Music production has become more accessible than ever before, thanks to advancements in technology, with a laptop and a few software programs, anyone can start creating their own music from the comfort of their own home.
However, music production requires a lot of processing power and storage space, which can be quite expensive. that is why it’s important to find a laptop that meets your needs without breaking the bank.
In this article, we have put together a list of the 6 cheapest music production laptops available on the market, we have carefully selected these laptops based on a variety of criteria such as processing power, storage space, RAM, and screen size, among others.
We understand that not everyone has the budget to buy a high-end music production laptop, so we have chosen laptops that offer the best value for your money.
Whether you are a professional musician or just starting out, finding the right music production laptop can be a daunting task.
But with our list of the 6 Best cheapest laptop for Music production, we hope to make the process a little easier for you.
So, if you’re looking to create your own music without spending a fortune, keep reading to discover the best options available on the market today.
Also Read: Are gaming laptops good for music production
1. MSI GF63 gaming laptop
Key Features:
- CPU 10th gen intel i5 10300H, 4 cores.
- Ram 16GB DDR4 is upgradeable.
- Storage capacity 512GB SSD upgradeable.
- GPU Nvidia GTX 1650, 4GB.
- Display 15.6″ with FHD IPS level panel.
- Lightweight gaming laptop.
Cons:
- Average battery life.
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The MSI GF63 gaming laptop is a stronger contender for music producers who like to play games and also want impressive performance while working on their professional tasks that are producing music.
However, even though it might not be the strongest gaming machine yet enough to handle games, this laptop is a great combination of affordability, power, and portability, making it an ideal option for those on a budget.
The MSI GF63 gaming laptop features 10th gen Intel Core i5-10300H processor, which provides enough power to handle most music production tasks without breaking a sweat, this CPU works better than a regular CPU as it is meant for a heavier working profile.
The processor is coupled with 16GB DDR4 RAM, which ensures smooth multitasking and reduces the chances of lagging or freezing during your music production sessions, also this ram is easily upgradable up to 32GB.
Additionally, it comes with a 512GB NVMe SSD, which offers plenty of storage space for your music projects and other files, this is a great feature under the budget as you can store and get a backup of raw to final edited versions of your music.
When it comes to the display, the MSI GF63 gaming laptop boasts a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS level display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, this screen comes with 45% NTSC color gamut and 250 nits brightness.
The display offers vivid and crisp visuals, which is essential for music producers who need to edit and mix their tracks, however, the brightness is decent while working outdoors in bright sunny areas you might find it difficult to read.
Furthermore, the laptop comes with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, which provides decent graphics performance for your music production needs.
One of the standout features of the MSI GF63 gaming laptop is its portability, the laptop weighs just 4.10 lbs, making it easy to carry around with you wherever you go.
Its sleek design and thin bezels also make it a stylish option for music producers who want a laptop that looks as good as it performs.
In terms of connectivity, the MSI GF63 gaming laptop has plenty of ports to meet your needs, It comes with a USB 3.2 Type-C port, two USB 3.2 Type-A ports, an HDMI port, and an Ethernet port.
It also has a built-in Wi-Fi card, which ensures reliable internet connectivity for your music production needs.
It is integrated with a 51wh battery that delivers decent battery backup of about up to 4 hours on normal usage which is pretty good considering a gaming laptop.
Overall, whether you are editing, mixing, or producing music, the MSI GF63 gaming laptop is a great choice for those on a budget, as it is equipped with a stronger CPU and plenty of memory backing with enough space to save all your data.
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Also Read: Best gaming laptop under 800
2. Acer Aspire 5 laptop
Key Features:
- CPU 11th gen intel i5 1135G7, 4 cores
- Ram 8GB of DDR4 is upgradeable up to 20GB.
- Storage capacity 256GB NVMe SSD
- Integrated graphics card.
- Good battery life.
- Lightweight and thin.
- Fingerprint reader.
Cons:
- Average brightness.
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The Acer Aspire 5 laptop is a budget-friendly possibility that is perfect for music producers who are looking for a portable laptop without breaking the bank.
This laptop at the lowest cost comes with a spectrum of components that make it an immaculate pick for music production, it consists of a decent balance of emphatic processor, decent storage, and a proper display
At the heart of the Acer Aspire 5 is an 11th gen intel i5 1135G7, 4 cores processor that delivers reliable performance for most music production tasks.
This processor is complemented by 8GB of DDR4 RAM, which is sufficient for basic music production needs. moreover, it is also integrated with an up to 20GB upgradability option making it the best laptop for music production under 500.
Additionally, the laptop comes with a 256GB NVMe SSD, which offers fast boot times, however, the storage space is limited but acceptable in the budget section as under the budget-friendly laptop you mostly get 256GB SSD.
The Acer Aspire 5 features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
The display offers crisp and clear visuals, which is essential for music producers who need to see fine details when editing and mixing tracks.
Furthermore, the laptop comes with an Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics card, which provides decent graphics performance for your music production needs.
One of the edges of the Acer Aspire 5 is its portability as it Weighs just 3.64 pounds, it’s lightweight and easy to carry around, making it an ideal prospect for music producers who need to work on the go.
The laptop also boasts a sleek design that is both stylish and professional, as it has a 0.70″ body with an 82.58% screen-to-body ratio adds a lot of value to the design of the laptop, additionally aluminum top material ensures a sturdy feel.
On the connectivity front, the Acer Aspire 5 ensures decent support, it is equipped with a USB 3.2 Type-C port, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, USB 2.0 Port, and an HDMI port.
Adding more to the ports, you also get ethernet and wifi support, most importantly it also offers a fingerprint reader that keeps all your data safe and secure.
Another highlight of this Acer laptop is its battery life and full-size backlit keyboard, it provides better battery backup than MSI GF 63 more than 5 hours depending on usage.
Finally, the Acer Aspire 5 laptop is a terrific alternative for music producers, it may not have the most powerful specs on the market, but looking at the budget it provides good specifications that justify the pick.
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Also Read: Best gaming laptop under 750
3. Asus Vivobook laptop
Key Features:
- CPU Intel core i5-1240P, 12 cores.
- Ram 8GB DDR4 is upgradeable up to 12GB.
- Storage capacity 512GB SSD.
- Integrated graphics card.
- Display size 5.6″ with FHD resolution.
- Excellent build quality.
Cons:
- Decent ports.
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The Asus Vivobook is next on our list standing at 3rd position, it is a versatile and affordable option for producing music, and it has decent hardware that meets the requirement to run plugins and software for music production.
Under the hood, the Asus Vivobook designed with is an Intel core i5-1240P processor that delivers reliable performance for most music production tasks, this latest CPU built with 12 cores and 16 threads allows you to run multiple computing tasks easily.
This processor is complemented by 8GB of DDR4 RAM, which is decent for a high level of multi-tasking, you can run plugins and DAW software without compromising on speed and efficiency, also this memory you can upgrade up to 12GB.
The laptop is also integrated with 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD, you can create multiple folders to keep your work under the system, also this NVMe SSD speeds up the process that also helps to load applications faster.
The Asus Vivobook features a 15.6-inch Full HD largest display that delivers a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
Furthermore, the laptop comes with an integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics graphics card, which provides average visuals on your screen panel.
This laptop weighs just 5.5 pounds, yes it might not be the most portable option yet it’s lightweight and easy to carry around, the laptop also boasts a slim design that also gives a shiny and stylish look.
The reason it is slightly heavy is due to its military-grade certification, under which a laptop goes through various processes before being certified as military-grade, this ensures a sturdy and compact build that enhances the durability of the laptop.
The keyboard also gives a premium feel, and it’s quite easier on your fingers, the key distance is properly aligned, additionally, Asus also maintains a privacy option on the webcam.
It is integrated with USB type C, USB type A, USB 2.0, and HDMI ports, and its decent connectivity ports.
Overall, the Asus Vivobook laptop is an extremely powerful budget laptop for music production, that is very adaptable and looks professional as well.
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4. Lenovo Ideapad 3i laptop
Key Features:
- 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U, 10 cores.
- Ram 8GB upgradable up to 16GB.
- Storage capacity 512GB SSD.
- Display 15.6″ with FHD and IPS technology.
- Integrated graphics card.
- Quick charge technology.
- Lightweight laptop.
- SD card reader.
Cons:
- Average design.
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If Asus VivoBook is not fitting into your budget then this Lenovo Ideapad 3i laptop from 2022 is an excellent prospect for music producers who are on a budget but still want a dedicated and powerful laptop for their music production needs.
This laptop also configures with good specifications, especially the 12th gen Intel latest CPU, which can be a deal breaker for you, as with CPU you also get good memory support along with decent upgradability features.
Under the Lenovo Ideapad 3i machine, Lenovo added 10 cores and 12 threads CPU which is a 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U processor that delivers fast and reliable performance for most music production tasks.
This processor is combined with 8GB of DDR4 RAM, this memory is upgradeable up to 16GB, additionally, the laptop comes with a 512GB SSD drive which is ample storage space to save all necessary files and data.
The Lenovo Ideapad 3i laptop features a 15.6-inch Full HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, this IPS monitor delivers a 45% NTSC color gamut and brightness is up to 250nits, decent for viewing quality and smooth visuals.
Furthermore, the laptop also ensures a good battery backup, also rapid charge technology helps to charge the battery faster.
One of the standout features of the Lenovo Ideapad 3i laptop is its portability, weighing just 3.74 pounds, it’s lightweight and easy to carry around, making it an ideal option for music producers who need to work on the go, the laptop also boasts a sleek design that is both stylish and professional.
In terms of connectivity, the Lenovo Ideapad 3i laptop has a range of ports, it comes with a USB Type-C port, two USB Type-A ports, an HDMI port, and an SD card reader.
It also comes with wireless connectivity options such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the speakers are quite loud and create nice sound because it has Dolby Audio support, and the integrated webcam is equipped with dual mics.
The Lenovo Ideapad 3i is among the top rated laptop for recording music and editing them, as it has the latest 12th gen CPU that offers multiple cores, additionally, with 8GB ram you can extend up to 16GB which is amazing in budget.
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Also read: Best gaming laptop under 1200
5. HP Pavilion Touchscreen laptop
Key Features:
- 12th gen Intel i5-1235U, 10 cores.
- Ram 8GB DDR4.
- Storage capacity 512GB SSD.
- Integrated graphics card.
- Display size 14″ with FHD resolution.
- SD card reader.
- Touchscreen laptop.
Cons:
- Decent connectivity and ports.
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The HP Pavilion Touchscreen device is in 5th position for a cheap laptop for music production, however, this is not the most affordable option for your working needs yet worth considering if you want a highly adaptive and portable laptop for creating music.
At the heart of the HP Pavilion Touchscreen Laptop is a 12th gen Intel i5-1235U processor that delivers fast speed max up to 4.4Ghz and at regular it runs on 3.3Ghz, additionally, 10 cores ensures you can run DAW software and other plugins at once without any slowness.
It is also integrated with 8GB of DDR4 RAM, which ensures smooth multitasking and reduces the chances of lagging or freezing during your music production sessions.
Moreover, the laptop comes with a 512GB PCIe SSD, which offers fast boot times and plenty of storage space for your music projects and other files.
The HP Pavilion Touchscreen Laptop features a 14″ Full HD touchscreen display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, this is the sleekest laptop in the market that fits into your backpack easily.
This HP laptop uses integrated intel Iris Xe graphics ensuring smooth and clear visual quality, you can expect to play light games in your free time due to stronger CPU support.
One of the standout features of the HP Pavilion Touchscreen Laptop is its portability, weighing just 3.35 lbs, it’s lightweight and easy to carry around, making it an ideal option for music producers who need to work on the go.
This laptop is designed with a 41WHr 3-Cell battery that delivers about 4-5 hours of backup on regular use, however, while working on heavy tasks battery life can vary depending on the situation.
In terms of connectivity, the HP Pavilion Touchscreen Laptop has a range of ports to meet your needs. It comes with a USB Type-C port, USB Type-A, and an HDMI 2.1 port.
This HP laptop also offers an SD card reader, it also has a built-in Wi-Fi card, which ensures reliable internet connectivity for your music production needs.
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6. Dell Inspiron 15 3511 laptop
Key Features:
- CPU 10th gen Intel Core i5-1035G1, 4 cores.
- Ram 16GB DDR4.
- Storage capacity 512GB SSD.
- Integrated graphics card.
- Display 15.6″ with FHD resolution.
- Good battery life.
Cons:
- Decent ports.
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The Dell Inspiron is the next cheapest laptop for Music production you can consider, especially if you want plenty of ram backup and do not want to upgrade later this Dell laptop is the best choice, moreover, the processor is average but still decent enough for music production work.
Under this machine, Dell added Intel Core i5-1035G1, 4 cores, and 8 threads that deliver a base speed 1.0GHz and at max reaches up to 3.6GHz, overall it provides good performance on music production software.
It has a whopping 16GB DDR4 ram support making it one of the value-added systems for music recorders and the 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD drive is enough to store all working data, additionally, this SSD drive boots the speed immensely.
The Dell Inspiron laptop comes with a 15.6-inch Full HD anti-glare display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, the side bezels are slim ensuring wide viewing angles and 250nits brightness with 45% NTSC color coverage delivers vibrant images on this screen.
Furthermore, the laptop comes with an Intel UHD graphics card, which provides decent graphics performance, it is also integrated with a 3-cell 42Wh battery ensuring good battery life of around 4-6 hours.
One of the standout features of the Dell Inspiron laptop is its durability, it features a sturdy build that is designed to withstand the rigors of everyday use.
It comes with a USB 2.0, 2 USB 3.2, HDMI 1.4, and an SD card reader, it also has a built-in Wi-Fi card, which ensures reliable internet connectivity, and it also has a good sound speaker however they are not loud yet decent enough in the budget.
Overall, this Dell Inspiron at budget offers you good specs, the 16GB ram is a stand-out feature of this laptop, and you can easily run any demanding applications on this device.
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Buying Guide on the Cheapest Laptop for Music Production
When it comes to music production, having the right tools is essential, one of the most important tools is a laptop that can handle the demands of music production software.
However, not everyone has the budget to purchase a high-end laptop, luckily, there are affordable options available that can still provide the necessary processing power, storage, and performance.
In this buying guide, we will take a look at the different hardware components you need to consider when buying the cheapest laptop for music production.
Processor
The processor is the brain of your laptop, and it’s one of the most important components when it comes to music production.
It’s responsible for executing the instructions that make your music production software run smoothly, When choosing a laptop for music production, you want to look for a processor that has at least four cores and a high clock speed.
Intel processors are a popular choice for music production, and the Intel Core i5 and i7 processors are both great options, even though AMD processors are super efficient and affordable yet Intel is more compatible with music production software so you should choose always Intel.
Intel vs AMD vs Mac
We all know apple chips are only found in apple MacBooks and they are costly as well, so the apple Macbook is slightly out of budget.
So now the competition is between intel and AMD Ryzen, well we have a winner here for you though Ryzen is budget-friendly, faster, and excellent for multi-tasking.
But we have to understand that most of the music production assets like applications or plugins all are intel compatible so the highly recommended processor for music production is intel.
Now let’s come to the Apple mi chip, well these are lightning fast but again you have very limited resources for music production applications, I suggest you choose this only if you use software like logic pro x.
Now the conclusion is Intel is the ultimate pick for the best laptop for music production, wait there is more to this as you should not choose any kind of CPU read more below.
With the Intel processor, you should go with the latest CPU let’s say not more than 5 years old variant, although the ideal is an Intel i7 from the 9th gen yet in the lowest budget your aim must be at least an intel i5 with 4 cores.
More than the speed of the CPU, its cores matter so while looking out for the cheapest laptop for music production there are chances you end up picking a device with dual-core which will damage the efficiency of your machine.
Lastly, if you are concerned about speed then if you follow the above tips you will easily get a laptop with 2Ghz or above base speed which is a good option for CPU.
RAM
RAM, or Random Access Memory, is another important component to consider when buying a laptop for music production, RAM is used to store data that your processor needs to access quickly.
The more RAM you have, the more data your processor can access at once, which can result in smoother performance.
When it comes to music production, you want a laptop that has at least 8GB of RAM, However, if you are working with larger music projects or running multiple applications at once, 16GB of RAM is a better choice.
Storage
When it comes to storage, you have two main options hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs).
HDDs are the more traditional option and offer more storage space for less money, However, they are slower than SSDs and can result in longer load times for your music projects and software.
SSDs, on the other hand, are faster and more reliable than HDDs, they offer faster load times and can help your music production software run more smoothly.
However, they are more expensive than HDDs and typically offer less storage space.
When choosing a laptop for music production, you want to look for one that has at least a 256GB SSD or a 1TB HDD.
If you can afford it, a laptop with both an SSD and an HDD is a great option, you can use the SSD to store your music projects and software for fast load times while using the HDD for larger files and storage.
Graphics Card
While a dedicated graphics card is not necessary for music production, it can be helpful if you plan on using your laptop for other tasks like video editing or gaming.
A dedicated graphics card can also help with rendering and visual effects in your music production software.
When choosing a laptop with a dedicated graphics card, look for one that has at least 2GB of VRAM. NVIDIA and AMD are the two most popular graphics card manufacturers, and their GeForce and Radeon series are both great options.
Display
The display is another important component to consider, you want a display that has good color accuracy and a high resolution so you can see your music projects clearly, a larger display is also helpful when working on intricate music projects.
When choosing a laptop, look for one that has at least a 15-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, IPS displays are also a good choice as they offer better color accuracy and wider viewing angles.
Moreover, the brightness of the panel is a tricky part as under the budget almost all the laptops offer 250 nits brightness which is decent for indoor work but outdoors you might find little difficult to read.
Additionally, for music production, you do not need to get a laptop with accurate colors, you can consider 45% NTSC as you do not have any project that requires accurate colors, also, in this case, you can manage with an external monitor.
Battery Life
Finally, you want to consider the battery life of the laptop, Music production software can be resource-intensive, and you want a laptop that can last for an extended period of time without needing it.
Operating system
Now it comes to windows vs MacOS, this is a complete matter of choice as most of the sound cards work pretty fine on both of the platforms but again MacOS you only find in apple laptops which is expensive.
Another thing is by any chance if you using logic pro x which will give you supper powerful performance on an apple Macbook but again budget is definitely a concern, as an older version of apple is pretty outdated and the latest m1 chips are super fast but for the most budget laptop for music production you have to spend above 900-950 dollars.
Note: If you run logic pro x then you have no choice but to pick mac over windows, however, in this case, suggest you choose the latest option, especially the laptop that is released after 2019 to be precise m1 chips or above a must.
The reason is it’s not very well optimized and build quality is average on those, so let’s conclude windows is a versatile option for music production, consider Macbook only if you are using logic pro x.
Connectivity and ports
When it comes to music production, connectivity, and ports are important factors to consider when purchasing a laptop.
The ability to connect external devices such as microphones, headphones, and MIDI controllers is essential for a smooth and efficient music production session.
One of the most important ports for music production is the USB port, A laptop with multiple USB ports is ideal, as it allows for the connection of multiple external devices simultaneously.
Additionally, USB 3.0 ports are preferable, as they offer faster transfer speeds than USB 2.0 ports. Many modern laptops also include USB-C ports, which offer even faster transfer speeds and more versatility.
Another important port to consider is the headphone jack, a laptop with a dedicated headphone jack is necessary for monitoring audio during recording and mixing.
Additionally, some laptops may also include a dedicated microphone input, which is necessary for recording vocals or acoustic instruments.
For those who plan on using MIDI controllers or other external instruments, a laptop with a dedicated MIDI port may be necessary.
Some laptops may also include an SD card reader, which can be useful for transferring files or backing up music projects.
In addition to ports, connectivity is also an important factor to consider, a laptop with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities allows for wireless connectivity to other devices such as speakers, headphones, and smartphones, this can be useful for streaming music or transferring files wirelessly.
Ultimately, the choice of connectivity and ports comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the music production setup.
For those who plan on using multiple external devices, a laptop with multiple USB ports and a dedicated headphone jack may be necessary.
For those who plan on using MIDI controllers or other external instruments, a laptop with a dedicated MIDI port may be preferable, and for those who prioritize wireless connectivity, a laptop with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities is a must.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specs do I need for a laptop for music production?
The specs you need will depend on your specific needs and the software you plan to use, Generally, a laptop with a fast processor, at least 8GB of RAM, and a dedicated graphics card will be sufficient for most music production tasks.
Can I use a regular laptop for music production?
Yes, you can use a regular laptop for music production, but it’s important to make sure it has the necessary specs to run the software you plan to use, Additionally, a dedicated graphics card can help with processing power and running multiple processes at once.
Do I need a touchscreen for music production?
A touchscreen is not necessary for music production, but it can be helpful for tasks such as editing and mixing, However, it’s important to prioritize other specs such as processor speed and RAM before considering a touchscreen.
Can I use a MacBook for music production?
Yes, many music producers use MacBooks for music production due to their stable operating systems, intuitive software, and high-quality displays and speakers, However, MacBooks tend to be more expensive than other options.
How much storage do I need for music production?
The amount of storage you need will depend on how much music you plan to produce and how many files you plan to store, Generally, at least 256GB of storage is recommended, but more may be necessary if you plan to work with large audio files.
Do I need a dedicated sound card for music production?
A dedicated sound card is not necessary for music production, but it can improve the quality of audio recordings and playback, many laptops come with built-in sound cards that are sufficient for most music production tasks.
How important is the battery life of a laptop for music production?
Battery life is important if you plan to use your laptop for music production on the go, look for laptops with long battery life or consider purchasing an extra battery or portable charger.
Final words
In conclusion, purchasing the cheapest laptop for music production can be a challenging task, however, with careful consideration of factors such as processor, RAM, storage, display, connectivity, and operating system, you can find a laptop that fits your budget and meets your needs.
Remember, it’s not always necessary to spend a lot of money on a high-end laptop, with the options we have discussed, you can find a budget-friendly laptop that still offers the performance and features necessary for music production.
Ultimately, finding the right laptop for your music production needs comes down to your specific preferences and requirements, So take your time, do your research, and choose a laptop that will help you bring your musical vision to life.
