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Our list of the best cheap laptops for music production features seven affordable and efficient laptops that offer the best features for music production. Our overall best is the ✅Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop.
Therefore, if you’re into music production and you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop to suit your music production needs, stick around a little bit more to discover what we have for you.
Best Cheap Laptop For Music Production Comparison Table
Click the image below to get the best cheap laptop for music production on Amazon.
| S/N | Product | Image | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop |   | CPU/ CLOCK SPEED-AMD Ryzen 3 3200U/ up to 3.5 GHz GPU-AMD Radeon Vega 3 Mobile SCREEN SIZE/RESOLUTION-15.6 inch/1920*1080p OPERATING SYSTEM-Windows 10 S HARD DRIVE/RAM- 128GB PCIe NVMe SSD/ 4 GB DDR4 NUMBER OF USB PORTS-3 |
| 2 | Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 |   | CPU/ CLOCK SPEED-InteI i3-10110U/ up to 2.1 GHz GPU-Intel graphics SCREEN SIZE/RESOLUTION-13.3 inch/ 1920*1080p OPERATING SYSTEM- Chrome OS HARD DRIVE/RAM- 64 GB flash memory solid state/4 GB DDR4 NUMBER OF USB PORTS-3 |
| 3 | Acer Chromebook 314 |   | CPU/ CLOCK SPEED-Intel Celeron N4000/ up to 2.6 GHz GPU-Intel SCREEN SIZE/RESOLUTION-15.6 inch/1920*1080p OPERATING SYSTEM-Chrome OS HARD DRIVE/RAM- 64GB eMMC/ 4 GB LPDDR4 NUMBER OF USB PORTS-4 |
| 4 | 2021 HP Pavilion 15.6 |   | CPU/ CLOCK SPEED-Intel pentium_2/ up to 1.1 GHz GPU-Intel UHD Graphics 605 SCREEN SIZE/RESOLUTION-15.6 inch/1366*768p OPERATING SYSTEM- Windows 10 Home HARD DRIVE/RAM- 500 GB HDD/ 4 GB DDR4 NUMBER OF USB PORTS-3 |
| 5 | ASUS Chromebook C423 |   | CPU/ CLOCK SPEED-Intel Dual-Core Celeron N3350/ up to 2.4 GHz GPU-Intel HD Graphics 500 SCREEN SIZE/RESOLUTION-14 inch/1366*768p OPERATING SYSTEM- Chrome OS HARD DRIVE/RAM- 32 GB eMMC/4 GB LPDDR4 NUMBER OF USB PORTS-4 |
| 6 | 2020 Lenovo IdeaPad Laptop |   | CPU/ CLOCK SPEED-AMD A6-9220e/ up to 1.6 GHz GPU-AMD Radeon R4 SCREEN SIZE/RESOLUTION-14 inch/ 1366*768p OPERATING SYSTEM-Windows 10 HARD DRIVE/RAM- 64 GB SSD/4 GB DDR4 NUMBER OF USB PORTS-3 |
| 7 | HP Chromebook 14-inch |   | CPU/ CLOCK SPEED-Intel Celeron N4000/ up to 2.6 GHz GPU-Intel UHD Graphics 600 SCREEN SIZE/RESOLUTION-14 inch/1366*768p OPERATING SYSTEM- Chrome OS HARD DRIVE/RAM- 32 GB Embedded MultiMediaCard/4 GB LPDDR4 NUMBER OF USB PORTS-2 |
Best Cheap Laptop For Music Production
What is music? for some, it is life.
For others, it’s an escape from reality.
But for a larger public, music can be even more.
For instance, let’s assume you grew up in the ’90s or the ’80s.
Hearing a song(s) from back then always gives you a nostalgic feeling.
Also, it could quickly take you back to the time you first heard that song, what you were doing, who you were with, and a lot more.
Additionally, music can also be an emotional healing tool.
Some songs carry all the words you wish to say, and others deliver all the words you need to hear to move on in life.
And that’s just a glimpse of the power of music.
Thus, a producer needs to put in his heart and soul when producing music.
However, a music producer can’t perform beyond the abilities of his laptop or desktop.
Of course, using a desktop is an easier pick knowing you can build what you want.
But its static nature gives laptops a clear edge over desktops.
For this reason, you need a laptop that can perform, regardless of the price.
Specs / Features For The Best Cheap Laptop For Music Production
Ideally, before we go any further, it will be best to keep your expectations low to avoid disappointment and frustration when searching for cheap laptops for music production.
However, if you are unwilling to accept this reality, we suggest you go for higher-priced laptops for music production.
However, if you are okay with the reality, then there are few things you should know.
PROCESSOR
The brain box of every device is the CPU, and laptops are no different.
Thus the importance of a fast processor can never be over-emphasized.
More so, the entire tasks you will perform rests on the shoulders of the CPU.
Regardless, what you would find on a cheap laptop for music production is an Intel i5 or i3.
The i5 processor is the standard for affordable laptops, while the i3 should be an option when you’re on a tight budget.
Also, with i5 processors, you’ll enjoy a latency-free recording session due to its fast processing speed.
RAM
Equally important is the RAM space.
Additionally, RAM works with the CPU to make your work faster by providing short-term storage as you move from one software to another.
Hence, having enough RAM space ensures that you can switch through tabs faster and smoothly.
It also ensures that you don’t have to battle with your DAW(digital audio workstation) plugins slowing down or crashing.
Furthermore, what you would find for RAM space on a budget would be 8 GB RAM.
Again only settle for a 4 GB RAM when you’re on a very tight budget.
However, bear in mind that you might not be able to do much.
GRAPHICS PROCESSING UNIT (GPU)
The graphics processing unit is responsible for how fast the laptop will produce images and graphics.
So it’s crucial to get a good one.
Also, most affordable laptops come with Integrated (built-in) graphics.
Notwithstanding, that should be okay for music production.
So you have nothing to worry about in this aspect.
HARD DRIVE
Then for the hard drive, this ensures you have enough storage space for your recorded audio and more.
So you need enough storage.
Ideally, you are better off with an SSD(solid-state drive).
But since we are talking affordable laptops, then it won’t be easy to come by.
However, the HDD(hard disc drive) would be readily available, and you go for a laptop with at least 1 TB HDD.
CONNECTIVITY
A fair number of USB ports should be okay for music production.
The laptop should also have an HDMI port to transfer files and data.
SOME WORDS FOR YOU
Buying affordable/cheap can be more rewarding than you would expect.
However, this only comes with a good knowledge of what these laptops can offer and their specs at a particular price range.
With that said, let’s look at all seven in full detail.
7 Top Picks for the Best Cheap Laptop for Music Production
1. Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop Best Cheap Laptop For Music Production
Our number one best cheap laptop for music production is this slim, light, and affordable laptop from the Acer brand.
Also, it has an all-silver chassis which gives it a premium look and feel.
DISPLAY
There’s a webcam at the top.
This is quite useful for video conferencing calls should you need to stay in touch with friends, family, business associates, and clients.
More so, enjoy clear pictures, and crisp videos on a 15.6-inch Widescreen LED-backlit IPS display projected in full HD(1920*1080p) with this laptop.
The keyboard also offers backlit features, and it has a buttonless touchpad available with a number pad.
OTHER FEATURES
The Acer TrueHarmony feature is on board to enhance your listening experience, giving you deeper bass and better sound quality.
Likewise, there’s the AcerBlueLightShield to protect your eyes from eye fatigue and light rays.
More so, to assist you with navigating your laptop, it comes with Alexa built-in.
PROCESSOR/STORAGE
Furthermore, it has an AMD Ryzen 3 3200U, a dual-core processor that offers up to 3.5 GHz for the base clock speed.
Meanwhile, the GPU uses an integrated graphics card by AMD Radeon Vega 3 Mobile Graphics.
Also, the hard drive is a 128GB PCIe NVMe SSD, which is okay for storage.
Plus, it offers 4GB DDR4 for the RAM space.
WEIGHT/CONNECTIVITY
It weighs 3.97 pounds.
Also, it offers 1 USB 3.1 Gen 1 port, 2 USB 2.0 ports & 1 HDMI port with HDCP support for connection to other devices.
WHO SHOULD GET THIS?
It has sufficient storage space and processing speed. Therefore, it should be compatible with basic DAW software.
So, anyone looking for a decent and efficient laptop for producing music on a budget should get this.
PROS
- It comes with an overclockable Ryzen chip.
- Also, it is affordable.
- IPS panel available.
- Lastly, the RAM is expandable.
CONS
- No USB-C port is available.
OUR WORD
The laptop offers room for adjustment for RAM and GPU. Also, it is affordable.
Tap the image above to buy it now on Amazon.
2. Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5
At the top second spot on this list, we have a Chromebook by Lenovo.
It’s a slim and lightweight 360° convertible laptop.
DISPLAY
It has a webcam to keep you connected with family and friends while giving you clear visuals in full HD resolution with an IPS panel on its 13.3-inch display screen.
Furthermore, it has Two user-facing stereo speakers, which enhance sound quality coming off this laptop and improves your listening experience.
It also comes with a full-sized backlit keyboard and a touchpad.
OTHER FEATURES
In addition to the keyboard, it also has a touch screen.
This enhances your interaction with this device and improves your productivity.
Even more, the touchscreen is compatible with a digital pen.
However, you’ll have to purchase the pen separately.
What’s more, you can switch through different modes available including, tent, stand, tablet, and laptop mode.
Plus, the backlit keyboard offers a 1.4mm key-travel distance.
PROCESSOR/STORAGE
Furthermore, it uses a powerful 10th generation InteI Core i3-10110U processor with a clock speed of up to 2.1 GHz.
Likewise, it has an integrated Intel graphics card.
Then it offers storage with a 64 GB flash memory solid state available for the hard drive, while the RAM offers 4 GB DDR4.
WEIGHT/CONNECTIVITY
It weighs 2.97 pounds.
More so, it has several ports available with 2 USB Type-C ports, a USB Type-A port, and an audio jack.
WHO SHOULD GET THIS?
If you like an affordable music production laptop that can offer different modes for work, this is for you.
PROS
- Touchscreen enabled.
- Also, it has a fast and responsive typing keyboard.
- The webcam is good enough for video conference meetings.
CONS
- The hinges are not of the best quality.
OUR WORD
It offers touchscreen abilities, and it is affordable.
Tap the image above to buy it now on Amazon.
3. Acer Chromebook 314 Best Cheap Laptop For Music Production
At number three, we have another Chromebook.
And it looks aesthetically pleasing to the eyes.
DISPLAY
It offers an HD webcam at 720p resolution at the top of the lid.
In addition to that, you can enjoy clear visuals in full HD (1920x 1080) with an IPS panel from its 14-inches display screen and wide viewing angles.
OTHER FEATURES
It comes with in-built virus protection.
Even more, it’s designed with a standard non-backlit keyboard with a responsive touchpad.
PROCESSOR/STORAGE
Likewise, it has a powerful CPU by Intel Celeron N4000 with a clock speed of up to 2.6 GHz to ensure you don’t encounter latency while recording or making music.
And for the graphics, it uses an integrated Intel graphics card.
Meanwhile, the storage space is an Embedded MultiMediaCard (eMMC) of 64GB, and RAM is a 4 GB LPDDR4.
WEIGHT/CONNECTIVITY
It weighs 4.82 pounds.
Even more, it offers connectivity using 2 – USB Type-C ports USB 3.1 Gen 1 (up to 5 Gbps) DisplayPort over USB Type-C & USB Charging, 2 – USB 3.1 Gen 1 port & microSD Card Reader.
WHO SHOULD GET THIS?
If you are looking for an affordable yet high-performance laptop, then look no further.
PROS
- It has a good battery life and charging speed.
- The laptop is also easy to set up.
- Likewise, it loads pages faster.
CONS
- No backlit keyboard.
OUR WORD
It is lightweight, sleek, and super affordable.
Tap the image above to buy it now on Amazon.
4. 2021 HP Pavilion 15.6
We have this beautifully designed HP laptop in white and red chassis occupying the fourth spot on this list.
DISPLAY
First, it has an HD webcam at the top.
Furthermore, visuals come in an HD Anti-glare Energy-efficient micro-edge WLED screen projected on a 15.6-inch display screen size.
Again it has a full-size keyboard with a touchpad and a number pad.
OTHER FEATURES
The display offers an 81% screen-to-body ratio which maximizes your viewing experience.
PROCESSOR/STORAGE
The CPU is by Intel pentium_2 with a clock speed of up to 1.1 GHz.
More so, it features an integrated Intel UHD Graphics 605 graphics card.
On the other hand, the storage combines a 500 GB HDD for the hard drive, and it has 4 GB DDR4 for RAM space.
WEIGHT/CONNECTIVITY
It weighs 3.99 pounds.
More so, it has several ports for connectivity, such as USB Type-A, USB Type-C, HDMI.
WHO SHOULD GET THIS?
If you wouldn’t need a lot of storage space for your music production tasks and important files, you can get this laptop.
PROS
- Strong battery life.
- Bright screen.
CONS
- The processing speed isn’t the best.
OUR WORD
The laptop has a beautiful exterior, and it is affordable.
Tap the image above to buy it now on Amazon.
5. ASUS Chromebook C423 Best Cheap Laptop For Music Production
At number five, we have another Chromebook, and it comes in an all-silver chassis.
DISPLAY
The webcam offers a resolution of 720p.
Also, it offers clear pictures and crisp videos in HD from its 14-inches Anti-Glare NanoEdge display screen, which helps to reduce reflections and prevent eye fatigue.
What’s more?
OTHER FEATURES
To keep you viewing content the way you choose, the laptop has durable 180-degree hinges.
Also, the laptop offers an impressive 77% screen-to-body ratio and slim bezel.
But that’s not all.
The keyboard offers a key-travel distance of 1.4mm.
Meanwhile, it is proven to be rugged and durable after passing the MIL-STD 810H US military-grade pressure, shock, and vibration test.
Hence, it can withstand shortfalls, bumps, and knocks.
In addition, the keyboard is designed to be spill-resistant and withstand accidental water spills.
However, users are strongly advised against submerging or exposing this laptop in a large pool of water.
PROCESSOR/STORAGE
It has an Intel Dual-Core Celeron N3350 Processor with a clock speed of up to 2.4 GHz.
Likewise, graphics is powered by an Intel HD Graphics 500 card.
Plus, the storage combines flash storage of 32 GB eMMC and 4 GB LPDDR4 for the RAM.
WEIGHT/CONNECTIVITY
It is lightweight, weighing 2.9 pounds.
In addition to that, it has 3-USB 3.0 ports, USB Type-C (Gen 1), and Type-A ports available.
WHO SHOULD GET THIS?
We believe you should get this if you are looking for something cheap and suitable for music production.
PROS
- It is very light.
- The laptop has a sturdy build and an excellent typing keyboard.
- Tight hinges.
- Easy to use.
CONS
- The trackpad has a clicky sound.
OUR WORD
It is one of the cheapest laptops on our list, yet it offers just about the same performance as other laptops.
Tap the image above to buy it now on Amazon.
6. 2020 Lenovo IdeaPad Laptop
In our opinion, the Lenovo brand makes one of the best laptops with the best keyboards and long battery life.
And this IdeaPad at number six doesn’t fall short of that standard.
DISPLAY
Starting from the very top, it offers clear video conference calls thanks to its webcam.
Then it goes ahead to offer visuals in HD resolution on a 14-inch display screen with an Energy-efficient LED backlight.
In addition to that, it has a standard keyboard and a buttonless touchpad.
OTHER FEATURES
Inclusive, it has Microsoft Office 365 Personal 1-year subscription for free on offer.
PROCESSOR/STORAGE
The processor is a dual-core processor by AMD A6-9220e with a clock speed of up to 1.6 GHz.
And the graphics offer a dedicated VRAM of 2 GB by AMD Radeon R4.
Plus, the storage combines 64 GB SSD for the hard drive and 4 GB DDR4 for the RAM.
WEIGHT/CONNECTIVITY
Furthermore, it weighs 4.4 pounds.
Also, it has 2- USB 3.0 ports and an HDMI port for connectivity.
WHO SHOULD GET THIS?
If you like all you have just read, then you should get this.
PROS
- Lightweight.
- Good screen quality.
CONS
- The processing speed is not the best.
OUR WORD
If you use fewer DAW plugins, you should be okay with this laptop.
Tap the image above to buy it now on Amazon.
7. HP Chromebook 14-inch Best Cheap Laptop For Music Production
We have a Chromebook from HP to wrap up this list.
DISPLAY
Get stunning visuals on an HD anti-glare micro-edge WLED-backlit display with a VA panel 14-inch screen.
Plus, it has a standard keyboard with a buttonless touchpad.
OTHER FEATURES
The screen also offers an 82 % screen-to-body ratio.
Also, the audio speakers are by Bang & Olufsen.
It also has long battery life.
PROCESSOR/STORAGE
Furthermore, the CPU is by Intel Celeron N4000, Dual-Core with a clock speed of up to 2.6 GHz.
Then, the graphics are by Intel UHD Graphics 600.
Plus, it features a 32 GB Embedded MultiMediaCard for the hard drive and 4 GB LPDDR4 RAM for storage.
WEIGHT/CONNECTIVITY
It weighs 3.2 pounds and has several ports available.
WHO SHOULD GET THIS?
If you like speakers by B&O (Bang and Olufsen), then you should get this.
PROS
- Speaker by B&O.
- Backlit keyboard.
- It has a sharp and clear screen.
CONS
- No touchscreen.
OUR WORD
The speakers won’t let you down.
Tap the image above to buy it now on Amazon.
Final Verdict For The Best Cheap Laptop For Music Production
To wrap up, you can see that it is possible to have cheap and High-performance in one laptop.
However, there will be limits.
But regardless, you will get your money’s worth, and our number remains the ✅Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop.
Click the link above to buy it now on Amazon.
