Frequently, people ask me what kind of computer they should buy for various purposes. In most cases, your choice is dictated by the software you need to run.
By knowing the software, you can quickly identify the computer model, the amount of storage and RAM, and the minimum CPU requirements.
The best laptop for podcasting will also depend on what type of software you use, and I will cover that in this post as well.
I want to suggest a few things.
The MacBook Air is generally the best laptop for podcasting. The myth that podcasting requires a powerful computer is untrue.
Using a laptop microphone is essential for producing the best podcast episodes. Software for sound editing must also be installed on the laptop.
Our team has been testing some of the best MacBooks on the market, with podcasting in mind. Having deliberated for quite some time, we handpicked our top 5 favorites to review today.
Our buying guide will highlight some of the key things to consider before buying, as we understand that choosing one can be somewhat tricky.
Next, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the topic.
List Of Best Macbook For Podcasting In 2023
Apple MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2022)
Despite its small size, this 13-inch laptop once seemed like a powerhouse. Moreover, you won’t notice any latency in your podcast recordings with specs like this, which is handy if you plan on going live at some point. Our buying guide contains more information on latency specs.
In addition to its great features, the MacBook Pro also has a few others. It is featuring an amazing integrated graphics card, a Full HD screen, and 20-hour battery life.
As a general rule, Apple products are more expensive than their Windows OS counterparts. In any case, if you really want to use GarageBand, there aren’t many options.
Due to its awesome features, I have included it in my list of the best MacBooks for podcasting
Macbook Air 2022
The 2022 MacBook Air features a completely redesigned chassis that does away with the tapered design that has characterized previous models. Similar to the MacBook Pro, the MacBook Air features a uniform, flat body.
With a thickness of 11.3mm and a weight of 2.7 pounds, the MacBook Air is a bit thinner than the previous-generation MacBook Air. The new model measures 11.97 inches wide by 8.46 inches tall, which is about the same as the previous generation.
In addition to being lightweight and thin, this laptop is ideal for podcasters.
Apple MacBook Air (13inch)
Apple’s MacBook Pro 14 makes an excellent workstation. There is an M2 Pro and M2 Max SoC that can handle nearly any type of workload, including 3D rendering and video editing.
Under load, there is minimal throttling, and while the keyboard does get a little hot, the fans don’t get too loud.
This notebook includes a full-size HDMI, SD card reader, and USB-Cs with Thunderbolt 4 support, making large file transfers a breeze. Except for the battery, you cannot replace any components, and this is best for podcasting
MacBook Pro 16 inch
The M2 Pro or M2 Max MacBook Pro 16-inch is the most premium MacBook Pro money can buy. You’ve only dreamed of features like this in content creation machines, but these are Apple’s top-of-the-line laptops.
Here, professionals get more than just 21-hour battery life and brilliant performance. It is the best laptop screen we have ever used, with its large Liquid Retina XDR display.
As well as the numerous ports, the device has proven to be indispensable.
Buying Guide: Best Laptop For Podcasting
CPU:
Make sure your laptop has a good CPU before you buy it for podcasting. For podcasters, this is the most important spec since it determines how well your laptop will handle audio files. Ideally, you should choose a model with an Intel Core i-series processor or an equivalent.
GPU:
Before buying a laptop, you should make sure it has a GPU built-in since not all CPUs have one. It is essential to have a good GPU in order to render your videos and export your files without errors and long wait times.
Podcasting doesn’t require a powerful graphics card, but editing video files will do well with one. You should make sure your laptop has a good GPU if you plan to do a lot of video editing.
RAM:
A podcasting process can consume a lot of memory, mainly when several files are being recorded and edited simultaneously. Make sure your laptop has enough RAM so that it doesn’t freeze or slow down every time you perform a complex task. The more RAM you have, the more flexibility you will have when editing and producing podcasts.
For podcasting, you will also need at least 8GB of RAM. This will ensure your computer will be able to handle multiple programs and audio files without lagging.
Storage:
You’ll also need a laptop with plenty of storage space. Whenever you work with large audio or video files, this will come in handy. For most podcasters, 512GB of storage should be sufficient.
You will experience faster transfer speeds if you use an SSD (Solid State Drive). When you have to wait for files to load or export in-between steps, the speed of your storage medium can affect the entire production process.
Display:
Especially when editing video files, podcasting can be a visually intensive process. You’ll need an HD display on your laptop for your podcasts to be compatible with video footage and graphics. In your search for the best laptop for podcasting, make sure it has at least a 1080p resolution or higher.
A touchscreen display is also a good choice. When editing video files or controlling your laptop with gestures, this will come in handy.
Ports:
In spite of the fact that you may not need many ports on your laptop, having at least one USB port is essential. Plugging in your microphone or attaching other peripherals such as speakers or headphones will be useful. Additionally, you will need an HDMI port so that you can connect the laptop to a monitor for editing videos.
Connectivity:
Ensure that your laptop has a good Wi-Fi connection and Bluetooth capability. By doing this, you will be able to quickly transfer files between devices and streamline your podcasting workflow.
Ensure that your laptop has good connectivity options. When you’re podcasting on the go, this will be important. To connect to networks and devices easily, look for models with 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Battery Life:
A laptop with a battery life of at least seven hours is ideal for podcasting since it can be long and draining. If you record your podcast this way, you won’t have to worry about the battery running out in the middle of the recording.
Thus, the laptop should have good battery life since podcasting can take all day, so you won’t have to stop recording because the battery is low.