Finding the best laptop for podcasting under $500 requires finding one with the power to handle everyday tasks as well as recording audio and video files. Features like an HDMI output and external microphone can be helpful, and it’s important to consider the type of podcast editing software you will use.
Podcasting has become increasingly popular in recent years, and laptop users on a tight budget have more options than ever when it comes to equipment.
Related Article: Best Podcast Equipment For Any Budget (Beginners & Pros)
10 Things To Consider For A Budget Podcasting Laptop
1. Processor
When selecting a budget laptop for podcasting, the processor should be at the top of your list. A powerful processor will ensure seamless performance and maximum processing speed while you record.
Look for laptops with either an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor as these are designed for more intensive tasks such as editing audio and video. If you plan on doing gaming or streaming, look for a laptop with an Intel Core i9 processor which is designed specifically for high-performance tasks. For those who need to multitask, multi-core processors provide increased speeds so you can run multiple programs at once without any lag time.
Lastly, if budget permits, opt for a gaming laptop as they often come with higher-end processors that offer great performance when recording podcasts.
2. RAM
When it comes to podcasting, Random Access Memory (RAM) is an essential factor. The amount of RAM you choose should depend on how much audio and video recording and editing you plan to do.
Generally speaking, 4GB RAM should be the minimum for basic tasks such as recording and editing podcasts, but 8GB or higher is recommended for multitasking and recording high-quality audio.
If you plan to use software such as Adobe Audition, 8GB RAM should be considered a minimum for smooth performance.
3. SSD Storage
Having enough internal storage is essential for podcasting. Solid-state drives (SSDs) are generally the best option, as they tend to be faster and have more reliable read/write speeds than traditional hard drives.
For basic podcast recording and editing tasks, a 128GB SSD should be fine, but if you plan on using multiple audio tracks or HD video, 256GB or higher should be considered.
If you need more storage, consider a laptop with an SD card reader for extra expansion.
4. Display
When shopping for a budget laptop for podcasting, it’s important to pay attention to the display. A larger screen size can make the editing process easier, especially when working with multiple audio and video files.
Look for laptops with at least 13.3″ HD displays that feature anti-glare technology for better visibility in bright environments.
If you plan on using the laptop for photo editing or video production, you may want to invest in a larger screen size with Full HD resolution.
5. Keyboard & Trackpad
When it comes to keyboards, an ergonomic backlit keyboard can be a great asset for podcasting and other tasks that require long-term typing.
Look for laptops with well-spaced keys, adjustable key travel, and LED illumination so you can work in dark environments and see the keys more easily.
Also look for laptop trackpads with multi-touch gesture support, which can make navigating the environment and editing audio and video files much faster.
6. Ports
Having a variety of ports is essential for podcasting. Look for laptops with at least one HDMI port, which will allow you to connect an external monitor or projector to display audio and video content.
You should also look for models that come with both headphone jacks and 3.5mm audio signal inputs so you can easily plug in microphones, mixers, and other recording devices. USB ports are also essential for connecting external storage devices, such as flash drives and hard drives.
Look for laptops with at least 2 USB ports, including a USB Type C port which is becoming increasingly popular due to its fast data transfer speeds. Having a variety of ports will ensure you can connect all the necessary components for podcasting.
7. Battery Life
When looking for laptops for recording podcasts, battery life is an important factor to consider. Long recording sessions often require a laptop that can last several hours without needing a recharge.
Look for laptops with at least 8-10 hours of battery life so you don’t have to worry about running out of power while recording. Some laptops come with features like fast charging, which can charge the laptop battery up to 80% in a short amount of time.
8. Operating System
The type of operating system you choose for your laptop is important for finding software that can help with podcasting tasks.
Windows and Mac are two popular platforms, but there are other choices such as Chrome OS or Linux. Windows is widely used in the business world, so it’s a good choice if you plan to use your laptop for professional purposes.
9. Audio & Video Editing
Audio and video editing software are essential for polishing recordings. Look for laptops with powerful processors that can handle multiple audio tracks, as well as software designed specifically for recording and editing audio files.
Some of the more popular audio software packages include Logic Pro X, Adobe Audition, and Reaper. If you plan on editing videos as well, look for laptops that come with powerful software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro.
Make sure to check the system requirements of the software before you buy a laptop to ensure it can process multiple audio tracks and videos efficiently.
10. Fingerprint Reader
Fingerprint readers are becoming increasingly popular in the best laptops, as they provide an extra layer of security. A fingerprint reader allows you to quickly access your laptop by using a unique identifier such as a finger or thumbprint.
This can be especially helpful if you plan on doing podcasting work away from home, as it will protect against unauthorized access and keep your data safe.
Top 10 Best Laptops For Podcasting Under $500
1. Dell Inspiron 15 – #1 Best Laptop For Podcasting Under 500
Specifications |
|
|---|---|
| CPU | 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 |
| Graphics | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Screen | 15.6″ |
| Storage | 128GB |
| OS | Windows 11 |
| Battery Life | up to 8 hours |
Verdict
The Dell Inspiron 15 is the ultimate laptop for podcasting under $500. It comes with an 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor and 8GB of RAM, which makes it perfect for handling demanding tasks like editing audio and vidoes.
The 128GB SSD provides plenty of space for storing all your podcasts, while the 15.6″ display offers great visibility for creating content. The laptop also features up to 8 hours of battery life, giving you plenty of time to record without worrying about running out of power.
With its combination of powerful specs and a sleek design, the Dell Inspiron 15 is the best laptop for podcasting available for under $500. Whether you’re just starting out, or an experienced podcaster, this laptop has the power to help you create awesome content.
2. Acer Aspire 5 – Best Laptop For Podcasting Under 500 (Runner Up)
Specifications |
|
|---|---|
| CPU | 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Screen | 14″ |
| Storage | 256GB |
| OS | Windows 11 |
| Battery Life | up to 10 hours |
Verdict
The Acer Aspire 5 is an ideal choice for podcasting thanks to its powerful 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD. It can handle multiple tasks with ease, giving you the power to record and edit audio without any hiccups or lag.
The 14″ Full HD display provides a crystal clear image for creating content while offering wide viewing angles so you can see what you’re doing from different angles. Plus, the laptop offers up to 10 hours of battery, so you don’t have to worry about running out of power during long recordings.
With great sound quality and performance, the Acer Aspire 5 is one of the best laptops for podcasting under $500.
3. Lenovo IdeaPad 3 – Best Value (Budget Laptop)
Specifications |
|
|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 3 5425U |
| Graphics | Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Screen | 15″ |
| Storage | 512GB |
| OS | Windows 11 |
| Battery Life | up to 10 hours |
Verdict
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a great budget laptop for podcasting for under $500. It comes with an AMD Ryzen 3 5425U processor and 8GB of RAM, which makes it suitable for multitasking activities like editing audio and videos.
The 15″ display offers great visibility for creating content, while the integrated AMD Radeon™ Graphics adds to the overall performance of the laptop. Additionally, the 512GB SSD provides plenty of space for storing all your podcasts, so you don’t have to worry about running out of room.
With up to 10 hours of battery life and great sound quality, this laptop offers everything you need to create amazing podcasts without breaking the bank.
4. Asus Vivobook – Best Gaming Laptop For Podcasting
Specifications |
|
|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 3 3000 Series |
| Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 5000 |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Screen | 14″ |
| Storage | 128GB |
| OS | Windows 11 |
| Battery Life | up to 10 hours |
Verdict
The Asus Vivobook features an AMD Ryzen 3 3000 Series processor and 8GB of RAM, making it powerful enough to handle multiple tasks with ease.
The 14″ display provides clear visuals for creating content, while the Intel HD Graphics 5000 adds to the overall performance of this laptop. Plus, the 128GB SSD offers plenty of storage for all of your podcasts without any hassle.
With up to 10 hours of battery, you don’t have to worry about finding a power outlet when recording or editing audio and video files.
5. HP Pavilion 15
Specifications |
|
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5-1235U |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Screen | 15″ |
| Storage | 256GB |
| OS | Windows 11 |
| Battery Life | up to 12 hours |
Verdict
The HP Pavilion 15 is a great laptop for podcasters looking for an impressive battery life.
It comes with an Intel Core i5-1235U processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD, providing plenty of performance power to handle multitasking activities like recording and editing audio and video files.
The 15″ display is perfect for creating content, while the Intel Iris Xe Graphics adds to the overall visuals. To top it all off, this Windows laptop offers up to 12 hours of battery, giving you plenty of time to record without worrying about running out of juice.
6. Microsoft Surface Go 3
Specifications |
|
|---|---|
| CPU | Dual-core Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y |
| Graphics | Intel® UHD Graphics 615 |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Screen | 10.5″ |
| Storage | 128GB |
| OS | Windows 11 |
| Battery Life | up to 8 hours |
Verdict
The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is a great choice if you’re looking for a portable, lightweight laptop for podcasting. It features a Dual-core Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y processor and 8GB of RAM, allowing you to multitask smoothly between recording and editing audio and video files.
The 10.5″ display offers clear visuals for creating content, while the Intel® UHD Graphics 615 enhances the overall performance of the laptop.
Additionally, this Windows laptop comes with 128GB storage space that provides plenty of room for all your podcasts. With up to 8 hours of battery life, it’s perfect for those on the go who don’t want to be tied down by cords or outlets.
7. HP Stream 14
Specifications |
|
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel® Celeron N4000 |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 600 |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Screen | 14″ |
| Storage | 32GB |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Battery Life | up to 10 hours |
Verdict
The HP Stream 14 is a great laptop for podcasters who want to save money without compromising on quality. It features an Intel® Celeron N4000 processor and 4GB of RAM that can handle podcasting tasks with ease, making it suitable for multitasking activities like audio and video editing.
The 14″ display offers good visibility for creating content, while the integrated Intel UHD Graphics 600 adds to the overall performance of the laptop.
8. Acer Swift 3
Specifications |
|
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Ice Lake Core i5-1035G4 |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Pro G4 |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Screen | 13.5″ |
| Storage | 512GB |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Battery Life | up to 11 hours |
Verdict
This Windows 10-powered laptop features an Intel Ice Lake Core i5-1035G4 processor, 8GB RAM, and 512GB SSD storage, providing plenty of performance power to handle multitasking activities like recording and editing audio and video files.
Plus, the 13.5″ display offers good visuals for creating content, while the integrated Intel Iris Pro G4 graphics add to the overall performance of this Acer laptop.
With up to 11 hours of battery, you can record multiple podcasts without worrying about running out of power.
9. MSI Modern 14
Specifications |
|
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i3-10110U |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Screen | 14″ |
| Storage | 128GB |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Battery Life | up to 8 hours |
Verdict
The MSI Modern 14 is a great laptop for podcasters who are looking for good performance and portability. It features a Core i3-10110U processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB SSD storage that can handle multitasking activities like recording and editing audio and video files with ease.
The 14″ display provides clear visuals for creating content, while the integrated Intel UHD Graphics enhances the overall performance of this laptop
With its lightweight design and great specs that can handle all your podcasting needs, it definitely deserves a spot on this list.
10. Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5
Specifications |
|
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel® Core™ i3-10110U |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Screen | 13.3″ |
| Storage | 128GB |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Battery Life | up to 10 hours |
Verdict
The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 provides excellent performance and portability at an affordable price. It features an Intel® Core™ i3-10110U processor, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB SSD storage that can handle multiple applications with ease.
The 13.3″ display provides clear visuals for creating content, while the integrated Intel® UHD Graphics enhances overall performance. With up to 10 hours of battery, you can record multiple podcasts without needing to worry about charging your laptop.
Conclusion: Choosing The Best Laptops For Podcasting
When looking for the best budget laptops for podcasting, look for models that include an Intel Core i3 processor or better to ensure smooth performance when editing audio or video files. A minimum of 8GB RAM paired with at least 128GB of storage should be enough for most podcasting tasks. You may also want to consider laptops that have good audio quality, such as those with high-quality speakers or headphones.
If your budget is a bit higher and you’re looking for a laptop specifically designed for podcasting, then gaming laptops are worth considering. These models come with more powerful processors and graphics cards than budget laptops and can handle intensive editing tasks without lag or stuttering. You’ll also get ample RAM and storage space so you can store all of your podcasts without worrying about running out of room.
Ultimately, when choosing the best laptops for podcasting it’s important to consider both your specific needs and your budget. By taking the time to research which model is best suited for your needs, you’ll be able to make an informed decision and pick a laptop that fits both your budget and podcasting requirements. With the right laptop, you’ll be able to create quality content with ease.
FAQs
What type of equipment do I need for podcasting?
The type of equipment you need for podcasting depends on your specific needs and budget. Generally, you’ll need a good microphone, audio recording software, headphones or speakers, and a laptop with sufficient storage space and computing power to handle your editing tasks.
What kind of microphone should I get for podcasting?
There are several types of microphones available for podcasting, but the most popular type is a condenser microphone. These mics offer excellent sound quality and are relatively affordable. Additionally, some USB mics also provide good audio quality at a lower price point.
Should I get a USB microphone or an XLR microphone for podcasting?
It depends on your needs and budget. USB microphones offer an affordable way to record high-quality audio, while XLR mics tend to be more expensive but provide better sound quality. If you’re looking for the best overall value, then a USB microphone is usually the better option.
Which type of headphones are best suited for podcasting?
Closed-back headphones are ideal for podcasting because they help block out background noise and allow you to focus on the audio. These types of headphones usually have high-quality sound reproduction that is perfect for recording podcasts.
Do I need to purchase additional software to record my podcasts?
It depends on your specific needs. If you’re only recording simple audio files, then you may not need any additional software. However, if you plan to produce more complex podcasts with editing and effects, then it’s worth looking into software such as WavePad Audio Editor or Adobe Audition.
How can I improve the sound quality of my podcasts?
There are several ways to improve the sound quality of your podcasts. Investing in a good microphone, headphones, and recording software can help produce higher-quality audio. Using a pop filter can help reduce plosives (hard consonant sounds) from ruining your recordings, and careful editing with noise reduction and EQ settings will also help you produce crisp, clear audio.
