To even start with music production, you need a high-performance laptop to run all the required software. A laptop or PC has become the main component of music production these days. With so many music producers coming up in recent years, we think it’s about time that we talk about the best laptops for music production.
To produce high-end music, you need a laptop with specific specs. If you think, you can use any laptop you want, then you are wrong. Unless it has all the required specs, the device will not able to run the music production software you use.
For music production, you need a high-end laptop with a fast processor, higher RAM, and SSD storage space. If you are looking for a high-performance laptop for music production, then you are in the right place. In this post, we will suggest you some of the best laptops you can get for music production under $500.
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- Ample storage and RAM configuration
- Integrated with latest processors
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- Weight: 6.09 lbs
- RAM: 4 GB
- Storage: 256GB HDD
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- Weight: 4.26 lbs
- RAM: 8 GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
Top 12 Best Laptops For Music Production Under $500 in 2023
Laptops for music production under $500 can sound like a myth, but in reality, we do have such laptops in the market. In the list below, we have included laptop models that are under $500. Check out the details and pick the one that best suits your requirements.
1. Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop
For a device that is priced just under $500, the Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop does manage to bring in some amazing features on the table for you. From being a stunning device, in terms of design and the overall construction and build, the device also features a sleek and ultra-light feature that allows you to carry it around without any discomfort or issues.
Smart and latest technologies, the Aspire 5 is designed to deliver on different prospects. Not only can you get things done on the go, the device supports premium features that are perfect for music production too.
The device is powered by the latest and high-quality AMD Ryzen 3 3200U Mobile Processor with AMD Radeon Vega 3 Mobile Graphics that allows you to tackle hungry applications and multitask with ease and without any interruptions.
As for the display, the device is equipped with a compact yet highly functional 15.6 FHD IPS screen that helps you reach new heights of creativity without any delays and lags. Also, the narrow bezels on the side offer you a superior user experience, especially when you have multiple tabs opened.
With 7.5 hours of computing and battery power, the device stays performing well throughout the day, especially when you are tackling intensive applications like that sound-mixing applications. Also, the multiple I/O ports with wifi connectivity options offer a superior user experience without any hassle.
The device is compatible with Alexa, allowing you to manage it with voice controls without any lags and issues as you would otherwise think of. Also, despite the cheaper and affordable price point, the device manages to fit in a stunning backlit keyboard too.
Pros
- Ample storage and RAM configuration
- Integrated with latest processors
- Comes with functional I/O ports
- Supports latest technologies
- Long-lasting battery life
Cons
- Does lag and gets stuck sometimes
2. Dell Inspiron 15 5000, 15.6″ Full HD Screen Laptop
- Weight: 6.09 lbs
- RAM: 4 GB
- Storage: 256GB HDD
The next best option we have is the Dell Inspiron 15 which is a great all-purpose laptop under $500. It is loaded with all the features that are required for producing music. Whether you are experienced or just getting started, this laptop can be your best companion on your journey on music production.
Starting with the display quality, it features a 15.6-inch Full HD display for greater visuals. It allows you to enjoy clear and crisp images. It is powered by the 8th generation Intel processor to give you a remarkable performance. It has 4GB RAM with advanced HD graphics and 256GB HDD to give you fast computing experience. Given the features of the laptop, it can be used to perform any music task you want.
The laptop gives you great performance in music production. With the aid of this laptop, you can create high-quality high-quality sounds and music effortlessly. You can use it to mix your live music in any environment you want. It is equipped with integrated Intel HD Graphics for amazing video streaming.
The device also provides you with plenty of storage space to store all your files and music data. It comes loaded with Windows 10 for a more intuitive experience. This laptop is designed to give you a smooth and incredible performance. It can support multitasking well.
For your convenience, it has a 10 key numeric pad which allows you to work smoothly. For those looking for reliable music, the production laptop will not be disappointed with the performance and quality of Dell Inspiron 15. It is one of the best all-rounder laptops you will find.
Pros
- Can help in high-end music production
- Brilliant display
- Lots of storage space
Cons
- Poor battery life
3. ASUS VivoBook L203MA Laptop
- Weight: 2.2 lbs
- RAM: 4 GB
- Storage: 64GB Flash storage
If you are looking for a laptop that you can carry always, then this could be the best option for you. It weighs just 2.2 lbs and is one of the lightest laptops you will find for music production. VivoBook from Asus is a powerful laptop that comes with all the right features you want. It is designed for creating high-end music.
It is powered by the Intel Celeron N4000 CPU processor which makes the device super-fast. This ensures high-quality performance when producing music. It has 4GB RAM which helps the laptop run smoothly. Along with that, you get 64GB flash storage that gives you a fast computing experience.
This is an efficient laptop that will deliver you the kind of performance you expect. It features an 11. 6 inch HD display for clear and crisp pictures. When you are not creating music, you can use the laptop to watch movies and videos in high definition. The device is also equipped with an HD webcam for easy video calling.
The slim and sleek design of the laptop makes it more desirable to the buyers. It is not only a great performer but also features an attractive design. Also, it has the Sonic Master audio system for outstanding music production. It also comes with a full-sized keyboard that allows you to work smoothly.
The device also has a brilliant audio system that delivers crystal-clear sound to give you a great experience. Along with that, you get high-tech speakers with a super transmission line and a 24cc sound chamber to give you rich sound and bass vocals. Given the features of the laptop, it makes the perfect choice for all music enthusiasts.
It also has a lot of connectivity options including HDMI support and USB ports. This will help you to connect your laptop with other external devices whenever required. In short, this is one of the best laptops you will find for under $500.
Pros
- Excellent audio system
- Meant for high-end music production
- Portable
Cons
- Doesn’t have enough storage
4. Lenovo Ideapad 15.6″ HD Premium High-Performance Laptop
- Weight: 4.26 lbs
- RAM: 8 GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
Lenovo is a world-class brand for laptops. The IdeaPad series is one of their best creations. This is an efficient laptop with loads of features at an affordable rate. This is an excellent laptop under the $500 mark. From producing music to entertainment, this laptop can be used for a variety of tasks.
It has many incredible features that make it stand out from the rest. It features a 15.6-inch screen with a Full HD display for a better viewing experience. The screen size is also big enough to allow you to work conveniently on your laptop.
It is powered by the latest Quad-Core processor with 8GB RAM. This helps in improving the performance of the laptop. This is a powerful device that can help you with high-end music production. With 256GB SSD storage, it executes all tasks at a lightning-fast speed.
Apart from a great performance, the sleek design of the laptop will get your attention. It is both durable and lightweight. It comes with long battery life to make sure you don’t have to stop working in between. It can easily run any music software, apps, and plugins without any lag issues.
Also, the laptop has high-quality stereo speakers that give you a clear clarity sound. It is also Bluetooth enabled which provides seamless wireless connectivity. In short, this laptop has everything you need.
Pros
- Higher RAM size
- Long battery life
- Great performance
Cons
- Sometimes it gets slow
5. HP Business 15.6-inch HD Touchscreen Laptop
- Weight: 2.64 lbs
- RAM: 8 GB
- Storage: 1TB HDD
When it comes to reliability, HP is the one to trust. This laptop is designed to handle heavy tasks and applications with ease. If you are looking for a portable laptop, then this could be the best option for you. It weighs just 2.64 lbs. You can easily carry it wherever you go.
The laptop is powered by AMD Quad-Core A12-9720P Processor and has AMD Radeon R7 graphics to give you a high-class performance. However, due to the AMD processor and GPU, the device gets heated quickly.
For a faster computing experience, it comes with 8GB RAM and 1TB SATA hard drive which is enough space to store all your files and music. It features a 15.6 inch diagonal HD SVA WLED-backlit touchscreen display that gives you an excellent viewing experience.
The laptop is also equipped with dual speakers for a high-quality sound. Along with that, it has a full-size island-style keyboard and lots of connectivity ports. It also comes with a built-in webcam. For your convenience, it comes pre-loaded with Windows 10 64-Bit Home Edition.
Pros
- Fast performance
- Lots of storage space
- Dual speakers
Cons
- Gets heated quickly
6. HP Jaguar 15-bs070wm, 15.6″ Natural Silver Touch Screen Laptop
- Weight: 4.5 lbs
- RAM: 8 GB
- Storage: 1TB HDD
We have yet another HP laptop on our list and this one is equally good as the previous one. The device is powered by the Intel Core i5-7200U processor with Turbo Boost Technology. This helps enhance the performance of the laptop. With the help of this device, you can create high-end music with ease.
To give you a faster computing experience, it has 8GB RAM with a 1TB SATA hard drive. This enables you to multitask without causing the laptop to lag. It comes with a 15.6 inch diagonal HD SVA WLED-backlit touchscreen display with multi-touch support. This makes it convenient for you to use the device.
Another cool feature is the full-size island-style keyboard with multi-touch gesture support that allows you to work smoothly. You can connect this laptop with other devices as it has several different ports.
The laptop also features a great design that is appealing to buyers. Under $500, this is one of the best laptops you will get for music production.
Pros
- Attractive design
- Lots of storage space
- Meant for multitasking
Cons
- None
7. Dell Business Laptop 15.6″ HD i3-7100U
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- Weight: 4.85 lbs
- RAM: 8 GB
- Storage: 1TB HDD
This is yet another great laptop you can use for music production. Although this laptop is made for business purposes, it can smoothly handle the heavy software used for creating music. It has all the features you want.
To start with, it comes with a 15.6″ HD Display with Intel HD Graphics 620 to give you better and improved visuals. The device is powered by the Intel Core i3-7100U Dual-Core processor for robust performance. To further enhance the performance level of the device, it has 8GB RAM and 1TB HDD storage.
The good thing is that the laptop comes with a wide variety of ports which allows you to connect it to other external devices. To give you a smooth wireless connection, it has Bluetooth connectivity. Along with that you also get a built-in webcam.
The device comes preloaded with Windows 10 and lots of new features such as the Edge Web browser and more. With this laptop, you will get full value for your money.
Pros
- Improved performance
- 8GB RAM
- 1 TB storage
Cons
- Battery life not long enough
8. HP Pavilion X360 2-in-1 Convertible (2023)
- Weight: 3.53 lbs
- RAM: 8 GB
- Storage: 128 GB SSD
If you’re a music producer, or an aspiring music producer, this is totally the kind of laptop you should own. A two-in-one convertible laptop offers you a better portability, allowing you to carry your music everywhere, connect it with any device, and showcase it to whoever you want! This is the HP X360, a 14-inch two-in-one convertible device from HP, that gets you going!
The laptop is powered by a 10th generation dual-core i3 processor, which can shoot its processing power up to 3.4 GHz with Intel’s Turbo Boost technology. This processor is aided by an 8GB RAM, which is pretty good for audio production, as it tends to need quite a bit of memory. The laptop also features a 128GB SSD storage, which gives you a faster boot time and smoother functioning compared to old-school hard disk drives.
The laptop features a decent 14 inch WLED backlit display, which is great for indoor users, but also a good choice for those who might want to use it outdoors. There’s a built-in media reader in this laptop which is great for anyone working in music! At just 3.53 lbs, the HP X360 (2020) is a pretty lightweight device too – but one which can carry your music anywhere that you want. The device gives you a 360-degree flip-and-fold design and has a pretty good build.
One thing that, however, baffles us especially when we think from a music production point of view is that it doesn’t really have a loud volume level. However, if you’re working in music, we’re assuming that you would be using headphones by default as laptop speakers can never do justice to the tracks that you create. All in all, a pretty good option for those seeking for a lightweight, flexible, 2-in-1 laptop for all their audio production needs.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable, easy to carry around
- Can be adjusted in multiple different modes for usage
- Good display for outdoor usage
- SSD storage is better than old school HDD storage
- Supports HDMI and a number of other connectivity options
Cons
- Speakers could have been improved
9. HP Notebook 15.6″ Touchscreen Premium Laptop
- Weight: 4.85 lbs
- RAM: 8 GB
- Storage: 1TB HDD
We have yet another HP laptop you can use for music production. It is designed to give you great performance. When you are not working on your music, you can use this device for other purposes. It comes with many significant features that make it one of the best choices for users.
It features a 15.6 in HD WLED-backlit touchscreen display for a better viewing experience. The device is run by the 7th Generation Intel Core i3-7100U dual-core processor. To give you improved visuals, it also has an integrated Intel HD Graphics 620.
The laptop comes with 8GB RAM and 1TB HDD storage space for all your music and data files. Given the features of the device, it can handle heavy software easily. With this laptop, you can also multitask without causing it to lag.
It comes with Bluetooth 4.0 for seamless wireless connectivity. Along with that, you can also use the various ports support offered by the laptop. To give you an enhanced audio quality, it comes with dual speakers.
The device has an in-built webcam for making easy video calls. It comes pre-loaded with Windows 10 home for your convenience. Overall, it gives you pretty great performance, just what you want.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Lots of storage space
- Meant for multitasking
Cons
- None
10. Lenovo 320 IdeaPad 15.6 inch HD Flagship High-Performance Laptop
- Weight: 4.41 lbs
- RAM: 8 GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
Lastly, we have Lenovo 320 Ideapad which is yet another appealing laptop available for music production. It comes with a 15.6″ HD Widescreen LED display to give you excellent visuals. To further enhance the visuals, the device is also equipped with AMD Radeon R7 Graphics.
If you are looking for a durable laptop for music production, then this could be the perfect choice for you. It is powered by the AMD A12-9720P Quad-Core processor. Along with that, it has 8GB RAM which can be upgraded by 12GB. For storage, it has a 256GB SSD.
Just like all the other laptops on the list, even this one comes with multiple ports, so that you can connect your laptop to other devices. It comes pre-loaded with Windows 10 Home.
The device has an in-built webcam and high-quality stereo speakers to give you a better audio experience. This is a lightweight laptop that can be carried easily wherever you go.
Pros
- Smooth performance
- Decent battery life
- Lots of ports
Cons
- None
11. HP 14 14.0″ Laptop Computer
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- Weight: 4.38 lbs
- RAM: 4 GB
- Storage: 128GB SSD
If you are a DJ or a music producer, you will find this laptop to be perfect for your job. This is probably one of the best laptops available for music production under $500. Coming from a reputed brand like HP, our expectations are automatically heightened.
This laptop comes with all the right features you need. It is equipped with an AMD Athlon Silver 3050U processor with 4GB RAM. This will enable the laptop to run smoothly without any lags. Not just that, but it will also support full-power multitasking. Along with that, you get 128GB SSD storage.
As far as the visuals are concerned, the laptop has a 14″ HD SVA anti-glare micro-edge WLED-backlit display. This gives you great viewing experience. To further improve the graphics quality, the device is equipped with AMD Radeon graphics.
The laptop is Bluetooth enabled which allows you to connect it with other external devices effortlessly. With this laptop, you can expect to get fast and superior performance. From a great display to high-class performance, this model provides you all that you need for music production. It has enough RAM and storage space to store your files and run your device smoothly.
The touch screen and LED display technology make the device more appealing to buyers. Along with Bluetooth connectivity, the laptop also comes with multiple modernized USB ports that make it easy to transfer files. With the help of this laptop, you can easily compose music and edit it. It works smoothly without any trouble.
Pros
- Fast performance
- Stylish design
- Bluetooth enabled
Cons
- Poor battery life
12. Acer Aspire E 15 Laptop
- Weight: 5.27 lbs
- RAM: 8 GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
Acer laptops are known for their higher performance and quality. Music production is a heavy task that requires a high-end laptop to handle all the functions. The good thing is that this laptop has all the features you need. It comes with a 15.6 inch HD screen and other significant features that are important for producing music.
The laptop is powered by the latest 8th Generation Intel Core i5-8250U Processor to give you a power-packed performance. Along with that, you get 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD storage for fast computing experience. It will help you run all your applications without causing the device to lag. In short, this laptop is designed for multitasking.
It features a 15.6″ Full HD widescreen LED-lit IPS display that gives you clear and crisp images. This will give you better visuals and thus, have you engaged in your work. However, the best thing about the laptop is the 15 hours battery life. This spares you from the trouble of charging your device always. It also makes the laptop ideal for carrying.
To give you an intuitive performance, the laptop comes pre-loaded with Windows 10 Home. Overall, this laptop is a great performer. This is the best deal you can get under $500.
Pros
- Fast processor
- 8GB RAM
- Meant for multitasking
Cons
- Heats up quickly
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Ultimate Buying Guide to Choose Right Laptop For Music Production Under $500
If you are wondering what laptop will be good for music production, then you should read the pointers below.
Certain specs are important for a laptop used for music production to have. The most important aspect is the hardware. However, choosing the right hardware for your laptop shouldn’t be a big problem, if you already know the things you need to look for.
The key to finding the best laptop for music production is to choose the one that can run the music production software you use. If your budget permits, then it’s better to get a laptop with higher specs than what’s recommended for the software. After all, this is a full-time investor and therefore, you should get a reliable device.
To help you out, we have laid down a buyer’s guide below. If you are buying a laptop for music production for the first time, then you will find this useful.
Here you go with the details:
1. Processor
When getting a laptop for music production, you need to select a model with a powerful processor. In other words, the laptop should have multicore processors.
However, a dual-core processor is enough for most music production work as it can support all types of software that are used by an artist. But if you want the best performance out of your device, then we would advise you to get a Quad Pro processor.
Having a powerful processor means your laptop can work faster and process more data. Not just that, but it will be able to run multiple software at the same time without any trouble. At the same time, it will maintain the speed of the laptop and not let it slow down.
2. RAM
The second most important thing is the RAM. To even start with music production, you need to have at least 4GB RAM. This is the minimum requirement of a laptop for music production.
4GB RAM is good enough to support any DAW software. However, if you are going to use a lot of plugins and also work with more than one track simultaneously, then you need to get a device with higher RAM. Preferably, you should get an 8GB RAM laptop. But if you can stretch your budget a bit extra, then you should straight away go for a device with 16GB RAM.
You can also look for laptops with extra RAM slots so that you can upgrade the device RAM in the future. This can be more expensive, but it is worth the work you do on your device.
3. Solid State Drive
The next important thing is the solid-state drive or SSD storage of a laptop. When it comes to music production, you should go for a 512GB SSD that will be best. This is considered to be the best size for running any DAW software.
But for those who are tight on budget, can get a laptop with a smaller SSD. In this case, you can make use of external HDDs to store your files and data.
4. Display Size
For music production, you don’t need a laptop with a 2K or 4K display. Even a full HD laptop will work fine for your work. The only thing to keep in mind is to get a device that offers a vivid and clear display. This will make it easier for you to work. You should also aim for a large screen size so that you have enough space to work properly on your music. This will also help you to operate your music software with ease.
If you are going to use your laptop at a fixed place, you can get a 15 inch or a bigger screen. But for those who have to travel often with their laptop should get a size smaller. A 13-inch or 14-inch laptop will be best in this case. This will be easier for you to carry.
5. Portability
Like we mentioned in the previous point, you need to get a laptop size based on where and how you are going to use it. If you are going to travel with your laptop a lot, then getting anything lower than 15 inches is recommended. These laptops are lightweight and portable and thus, easy to carry.
But if you are going to use it in your studio or any other fixed place, then you can settle for a bigger size up to 15 inches or 17 inches for your convenience. With a bigger laptop, it becomes easier to work on music production software.
6. Number of Ports
When choosing a laptop for music production, you also have to check the number of input slots and ports offered by the laptop. As a music producer, you will always need to connect your laptop to multiple other devices like amplifiers, microphones, speakers, and others. This is why your laptop needs to have a different and more number of ports.
Before you buy any laptop, check all the ports it has. In case, the laptop doesn’t have enough ports, no worries, as you can use port extenders and USB hubs to connect other devices to your laptop to meet your requirements.
7. Battery Life
When you are in the field of music production, the battery life of the laptop matters a lot. After all, you don’t want to run out of battery in the middle of your task. Most modern-day laptops come with 8 to 10 hours of runtime.
If you are going to travel with your laptop a lot, then you should get a laptop with 15 hours or more battery life. This will spare you from charging your device often.
8. Heat Management
Lastly, you also need to check the heat management of the laptop you are buying. It should have a great heat management system which is very important for the life of the laptop.
This is why you are advised to get a laptop with large vents that can easily ventilate the heat. Along with that, it should also have fans that will help cool your device from inside. At the same time, you have to make sure that the fan works silently so that the noise doesn’t interfere with your music production. All these features together make sure that your device stays cool even after long hours of working.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Laptops For Music Production Under $500
1. How much RAM is required in music production laptops?
For basic music production tasks, you need at least 4GB RAM. But for the best performance, you should get a laptop with 8GB or 16GB RAM.
2. What are some of the best laptop brands for music production?
If you want the best laptop for music production, then you should go for brands like Lenovo, Dell, HP, and Apple.
3. Is the graphics card important for music production?
No, the graphics card is not important for music production. So you don’t have to invest in a dedicated graphics card.
4. Mac or Windows, which operating system is good for music production?
For the best performance, you should go with MAC OS. But if your budget doesn’t permit, then you can stick to a high-end Windows laptop.
5. Do you need a bigger screen size for music production?
Ideally, you need a 15-inch screen size to work conveniently on your laptop. This will help you run the music production software with ease. But then you should decide on the screen size based on whether you are going to carry it a lot or not.
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Conclusion
Finding a laptop for music production can be easy if you know the specs you have to look for. After going through this article, hopefully, you know what is required in a music production laptop. If you are planning to buy a new laptop for music production, then you can choose the ones mentioned above. Or else, you can take the help of the buying guide to find the desired laptop for your work.
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