Selecting the best laptop for podcasting can be a daunting task, especially when there are countless models available in the market. As an avid podcast listener and aspiring podcaster myself, I understand the significance of having the right gear to produce high-quality content. In this laptop buying guide, we'll explore the essential features and specifications to consider when searching for the perfect podcasting laptop.
To bring you the best recommendations, I've reviewed an extensive laptop spreadsheet of recent releases, comparing specs and reviews from both professional and user-generated sources. I've narrowed down the top laptops based on specific requirements for podcasting, such as processing power, RAM, storage, and port selection, while also considering various price ranges. Whether you're recording solo, conducting interviews, or editing your episodes, the best laptop for podcast production should cater to your unique needs.
One of the key aspects to consider when choosing the best laptop for podcasting is the device's ability to handle multitasking, especially when it comes to audio editing software like Adobe Audition, Audacity, or GarageBand. A high-quality display and robust speakers are also valuable features for previewing video podcasts or monitoring audio levels. In addition, podcasters often require seamless connectivity for USB microphones, mixers, or audio interfaces, so having a variety of ports is essential. Keep these factors in mind as we delve into the world of podcasting laptops, helping you find the ideal fit for your creative endeavors.
Power up your podcasting with these processors
As a podcaster, your laptop is your most important tool, and choosing the right processor is crucial. Let's take a look at what's new in the laptop processor market and what you should consider when choosing the right one for your needs.
What's new in the laptop processor market?
Apple's ARM-based M1, M2, M2 Pro, and M2 Max system-on-chip modules have been gaining traction in the market with their exceptional single-core performance and battery life. AMD has captured 20% of the laptop CPU market, and there are plenty of notebooks with 6th-generation Ryzen CPUs. Recently, AMD has begun shipping the first batches of laptops equipped with its latest 7th-generation Ryzen processors. Intel's 13th-generation Core processors have already been released, but 12th-generation Core CPUs can still provide a lot of value, especially if you don't need cutting-edge performance.
How much CPU power do you need for podcasting?
While the CPU is important for audio processing, it's not as crucial as it was in the past. As long as you get a laptop with a recent processor from AMD or Intel with decent performance per watt, you'll be fine. For comparison purposes, I use Cinebench R23 to compare processors since it offers a good indication of single-core performance, which is vital for audio processing.
Are there any other considerations when choosing a processor?
If you're looking for a Windows laptop, I'd recommend going for H-series processors since they offer more power savings when working on battery, which is especially important if you're recording on the go. Ryzen models are best if you need a good battery life in a PC laptop.
How I rank processors by performance (benchmark scores)
If you want a fast laptop, look for one with an H-series processor. If you're on a budget, an U-series processor will do just fine. Here are my recommended processors for podcasting laptops by price range:
| Processor | Benchmark Score | Average Laptop Price |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum: i3-1115G4 | 1500 | $400 – $600 |
| Recommended: i5-1135G7 | 2000 | $700 – $1000 |
| High-end: i7-11370H | 2800 | $1200 – $2000 |
In conclusion, when it comes to choosing the right processor for podcasting, focus on getting a recent processor from AMD or Intel with decent performance per watt. If you're looking for a Windows laptop, go for H-series processors for better power savings when working on battery. And remember, while the CPU is important for audio processing, it's not as crucial as it was in the past.
Picture Perfect: Choosing a Graphics Card for Podcasting
If you're in the market for a laptop for podcasting, you may be wondering about the importance of a dedicated graphics card. Let's break it down.
First off, the laptop GPU market has seen some changes recently. Nvidia's RTX 40 series cards have been released, but the majority of laptops still use the RTX 30 series. Additionally, desktop GPUs have become much more power-hungry, widening the gap between laptop and desktop graphics performance.
However, for podcasting purposes, a dedicated graphics card is not necessary. Integrated graphics are more than enough for recording, editing, and encoding audio. If you're looking for a MacBook for podcasting, then you don't need to worry about the GPU at all – it's not even an option.
That being said, a GPU can speed up some tasks, such as video encoding or 3D rendering. If you're considering a Windows laptop with a discrete GPU, you don't need to go overboard with a high-end graphics card. A mid-range option such as the GeForce RTX 3050 would be more than sufficient.
Here are some recommended GPUs and their expected price ranges depending on the laptop price bracket:
| Laptop Price Bracket | Minimum | Recommended | High-end |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (<$600) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mid-range ($600-$1000) | GeForce GTX 1650 ($150-$250) | GeForce RTX 3050 ($300-$500) | GeForce RTX 2060 ($600-$800) |
| High-end ($1000+) | GeForce GTX 1650 ($150-$250) | GeForce RTX 3050 ($300-$500) | GeForce RTX 2060 ($600-$800) |
When comparing different models of GPUs, I prefer to use GPU-Z for its user-friendly interface. If you're looking for a gaming laptop, it might be worth considering a model with an Nvidia Max-Q chip. These chips offer better performance while maintaining longer battery life than regular Nvidia chips; however, they do not deliver the same performance as their full-power counterparts.
In summary, a dedicated graphics card is not necessary for podcasting, but it can speed up some tasks. A mid-range option such as the GeForce RTX 3050 would be more than enough for most users, while those looking for high-end performance may want to consider the GeForce RTX 2060.
RAM-up Your Podcasting Game: How Much Memory Do You Need?
When it comes to podcasting, having the right amount and type of RAM in your laptop is crucial. Most mid-range laptops come with 16 GB of RAM, while high-end laptops may have 32 GB or more. However, podcasting is a memory-intensive task, and it's not uncommon to need 16 GB of RAM for a single machine just to keep multiple audio files in memory at the same time.
When shopping for a laptop for podcasting, it's important to consider not only how much RAM you need but also the speed of the RAM. DDR5 is the latest and greatest, but it's still quite expensive and not yet widely available. In fact, most laptops on the market today still use DDR4 memory. DDR5 will eventually become the standard, but it needs time to mature as a technology.
Aside from the amount and type of RAM, other specs to consider are latency, frequency, and CL timings. These factors can greatly affect the performance of your laptop. If you're looking for the best performance possible, look for a laptop with DDR5 or even DDR5X memory. However, keep in mind that these laptops will likely come with a higher price tag.
If you're on a budget, you may need to choose between a high-end CPU and a lot of RAM or a high-end GPU and less than 32 GB of RAM. It's important to prioritize your needs and budget accordingly.
In summary, for podcasting, we recommend a minimum of 16 GB of RAM, with 32 GB being the recommended amount for most users. If you're a power user, consider opting for 64 GB of RAM. Remember to consider other specs such as frequency and latency when making your purchase decision. While DDR5 is the latest and greatest, it's not yet necessary to have and comes at a higher cost.
Podcasting laptops: Clearing the air.
Q: What is the best laptop for podcasting?
It depends on your budget and specific needs, but for a medium-priced option, we recommend the MSI Summit E13. If you're looking for a high-end option, consider the MSI Titan GT77 12UHS-064.
What specs does a laptop need for podcasting?
For a smooth experience, we recommend at least an i5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a dedicated graphics card, such as the GeForce GTX 1650. However, if you're doing more demanding tasks, like live streaming or video editing, consider going for a higher-end option with an i7 processor, 32GB or more of RAM, and a more powerful graphics card, like the GeForce RTX 3050.
Can you use any laptop for podcasting?
Technically, yes, but it's not recommended. Without sufficient specs, your laptop may struggle with running the necessary software and hardware for podcasting, leading to frustrating lag or performance issues.
How much RAM do you need for podcasting on a laptop?
At least 16GB of RAM is recommended for a seamless podcasting experience. However, if you plan on doing more demanding tasks simultaneously, like live streaming or editing video or audio, we suggest going for a laptop with 32GB or more of RAM.
What is the best processor for podcasting on a laptop?
For a minimum requirement, the i3-1115G4 should suffice. However, if you want a smoother experience, go for an i5-1135G7 or even an i7-11370H for more demanding tasks like live streaming or editing.
What is the best microphone for podcasting with a laptop?
There are many options available, but we recommend the Blue Yeti USB mic for its excellent quality and versatility.
What is the best recording software for podcasting on a laptop?
Again, there are many options available, but we recommend Audacity or GarageBand for their user-friendliness and robust features.
Can you record podcasts on a Chromebook laptop?
Yes, it's possible, but you'll need to use web-based recording software and ensure that your Chromebook has sufficient specs for smooth performance.
What are the minimum laptop requirements for podcasting?
At a minimum, we recommend a laptop with an i3-1115G4 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a dedicated graphics card, like the GeForce GTX 1650.
How to choose a laptop for podcasting?
Consider your budget, specific needs, and the recommended specs for podcasting. Look for laptops with at least an i5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a dedicated graphics card. If you plan on doing more demanding tasks simultaneously, like live streaming or editing, go for a laptop with higher-end specs, like an i7 processor, 32GB or more of RAM, and a more powerful graphics card, like the GeForce RTX 3050. Also, don't forget to consider factors like microphone quality and recording software compatibility.
7 Best Laptops for podcasting
1.ASUS Zenbook
ASUS Zenbook is a powerful and portable laptop for podcasting, but with a few drawbacks.- Excellent battery life
- Fast processor
- Lightweight and portable
- Sleek design
- Soldered RAM that cannot be expanded
- Weak Wi-Fi
- Limited ports
- Annoying fan behavior at times
Summary
The ASUS Zenbook 14 is a compact, lightweight and powerful laptop that is good for podcasting. The laptop has a fast processor and excellent battery life. However, it has a few drawbacks, such as a weak Wi-Fi, limited ports, and soldered RAM that cannot be expanded.
Reviews
Alternatives
HP Victus 15
- Provides decent gaming performance
- Good productivity performance
- Display and webcam quality could be better
- Comes with too much pre-installed software
2.HP Victus 15
HP Victus 15 is a budget-friendly laptop for basic podcasting needs.- Good gaming performance
- Affordable price
- Decent CPU options
- Solid array of ports
- Bad battery life
- Plain design
Summary
The HP Victus 15 is a great option for podcasters who are looking for an affordable laptop with decent performance. While it may not have the best battery life or a flashy design, the laptop can still handle high-end titles and other basic tasks.
Alternatives
Lenovo Legion 5 17.3
- Decent gaming performance
- Sufficient amount of ports
- Short battery life
- Small touchpad
3.MSI Summit E13
MSI Summit E13: A powerful and sleek laptop for podcasting, but with some minor flaws.- Large battery with respectable runtimes
- Great CPU and GPU performance
- Bright display with high contrast
- PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD support
- Slow display response times, noticeable ghosting
- Servicing requires breaking a factory seal sticker
- High core temperatures when under load
Summary
The MSI Summit E13 offers powerful CPU and GPU performance, a large battery with respectable runtimes, and a bright display with high contrast. Its sleek and luxurious design is eye-catching, but there are some minor drawbacks like slow display response times, servicing requiring breaking a factory seal sticker, and high core temperatures when under load.
Reviews
Alternatives
Dell G15
- High CPU and GPU performance
- Illuminated keyboard
- Dark display poor in contrast
- Low color space coverage
4.Lenovo Legion 5 Pro
Powerful and efficient, but not without tradeoffs for podcasters.- High quality 165 Hz 16:10 IPS display
- Relatively easy serviceability
- Integrated numpad
- Very fast charging
- Low resolution webcam with no IR or privacy shutter
- Very warm CPUGPU temperatures when gaming
- Moderate-heavy uneven backlight bleeding
- Only average battery life
Summary
The Lenovo Legion 5 Pro has a 16-inch display with a 165 Hz refresh rate, easy serviceability, and fast charging capabilities. However, it lacks a high-quality webcam and has below-average battery life.
Reviews
Alternatives
ASUS TUF F15 FX507ZM-ES74
- Faster than most other GeForce RTX 3060 laptops
- 300 Hz IPS panel w full sRGB coverage
- Chassis base and lid exhibit some flexing
- No per-key RGB lighting
5.GIGABYTE AORUS 15 XE4
The GIGABYTE AORUS 15 XE4 is a powerful and versatile laptop that excels in both gaming and non-gaming applications.- Highly responsive 165Hz panel with wide colour gamut
- High system performance with PCIe 4.0 SSD
- Free M.2 2280 slot (PCIe 4.0)
- Individual key lighting and Thunderbolt 4 with Power Delivery
- High power usage at idle and low load
- No card reader
- Only
Summary
The GIGABYTE AORUS 15 XE4 is a 15.6-inch compact gaming laptop that boasts impressive performance and accommodates two PCIe 4.0 SSDs. It features a highly responsive 165Hz panel, a wide colour gamut, individual key lighting, solid battery life, and Thunderbolt 4 with Power Delivery.
Reviews
Alternatives
ASUS ROG Strix G15 G513RM
- Fair design and solid build quality
- Good inputs and IO
- Some quirks affecting everyday ergonomics
- No ThunderboltUSB 4, card-reader, camera or biometrics
6.ASUS ROG Strix Scar
Powerful gaming laptop but not ideal for podcasters.- Sturdy construction
- Fast Wi-Fi 6E
- Excellent response times and no PWM
- Wide color gamut coverage with Dolby Vision support
- Limited display angle
- High heat and noise emissions under load
- Battery backup could have been better
Summary
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 is a great laptop for gamers with its Core i9-12900H and RTX 3070 Ti, but it falls short for podcasters due to the limited display angle and high heat and noise emissions under load.
Reviews
Alternatives
Acer Predator Triton 500
- High performance capabilities
- Excellent, bright 240-Hz display
- Soldered-in RAM
- Inaccessible SSD
7.MSI Titan GT77 12UHS-064
The MSI Titan GT77 is a powerful laptop for podcasting, but it comes at a steep price.- Bright and high-quality 4K display
- Powerful system performance for video editing and rendering
- Multiple RAM and SSD slots for expandability
- Quality speakers and mechanical keyboard
- Very expensive and heavy
- No Advanced Optimus or Power Delivery
- Loud fan noise under load
- Only a HD webcam and slow memory card reader.
Summary
The MSI Titan GT77 is a beast of a laptop with top-notch specs, including a 4K display, Core i9-12900HX processor, and GeForce RTX 3080 Ti graphics card. It's perfect for podcasters who need a high-performing machine for editing and rendering, but it's also very expensive and bulky.
Reviews
Alternatives
HP OMEN 17t
- Superb processor (i9-13900HX)
- Exceptional graphics card (RTX 4090)
- Bulky (6.18 lbs)
Table of the Best Laptops for podcasting
| Laptop | Price (approx) |
| ASUS Zenbook | $640 |
| HP Victus 15 | $880 |
| MSI Summit E13 | $1,140 |
| Lenovo Legion 5 Pro | $1,350 |
| GIGABYTE AORUS 15 XE4 | $1,600 |
| ASUS ROG Strix Scar | $2,310 |
| MSI Titan GT77 12UHS-064 | $4,000 |
