DJing has become an increasingly popular hobby, and it’s easy to see why. Not only is it fun, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. With the rise of digital DJing, anyone can mix music from the comfort of their own home. However, finding the right laptop for DJing can be a challenge, especially if you’re on a budget. Luckily, there are some great laptops for DJs that won’t break the bank. Here are the top five laptops for DJs under $500.
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Model |
Acer Aspire 5 |
HP Pavilion 15 |
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 |
Dell Inspiron 15 3000 |
ASUS VivoBook 15 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Processor | AMD Ryzen 3/5/7 | Intel Core i5/i7 | AMD Ryzen 3/5/7 | Intel Core i3/i5/i7 | AMD Ryzen 3/5/7 |
Graphics | AMD Radeon | Intel UHD/Nvidia | AMD Radeon | Intel UHD/Nvidia | AMD Radeon/Nvidia |
RAM | 4GB/8GB/16GB DDR4 | 8GB/16GB DDR4 | 4GB/8GB/16GB DDR4 | 4GB/8GB/16GB DDR4 | 4GB/8GB/16GB DDR4 |
Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB SSD/1TB HDD | 256GB/512GB SSD/1TB HDD | 128GB/256GB/512GB SSD/1TB HDD | 128GB/256GB/512GB SSD/1TB HDD | 256GB/512GB SSD/1TB HDD |
Display | 15.6-inch FHD IPS | 15.6-inch FHD IPS | 15.6-inch FHD TN | 15.6-inch HD/FHD TN/IPS | 15.6-inch FHD TN/IPS |
Weight | 3.97 lbs (1.8 kg) | 4.08 lbs (1.85 kg) | 4.08 lbs (1.85 kg) | 4.03 lbs (1.83 kg) | 3.75 lbs (1.7 kg) |
Battery Life | Up to 8 hours | Up to 8 hours | Up to 6 hours | Up to 7 hours | Up to 7 hours |
1. Acer Aspire 5: Best Overall DJ Laptop
The Acer Aspire 5 is an excellent laptop for DJs looking for a powerful machine for an affordable price. It has a 15.6-inch full HD display, and it comes with an Intel Core i3-8145U processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. It also has a backlit keyboard, and it runs on Windows 10.
The Aspire 5 is perfect for DJs who need a laptop that can handle their DJ software without any hiccups. It has enough power to run popular DJ programs like Serato and Traktor without lagging, and it comes with enough storage space for your music library. The battery life is also impressive, with up to 8 hours of use on a single charge.
Features :
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Processor | AMD Ryzen 3 3200U / Ryzen 5 3500U / Ryzen 7 3700U |
Graphics | AMD Radeon Vega 3 / Vega 8 / RX Vega 10 |
RAM | 4GB / 8GB / 16GB DDR4 SDRAM |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB solid state drive (SSD) or HDD |
Display | 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS LED-backlit display |
Battery Life | Up to 7 hours |
Weight | 3.97 pounds (1.8 kg) |
Operating System | Windows 10 Home 64-bit |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet |
Ports | 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x HDMI, 1 x USB-C, SD card slot |
Audio | Stereo speakers, built-in microphone, headphone/microphone jack |
Webcam | 720p HD webcam |
Keyboard and Touchpad | Full-size backlit keyboard with numeric keypad, precision touchpad |
Security | Kensington lock slot |
2. HP Pavilion 15: Powerful Performance on a Budget
The HP Pavilion 15 is another great option for DJs who are looking for a powerful laptop at an affordable price. It has a 15.6-inch full HD display, and it comes with an Intel Core i5-8250U processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. It also runs on Windows 10.
The Pavilion 15 is perfect for DJs who need a laptop with plenty of power. It has enough power to run DJ software without any issues, and it has plenty of storage space for your music library. The battery life is also impressive, with up to 8 hours of use on a single charge.
Features :
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Processor | Intel Core i5-1135G7 / i7-1165G7 |
Graphics | Intel Iris Xe / Nvidia GeForce MX450 (optional) |
RAM | 8GB / 16GB DDR4 SDRAM |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB solid-state drive (SSD) or HDD |
Display | 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS LED-backlit display |
Battery Life | Up to 8 hours |
Weight | 4.08 pounds (1.85 kg) |
Operating System | Windows 10 Home 64-bit |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet |
Ports | 1 x USB Type-C, 2 x USB Type-A, 1 x HDMI, SD card reader |
Audio | Dual speakers, HP Audio Boost, built-in microphone, headphone jack |
Webcam | HP Wide Vision HD Camera with integrated dual array digital microphone |
Keyboard and Touchpad | Full-size island-style backlit keyboard with numeric keypad, precision touchpad |
Security | Kensington lock slot |
3. Lenovo IdeaPad 3: Versatile and Portable
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is an excellent option for DJs who need a laptop that is both versatile and portable. It has a 14-inch full HD display, and it comes with an Intel Core i5-1035G4 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. It also has a backlit keyboard, and it runs on Windows 10.
The IdeaPad 3 is great for DJs who need a laptop that is both powerful and lightweight. It has enough power to run popular DJ software without any issues, and it has enough storage space for your music library. The battery life is also impressive, with up to 8 hours of use on a single charge.
Features :
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Processor | Intel Core i3-1005G1 / i5-1035G1 / i7-1065G7 |
Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics |
RAM | 4GB / 8GB / 12GB DDR4 SDRAM |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB solid-state drive (SSD) or HDD |
Display | 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) anti-glare LED-backlit display |
Battery Life | Up to 7.5 hours |
Weight | 4.07 pounds (1.85 kg) |
Operating System | Windows 10 Home 64-bit |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet |
Ports | 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x HDMI, SD card reader |
Audio | 2 x 1.5W stereo speakers with Dolby Audio, built-in microphone, headphone jack |
Webcam | 720p HD Camera |
Keyboard and Touchpad | Full-size island-style keyboard with numeric keypad, precision touchpad |
Security | Firmware TPM 2.0, Kensington lock slot |
4. Dell Inspiron 15 3000: Reliable and Well-rounded
The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is a great option for DJs who need a reliable and well-rounded laptop. It has a 15.6-inch full HD display, and it comes with an Intel Core i5-1035G1 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. It also has a backlit keyboard, and it runs on Windows 10.
The Inspiron 15 3000 is perfect for DJs who need a laptop that is both reliable and powerful. It has enough power to run DJ software without any issues, and it has enough storage space for your music library. The battery life is also impressive, with up to 8 hours of use on a single charge.
Features :
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Processor | Intel Celeron N4020 / Pentium Silver N5030 / Core i3-1115G4 |
Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics |
RAM | 4GB / 8GB DDR4 SDRAM |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB solid-state drive (SSD) or HDD |
Display | 15.6-inch HD (1366 x 768) anti-glare LED-backlit display |
Battery Life | Up to 7 hours |
Weight | 4.39 pounds (1.99 kg) |
Operating System | Windows 10 Home 64-bit |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 4.1, Gigabit Ethernet |
Ports | 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x HDMI 1.4b, SD card reader |
Audio | 2 x 2W stereo speakers with Waves MaxxAudio Pro, built-in microphone, headphone jack |
Webcam | 720p HD Camera |
Keyboard and Touchpad | Full-size non-backlit keyboard with numeric keypad, precision touchpad |
Security | Wedge-shaped lock slot, Firmware TPM 2.0 |
5. ASUS VivoBook 15: Sleek Design and Solid Features
The ASUS VivoBook 15 is a great option for DJs who need a laptop with a sleek design and solid features. It has a 15.6-inch full HD display, and it comes with an Intel Core i5-10210U processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. It also has a backlit keyboard, and it runs on Windows 10.
The VivoBook 15 is perfect for DJs who need a laptop that looks good and performs well. It has enough power to run popular DJ software without any issues, and it has enough storage space for your music library. The battery life is also impressive, with up to 8 hours of use on a single charge.
Features :
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Processor | Intel Core i3-1115G4 / i5-1135G7 / i7-1165G7 |
Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics / Nvidia GeForce MX330 (optional) |
RAM | 8GB / 16GB DDR4 SDRAM |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB solid-state drive (SSD) or HDD |
Display | 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) anti-glare LED-backlit display |
Battery Life | Up to 8 hours |
Weight | 3.75 pounds (1.7 kg) |
Operating System | Windows 10 Home 64-bit |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet |
Ports | 1 x USB Type-C, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x HDMI, SD card reader |
Audio | ASUS SonicMaster stereo speakers, built-in microphone, headphone jack |
Webcam | HD camera |
Keyboard and Touchpad | Full-size backlit keyboard with numeric keypad, precision touchpad |
Security | Firmware TPM 2.0, Kensington lock slot |
Detailed Reviews of the Best DJ Laptops Under $500
Finding the best laptop for DJing can be a challenge. DJing requires a powerful laptop that can handle music production software, and it can be difficult to find a laptop with the right specs for the price. Fortunately, there are some great options out there for those looking for a laptop under $500 that can handle DJing. Read on for detailed reviews of the best DJ laptops under $500.
Acer Aspire 5: Best Overall DJ Laptop
The Acer Aspire 5 is one of the best overall laptops for DJing under $500. It offers a great combination of performance and value, with a 10th-gen Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 15.6-inch Full HD display. It also has a 256GB SSD for plenty of storage, and it comes with Windows 10 Home pre-installed.
Pros
- 10th-gen Intel Core i3 processor offers plenty of power for music production
- 8GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking
- 15.6-inch Full HD display is great for DJing
- 256GB SSD for plenty of storage
- Windows 10 Home pre-installed
Cons
- Battery life could be better
- No dedicated graphics card
HP Pavilion 15: Powerful Performance on a Budget
The HP Pavilion 15 is another great option for those looking for a powerful laptop for DJing under $500. It comes with an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 15.6-inch Full HD display. It also has a 256GB SSD, and it comes with Windows 10 Home pre-installed.
Pros
- AMD Ryzen 5 processor offers great performance
- 8GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking
- 15.6-inch Full HD display is great for DJing
- 256GB SSD for plenty of storage
- Windows 10 Home pre-installed
Cons
- Battery life could be better
- No dedicated graphics card
Lenovo IdeaPad 3: Versatile and Portable
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a great option for those looking for a portable laptop for DJing under $500. It comes with an AMD Ryzen 3 processor, 4GB of RAM, and a 14-inch Full HD display. It also has a 128GB SSD, and it comes with Windows 10 Home pre-installed.
Pros
- AMD Ryzen 3 processor offers good performance
- 4GB of RAM is enough for basic multitasking
- 14-inch Full HD display is great for DJing
- 128GB SSD for plenty of storage
- Windows 10 Home pre-installed
- Lightweight and portable design
Cons
- Battery life could be better
- No dedicated graphics card
Dell Inspiron 15 3000: Reliable and Well-rounded
The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is a great option for those looking for a reliable laptop for DJing under $500. It comes with an Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 15.6-inch Full HD display. It also has a 256GB SSD, and it comes with Windows 10 Home pre-installed.
Pros
- Intel Core i3 processor offers good performance
- 8GB of RAM is enough for multitasking
- 15.6-inch Full HD display is great for DJing
- 256GB SSD for plenty of storage
- Windows 10 Home pre-installed
- Reliable and well-rounded laptop
Cons
- Battery life could be better
- No dedicated graphics card
ASUS VivoBook 15: Sleek Design and Solid Features
The ASUS VivoBook 15 is a great option for those looking for a laptop with a sleek design for DJing under $500. It comes with an Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 15.6-inch Full HD display. It also has a 256GB SSD, and it comes with Windows 10 Home pre-installed.
Pros
- Intel Core i3 processor offers good performance
- 8GB of RAM is enough for multitasking
- 15.6-inch Full HD display is great for DJing
- 256GB SSD for plenty of storage
- Windows 10 Home pre-installed
- Sleek and stylish design
Cons
- Battery life could be better
- No dedicated graphics card
How to Choose the Best DJ Laptop Under $500: Key Factors to Consider
When choosing the best laptop for DJing under $500, there are a few key factors that are important to consider. From performance to portability, these key factors will help you narrow down the selection and find the best laptop for your budget and needs. Read on to learn about the key features to look for when shopping for a laptop for DJing.
Performance: Processor, RAM, and Storage
Performance is one of the most important factors when choosing a laptop for DJing. Look for laptops with a powerful processor, plenty of RAM, and plenty of storage. An Intel Core i3 or higher processor is recommended, with at least 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. This will ensure that your laptop can handle the demands of DJing without any lag or slowdowns.
Check more about the component of a laptop.
Display: Size, Resolution, and Quality
The display on your laptop is also important for DJing, so make sure to get a laptop with a good size, resolution, and quality display. Look for laptop displays that are at least 15 inches, with a resolution of at least 1920 x 1080. Additionally, look for displays with good color accuracy and sharpness, as these will make it easier to see the details in your music.
Portability: Weight and Battery Life
When DJing, you may need to take your laptop with you to different venues. Look for laptops that are lightweight, ideally weighing less than 4 pounds. Additionally, make sure to get a laptop with good battery life, as this will ensure that your laptop can last throughout your DJing session. Laptops with at least 8 hours of battery life are recommended.
Connectivity: Ports and Wireless Options
When DJing, you may need to connect various devices to your laptop. Look for laptops with plenty of ports, including USB ports, HDMI ports, and audio ports. Additionally, look for laptops with good wireless options, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, as this will make it easier to connect to other devices without the need for cables.
Operating System: Windows vs. macOS
When choosing a laptop for DJing, you have the choice between Windows and macOS operating systems. Windows laptops tend to be more affordable and have more software compatibility, while Macs tend to have better performance and a more user-friendly interface. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, so make sure to consider both options before making a decision.
Software Compatibility: DJing and Music Production
When choosing a laptop for DJing, it’s important to make sure that the laptop is compatible with the software you plan to use. Most DJ software is available for both Windows and macOS, but check to make sure your laptop meets the minimum system requirements for the software you plan to use. Additionally, if you plan to produce music as well, make sure to check the system requirements for the software you plan to use for production.
Check out a good article about softwares for djs.
Additional Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your DJ Laptop
When it comes to DJing, having the right laptop can make a huge difference to your performance. Choosing the best laptop for your needs isn’t always easy, but with some careful consideration you can find the perfect laptop for you. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your DJ laptop:
- Choose a laptop with the right specs. Look for laptops with at least 8GB of RAM, a quad-core processor, and a dedicated graphics card.
- Invest in a good laptop bag. This will help protect your laptop from damage and make it easier to transport.
- Get the right software. Research DJ software and pick one that works best for your style of DJing.
- Optimize your laptop for performance. Keep your laptop free of dust and dirt, and make sure it’s always running the latest software updates.
- Invest in a laptop stand. This will make it easier to set up and take down your equipment, and will help keep your laptop in good shape.
Optimizing Your Laptop for DJing Performance
Once you have chosen the best laptop for your needs, it’s important to make sure it is optimized for performance. Here are some tips for optimizing your laptop for DJing:
- Clean your laptop regularly. This will help keep dust and dirt out of the internal components, which can cause your laptop to overheat and slow down.
- Make sure your laptop is running the latest software updates. This will help keep your laptop running smoothly and help prevent any potential problems.
- Invest in a laptop cooling pad. This will help keep your laptop from overheating and will help improve its performance.
- Upgrade your laptop’s RAM if necessary. Additional RAM will help your laptop run more efficiently and can help improve its performance.
Investing in Essential DJ Accessories
In addition to the laptop itself, there are several essential DJ accessories that you should consider investing in. These accessories can help improve your performance and make it easier to set up and take down your equipment. Here are some essential DJ accessories to consider:
- DJ controller. A DJ controller is an essential piece of equipment for any DJ, as it allows you to control the sound and mix of your music.
- DJ headphones. Investing in a good pair of DJ headphones will help you monitor your music as you mix and will help ensure that your mixes are accurate.
- DJ mixer. A DJ mixer will allow you to mix multiple tracks together and create seamless transitions between songs.
- DJ software. Investing in good DJ software will help make it easier to create and mix your music. Look for software that is compatible with your laptop and controller.
Protecting Your Investment: Laptop Care and Maintenance
Once you have invested in the best laptop for your needs, it is important to take care of it. Here are some tips for keeping your laptop in good shape:
- Clean your laptop regularly. This will help keep dust and dirt out of the internal components, which can cause your laptop to overheat and slow down.
- Protect your laptop from damage. Invest in a good laptop bag and use it to store your laptop when it is not in use.
- Keep your laptop away from extreme temperatures. Avoid leaving your laptop in direct sunlight or in a car for extended periods of time.
- Ensure your laptop is running the latest software updates. This will help keep your laptop running smoothly and help prevent any potential problems.
Conclusion: Finding the Perfect DJ Laptop Under $500
Finding the perfect laptop for your DJing needs doesn’t have to be difficult. With some careful consideration and the right accessories, you can find the perfect laptop for your needs at an affordable price. Investing in the right laptop and taking care of it will help ensure that it stays in good shape and will help you get the most out of your DJing experience.