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10 Best Cheap Laptops For Music Production 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 score

Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M4 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID; Midnight

The Apple 2025 MacBook Air with the M4 chip is a strong contender for a cheap laptop suitable for music production. Its standout feature is the powerful M4 chip, which ensures smooth performance even when using demanding music production software. With 16GB of unified memory, multitasking is seamless, and 256GB of SSD storage offers adequate space for music files and applications, although heavy users might need external storage or upgrades. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display is vibrant and sharp, essential for detailed audio editing and visual work.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,151
Processor (CPU)
RAM

Most important from
359 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The M4 chip shows a significant improvement in speed compared to earlier models, making it a great choice for demanding tasks.
RAM
Although the base model is impressive, opting for a higher memory spec would have been better for more demanding uses.
#2
9.6 score

Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop | 15.6" Full HD IPS Display | AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Quad-Core Processor | AMD Radeon Graphics | 8GB LPDDR5 | 128GB NVMe SSD | Wi-Fi 6 | Windows 11 Home in S Mode

The Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop is a decent choice for those looking to engage in music production on a budget. It features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display, providing sharp visuals and vibrant colors, which is great for viewing software interfaces. The AMD Ryzen 3 7320U quad-core processor paired with 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM facilitates smooth multitasking and handling of music production software, though it may struggle with very intensive tasks.

Rating
9.6
Processor (CPU)
Screen Size and Resolution
Battery Life

Most important from
3492 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The laptop is surprisingly fast for its price range, though not comparable to high-end models.
Screen Size and Resolution
Screen brightness and quality are impressive, enhancing the visual experience.
Battery Life
Battery life is excellent, reducing the need to recharge frequently during long sessions.
Build Quality and Portability
Despite being a budget option, the build quality feels solid and the design is sleek.
#3
9.3 score

HP 255 G10 Laptop for Home or Work, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, 15.6" Full HD, Ryzen 3 7330U (Beat Intel i5-1135G7), HDMI, USB-C, Windows 11 Pro, Business and Fun Ready

The HP 255 G10 Laptop offers a compelling option for those seeking an affordable laptop for music production. Its AMD Ryzen 3 7330U processor, coupled with 16GB of RAM, ensures smooth performance while handling music production tasks and multitasking. The 1TB SSD provides ample storage space for large audio files and quick data transfer speeds, which is crucial for recording and editing music efficiently.

Rating
9.3
Processor (CPU)
Display
Connectivity

Most important from
552 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Performance is outstanding for the price, offering more than basic features.
Display
The screen colors are vibrant, and the system is very quick.
Connectivity
Set up was simple and connecting devices was quick.

Top 10 Best Cheap Laptops For Music Production 2025 in the United States

Lenovo V-Series V15 Business Laptop, 15.6" FHD Display, AMD Ryzen 7 7730U, 40GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Numeric Keypad, HDMI, RJ45, Webcam, Wi-Fi, Windows 11 Pro, Black

Processor (CPU): AMD Ryzen 7 7730U
RAM: 40 GB
Storage: 1 TB SSD
Audio Interface Compatibility: USB 3.2 Type-C, HDMI, headphone/mic
Screen Size and Resolution: 15.6 inches, 1920 x 1080 pixels
Build Quality and Portability: 3.64 pounds, 0.78 inches thick
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Buying Guide for the Best Cheap Laptops For Music Production

When choosing a laptop for music production, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure that the device can handle the demands of audio software and provide a smooth, efficient workflow. Music production can be resource-intensive, so even if you're looking for a budget-friendly option, you need to make sure the laptop has the necessary capabilities to support your creative process. Here are some key specs to focus on and how to navigate them to find the best fit for your needs.
Processor (CPU)The processor is the brain of your laptop and is crucial for running music production software smoothly. A powerful CPU can handle multiple tracks, effects, and virtual instruments without lag. For music production, look for at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5. These mid-range processors offer a good balance between performance and cost. If you plan to work on more complex projects, consider an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7. Your choice should be guided by the complexity of your music production needs; more demanding tasks require a more powerful processor.
RAMRAM (Random Access Memory) is important for multitasking and running large audio files and software smoothly. For music production, a minimum of 8GB RAM is recommended, but 16GB is ideal if you can afford it. More RAM allows you to run more plugins and virtual instruments simultaneously without slowing down your system. If you work with large projects or use memory-intensive software, opt for higher RAM to ensure a seamless experience.
StorageStorage is where all your files, software, and projects are saved. Solid State Drives (SSDs) are preferred over Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) because they are faster and more reliable. An SSD will significantly reduce loading times and improve overall performance. Aim for at least 256GB SSD storage, but 512GB or more is better if you have a lot of samples and project files. If you need more space, consider laptops that allow for external storage options or have additional slots for upgrading.
Audio InterfaceWhile not a spec of the laptop itself, the audio interface is crucial for music production. Some laptops come with decent built-in sound cards, but for professional quality, you might need an external audio interface. Look for laptops with multiple USB ports to connect external audio interfaces and other peripherals. The quality of your audio interface will affect the sound quality and latency, so ensure compatibility with your laptop.
DisplayA good display is important for seeing your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) clearly and managing multiple tracks and plugins. Look for a laptop with at least a Full HD (1920x1080) resolution. Larger screens (15 inches or more) can provide more workspace, but they might be less portable. If portability is a priority, a smaller screen might be better, but ensure it has good resolution and color accuracy.
Battery LifeBattery life is important if you plan to work on the go or in places where you can't always plug in. Look for laptops with at least 6-8 hours of battery life. Keep in mind that running music production software can drain the battery faster, so consider laptops with efficient power management features. If you often work in a studio or at home, battery life might be less critical, but it's still a good idea to have a laptop that can last through a session without needing a charge.
ConnectivityGood connectivity options are essential for music production. Ensure the laptop has multiple USB ports, preferably USB 3.0 or higher, for connecting MIDI controllers, external hard drives, and audio interfaces. An HDMI port can be useful for connecting to external monitors. Additionally, consider laptops with Thunderbolt ports for faster data transfer and more versatile connectivity options. Your choice should be guided by the number and type of peripherals you plan to use.

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