You can technically use any Mac to run Logic Pro X, but there is a big difference between any Mac and the best option out there. Knowing which Macs give you the best performance and possibilities will dramatically improve your audio production skills.
Higher-end Macs make the best choice because of the processing power and expanded RAM, storage, and other features they offer. Lower-end Macs can lead to glitches, slowdowns, and other issues that will hold you back.
I’ve been using Macs and Logic Pro X for decades and have first-hand experience using various machines to power the app. I know what features and capabilities to look for with Logic Pro X performance in mind.
This post will compare and contrast the best Macs for Logic Pro X. I’ll tell you why each Mac is great for use with the app and which option is best for various types of producers, musicians, and engineers.
Let’s get rolling.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- The Mac Studio and Mac Pro are two of the most capable Macs and work very well for a recording studio setup using a desktop computer.
- MacBook Pros with the M1 or M2 chip are the best Mac laptops to use with Logic Pro X. The MacBook Pro 16” is one of the fastest laptops around.
- Many Macs can be configured to have more features that can boost Logic Pro X performance, such as RAM, storage capacity, and processing power.
- You shouldn’t worry about the speakers of a Mac that much because you will connect it to studio monitors or headphones when using it for audio production.
According to Apple, you need to be running macOS 11.5 (Big Sur) or later to use Logic Pro X. Typically, the latest version of macOS is best for Logic Pro X. But sometimes Logic will take a few weeks to update to a new macOS and work out any bugs.
Is MacBook Air M1 or M2 enough for Logic Pro?
A MacBook Air M1/M2 can run Logic Pro. The new Apple processors are very fast and can run the app at full capacity. However, you might run into issues with larger projects concerning storage space and RAM.
Is Logic Pro worth getting a Mac for?
If you are looking for professional-level recording capabilities and want access to a user-friendly interface, Logic Pro is worth getting a Mac for. I’ve been more than pleased with Logic Pro and Macs, with over 15 years of experience using both.
Which MacBook is best for DAW?
The best MacBook for a DAW is the 16” MacBook Pro. This is the most capable laptop-style Mac that Apple offers, and you can equip it with many features that will assist you when using it for a DAW.
What Makes the Best Mac for Logic Pro X
There are a few important factors that you’ll want to keep in mind when looking for the best Mac for Logic Pro X.
CPU/Processing Power
One of the most important factors when choosing a Mac to use with Logic Pro X is processing power. And the more processing speed you have, the better equipped you’ll be for everything related to audio production.
Memory
Memory is another major consideration when choosing a Mac. And again, bigger is better with this in mind. To run a larger music project effectively, you’ll want at least 16GB of RAM and even more if you want to run a professional recording studio.
Storage Capacity
You also need to ensure you have enough space to store all the music and recordings you make, so storage capacity is another factor. You can always use external hard drives, but it’s nice to have plenty of storage already built into your Mac.
Desktop vs. Laptop
Desktop Macs like the Mac Studio and iMac are generally more powerful than laptops and are a good option for permanent recording studios. But laptop options like the MacBook Pro and Air are mobile and good for musicians or producers on the go.
The Best Macs for Logic Pro X Reviewed
Here are the five best Macs for Logic Pro X. Each option is a little different, so be sure to match your needs and preferences to those spelled out in the reviews below.
| Best Overall | MacBook Pro 16” |
| Best for Professional Studios | Mac Studio |
| Best Portability | MacBook Pro 14” |
| Best Desktop | iMac 24” |
| Best Budget Option | MacBook Air |
1. MacBook Pro 16” (Best Overall)
- Available with Apple M1 Pro or Max chip enabling up to 32-core GPU
- 10-core CPU with 8 performance cores
- Configurable up to 64GB memory
- Up to 8TB of storage available
My pick for the best overall Mac for Logic Pro X is the MacBook Pro 16”. This option is packed with features that musicians and producers of all kinds can take advantage of and is one of the most capable laptops Apple has ever released.
The M1 chip that now powers the MacBook lineup is at the heart of this performance. You can select the Apple M1 Pro or Max chips with the 16” MacBook Pro to take advantage of the impressive power that a 32-core GPU provides.
This MacBook Pro also comes with 16GB of memory standard, but you can configure that up to 64GB for reliable performance even when running extremely large projects. For the serious producer or engineer, that’s hard to beat.
With a 16-inch display, this isn’t the most portable option that Apple makes, but it’s still relatively compact, especially considering its capability. And if you get it fully equipped, you’ll pay a lot over the advertised price.
My verdict: The MacBook Pro 16” will meet or exceed the needs of nearly all musicians and producers looking to use Logic Pro X. It’s extremely capable and easy to travel with, making it a winning option all around.
2. Mac Studio (Best for Professional Studios)
- Most powerful Mac available and an excellent choice for professional studios
- M1 Ultra chip enables a 20-core CPU with an 800GB/s memory bandwidth
- Configurable up to 128GB memory and 8TB SSD storage
- Monitor/display not included and needs to be purchased separately
If you are a professional producer or engineer who wants the fastest and most powerful Mac available to run your Logic-based studio, the Mac Studio is the way to go. This is a super-capable option that comes with a range of benefits.
Enabling the Mac Studio with an Apple M1 Ultra chip will give you the best performance and technical capabilities of any Mac currently available. This mighty silicon chip gives you a 20-core CPU and 800/GBs memory bandwidth for uncompromised performance.
You can also expand its capabilities even further by configuring up to 128GB of unified memory to run music projects as large as you can imagine. And up to 8TB of SSD storage gives you plenty of room to store everything you create.
The only real downside of the Mac Studio is that it doesn’t come with a display, so you’ll need to purchase that separately. Depending on which monitor you choose, this can add quite a bit to the overall cost.
My Verdict: The Mac Studio is the best of the best in terms of performance and is the option to choose if you need ultimate capabilities. But it’s not as practical for the average musician or producer, especially those on a budget.
3. MacBook Pro 14” (Best Portability)
- Smaller 14” size is more portable than the 16” option
- Up to 10-core CPU with Apple M1 Pro Chip
- Configurable up to 64GB memory with M1 Max chip
- Long battery life of up to 17 hours helps with music production on the move
The MacBook Pro 14” is the most portable Mac for Logic Pro X that still gives you professional-level capabilities. This option rivals the 16” model but is more compact to make it easier to travel with.
The 14” is also more affordable than its bigger brother, and if you get it equipped with the M1 Pro chip, you’ll have a 10-core CPU at your fingertips to handle complex and extensive music and recording projects within Logic Pro X.
Other stand-out features include up to 64GB of memory with the M1 Max chip and storage options of up to 8TB. You will need to pay for these upgrades and only get 16GB of memory out of the gate.
This option isn’t quite as portable as the MacBook Air, but I still think it’s the best option for portability because you get a smaller size and enhanced capabilities. The battery life isn’t as long, especially when working with larger projects.
My Verdict: If you are a working musician or producer who likes to travel, this Mac will give you everything you need to stay productive and capable on the road.
4. iMac 24” (Best Desktop)
- Only stand-alone desktop Mac option currently available
- M1 chip and configurable for up to 16GB memory or 2TB storage
- Outstanding display performance and also includes a hi-fi speaker system with force-canceling woofers
- Not as performance-focused as other options but is a solid all-around desktop Mac
If you are looking for a desktop option to use with Logic Pro X, the iMac 24” is the go-to option. This is the only current stand-alone desktop Mac available, but it should meet the needs of the average musician and producer.
This one is equipped with the Apple M1 chip to deliver 8-core CPU performance and reliable speeds across the board. It also comes with 256GB or 512GB SSD storage, which can be configured up to 2TB if you want extra capacity.
The iMac display is pretty sweet, making it a good option for anyone who makes music for film. You get 4480-by-2520 resolution with 218 pixels per inch, giving you vivid colors and clarity across all 24 inches.
This Mac isn’t as performance-focused as most of the other options on the list, but it’s still capable. But I wouldn’t choose this Mac if you want more than 16GB of memory or the ability to record large projects easily.
My Verdict: This is the best option for anyone who wants a desktop Mac for their home studio. It’s a well-designed machine for working professionals but isn’t quite as capable from a technical perspective as other options on the list.
5. MacBook Air (Best Budget Option)
- Very lightweight and portable
- Most affordable Mac on the list
- M1 chip offers improved speeds and performance compared to other MacBook Air models
- Configurable up to 16GB memory and 2TB storage
The MacBooks Air has long been one of the most affordable Mac models, making it the best budget option if you want to use a Mac with Logic Pro X. This is a lightweight and easy to travel with option that could be ideal if you are always on the go.
Despite a smaller size and more affordable price tag, you still get quite a few features to assist your music production projects. An Apple M1 chip is a great foundation, giving you plenty of reliable speed and performance.
The base model MacBook Air only comes with 8GB memory and 256GB SSD storage. But you can upgrade these to 16GB and up to 2TB storage if you want to boost the capabilities of your machine to a more professional level.
Even with these configuration possibilities, you don’t get the same level of performance compared to the MacBook Pro or Mac Studio. But if you are just learning how to use Logic and are on a budget, the MacBook Air is a solid option.
My Verdict: A good Mac for the money that delivers reliable performance that doesn’t quite live up to professional-level capabilities. A solid option for beginners or any producers and musicians on a budget.
Final Thoughts
Getting a Mac computer is a must if you want to use Logic Pro X. And if you want to make the most out of the app, you’ll need to make sure you get one of the best Macs with performance and speed in mind.
The Mac options listed above are all solid and the best you can get your hands on with use in Logic Pro X in mind. Read the reviews closely and make a choice based on your needs and preferences in the studio.
Which Mac do you currently use to run Logic Pro X? Are there any models I missed that should be included as one of the best? Drop a comment below and let me know.
