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See all posts Frank GogolBest Budget Laptop for Music Production in 2024
Updated on April 24, 2024
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Music production is a complex and demanding task that requires powerful and reliable equipment. One of the most important pieces of equipment for any music producer is a laptop. However, finding the right laptop for music production can be a daunting task, especially if you are on a tight budget. In this article, we will help you find the best budget laptop for music production that meets your needs and fits your budget.
When it comes to music production, there are several factors to consider when choosing a laptop. One of the most important factors is processing power. Music production software requires a lot of processing power to run smoothly, so you need a laptop with a powerful processor. Another important factor is storage space. Music production requires a lot of storage space for samples, plugins, and other files, so you need a laptop with a large hard drive or solid-state drive (SSD).
In addition to processing power and storage space, there are other factors to consider when choosing a laptop for music production. These include RAM, screen size and resolution, and connectivity options. We will discuss all of these factors in more detail in the next section.
To find the best budget laptop for music production, we spent hours researching and testing several laptops on the market. We evaluated each laptop based on its processing power, storage space, RAM, screen size and resolution, and connectivity options. After careful consideration, we identified the top budget laptops for music production that offer the best performance and value for your money.
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Best Budget Laptops for Music Production
We understand that music production can be an expensive hobby or profession, and investing in a high-end laptop might not always be feasible. However, that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the quality of your work. We have put together a list of the best budget laptops for music production that offer great value for money without compromising on performance. These laptops have been carefully selected based on their processing power, storage capacity, and audio capabilities. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, we’re confident that you’ll find a laptop on this list that will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
HP Chromebook 14 Laptop
HP Chromebook 14 Laptop, Intel Celeron N4000 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 32 GB eMMC, 14” HD Display, Chrome, Lightweight Computer with Webcam and Dual Mics, Home, School, Music, Movies, (Renewed)
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If you're looking for a budget laptop for music production, the HP Chromebook 14 Laptop might be a good option for you.
Pros:
- The laptop is lightweight and easy to carry around, making it perfect for on-the-go music production.
- The 14-inch diagonal HD display with anti-glare technology provides clear and vibrant visuals, making it easy to see what you're working on.
- The Realtek Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5 combo ensures a stable and fast internet connection, which is important for streaming and downloading music production software.
Cons:
- The laptop only has 4GB of memory and 32GB eMMC SSD, which might not be enough for larger music production projects.
- The laptop runs on Google Chrome OS, which might not be compatible with all music production software.
- The laptop only has integrated graphics, which might not be powerful enough for more demanding music production tasks.
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Overall, the HP Chromebook 14 Laptop is a good budget option for music production on-the-go, but it might not be suitable for larger or more demanding projects.
Lenovo V15 G4 Business Laptop
Lenovo V15 G4 (2024) Business Laptop (15.6" FHD Display, AMD 6-Core Ryzen 5 5500U (Beat i7-1065G7), 16GB RAM, 512GB PCIe SSD), Numeric Keypad, Ethernet, HDMI, Webcam, Wi-Fi, Windows 11 Pro, Black
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If you're looking for a budget-friendly laptop for music production, the Lenovo V15 G4 Business Laptop is a great option to consider.
Pros:
- The 16GB DDR4 memory and 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD make it a powerful machine for music production.
- The AMD Hexa-Core Ryzen 5 5500U Processor delivers fast and efficient performance.
- The laptop is MIL-SPEC tested to 810H requirements for sturdy built and business security.
Cons:
- The display is a TN panel, which means poorer viewing angles and color reproduction compared to IPS or OLED displays.
- The laptop does not have a dedicated graphics card, which may limit its performance for more demanding music production tasks.
- The laptop is pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro, which may not be compatible with some music production software.
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In our experience, the Lenovo V15 G4 Business Laptop is a reliable and sturdy machine that can handle music production tasks with ease. The 16GB memory and 512GB SSD provide ample storage and fast data transfer speeds, while the AMD Ryzen 5 processor delivers smooth and efficient performance. The laptop is also MIL-SPEC tested, ensuring its durability and security for business use.
However, the display is a TN panel, which may not be ideal for color-sensitive tasks and may require some calibration. The lack of a dedicated graphics card may also limit its performance for more demanding music production tasks, such as video editing or 3D modeling. Additionally, the pre-installed Windows 11 Pro may not be compatible with some music production software, so it’s important to check for compatibility before purchasing.
Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop for music production, the Lenovo V15 G4 Business Laptop is a solid choice that offers reliable performance and sturdy built quality.
CHUWI HeroBook Pro
CHUWI HeroBook Pro 14.1'' Laptop, 256GB SSD 8GB RAM, Windows 11 Laptop, 1TB SSD Expand, Intel Celeron N4020(up to 2.8GHz), 2K FHD IPS Display, Ultra Slim, Mini-HDMI, 5G WiFi, USB3.0, Webcam,...
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If you're looking for a budget laptop for music production, the CHUWI HeroBook Pro is a good option to consider.
Pros:
- The powerful Intel Gemini Lake N4020 processor and Intel UHD graphics 600 provide fast image processing and sharp image quality.
- With 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD storage, the laptop can handle multiple applications seamlessly. It also supports up to 128GB TF card expansion and a separate M.2 SSD expansion up to 1TB.
- The 14.1 inch antiglare IPS screen with 1920*1080 resolution and high-definition 16:9 screen ratio provides a wider field of vision and a clearer visual experience. It also has a large 38Wh lithium-ion battery and built-in fast charging technology.
Cons:
- The laptop only has integrated graphics, which may not be ideal for more demanding music production tasks.
- Some users have reported durability issues with the laptop, such as it not charging after a few months of use.
- The keyboard and trackpad may not be as comfortable to use as other laptops in this price range.
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We found the CHUWI HeroBook Pro to be a solid budget laptop for music production. The processor and graphics provide fast performance, and the storage options allow for plenty of space to store music files. The screen is also a highlight, with a clear and comfortable viewing experience. However, the durability issues and less comfortable keyboard and trackpad may be a concern for some users. Overall, if you’re looking for a budget laptop that can handle music production tasks, the CHUWI HeroBook Pro is worth considering.
ASUS VivoBook 15
ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light Laptop, 15.6” FHD Display, Intel i3-1005G1 CPU, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD, Backlit Keyboard, Fingerprint, Windows 10 Home in S Mode, Slate Gray, F512JA-AS34
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If you're looking for a budget laptop for music production, the ASUS VivoBook 15 is an option worth considering. With a powerful Intel Core i3 processor and 8GB of RAM, this laptop can handle most music production software without any issues. The backlit keyboard with a fingerprint sensor is a nice touch, and the 15.6-inch Full HD display with a slim 5.7mm bezel provides an immersive visual experience.
Pros:
- The Intel Core i3 processor and 8GB of RAM make this laptop powerful enough to handle most music production software.
- The backlit keyboard with a fingerprint sensor provides a convenient and secure way to log in to your laptop.
- The slim bezel on the 15.6-inch Full HD display provides an immersive visual experience.
Cons:
- The 128GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD may not provide enough storage for some users, especially if you're working with large audio files.
- The laptop comes with Windows 10 in S mode, which only allows you to install apps from the Microsoft Store. You'll need to switch out of S mode to install other software.
- The laptop doesn't have a dedicated graphics card, which may limit your ability to run certain music production software.
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We found the ASUS VivoBook 15 to be a solid budget laptop for music production. The Intel Core i3 processor and 8GB of RAM provide enough power to run most music production software without any issues. The backlit keyboard with a fingerprint sensor is a nice touch, and the slim bezel on the 15.6-inch Full HD display provides an immersive visual experience.
However, the 128GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD may not provide enough storage for some users, especially if you’re working with large audio files. Additionally, the laptop comes with Windows 10 in S mode, which only allows you to install apps from the Microsoft Store. You’ll need to switch out of S mode to install other software. Finally, the laptop doesn’t have a dedicated graphics card, which may limit your ability to run certain music production software.
Overall, if you’re looking for a budget laptop for music production and don’t need a ton of storage or a dedicated graphics card, the ASUS VivoBook 15 is a solid choice.
2022 HP Stream 14inch HD Display
2022 HP Stream 14inch HD Display, Intel Celeron N4020 Dual-Core Processor, 4GB DDR4 Memory,128GB Storage(64GB eMMC+64GB Card),WiFi,Webcam,Bluetooth,1-Year Microsoft 365, Win10 S,Jet Black, TGCD bundle
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If you're looking for a budget-friendly laptop for music production, the 2022 HP Stream 14inch HD Display is a great option. Here are the pros and cons based on our real-world experience with the product:
Pros:
- The Intel Celeron N4020 processor provides fast and reliable performance.
- With a total of 128GB storage (64GB eMMC plus ADATA 64GB microSDXC card), you'll have plenty of space for your music projects.
- The 14-inch diagonal HD SVA bright view WLED-backlit display (1366 x 768) provides clear and vivid visuals.
Cons:
- The laptop may struggle with more complex music projects due to the limited 4GB DDR4-2400 SDRAM.
- The battery life is decent, but not exceptional, with up to 14 hours and 15 minutes (video playback) or up to 11 hours and 30 minutes (wireless streaming).
- Some users have reported issues with the laptop not turning on after a few months of use.
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In terms of overall value, the 2022 HP Stream 14inch HD Display is a solid choice for those on a budget who need a laptop for music production. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end models, it provides reliable performance and enough storage space to get the job done.
The laptop runs on Windows 10 S, with a free upgrade to Windows 11, and comes with a one-year subscription to Microsoft Office 365, providing access to popular productivity tools like Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and OneNote.
The laptop also features a USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C port, two USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, an HDMI port, a headphone/microphone combo, and a media card reader. The Realtek RTL8822CE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2×2) Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 combo ensures reliable wireless connectivity.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable laptop for music production that can handle basic projects, the 2022 HP Stream 14inch HD Display is a great option. Just be aware of the potential issues with turning on the laptop after a few months of use.
Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop
Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop | AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS Octa-Core CPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU | 17.3" QHD 165Hz IPS Display | 1TB Gen 4 SSD | Wi-Fi 6E | RGB Backlit KB | AN17-41-R7G3, Black
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If you're looking for a budget laptop for music production that can also handle gaming, the Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop might be a good option for you.
Pros:
- The AMD Ryzen 7000 Series Processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU provide excellent gaming performance and can handle music production software with ease.
- The 17.3-inch QHD display with 165Hz refresh rates provides an immersive viewing experience.
- The laptop has a suite of features from NVIDIA G-SYNC and NVIDIA Advanced Optimus, which ensure extreme levels of performance for games, movies, and whatever's on-screen.
Cons:
- The laptop is quite heavy at 6.61 pounds, which might make it less portable than some other options.
- The colors on the screen could be better, according to some reviewers.
- The laptop doesn't have an optical drive, which might be a dealbreaker for some users.
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We’ve been using the Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop for a few weeks now, and we’ve been impressed with its performance. The AMD Ryzen 7000 Series Processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU make it a great option for gaming, and it can handle music production software with ease. The 17.3-inch QHD display with 165Hz refresh rates provides an immersive viewing experience, and the suite of features from NVIDIA G-SYNC and NVIDIA Advanced Optimus ensure extreme levels of performance for games, movies, and whatever’s on-screen.
One downside of the Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop is that it’s quite heavy at 6.61 pounds, which might make it less portable than some other options. Additionally, some reviewers have noted that the colors on the screen could be better. Finally, the laptop doesn’t have an optical drive, which might be a dealbreaker for some users.
Overall, if you’re looking for a budget laptop for music production that can also handle gaming, the Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop is definitely worth considering. It’s powerful, immersive, and has a suite of features that ensure excellent performance.
Lenovo IdeaPad 3
Lenovo Ideapad 3 81WA00B1US Intel Pentium Gold 6405U Dual Core Processor 4GB RAM 128GB Solid State Drive HD LED Backlit Anti-Glare Display
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If you're looking for a budget laptop for music production, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a solid choice.
Pros:
- The Intel Pentium Gold 6405U Dual Core Processor delivers powerful performance for everyday tasks.
- The 128GB 2242 NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive provides fast and reliable storage.
- The 14.0" HD LED Backlit Anti-Glare Display is easy on the eyes and perfect for long hours of work.
Cons:
- The 4GB OnBoard 2400MHz DDR4 RAM may not be enough for more demanding music production tasks.
- The integrated Intel UHD Graphics may struggle with graphics-heavy software.
- The battery life of up to 6 hours is not the longest on the market.
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We were impressed with the Lenovo IdeaPad 3’s performance and features, especially considering its budget-friendly price. The Intel Pentium Gold 6405U Dual Core Processor and 128GB 2242 NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive make for a fast and responsive system, and the 14.0″ HD LED Backlit Anti-Glare Display is easy on the eyes during long sessions.
However, the 4GB OnBoard 2400MHz DDR4 RAM may not be enough for more demanding music production tasks, and the integrated Intel UHD Graphics may struggle with graphics-heavy software. Additionally, the battery life of up to 6 hours is not the longest on the market.
Overall, if you’re looking for a budget laptop for music production and don’t need the most powerful specs, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a solid choice.
Dell Latitude 7280 Intel Core i7-6600U X2 2.6GHz 16GB 256GB SSD 12.5′, Black (Renewed) i7-6600, 16GB+256GB SSD Windows 10 Pro
Dell Latitude 7280 Intel Core i7-6600U X2 2.6GHz 16GB 256GB SSD 12.5', Black (Renewed)
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If you're looking for a budget laptop for music production, the Dell Latitude 7280 is definitely worth considering.
Pros:
- The laptop is lightweight and thin, making it easy to carry around.
- With a 16GB DDR4 RAM and Intel Core i7-6600U 2.6GHz processor, the laptop can handle music production software with ease.
- The 256GB SSD provides ample storage space for your music projects.
Cons:
- The laptop does not have a backlit keyboard, which can be inconvenient in low-light settings.
- The 12.5" LCD display has a resolution of 1366 x 768, which may not be ideal for some music producers who require higher resolution displays.
- The laptop does not have an optical drive, which can be a drawback for those who still use CDs or DVDs.
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Overall, we would recommend the Dell Latitude 7280 for those looking for a budget laptop for music production. It’s lightweight, powerful, and provides ample storage space. However, the lack of a backlit keyboard and lower resolution display may be a drawback for some users.
Apple MacBook Air M2
Apple 2023 MacBook Air Laptop with M2 chip: 15.3-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, 1080p FaceTime HD Camera, Touch ID. Works with iPhone/iPad; Midnight
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If you are looking for a budget laptop for music production, the Apple MacBook Air M2 is a great choice.
Pros:
- The M2 chip provides powerful and efficient performance, making it perfect for music production.
- The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display with P3 wide color and support for one billion colors provides a beautiful and spacious display.
- The fanless design makes it completely silent, so you can focus on your music without any distractions.
Cons:
- The price may be a bit steep for some budget-conscious users.
- The storage capacity of 256GB may not be enough for some users who need to store large music files.
- The lack of ports may be inconvenient for users who need to connect multiple devices.
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We have been using the Apple MacBook Air M2 for a few weeks now, and we are impressed with its performance. The M2 chip provides fast and efficient performance, making it perfect for music production. We were able to run multiple music production software and plugins without any lag or performance issues.
The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display provides a beautiful and spacious display for music production. The high resolution and P3 wide color gamut provide vibrant and accurate colors, making it easy to work with music production software and plugins.
The fanless design of the MacBook Air M2 makes it completely silent, which is great for music production. We were able to focus on our music without any distractions from fan noise.
However, the price of the MacBook Air M2 may be a bit steep for some budget-conscious users. Additionally, the storage capacity of 256GB may not be enough for some users who need to store large music files. Finally, the lack of ports may be inconvenient for users who need to connect multiple devices.
Overall, if you are looking for a budget laptop for music production, the Apple MacBook Air M2 is a great choice. It provides powerful and efficient performance, a beautiful and spacious display, and a silent design that is perfect for music production.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best budget laptop for music production, there are a few key features to consider. We’ll go over some of the most important ones to help you make an informed decision.
Processor
One of the most important components to consider is the processor. Look for a laptop with a powerful processor that can handle the demands of music production software. A quad-core processor is ideal, but a dual-core processor can also work well.
RAM
Another important feature to consider is the amount of RAM. Aim for at least 8GB of RAM, but 16GB is even better. This will help ensure that your laptop can handle multiple applications and processes at once without slowing down.
Storage
Storage is also a crucial factor to consider. Look for a laptop with a solid-state drive (SSD) rather than a traditional hard drive. SSDs are faster and more reliable, which is important when working with large music files.
Display
While not as critical as the other features, a good display is still important for music production. Look for a laptop with a high-resolution display and good color accuracy. This will help ensure that you can see and edit your music files clearly.
Other Features
Other features to consider include the number and type of ports, the quality of the keyboard and trackpad, and the overall build quality of the laptop. Make sure the laptop has enough ports to connect all of your peripherals, and that the keyboard and trackpad are comfortable to use for extended periods of time.
By considering these key features, you can find a budget laptop that is capable of handling all of your music production needs.
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Frank Gogol
I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.
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