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A fair price for a music production laptop would be somewhere around half of 1000 dollars. Hence, a price under 500 won’t guarantee you will get the best, but it won’t also give you underperformance. So while you ponder on what we are up to with that food for thought, let us introduce you to the best laptop for music production under 500 dollars and what’s possible. Oh, we have a number one, the ✅ASUS VivoBook 15.
Best Laptop For Music Production Under 500 Comparison Table
Click the image to buy the best laptop for music production under 500 dollars.
| S/N | Product | Image | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light Laptop |   | CPU-Intel Core i3-1005G1 GPU- ?Intel UHD Graphics OPERATING SYSTEM-Windows 10 S HARD DRIVE-128 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD RAM-8 GB DDR4 WEIGHT-3.75 pounds |
| 2 | 2020 Newest Acer Aspire 5 |   | CPU-AMD Ryzen 3 3200U GPU- AMD Radeon Vega 3 Mobile Graphics OPERATING SYSTEM-Windows 10 HARD DRIVE-256GB PCIe SSD RAM-8GB DDR4 WEIGHT-3.97 pounds |
| 3 | Lenovo - IdeaPad 3 |   | CPU-Intel Core i3-1005G1 GPU- Intel UHD Graphics OPERATING SYSTEM-Windows 10 HARD DRIVE-256GB SSD RAM-8 GB DDR4 WEIGHT-4.08 pounds |
| 4 | HP 14" |   | CPU-AMD Ryzen 3 3200U GPU- AMD Radeon Vega 3 OPERATING SYSTEM-Windows 10 HARD DRIVE-128 GB SSD RAM-8 GB DDR4 WEIGHT-3.25 pounds |
| 5 | Lenovo 2020 Flagship Ideapad 3 |   | CPU-AMD Dual-Core Ryzen 3 3250U GPU- AMD Radeon Vega 3 Graphics OPERATING SYSTEM-Windows 10 HARD DRIVE-256GB SSD RAM-8 GB DDR4 WEIGHT-3.3 pounds |
| 6 | ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light Laptop F512FA-AB34 |   | CPU-Intel core i3-8145U GPU- Intel UHD Graphics 620 OPERATING SYSTEM-Windows 10 S HARD DRIVE-128 GB Flash Memory Solid State RAM-8 GB DDR4 WEIGHT-3.8 pounds |
| 7 | CHUWI CoreBook |   | CPU-Intel Core i3 GPU- Iris 550 graphics OPERATING SYSTEM-Windows 10 HARD DRIVE-256 GB flash_memory_solid_state RAM-8 GB DDR4 WEIGHT-2.95 pounds |
Best Laptop For Music Production under 500
Music production deals with DAW (digital audio workstation) software.
These DAW software or plugins will enable you to not only record and edit your recordings but also to create your sound, which gives you an identity and lets you stand in a crowd of music producers.
Plus, it can be used by anyone who has a laptop, although you still need to go through some professional training.
Regularly music has become a part of our everyday life, and for this reason, everyone is particular about their choice of music.
Ideally, you can tell a person’s personality by the music they listen to.
The same goes for music producers to get the sound they wish to create.
They have to choose DAW software or plugins that can help them achieve their sound.
One way to make this happen is downloading free versions of DAW’s, as most offer free versions.
As that would help decide you wish DAW works for you.
But remember, they all do the same thing, and that is create music.
So, regardless of your choice, they will all produce music.
However, it is also crucial to know which laptops support DAW software, plugins, or programs.
That will cover later on.
More so, it is crucial to know the specs that would support your DAW software in a laptop under 500 dollars.
Required Specs For Music Production Laptops Under 500 Dollars
Fortunately, as CPU intensive and storage demanding music production is, it is nothing compared to what a gaming laptop requires.
And that means you wouldn’t have to cough a large chunk of cash to make your music software work.
Regardless you still need to know what is required to make it work.
PROCESSOR
You need to spot a processor that can help you do more without slowing down the laptop speed.
This will also increase your efficiency as you’ll spend less time producing music.
For this, you need to go with a multi-core processor.
This way, you are sure that your CPU can process more than one program without lagging.
So if you decide to go for Intel, then make it an Intel i5 or i3, which would usually be a quad-core processor.
Meaning, four cores are available to run your software.
Likewise, if you choose AMD, then make a Ryzen 5 or 3.
RAM
As customary, a powerful CPU always needs enough RAM space because it is temporary storage for everything you do while producing music.
Ideally, running any software on a laptop would require 4 GB, and music software is no different.
However, to avoid situations that leave you searching for an upgrade, it is best to aim for an 8 GB.
Of course, have in mind that bigger is better.
So if you see a 16 GB on offer for under 500, take it.
HARD DRIVE
Occasionally it is best to go with an SSD(solid-state drive).
Plus, it should be 512 GB.
However, there are rare cases where you would have to go for lower at 256 GB.
Of course, that would mean you are on a tight budget.
In such cases, you can support your SSD with an HDD to store large external music files.
DISPLAY
Music production would probably be one of the few things you would do on a laptop that wouldn’t require a resolution of 4K or 2k.
Hence, you can go for a laptop that offers full HD as long as you can see the display clear enough.
However, the screen size would require something big.
So a 15.6 inch or 17 inches should be fine.
AMOUNT OF PORTS
Regularly the transfer of pre-recorded sounds, beats, and more would be a crucial aspect of music production for a music producer.
So you will need to check for the number of ports available on your laptop of choice.
Also, if you prefer using an external mouse for work, you know that the mouse will take on one port.
Hence, that minus one port out of the number of ports available on the laptop.
SOME WORDS FOR YOU
In summary, when you have all these specs together in one laptop.
Then you are on your way to creating your sound as a music producer.
7 Top Best laptop for Music Production Under 500 Dollars
1. ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light Laptop Best Laptop For Music Production under 500
Aesthetically beautiful and amazingly light, we have an offering from Asus.
And yes, it is very affordable.
Also, it has a quality chassis that can withstand a few light bumps.
DISPLAY
The display allows you to see even more than you should, as it uses a new frameless four-way Nano Edge display with an ultra-slim bezel.
Even with such a slim bezel, the laptop still finds a way to keep you connected via video chat using its HD webcam at the top.
Inclusive with the display, you are allowed to get better quality visuals in full HD.
But that’s not all.
The screen size is at 15.6 inches, and the resolution assures you clear visuals good enough for music production and a couple of movies.
Plus, working in the dark or dim light situation wouldn’t be a problem as it has a backlit keyboard with a buttonless touchpad and a number pad.
OTHER FEATURES
Now comes the part every music producer would love to hear the audio on this laptop is delivered with deeper bass using Asus Sonicmaster.
In addition to the keyboard, it has a fingerprint reader with a 1.4 mm key-travel distance.
Likewise, the display offers an 88% screen-to-body ratio.
PROCESSOR/STORAGE
Furthermore, the processor keeps up the pace as you work with your DAW software using the Latest 10th Gen Intel Core i3-1005G1 with a clock speed of up to 3.5 GHz.
In the same light, the graphics are by Intel UHD Graphics.
Furthermore, the storage assures you can run any software using 128 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD for the hard drive.
Plus, it has 8 GB DDR4 for the RAM.
WEIGHT/CONNECTIVITY
It weighs 3.75 pounds.
This laptop has enough ports including, USB Type C, HDMI, microSD card reader, and USB 3.1 and 2.0 ports.
WHO SHOULD GET THIS?
If deeper bass does it for you while producing music, then this is your best fit.
PROS
- Affordable and lightweight.
- Comfortable typing keyboard.
- Fingerprint reader.
- It has adjustable audio quality with the stock Audio Wizard program that comes with it.
CONS
- Viewing angles could be better.
OUR WORD
We can tell for free this laptop would run Fruity Loops well.
Get it now on Amazon via the image link above.
2. 2020 Newest Acer Aspire 5
Glossy look, slim, and lightweight all come together to deliver a laptop worth the price.
DISPLAY
Stay in touch with family and friends on its HD webcam.
Likewise, it brings stunning visuals to your 15.6 inches display screen.
The visuals come in full HD Widescreen LED-backlit IPS display.
More so, it comes with a backlight keyboard to allow you to record even in low-light situations.
OTHER FEATURES
Furthermore, the processor uses True machine intelligence and a newly designed efficient architecture.
The groundbreaking AMD Ryzen processor learns and adapts to your needs so you can achieve more.
Also, the laptop offers Ghost Manta Accessories comprising an HDMI Cable, USB extension cord, and Mouse Pad.
PROCESSOR/STORAGE
The processor ensures you can run your DAW software using AMD Ryzen 3 3200U at a clock speed of up to 3.5 GHz.
Although graphics aren’t a big concern with music production, it still offers a GPU that can take on any of your demanding tasks.
Hence, it uses AMD Radeon Vega 3 Mobile Graphics.
Then it combines 256GB PCIe SSD for the hard drive and 8GB DDR4 for the RAM.
WEIGHT/CONNECTIVITY
It weighs 3.97 pounds.
In addition to that, it has several connectivity ports; USB 3.1 Gen 1 Port, 2 – USB 2.0 Ports, HDMI Port with HDCP support.
WHO SHOULD GET THIS?
If these features are just what you need in a laptop for music production, then this is for you.
PROS
- Upgradable SSD and RAM.
- Good display.
- The processor is super fast.
CONS
- It has graphics that are not so good.
OUR WORD
Again it is a solid and affordable laptop.
Get it now on Amazon via the image link above.
3. Lenovo – IdeaPad 3 Best Laptop For Music Production under 500
At number three, we have an Ideapad from Lenovo.
It doesn’t have much to its outer appearance.
However, look deeper and be marveled.
DISPLAY
It offers impressive visuals in full HD.
In addition to that, it has a widescreen display at 15.6 inches.
What’s more?.
It offers a Full-size Island-style Keyboard with Numeric Keypad and a buttonless touchpad.
OTHER FEATURES
Inclusive with the laptop are clear sounds from Dolby audio with stereo speakers to allow you to hear every bit of your recording.
PROCESSOR/STORAGE
The processor is by 10th Generation Intel Core i3-1005G1, which offers 2 Cores and eight threads that can allow you to run more than one music software at a time.
More so, the CPU has a clock speed of up to 3.5 GHz, and the graphics are by Intel UHD Graphics.
Then it packs a lot of storage using 256GB SSD for the hard drive and 8GB DDR4 for the RA.
WEIGHT/CONNECTIVITY
It weighs 4.08 pounds.
For connectivity, it has 802.11AC (2 x 2), Bluetooth 5.0.
Also, transferring files wouldn’t be a hassle thanks to the 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Headphone/Speaker/Line-Out Jack connectivity options available here.
WHO SHOULD GET THIS?
If you will be storing a lot of music large files, this is the one for you.
PROS
- Fast boot-up.
- Light and affordable.
CONS
- The display screen is not the best.
OUR WORD
Furthermore, it has a lot of storage for your DAW files or plugins.
Get it now on Amazon via the image link above.
4. HP 14″
In fourth place, we have a laptop from HP.
DISPLAY
It lets you stay in touch with family and friends using the built-in HD webcam and microphone.
Also, it offers stunning visuals in HD together with the visuals projecting on a 14-inch display screen.
Also, it has a standard keyboard with a two-buttoned touchpad.
OTHER FEATURES
Inclusive with the laptop is a touch-enabled screen that helps you to zoom, pinch and navigate easily.
It also has a built-in fingerprint reader and a media reader for simple photo transfer.
PROCESSOR/STORAGE
The processor is AMD Ryzen 3 3200U with a clock speed of up to 3.5 GHz, and the graphics are by AMD Radeon Vega 3.
Also, it comes with a 128 GB SSD for the hard drive and 8 GB DDR4 for RAM.
WEIGHT/CONNECTIVITY
It weighs 3.25 pounds.
Plus, for connectivity, it has;
- Realtek RTL8821CE 802.11b/g/n/ac (1×1)(19a) Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth 4.2
- RJ-45 Integrated 10/100/1000 GbE LAN.
And for ports, it has 1x Headphone-out & Audio-in Combo Jack, RJ45 LAN, 2x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A, HDMI 1.4b 4K Outputs, USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C.
WHO SHOULD GET THIS?
If you prefer working with a touch screen interface, then you will like this.
PROS
- Touch screen enabled.
- Fingerprint reader.
- Also, it is fast and affordable.
CONS
- No backlit keyboard.
OUR WORD
In addition to its touch screen, it has solid battery life.
Get it now on Amazon via the image link above.
5. Lenovo 2020 Flagship Ideapad 3 Best Laptop For Music Production under 500
Lenovo brings another laptop with an impressive battery life of up to 7 hours in one charge.
DISPLAY
Its visuals are in full HD resolution coming off a 14-inch display screen size.
Also, it offers a standard keyboard with a buttonless touchpad.
OTHER FEATURES
The sound comes from Dolby audio.
PROCESSOR/STORAGE
It has a processor equipped with the latest and powerful CPU by AMD Dual-Core Ryzen 3 3250U, offering a clock speed of up to 3.5 GHz.
Similarly, the graphics are by AMD Radeon Vega 3 Graphics Integrated.
It also has 256GB SSD for the hard drive and 8 GB DDR4 for RAM.
WEIGHT/CONNECTIVITY
It weighs 3.3 pounds.
Plus, it has several ports including, 2 USB 3.0 Type-A; USB 2.0 Type-A; HDMI; Headphone/microphone combo jack; Media Card Reader.
WHO SHOULD GET THIS?
Also, if you are looking for a laptop that will offer you more battery time while producing music, then this is it.
PROS
- Upgradable storage.
- Solid battery life.
CONS
- The screen quality is average.
OUR WORD
Again as stated earlier, this is a music production laptop with long battery life and fast charging.
Get it now on Amazon via the image link above.
6. ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light Laptop F512FA-AB34
This seems somewhat similar to our number one best on this list.
Well, no, it’s not because there is a difference in CPU for both.
And this is a bit costly
DISPLAY
It offers stunning visuals on a 15.6-inch display screen in full HD.
Even more, it has a backlit keyboard with a buttonless touchpad and a numeric keypad.
OTHER FEATURES
It offers a stunning 88% screen-to-body ratio.
More so, it keeps your downloaded files, sensitive data, and software safe using its fingerprint sensor.
Plus, you can type in a better position as it uses an Exclusive Ergolift design keyboard for typing.
What’s more?.
It provides better sounds using ASUS SonicMaster, a combination of hardware, software, and audio tuning designed to give you the very best audio experience.
PROCESSOR/STORAGE
Furthermore, the processor is by Intel core i3-8145U, and that’s the difference between this and the previous Asus seen above.
Also, the graphics are by Intel UHD Graphics 620.
It combines 128 GB Flash Memory Solid State for the hard drive, and for the RAM, it has 8 GB DDR4 available.
WEIGHT/CONNECTIVITY
It weighs 3.8 pounds.
For ports, it has USB 3.1 Type-C, USB 3.1 Type-A, USB 2.0, and HDMI.
WHO SHOULD GET THIS?
If you prefer a CPU by Intel as opposed to AMD, then you should get this.
PROS
- Easy to switch out of S mode.
- Fingerprint sensor makes start-up easier.
- Nano screen.
CONS
- The viewing angle is not the best.
OUR WORD
The laptop can offer you the performance you need to create beautiful sounds.
Get it now on Amazon via the image link above.
7. CHUWI CoreBook Best Laptop For Music Production under 500
To conclude our list, we a laptop from Chuwi.
DISPLAY
It offers visuals in 2k resolution.
More so, the visuals come on a 13-inch display screen.
Furthermore, it has a backlit keyboard with a buttonless touchpad.
OTHER FEATURES
It uses an IPS panel for wide viewing angles and a 16.9 aspect ratio.
PROCESSOR/STORAGE
The processor is by Intel Core i3 with a clock speed of up to 2.4 GHz, and the graphics are by Intel Iris 550 graphics.
Plus, it has 256 GB flash_memory_solid_state for the hard drive and 8 GB DDR4 for the RAM.
WEIGHT/CONNECTIVITY
Then it weighs 2.95 pounds.
Whereas for connectivity, it has USB Type-C and USB 3.0.
WHO SHOULD GET THIS?
If you prefer a 13-inch screen, so you can move around freely, then this is the one.
PROS
- Color accuracy is good.
- Easy setup.
- Lastly, it has a responsive keyboard.
CONS
- The overall construction and design could be better.
OUR WORD
It is a lightweight and efficient laptop.
Get it now on Amazon via the image link above.
Final Verdict For The Best Laptop For Music Production Under 500
In summary, every laptop on this list is affordable and will offer you a device that gives you your signature sound as a music producer.
However, only one can be called number one, the ✅ASUS VivoBook 15.
Hence we recommend you get it.
Click the link above to buy now on Amazon.
