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 Apple 2025 MacBook Air 15-inch with the M4 chip brings impressive power and portability, making it an attractive option for music production on a budget. It has a strong 10-core CPU and 16GB of unified RAM, which means it can handle most music software and multitasking smoothly without slowing down. The 256GB SSD is decent for storing projects but might feel a bit tight if you work with large sample libraries or multiple projects, so you may need external storage. Its audio setup stands out with a high-quality four-speaker system, Spatial Audio, and a three-mic array, providing clear sound and recording capabilities, which is great for both producing and conferencing.

The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display offers vivid colors and sharp text, helpful for detailed editing in digital audio workstations. Battery life is excellent, lasting up to 18 hours, so you can create music for long sessions without worrying about charging. Connectivity includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a headphone jack with support for high-impedance headphones, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, covering most needs for connecting audio interfaces and peripherals. However, the laptop has only two USB-C ports, which might require adapters if you use multiple devices simultaneously.

Though it is not the cheapest laptop available, this MacBook Air balances performance, portability, and sound quality very well, making it a strong choice for musicians who want a reliable, all-around machine without stepping into the higher-priced pro laptop range.

The HP 15.6 inch Laptop with AMD Ryzen 3 7320U is a budget-friendly choice that offers decent performance for music production beginners or hobbyists. Its 4-core Ryzen 3 processor coupled with 8 GB of LPDDR5 RAM provides smooth multitasking and handles basic music software reasonably well. The 128 GB SSD ensures faster loading times, though the storage may feel tight if you work with many large audio files. The HD 1366 x 768 touchscreen display is basic and not ideal for detailed visual work, but it's responsive and helps with ease of navigation.

Its built-in AMD Radeon graphics won’t impact music production much but can handle casual entertainment needs. Audio-wise, the laptop includes a decent HD camera and noise-filtering microphone features, but it lacks a specialized audio interface, which serious music producers often need for better sound quality and connectivity with professional gear. Battery life is strong at around 12 hours, allowing for extended sessions without plugging in, and Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure solid connectivity for online collaboration or connecting wireless devices.

However, the single USB-C port supports data only, so connecting multiple external devices might require adapters. This laptop fits users prioritizing affordability and portability with basic music production needs, but those aiming for more advanced audio work might find its storage and audio hardware limiting.