of GDDR5 VRAM, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, 1TB SSD capacity, and a 15.6-inch 4K UHD InfinityEdge Touch display offering full HD resolution. Additionally, the Dell XPS offers up to 8 hours of battery life on a single charge making it perfect for prolonged recording sessions as well as audio editing tasks. The laptop also comes preloaded with Windows 10 which gives you access to hundreds of editing apps that are compatible with the powerful processor and graphics card. If you are looking for a laptop with superior specs and a extended battery life, the Dell XPS 15 is an excellent choice.
3. Microsoft Surface Pro 6 – Best Laptop For Photo Editing
Specifications |
|
|---|---|
| CPU | i5-8250U / i7-8650U |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 620 (i5) / Intel UHD Graphics 620 (i7) |
| RAM | 8GB or 16GB RAM |
| Screen | 12.3” PixelSenseTM Display Resolution: 2736 x 1824 (267 PPI) Aspect ratio: 3:2 Touch: 10 point multi-touch |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Battery Life | Up to 13.5 hours |
| Weight | i5: 1.70 lbs / i7: 1.73 lbs |
Our Verdict
The Microsoft Surface Pro 6 is a great laptop for podcasting enthusiasts looking to maximize their screen space without sacrificing performance. This laptop boasts an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, Intel UHD 620 graphics card, 8GB or 16GB of RAM, 128GB to 1TB of storage capacity, and a 12.3-inch PixelSenseTM display with a resolution of 2736 x 1824 and a 3:2 aspect ratio. Additionally, this laptop offers up to 13.5 hours of productivity on a single charge making it ideal for long recording sessions as well as audio and video editing tasks. The Windows 10 operating system gives you access to hundreds of apps and programs even more suited for editing. Whether you’re looking to edit photos on the go, or create professional-level podcasts in the studio, the Microsoft Surface Pro 6 can be a great companion. With its stunning screen and powerful specs, this laptop will help you make the most out of your display while still producing excellent results.
4. HP Spectre X360 – Best Laptop For Audio Editing
Specifications |
|
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel® Core i5-8250U |
| Graphics | Intel® UHD Graphics 620 |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Screen | 13.3″ diagonal FHD IPS WLED-backlit touch screen (1920 x 1080) |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Battery Life | up to 15 hours |
| Weight | 4.81 lbs |
Our Verdict
The HP Spectre X360 boasts an Intel Core i5-8250U processor, Intel UHD 620 graphics card, 16GB of RAM, 512GB SSD capacity and a 13.3-inch FHD IPS WLED-backlit touch screen with full HD resolution. Additionally, this laptop offers up to 15 hours of battery life on a single charge making it perfect for recording podcasts or adding sound effects in post-production without worrying about running out of juice. The advanced audio signal processing allows you to create professional-quality recordings as well as edit existing audio with ease. Furthermore, the Windows 10 operating system gives you access to hundreds of compatible apps and programs for music and audio editing. If you are looking for a laptop with superior specs, great battery life, and advanced audio signal processing capabilities then the HP Spectre X360 is an excellent choice. With its powerful processor and graphics card, this laptop will help you take your podcasting or audio production to the next level.
5. Acer Swift X – Best Laptop For Podcast Recording
Specifications |
|
|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Lucienne Ryzen 7 5700U CPU |
| Graphics | AMD Vega + GTX 1650 (35W) |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| Screen | 14-inch, 16:9 format, 1920 x 1080 px, IPS, matte, non-touch |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Battery Life | 58 watt-hour battery |
| Weight | 3.31 lbs |
Our Verdict
This powerful device is equipped with an AMD Lucienne Ryzen 7 5700U CPU, AMD Vega + GTX 1650 graphics card, 16 GB RAM, and 512GB SSD capacity. Additionally, it features a 14-inch full HD IPS display with a matte finish and non-touch functionality. The 58-watt-hour battery allows you to record your podcast for hours and the Windows 10 operating system gives you access to hundreds of compatible apps and programs for audio production and editing. What’s more, this laptop also features a headphone jack that enables you to connect your headphones or microphone for professional-level recordings. Whether you want to create high-quality podcasts from scratch or edit audio, the Acer Swift X is an excellent choice. With its powerful specs, long battery life, and headphone jack you will be able to take your podcasting game to the next level. Plus, its lightweight and portable design makes it easy to carry around with you wherever you go.
6. Apple MacBook Air – Most Lightweight Laptop For Podcasting
Specifications |
|
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i3-10th Gen |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Plus Graphics |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Screen | 13.3-inch Retina with True Tone display |
| Storage | 256GB SSD |
| OS | Mac OS |
| Battery Life | up to 11 hours |
| Weight | 5.24 lbs |
Our Verdict
This lightweight device has an Intel Core i3-10th Gen processor, Intel Iris Plus Graphics, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD capacity. Furthermore, it features a 13.3-inch Retina with True Tone display which provides accurate colors and sharp visuals while recording. Additionally, this laptop offers up to 11 hours of productivity on a single charge making it perfect for long podcasts or audio editing sessions without worrying about running out of juice. The Mac OS operating system gives you access to hundreds of compatible apps and programs for music and audio production as well as powerful sound mixing tools such as GarageBand. With its lightweight design and powerful specs, the Apple MacBook Air is an ideal choice for podcasting on a budget. Plus, its long battery life and robust audio signal processing capabilities make it the perfect laptop for recording your next podcast episode.
7. Microsoft Surface Pro 7 – Most Portable Laptop For Podcast Editing
Specifications |
|
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5-1035G |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Plus Graphics |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Screen | 12.3-inch 2736×1824 FHD LCD |
| Storage | 256GB SSD |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Battery Life | up to 11 hours |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs |
Our Verdict
The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is an excellent laptop for podcast editing. It’s incredibly lightweight at just 1.7 lbs, making it easy to carry around with you wherever you go. Plus, its 12.3-inch 2736×1824 FHD LCD display and Intel Iris Plus Graphics provide impressive visuals, so you can accurately monitor your audio recordings or edit them in real-time. Furthermore, this device has an Intel Core i5-1035G processor and 8GB of RAM which gives it plenty of power for tackling all kinds of audio recording and editing tasks. Additionally, its 256GB SSD storage provides ample space to store music files and audio recordings as well as any other documents or software needed for podcasting production. Finally, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 offers up to 11 hours of battery life for recording long podcasts or editing audio throughout the day without having to worry about recharging. All in all, this is an excellent laptop for podcasting on a budget and its portability makes it one of the best laptops for podcasting.
8. Microsoft Surface Book 2 – Best Budget Laptop For Podcasting
Specifications |
|
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel® Core™ i5-7300U |
| Graphics | Intel® HD Graphics 620 integrated GPU |
| RAM | 8GB or 16GB |
| Screen | 13.5” PixelSense™ Display |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Battery Life | Up to 17 hours of video playback |
| Weight | 3.38 lbs |
Our Verdict
The Microsoft Surface Book 2 features an Intel® Core™ i5-7300U processor and integrated Intel® HD Graphics 620 GPU, making it powerful enough to handle multiple audio production tasks at once. Its 13.5” PixelSense™ Display provides accurate visuals while editing or monitoring audio recordings, so you can rest assured that your podcast sounds great before you release it to the world. Additionally, this laptop comes with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage capacity, allowing you to store all music files, audio recordings, and other documents needed for producing podcasts in one place. Furthermore, this laptop has a good battery life of up to 17 hours of video playback and a lightweight design of only 3.38 lbs, so you can record podcasts or edit audio on the go without having to worry about running out of power. All in all, the Microsoft Surface Book 2 is an excellent choice for podcasting enthusiasts looking for a powerful laptop that won’t break the bank. Its impressive specs and long battery life make it perfect for recording or editing podcasts anytime, anywhere.
9. Lenovo IdeaPad 3 – Best Laptop For Podcasting Under $500
Specifications |
|
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i3-8145U |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Screen | 15.6-inch 1366×768 HD Anti-glare display |
| Storage | 128GB SSD |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Battery Life | up to 8 hours |
| Weight | 4 lbs |
Our Verdict
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 packs an Intel Core i3-8145U processor and an Intel UHD card for impressive performance, allowing you to multitask between audio recordings, editing, and production tasks with ease. The 15.6-inch 1366×768 HD Anti-glare display offers great visuals, so you can monitor your recording sessions or edit audio in real-time accurately. Additionally, this laptop has 8GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD storage capacity, providing ample space to store music files and audio recordings as well as any other documents or software needed for podcasting production. Moreover, it has a battery life of up to 8 hours which allows for marathon recording sessions or extended audio editing without having to worry about recharging. Finally, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 weighs just 4 lbs and is highly portable, making it an ideal laptop for podcasting on the go. All in all, this laptop offers great value at a budget-friendly price and makes an excellent choice for anyone looking to get started with podcasting.
10. HP Envy 13 – Great Budget Laptop For Podcasting
Specifications |
|
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i7-8565U |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce MX250 (2GB) |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Screen | 13.3-inch 3850×2160 4K UHD IPS Touch display |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Battery Life | up to 12 hours |
| Weight | 2.6 lbs |
Our Verdict
The HP Envy 13 is a great budget laptop for podcasting, offering impressive specs and features. It has an Intel Core i7-8565U processor and an NVIDIA GeForce MX250 (2GB) graphics card which ensures smooth performance when editing audio or monitoring recordings. Plus, its 13.3-inch 3850×2160 4K UHD IPS Touch display provides stunning visuals while producing podcasts, so you can rest assured that your work sounds great. Additionally, this laptop comes with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage capacity, providing ample space to store music files and other documents needed for podcasting production. Moreover, it has a battery life of up to 12 hours which makes it ideal for recording podcasts on the go or editing audio files without worrying about running out of power. Finally, the HP Envy 13 is lightweight and highly portable at 2.6 lbs, making it an excellent option for podcasting enthusiasts who prefer to work on the move.
Conclusion
There is no one-size-fits-all laptop for podcasting. Depending on your budget and needs, any of the laptops reviewed in this guide could make a great choice. When looking for the best laptop for podcasting, make sure to consider specs such as CPU and graphics card performance, RAM capacity, storage size, good battery, weight, and screen resolution. Think about what kind of podcasting projects you plan to take on and choose the laptop that offers the features necessary to get the job done.
Many of these laptops come with powerful processors and NVIDIA graphics cards, so you can rest assured that your audio recordings will sound great. Additionally, some offer plenty of RAM capacity and large storage sizes, making it easy to store music files as well as other documents needed for podcast production. Furthermore, most have long battery lives of up to 12 hours which makes them ideal for recording or editing podcasts when away from home without having to worry about running out of power. Finally, the weight of these laptops ranges from 2-4 lbs, making them highly portable and great for podcasting on the go. All in all, each laptop reviewed in this guide offers excellent value at a budget-friendly price and makes a great choice for any aspiring podcaster looking to get started with podcasting.
It’s also important that you ensure your new laptop can handle multiple tasks and audio applications like Adobe Audition or ProTools as well as editing files with audio tracks. With these tips in mind, you should be able to find a great laptop that meets all your podcasting needs at a price that fits within your budget.
FAQS
Does a podcasting laptop need an audio jack?
Yes, most laptops reviewed in this guide have a jack for connecting external microphones and headphones.
How much RAM do I need for podcasting?
8GB of RAM should be enough for basic recording and editing tasks. However, if you plan on recording multiple tracks or editing more complex audio tracks, 16GB of RAM is recommended.
Can I use a desktop computer for podcasting?
Yes, a desktop computer can still be used for podcasting. However, the lack of portability may be an issue if you’re looking to record or edit audio on the go.
Are USB-C connections necessary for podcasting?
Most laptops reviewed in this guide have at least one USB-C port for connecting accessories such as external hard drives or additional monitors.
Do I need a powerful graphics card for podcasting?
No, a powerful graphics card is not necessary for podcasting. However, if you plan on using intensive video editing software or streaming your podcasts online, then a more powerful graphics card will be helpful.
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