7 Best Laptops for Podcasting in 2023 (Tested and Reviewed)

7 Best Laptops for Podcasting in 2023 (Tested and Reviewed)

Nusrat Tanji

Last Updated on September 24, 2023 by Arif Chowdhury

Podcasting emerges as a notably favored and potent means of connecting with and captivating your audience as we stride into the year 2023. Be it the desire to share your fervor, propel your enterprise, or enlighten your listenership, podcasting stands poised to assist you in attaining these aspirations. Read this guide to identify the best laptops for podcasting.

Nevertheless, fashioning a triumphant podcast mandates more than just procuring a commendable microphone and conceiving an arresting moniker. A laptop of competent mettle is requisite, one capable of managing your podcasting endeavors with adeptness and swiftness.

Within the confines of this discourse, we shall undertake an appraisal of the seven most commendable laptops tailored for podcasting in this current epoch, grounded upon their efficacy, attributes, compatibility, and fiscal requisites. A juxtaposition of virtues and drawbacks characterizing each laptop shall be presented, alongside a compendium of guidance to facilitate your judicious selection of the exemplar befitting your podcasting requisites. Thus, let us embark upon this elucidative journey forthwith!

1. Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020)

Features:

  • Pros:
    • Fast and reliable performance due to the M1 chip.
    • Long battery life.
    • Excellent display with True Tone technology.
    • High-quality sound and clear speakers.
    • Integration with Apple’s ecosystem.
    • Rosetta 2 translation layer for smooth app compatibility.
    • Three-microphone array for enhanced voice quality.
  • Cons:
    • Incompatibility with some Windows-based software and hardware.
    • Limited ports (2 Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 ports and headphone jack).
    • Need for adapters/dongles for external devices.
    • The lack of fans could lead to throttling under heavy workloads.
  • Price: Approximately $999.
  • Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020) Best Laptops for Podcasting

The Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020) stands as a remarkable choice for podcasting, earning its place among the best laptops for podcasting, due to its swift and dependable performance, extended battery endurance, superior visual and auditory output, and seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem. The M1 chip, a catalyst for transformation within Apple’s laptop domain, bestows noteworthy velocity and operational efficiency.

With the aid of the Rosetta 2 translation layer, the MacBook Air adeptly manages both native and non-native applications, ensuring fluid execution. Notably, the laptop boasts a captivating 13.3-inch Retina display featuring True Tone technology, which adapts color warmth in response to ambient luminance. Augmented by a three-microphone array, the speakers deliver robust acoustics, while the microphone attenuates background commotion and augments vocal clarity.

Nevertheless, certain shortcomings temper the MacBook Air’s suitability for podcasting. Incompatibility with select Windows-oriented software and hardware may impede your podcast production endeavors. Furthermore, the laptop’s port array is modest, housing merely two Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 ports and a solitary headphone jack. Potential procurement of adapters or dongles may prove requisite to accommodate peripheral devices. Notably, the absence of a fan renders the laptop susceptible to performance throttling when subjected to intensive workloads.

Available at an approximate cost of $999, the Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020) can be acquired via Apple’s official platform or the Amazon marketplace. Our evaluation merits a commendable rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Recommended Reading: Bengoo Gaming Mouse Review A Wireless Wonder for Gamers

2. Dell XPS 13 (9310, 2020)

Features:

  • Pros:
    • Sleek design with powerful performance.
    • Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor and Intel Iris Xe graphics.
    • 13.4-inch display with 16:10 aspect ratio and up to 3840 x 2400 resolution.
    • Thin bezels, HDR support, and Dolby Vision technology for enhanced visuals.
    • Impressive speakers with Waves MaxxAudio Pro tuning and 3D audio support.
    • Four-microphone array for clear voice capture.
  • Cons:
    • Limited port selection (2 Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports, microSD card slot, headphone/microphone combo jack).
    • Need for adapters/hubs for other devices.
    • Relatively high price, especially for higher-end configurations.
  • Price: Approximately $1,349.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
Dell XPS 13 (9310, 2020)

The Dell XPS 13 (9310, 2020) emerges as another commendable contender for podcasting, seamlessly securing its place among the best laptops for podcasting, as it harmoniously marries an elegant design with robust functionality and attributes. Fueled by the potency of the Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor and the Intel Iris Xe graphics, this laptop delivers a rapid and seamless experience, ideal for juggling multiple tasks and conducting edits. The laptop showcases a splendid 13.4-inch screen, boasting an aspect ratio of 16:10 and a resolution ascending to 3840 x 2400 pixels.

Adorned with slender bezels, the display boasts HDR proficiency and employs Dolby Vision technology, amplifying color precision and accentuating contrasts. Impressing in auditory realms as well, the laptop’s speakers feature Waves MaxxAudio Pro calibration, coupled with 3D audio support. Bolstering vocal clarity, the microphone integrates a four-microphone array adept at diminishing ambient disturbances.

Yet, the Dell XPS 13 bears certain limitations in the context of podcasting. The array of ports is confined, housing a mere duo of Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports, a microSD card slot, and a jack catering to headphone/microphone fusion. To harness diverse peripherals, the utilization of adapters or hubs might prove requisite. Notably, the laptop bears a relatively elevated price tag, particularly when opting for advanced configurations laden with expanded RAM, storage, and display resolution.

Available at an approximate cost of $1,349, the Dell XPS 13 (9310, 2020) can be procured from Dell’s official web platform or the Amazon marketplace. Our assessment grants it a respectable rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Recommended Reading: 5 Best Gaming Mouses Under $50 in 2023 (Tested and Reviewed)

3. Asus ZenBook Flip S (UX371)

Features:

  • Pros:
    • Versatile design with a 360-degree hinge for tablet and tent modes.
    • Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor and Intel Iris Xe graphics for impressive performance.
    • 13.3-inch OLED touchscreen display with up to 3840 x 2160 resolution.
    • Harman Kardon-certified speakers with Asus SonicMaster technology.
    • AI noise-canceling microphone for filtering unwanted sounds.
  • Cons:
    • Limited port selection (2 Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port).
    • Need for adapters/dongles for other devices.
    • Relatively short battery life (around 8 hours).
  • Price: Approximately $1,499.
  • Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Asus ZenBook Flip S (UX371) Best Laptops for Podcasting

The Asus ZenBook Flip S (UX371) enters the scene as a versatile option for podcasting, showcasing a chameleon-like ability to transform into a tablet or a tent mode, making it an attractive choice among the best laptops for podcasting due to its adaptability in diverse recording scenarios and surroundings. Boasting commendable performance, the laptop relies on the potency of the Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor alongside the Intel Iris Xe graphics. Accompanying this prowess is a captivating 13.3-inch OLED touchscreen display, adorned with a resolution reaching heights of 3840 x 2160 pixels.

This display radiates vibrant hues, profound blacks, and generously wide viewing angles. Accompanying the auditory facet, the laptop’s speakers, bolstered by Harman Kardon certification and bolstered by Asus SonicMaster technology, deliver sound of respectable quality. The microphone, equipped with AI noise-canceling capabilities, proficiently sieves out undesirable auditory interference.

Yet, the Asus ZenBook Flip S does not escape a few setbacks in the context of podcasting. Its range of ports remains constrained, limited to a mere pair of Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports and a solitary USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port. The requisition of adapters or dongles may become imperative to accommodate auxiliary devices. Moreover, the laptop’s battery lifespan stands relatively short, averaging around 8 hours on a solitary charge.

Priced at approximately $1,499, the Asus ZenBook Flip S (UX371) is attainable via Asus’s official web domain or the Amazon marketplace. Our evaluation bestows upon it a commendable rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars.

4. HP Spectre x360 14

Features:

  • Pros:
    • Versatile design with a 360-degree hinge for different modes.
    • Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor and Intel Iris Xe graphics for powerful performance.
    • 13.5-inch display with 3:2 aspect ratio and up to 3000 x 2000 resolution.
    • Thin bezels, HDR support, and Corning Gorilla Glass protection.
    • Bang & Olufsen-tuned speakers with HP Audio Boost technology.
    • Dual-array microphone for clear voice capture.
  • Cons:
    • Limited port selection (2 Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, headphone/microphone combo jack).
    • Need for adapters/hubs for other devices.
    • Relatively high price, especially for higher-end configurations.
  • Price: Approximately $1,399.
  • Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
HP Spectre x360 14

Presenting itself as yet another versatile option for podcasting, the HP Spectre x360 14 wields a transformative ability, facilitated by its 360-degree hinge, to fluidly transition between diverse operational modes, solidifying its position among the best laptops for podcasting. Fortified by the adeptness of the Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor and accompanied by the Intel Iris Xe graphics, this laptop exudes considerable potency.

Aesthetically pleasing, the laptop showcases a resplendent 13.5-inch display sporting a 3:2 aspect ratio, boasting a resolution scaling heights of 3000 x 2000 pixels. This display is framed by slender bezels, supplemented by HDR proficiency, and safeguarded by Corning Gorilla Glass. The auditory facet upholds satisfactory standards, with the speakers finely tuned by Bang & Olufsen and augmented by HP’s Audio Boost technology. Concomitantly, the microphone, characterized by its dual-array configuration, is primed to capture voices with clarity.

Yet, the HP Spectre x360 14 is not without its limitations concerning podcasting. The roster of ports remains circumscribed, encompassing solely two Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports, a singular USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, and a jack dedicated to headphone/microphone amalgamation. To accommodate auxiliary devices, reliance upon adapters or hubs may become requisite. Additionally, the laptop’s financial outlay assumes a relatively elevated stance, especially when selecting higher-tier configurations replete with augmented RAM, storage, and display resolution.

With a price point hovering around $1,399, the HP Spectre x360 14 is procurable through HP’s official online platform or the Amazon marketplace. Our assessment awards it a respectable rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars.

5. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano

Features:

  • Pros:
    • Lightweight and durable design (1.99 pounds, military-grade certification).
    • Intel Core i7-1160G7 processor and Intel Iris Xe graphics for solid performance.
    • 13-inch display with up to 2160 x 1350 resolution, thin bezels, Dolby Vision, and anti-glare coating.
    • Dolby Atmos-supported speakers and four 360-degree microphones for improved voice quality.
  • Cons:
    • Limited port selection (2 Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports, headphone/microphone combo jack).
    • Need for adapters/dongles for other devices.
    • Relatively short battery life (around 9 hours).
  • Price: Approximately $1,599.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano

Enter the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano, a featherweight and robust solution tailored for podcasting pursuits. Tipping the scales at a mere 1.99 pounds, this laptop boasts a military-grade certification, attesting to its resilience against jolts, tremors, dust, and fluctuating temperatures. On the performance front, it stands its ground capably, courtesy of the Intel Core i7-1160G7 processor and the Intel Iris Xe graphics.

The laptop also flaunts a crisp 13-inch display, with its resolution soaring up to 2160 x 1350 pixels. Noteworthy attributes encompass svelte bezels, Dolby Vision technology, and an anti-glare finish. The auditory experience is met with decency, as the speakers are graced by Dolby Atmos bolstering and an arrangement of four 360-degree microphones, orchestrated to subdue ambient disturbances and amplify vocal fidelity.

Yet, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano is not impervious to certain limitations pertinent to podcasting. The roster of ports remains relatively constrained, including solely two Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports and a headphone/microphone amalgamation jack. The accommodation of other peripherals might necessitate the use of adapters or dongles. Additionally, the laptop’s battery span is relatively brief, averaging around 9 hours on a solitary charge.

Tagged with a price tag of around $1,599, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano is accessible through Lenovo’s official online platform or the Amazon marketplace. In our evaluation, it garners a commendable rating of 3 out of 5 stars.

Recommended Reading: Top 10 Most Expensive Gaming Mouses for Pro Gamers

6. Acer Swift 3 (SF313-52)

Features:

  • Pros:
    • Affordable and portable design (less than $1,000, 2.65 pounds).
    • Intel Core i7-1065G7 processor and Intel Iris Plus graphics for decent performance.
    • 13.5-inch display with up to 2256 x 1504 resolution, thin bezels, and an IPS panel.
    • Acer TrueHarmony technology for enhanced sound quality.
    • Integrated microphone setup for clear voice capture.
  • Cons:
    • Limited port selection (1 Thunderbolt 3/USB-C port, 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, HDMI port, headphone/microphone combo jack).
    • Need for adapters/dongles for other devices.
    • Relatively low storage capacity (512GB SSD).
  • Price: Approximately $899.
  • Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars.
Acer Swift 3 (SF313-52)

Introducing the Acer Swift 3 (SF313-52), a laptop that embraces both budget-friendliness and portability, making it an attractive choice for podcasting endeavors. Priced at less than $1,000 and boasting a mere 2.65-pound weight, this laptop offers a blend of affordability and ease of transport. Its performance remains satisfactory, credit to the incorporation of the Intel Core i7-1065G7 processor and the Intel Iris Plus graphics.

Complementing this, the laptop showcases a vibrant 13.5-inch display capable of reaching resolutions as high as 2256 x 1504 pixels. The display’s aesthetics are further enhanced by its slim bezels and the presence of an IPS panel that generously accommodates a wide range of viewing angles. Equally significant, the speakers uphold their duty commendably, empowered by Acer’s TrueHarmony technology, enriching the auditory experience. Not to be overshadowed, the microphone, equipped with an integrated configuration, stands primed to capture voices with clarity.

Yet, the Acer Swift 3 (SF313-52) does harbor certain limitations relevant to podcasting. The array of ports remains modest, encompassing solely a solitary Thunderbolt 3/USB-C port, twin USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, an HDMI port, and a jack for headphone/microphone amalgamation. To accommodate auxiliary devices, the recourse to adapters or dongles may prove obligatory. Additionally, the laptop’s storage capacity trends relatively modest, being outfitted with a 512GB SSD.

With a price hovering around $899, the Acer Swift 3 (SF313-52) is within grasp through Acer’s official online platform or the Amazon marketplace. Our assessment deems it worthy of a moderate rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars.

7. Microsoft Surface Laptop 4

Features:

  • Pros:
    • Stylish design with long battery life.
    • Intel Core i7-1185G7 processor and Intel Iris Xe graphics for good performance.
    • 13.5-inch display with up to 2256 x 1504 resolution, thin bezels, and a touchscreen with Surface Pen support.
    • Dolby Audio-supported speakers with Omnisonic technology for immersive sound.
    • Dual far-field microphone setup for clear voice capture and reduced background noise.
  • Cons:
    • Limited port selection (1 USB-C port, 1 USB-A port, Surface Connect port, headphone/microphone combo jack).
    • Need for adapters/dongles for other devices.
    • Relatively high price, especially for higher-end configurations.
  • Price: Approximately $1,299.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4

Meet the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4, an embodiment of both elegance and reliability, rendering it an appealing option for podcasting ventures. Boasting a sleek aesthetic and an enduring battery life, this laptop earns its place in the spotlight. Fortified by the prowess of the Intel Core i7-1185G7 processor and the Intel Iris Xe graphics, its performance leaves little to be desired.

A 13.5-inch display graces the laptop, characterized by its sharpness, with resolutions reaching a zenith of 2256 x 1504 pixels. This visual treat is framed by delicate bezels and accentuated by a responsive touchscreen that welcomes the Surface Pen. Auditory indulgence is well-served too, with speakers boasting Dolby Audio enhancement and Omnisonic technology that lavishes users with immersive and lush soundscapes. Additionally, the microphone, equipped with a dual far-field setup, captures voices with crystal-clear precision while minimizing intrusive background noise.

Yet, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is not immune to limitations when tailored to podcasting pursuits. Its assortment of ports remains modest, comprising a solitary USB-C port, a singular USB-A port, a Surface Connect port, and a headphone/microphone amalgamation jack. The inclusion of adapters or dongles may be requisite to accommodate diverse external devices. Moreover, its price point trends are relatively high, particularly when opting for top-tier configurations enriched with greater RAM, storage, and display resolution.

Priced around $1,299, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is readily available through Microsoft’s official online platform or Amazon. Our evaluation affords it a commendable rating of 3 out of 5 stars.

Conclusion

Within the confines of this article, we’ve embarked upon an exploration of the seven paramount laptops tailored to the podcasting landscape in the year 2023. Our scrutiny has encompassed a meticulous juxtaposition of the virtues and drawbacks inherent to each laptop.

Moreover, we’ve generously dispensed insights to facilitate your discerning selection of the ideal laptop for your podcasting requisites. Should your pursuit involve a laptop adept at seamlessly navigating podcasting undertakings, we direct your attention toward the Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020) and the Dell XPS 13 (9310, 2020). These stalwarts, acknowledged for their potency and portability, harmonize well with a spectrum of podcasting software. The avenues of acquisition stretch across Apple’s official web enclave, Amazon’s marketplace, and the official domain of Dell.

We trust that this exposition serves as a guiding light in your podcasting odyssey. If queries or reflections arise, we warmly invite you to share your thoughts in the comment section below. Your engagement is greatly appreciated. Thank you for gracing our words with your readership!