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

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.

The four-speaker sound system and three-mic array are excellent for quality audio recording and playback, crucial for music production. However, the limited 3.5mm headphone jack might necessitate additional audio interfaces for more professional setups. Battery life is impressive, with up to 18 hours, making it dependable for on-the-go use without frequent recharging. Connectivity is decent with two Thunderbolt 4 ports and Wi-Fi 6E, though the reliance on only two USB-C ports may require adapters or hubs for more extensive setups.

The lightweight and portable design make it easy to carry around, and the inclusion of Touch ID adds a layer of security. While its integration with Apple’s ecosystem is beneficial for iPhone users, it might require some adjustment for those accustomed to other operating systems. For an affordable music production laptop with solid performance, the 2025 MacBook Air is a compelling option, though users might need to consider additional accessories to fully meet professional audio production needs.

The Acer Nitro V Gaming Laptop offers impressive performance for its price point, featuring a 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13420H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU. This makes it a solid choice for music production software that requires substantial processing power and graphics capability. The 8GB of DDR5 RAM and 512GB Gen 4 SSD ensure efficient multitasking and quick access to your files, which is beneficial for music projects.

However, more demanding users might find the 8GB RAM limiting, especially if running multiple high-performance applications simultaneously. Upgrading the RAM could be necessary down the line. The 15.6-inch Full HD display with a 144Hz refresh rate provides clear and smooth visuals, valuable for detailed editing work. Still, the screen size and resolution are quite standard and may not offer the same clarity and workspace as higher-res displays.

For connectivity, the Nitro V includes Thunderbolt 4 and multiple USB ports, offering flexibility for various audio interfaces and peripherals. Wi-Fi 6 and Ethernet support ensure stable internet connections, an essential feature for cloud-based music production and software updates. The backlit keyboard is a practical feature for working in low-light conditions. Portability is decent with a weight of 4.66 pounds, but it’s not the lightest option available, which could be a consideration for those frequently on the move. Build quality appears to be solid, although it’s primarily plastic and might not feel as premium as more expensive models. In summary, the Acer Nitro V Gaming Laptop is a capable and budget-friendly option for music production, though some users may need to consider potential upgrades and the trade-offs in portability.

The HP 15.6" Business Laptop offers a decent balance of performance and affordability for those entering the world of music production. The Intel Core i3-1215U processor, though not the most powerful, offers six cores which can handle basic music production tasks. The 16GB RAM is a strong point, enabling smoother multitasking and handling of music production software. The 1TB SSD provides ample storage for large music files and quick access speeds, which is essential for productive work sessions. However, the display resolution of 1366x768 is quite low for modern standards; a higher resolution would be more desirable for detailed audio work and better overall clarity.

The audio interface compatibility should be satisfactory given the multiple USB ports available, which are crucial for connecting external audio equipment. The inclusion of an AI-powered assistant, Copilot, and lifetime access to Microsoft Office 2024 can aid productivity and organizational tasks, though they are not directly related to music production.

Portability is a plus with a weight of 3.75 pounds, making it easy to carry around for on-the-go productions. The battery life, listed as up to 6 hours, is decent but might not be sufficient for longer sessions away from power sources. Build quality appears solid, though the non-backlit keyboard might be a minor inconvenience in low-light environments.

This HP laptop is suitable for beginners or those on a budget who need a capable machine for music production. While it has some limitations like a lower screen resolution and modest battery life, its strong RAM and substantial SSD storage make it a reasonable choice for entry-level music production tasks.