Looking for a great laptop for making music without spending a lot? You’re in the right place.
We know it’s hard to find a good laptop that’s also cheap, especially for music production.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ve picked the best laptops for music production under $300. These laptops are perfect for anyone starting in music or working with a tight budget.
They are powerful enough for recording and mixing music and won’t cost you a fortune. We’ve checked each laptop to make sure they are the best for your music needs.
So, get ready to find the perfect laptop for your music without spending too much.
List of the Best Laptop for Music Production Under $300
Finding the best budget laptop for music production can be a challenge. At this price point, it’s crucial to balance performance with affordability.
While high-end laptops offer extensive features and robust performance, there are budget-friendly options that can still meet the basic needs of music production.
| Products | Price |
|---|---|
| Acer Aspire 3 | Check on Amazon |
| Lenovo IdeaPad 1 | Check on Amazon |
| Acer Aspire 5 | Check on Amazon |
| Lenovo IdeaPad 3 | Check on Amazon |
| HP – 14″ Laptop | Check on Amazon |
| ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 | Check on Amazon |
| HP Stream 14 | Check on Amazon |
The Acer Aspire 3 – A Solid Choice for Music Production
CPU: AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Quad-Core @ 2.4GHz (4 Cores) | GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics | RAM: 8GB LPDDR5 | Storage: 128GB NVMe SSD
For musicians and producers seeking an affordable laptop optimized for music, the Acer Aspire 3 packs a punch without breaking the bank. Priced under $300, this 15.6″ notebook has the specs and performance to handle digital audio workstation (DAW) software and music production needs on a tight budget.
Capable Performance for DAWs and Plugins
Powered by a Ryzen 3 quad-core processor and 8GB of RAM, the Aspire 3 provides capable performance for running music production software, multiple tracks, and plugins. While it lacks the horsepower for intensive projects, its smooth responsiveness suits home recording needs.
Compared to pricier competitors like the $600+ Lenovo IdeaCentre with its Ryzen 3 CPU, the sub-$300 Aspire 3 offers comparable speed for basic music production work, especially given its lower cost. The fast 128GB NVMe SSD is also ideal for loading samples and sessions quickly.
Lightweight and Portable
Weighing less than 4 pounds, the Aspire 3 strikes a nice balance of maximizing screen size with its 15.6” display while maintaining a slim, portable footprint. This makes it easy for producers and musicians to create music on the couch or take their work on the road.
In contrast, an all-in-one desktop like the bulky Lenovo Idea Centre forfeits portability. For producers who want mobility, the Aspire 3 fits the bill.
Good Connectivity for Audio Gear
The Aspire 3 ticks all the right boxes for connectivity to audio interfaces, monitors, and MIDI controllers. Its USB 3.2 ports, USB 2.0, HDMI, headphone jack, and SD card reader allow for flexibility in hooking up external gear.
This means producers can connect their controller keyboards, audio interfaces, and monitors without constantly needing extra adapters. The versatility caters well to assembling a compact, capable music production setup.
Verdict
The Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH stands out in the under $300 category for music production. It strikes a balance between performance, design, and price. While it may not cater to high-end professional needs, it’s a solid choice for those starting in music production or working within a budget. Its portability, combined with reliable performance, makes it a practical tool for both studio and on-the-go music creation.
Lenovo IdeaPad 1 – A Budget-Friendly Option for Music Production
CPU: Intel Pentium Silver N5030 @ 1.1 GHz (4 Cores) | GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 605 | RAM: 4GB DDR4 2400MHz | Storage: 128GB eMMC
The Lenovo Ideapad provides a wallet-friendly option for beginner music producers needing an affordable yet capable laptop. With its decent performance, lightweight design, and low price point, it can handle introductory music making and recording needs.
Good Value for Money
Starting under $300, the Ideapad offers a Pentium Silver quad-core processor, 4GB RAM, and 128GB SSD storage. This budget hardware configuration provides enough power for basic music production like running a digital audio workstation and some effects smoothly.
Compared to pricier options like the Acer Aspire 5 with its 11th gen Core i3, the Ideapad 1 trades top-end speed for cost savings. But its specs still meet starter needs.
Light and Portable
Weighing just over 3 pounds, the plastic 14” IdeaPad maintains a slim, portable form factor that producers can easily toss in a bag. For music-making on the couch or on the go, its lightweight design makes it more convenient than a bulkier all-in-one desktop.
The Aspire 3 is also portable at under 4 pounds, but the IdeaPad 1 inches ahead in mobility.
Decent Connectivity
The Ideapad ticks the boxes for core connectivity, with USB 3.2, USB 2.0, HDMI, a headphone jack, and an SD card reader. This covers basics like hooking up MIDI keyboards, audio interfaces, and monitors.
Verdict
So while it lacks processing power for more advanced production, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 provides a well-rounded budget option for beginner music makers wanting portability and just enough performance to get started.
Acer Aspire 5 – A Capable Midrange Choice for Music Production
CPU: Intel Core i3-1115G4 @ 3.0 GHz (2 Cores) with 4.1 GHz Turbo | GPU: Intel UHD Graphics | RAM: 8GB DDR4 | Storage: 128GB NVMe SSD
The Acer Aspire 5 brings a solid blend of performance, portability, and value for music making and production needs. With its 11th Gen Intel Core i3 processor and 8GB RAM, it provides smooth power for running music software, plugins, and multi-track recording sessions.
Good Processing Muscle
The Aspire 5 packs an 11th Gen Intel Core i3 quad-core CPU, a significant step up from the entry-level Celeron processors found in budget options like the Lenovo IdeaPad 1. Paired with 8GB DDR4 RAM, this hardware configuration delivers enough capability for running a digital audio workstation, virtual instruments, effects, and more.
While not built for intensive production, the Aspire 5 offers very capable performance for home recording and music creation, especially at this price point. The CPU and memory give it an advantage over other similarly priced laptops.
Lightweight and Portable Design
Maintaining Acer’s slim aesthetic, the 15.6” Aspire 5 retains a lightweight and portable design that weighs just 3.75 pounds. This compact footprint makes it easy for producers and musicians to create music anywhere – on the couch, in the studio, or on the go.
The mobility provides flexibility versus being anchored to a desktop workstation. For home recording away from a desk, the Aspire 5 is an appealing portable solution.
Solid Connectivity Options
The Aspire 5 delivers the connectivity essentials with ports like USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 2.0, HDMI, and a combo headphone/mic jack. This covers the basics for hooking up audio interfaces, monitors, MIDI keyboards, and other gear.
Verdict
Overall, the Acer Aspire 5 hits a sweet spot as a capable midrange pick for intermediate music creators needing decent power in a portable package. It brings additional speed over budget models for smooth home recording and production.
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 – A Budget-Friendly Pick for Home Music Production
CPU: Intel Core i3-1115G4 @ 3.0 GHz (2 Cores) | GPU: Intel UHD Graphics | RAM: 8GB DDR4 | Storage: 128GB SSD
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 stands as a wallet-friendly choice for beginner music producers and home recording enthusiasts needing an affordable laptop solution. With its combination of portability, decent performance, and low price point, it covers the basics for introductory music making.
Good Value Specs
Starting under $250, the IdeaPad 3 delivers respectable specs like an 11th Gen Core i3 processor, 8GB RAM, and a 128GB SSD. This hardware can handle lighter music production tasks like running a digital audio workstation and some effects plugins smoothly. Especially given the budget price, the performance is very solid.
Comparatively, the Acer Aspire 5 offers more processing power with its 11th Gen Core i3 and 8GB RAM at a higher price point around $300. But for simple home recording, the IdeaPad 3 provides good bang for your buck.
Lightweight and Portable Design
Weighing in at just 3.3 pounds, the 14” IdeaPad 3 maintains a thin, compact footprint. This makes it easy for music producers to create tunes on the couch or take their laptop to the studio. The portability provides flexibility versus being tethered to a desktop.
For musicians wanting to produce on the go, the light IdeaPad 3 is easier to toss in a bag than heavier options.
Decent Connectivity
With its USB 3.2 ports, USB 2.0, HDMI, a headphone jack, and an SD card reader, the IdeaPad 3 offers the essentials for connecting audio interfaces, monitors, and MIDI controllers. More adapters may be needed compared to expensive laptops, but it covers the basics.
Verdict
In summary, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 gives budget-focused music makers and home producers a well-rounded portable pick to start recording and creating songs affordably.
HP 14 – A Budget-Friendly Laptop Pick for Beginner Music Production
CPU: AMD Ryzen 3 3250U @ 2.6 GHz (2 Cores) | GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics | RAM: 8GB DDR4 2400MHz | Storage: 128GB SATA SSD
The HP 14 provides an affordable option for budding music producers and home studio enthusiasts needing a laptop under $300. With its portable design, capable specs, and wallet-friendly price, it covers the basics for introductory home recording and music making.
Good Value Hardware
Starting at around $295, the HP 14 delivers solid specs like an AMD Ryzen 3 processor, 8GB RAM, and 128GB SSD. This hardware configuration can handle lighter music production tasks like running a digital audio workstation smoothly. Considering the low price point, the performance is quite impressive.
Comparatively, the Acer Aspire 3 offers similar value specs but costs slightly more at around $300. However, the HP 14 edges out in storage capacity.
Light and Thin for Portability
Weighing 3.24 pounds, the 14” HP 14 maintains a slim and lightweight chassis that makes it easy to create music anywhere inspiration strikes. The portable design provides flexibility versus being tethered to a desktop workstation.
Musicians wanting mobility for producing on the couch or on the go will appreciate the compact footprint, especially given the budget price.
Decent Connectivity
The port selection on the HP 14 covers the basics with USB 2.0, USB 3.0, HDMI, a headphone/mic combo jack, and an SD card reader. While adapters may be needed in some cases, it allows connecting essential music gear like audio interfaces, monitors, and MIDI keyboards.
Verdict
Overall, the affordable HP 14 hits a sweet spot for beginners wanting a portable laptop solution to start home recording and music production on a tight budget.
ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 – A Convertible Pick for Beginner Music Production
CPU: Intel Pentium Silver N5030 @ 1.1 GHz (4 Cores) | GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 605 | RAM: 4GB DDR4 | Storage: 128GB eMMC
The ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 provides a flexible 2-in-1 option for new music producers and home studio enthusiasts needing a convertible laptop under $300. With its compact size, touchscreen display, and budget price point, it can cover basic music making needs on a tight budget.
Decent Entry-Level Performance
The ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 is equipped with an Intel Pentium Silver processor, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. This hardware configuration provides enough capability for handling basic music production tasks like running a lightweight digital audio workstation and some effects plugins.
While not a processing powerhouse, the VivoBook’s specs can cover simpler music making needs for beginners. More intensive software and projects may require upgraded components down the line.
Comparatively, the Acer Aspire 3 offers more substantial performance with its Ryzen 3 processor and 8GB of RAM. But the VivoBook Flip 14 prioritizes an ultraportable 2-in-1 form factor over maximum speed. For simple home recording, its entry-level components get the job done.
Ultraportable 2-in-1 Design
Weighing just 3.31 pounds with its 14″ touch display, the VivoBook Flip 14 maintains an impressively slim and compact footprint. The convertible design lets producers use it as a laptop or tablet for creating music anywhere.
For musicians wanting maximum portability under $300, the lightweight 2-in-1 design makes it easy to produce tracks on the couch or on the go.
Decent Connectivity
With its USB 2.0, USB 3.2, HDMI, and headphone jack, the VivoBook Flip 14 offers the essential ports for connecting basic music gear. External adapters may be required in some cases, but it covers core needs.
Verdict
In summary, the ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 provides an affordable convertible option for mobile beginner music producers wanting flexibility and portability on a budget.
HP Stream 14 – An Ultra-Budget Pick for Basic Music Production
CPU: Intel Celeron N4000 @ 1.1 GHz (2 Cores) | GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 600 | RAM: 4GB DDR4 | Storage: 64GB eMMC
The HP Stream 14 provides an ultra-affordable option for music makers on a tight budget under $200 needing a very basic laptop. While limited in performance, its low price, cloud storage, and portable design allow exploring introductory music production and recording simply.
Barebones yet Cost-Effective Specs
The Stream 14 is equipped with a Celeron processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage. This is just enough capability for lightweight music software and projects. Performance is lacking for more intensive production work.
Comparatively, the Acer Aspire 3 offers substantially more power with its Ryzen 3 CPU and 8GB RAM but costs nearly twice as much. The Stream 14 trades speed for an ultra-low cost.
Lightweight and Thin Profile
Weighing only 2.98 pounds, the Stream 14 maintains an extremely portable footprint. Musicians can easily create tracks on the couch or on-the-go. For basic recording away from a desktop, the Stream 14 provides needed mobility.
While larger laptops allow bigger sessions, the Stream 14’s compact design makes it a highly affordable portable solution.
Cloud Storage Included
The 64GB onboard storage is extremely limiting. However, the included 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage helps offset this by providing ample space for saving projects, samples, and other data online.
Verdict
For those on a tight sub-$200 budget, the HP Stream 14 lets you dip your toes into introductory home music production in an ultra-portable package, supplemented by cloud storage.
Conclusion
Finding the right laptop for music production requires balancing performance, portability, and affordability.
When selecting a music production laptop, the Acer Aspire 3 stands out as a top choice.
With its recent generation AMD Ryzen 3 processor, 8GB RAM, fast SSD storage, and decent connectivity, it provides the best balance of performance and value.
For smooth DAW and plugin operation within a $300 budget, the Aspire 3 hits the sweet spot without breaking the bank. For beginners seeking capable mobile music production power, the Aspire 3 is a smart way to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What processor should I look for in a music production laptop under $300?
For music production, you’ll want at least a dual core processor like an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3. Quad core options like Core i5 or Ryzen 5 would be ideal but are difficult to find under $300. Avoid Celeron or older processors, as they won’t be able to handle running a digital audio workstation (DAW) and plugins smoothly. Prioritize laptops with at least a recent generation Core i3 or Ryzen 3 processor.
How much RAM do I need for music production on a budget laptop?
Look for at least 8GB of RAM if your budget allows. This will enable you to run your DAW software, some tracks, and effects plugins without issue. You may be able to get by with 4GB for very light music production, but 8GB is recommended as the minimum for a decent experience. Upgrading to 16GB RAM down the line can also help with larger sessions.
What type of storage should I get?
An SSD (solid state drive) is highly recommended over a traditional hard disk drive. SSDs are much faster which is crucial for loading your DAW, samples, plugins, and projects quickly. 128GB is a good minimum size, but 256GB or higher is even better for storing more programs and media files. Prioritize laptops with SSD over HDD storage.
Does portability matter for a music laptop?
Portability can be beneficial if you want to produce music in different locations, like on the couch or even on-the-go. Thinner, lighter laptops are obviously more portable. Aim for less than 4 pounds if making music away from a desk setup. But don’t sacrifice too much performance for ultra-portability either. Find the right balance for your needs.
What ports and connections do I need?
Look for USB 3.0 ports (at least 2 ideally), headphone jack, and preferably HDMI out. This allows connecting MIDI keyboards, audio interfaces, external hard drives, and monitors without constant need for adapters. An SD card slot can also be handy for media files. Don’t overlook connectivity needs.
