Podcasting is one of the best and fairly inexpensive ways to get your voice heard by thousands of people around the world. However, to create engaging and highly effective podcasts, you need to invest in the right gear. Apart from quality microphones and headphones, a good laptop that can handle everything you throw at it is essential. Basically, if you don’t want to compromise on the quality of your podcasts, the best laptop should have a reliable sound card, high-quality speakers, and excellent processing power.
In addition, it should be capable of supporting relevant apps or software for recording the podcasts. With this in mind, we have compiled a list of top 6 best laptops for podcasting that is worth considering whether you are on a budget or not.
Contents
| Laptop Model | Weight | Storage | Screen Size | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple MacBook Pro | 4.02 lbs | 512 GB | 15.4 inches | |
| Acer Aspire R | 4.74 lbs | 256 GB | 15.6 inches | |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop | 1.7 lbs | 256 GB | 12.3 inches | |
| HP Spectre x360 | 2.8 lbs | 512 GB | 13.3 inches | |
| Apple MacBook Air | 2.5 lbs | 128 GB | 13.3 inches | |
| ASUS VivoBook | 3.7 lbs | 1 TB | 15.6 inches |
1. Apple 15-Inch MacBook Pro
Although a bit pricey, the Apple 15-Inch MacBook Pro is known for its superior quality and solid performance. As you can imagine, the laptop is not shy on specs making it one of best the options for creating engaging podcasts. It runs on an i7 Intel Core quad-core processor that is 2.8GHz fast and with the ability to be boosted up to 3.8GHz for faster performance when recording and editing your podcasts. What’s more? It packs 16GB of LPDDR3 memory and 256GB of SSD storage. As such, you can launch multiple programs simultaneously without a fuss.
Apart from its powerful CPU, the machine boasts cutting-edge graphics that combine incredible power efficiency and outstanding performance. This makes it ideal for performing complex tasks. On top of that, it comes with Lithium Polymer batteries that provide all-day battery life for up to 10 hours when fully charged. Therefore, you are free to create and edit as many podcasts as you can from wherever you are. As if that’s not enough, the PC has excellent built-in 802.11.b/n/g wireless connectivity in case you plan to share your podcasts through media hosting.
Additionally, the Apple MacBook Pro is fitted with a new and improved touch bar built into the keyboard for fast access to all the tools you need and right when you need them. Also, it features a LED backlit keyboard which comes in handy while doing any work late in the night. When it comes to connectivity options, the PC comes with two Thunderbolt 3 ports for fast charging and data transfer.
Pros
- Power efficient memory and fast SSD storage
- Highly responsive keyboard and an expansive trackpad with Touch ID
- Incorporates one of the most versatile and powerful port ever
- Razor thin and very light in weight
- Has a colorful and bright screen display
Cons
- May not be affordable for everyone
2. Acer Aspire R 15 2-in-1 Laptop
For its mid-range price tag, the Acer Aspire R 15 offers a little bit of everything and a surprisingly high-end build. One of the main reasons it makes a great laptop for podcasters is the fact that it’s powered by a 7th Gen i7-7500U Intel core processor with a 2.7GHz base speed and 3.5GHZ Turbo speed. This is because generating sounds and even effects in real-time demands a machine with a top processor speed.
In addition to this, it features two in-built stereo speakers and dual microphones along with a subwoofer. According to different reviews, the speakers sound really good, especially at low and medium volume. But here is the best part; the PC utilizes Acer’s high-performance True Harmony Sound system that allows you to record clear podcasts. As far as connections go, it is equipped with Bluetooth 4.0 support and 802.11ac Wi-Fi for ultra-fast wireless speeds. It also boasts high-speed USB connection including one HDMI port, USB 3.1 Type C port, two USB 3.0 ports, and one USB 2.0 port for fast data transfers.
Moving on, the Acer Aspire R 15 packs in 12GB of DDR4 memory and 256GB of SSD storage to keep your files and plugins running as smoothly as possible. Besides, it supports an SDXC card reader so you won’t have to worry about running out of storage space. What is more, it runs on Windows 10 Home OS which is more than enough for a podcasting environment. And with a 4-cell Lithium-ion battery, you can enjoy up to 9 hours of continuous use as you record your podcasts.
Pros
- Built-in fingerprint reader so you can sign in with just one touch
- Available in four modes including notebook, tablet, display and tent
- Has powerful processing speed
- Ample and fast SSD storage capacity
- IPS touchscreen display for crystal clear and breathtaking images
Cons
- Speakers sometimes get distorted on high volume
- Touch screen function is not highly responsive
3. Microsoft Surface Laptop
The Microsoft Surface is another great laptop for podcasting especially when it comes to specs. Underneath the keyboard, it features some good quality speakers that sound great and pretty loud. As such, you will be able to record high-quality podcasts without worrying about distortion. As far as connectivity is concerned, the device is engineered with a 3.5 mm headset jack for headphones, USB 3.0 connector, and a mini display port. Another important feature of the PC is its Lithium-ion batteries that can provide you with up to 14 hours of continuous working time.
Powering the device is the powerful 7th generation i7 Intel Core processor with a standard speed of 4GHz for effortless multi-tasking. In terms of space, the Microsoft Surface is modest. It boasts 256GB of SSD storage and 8GB of RAM. As such, running multiple applications at once, opening high-memory programs and startups should not be too much of a problem. Besides, the laptop is available in 16GB RAM and 512GB storage option. What’s more? The device runs on Windows 10 S operating system for superior performance when recording and editing your podcasts.
Moving on, the PC is equipped with a 13.5-inch PixelSense screen display with touchscreen function that responds to every touch. Further, it incorporates some of the best Microsoft features such as Office and Windows for use ready right out of the box. Available in a light and slim design, this machine is portable and, therefore, ideal for a busy lifestyle.
Pros
- Solid build quality for long-lasting performance
- Includes precision touchpad and responsive keyboard
- Great battery life
- Available in four color options to match your personal style
- Offers a perfect balance of performance and portability
Cons
- Has a limited number of ports
- A little pricey
4. HP Spectre x360- 13t Quad-Core
HP makes some of the best and most reliable Windows PCs on the market. One of their best models is the Spectre x360- 13t if you are looking for a media-savvy machine. Although its price is a little bit on the higher side, it does offer some quality specs for the money. Featuring a 2-in-1 design, you can choose to use it as a tablet or laptop depending on your preferences. Coming to connectivity, the HP Spectre x360 boasts a handful of ports including one USB 3.1 Gen, two Thunderbolt 3 and headphone/microphone combo.
Additionally, the device is fitted with high-speed Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n/ac connection for faster data transfers. But perhaps one of the best-selling points of the machine is its Band Olufsen speakers as well as HP audio boost. The speakers deliver great audio quality which will be extremely helpful for a podcaster to test their recordings. In addition, HP claims that the PC can last up to 16 hours and 45 minutes with continuous use.
Another area that the PC does not disappoint is the storage and overall performance. Speaking of storage, it comes with a standard 512GB SSD so you don’t have to worry about running out of room for your podcasts. Further, the device packs 16GB of DDR4 memory to help you load up your programs and other plugin software without any fuss. On top of that, it is powered by an i7-8550U Intel Core8th Generation processor with four cores and a base speed of 1.8GHz. As such, it is not only suitable for podcasters but also programmers and vloggers.
Pros
- Includes a fingerprint reader and IR camera for secure login and payment
- Expert-tuned speakers deliver an amazing entertainment experience
- Backed by one-year manufacturer warranty for all parts
- Pretty fast and starts up in seconds
- Sleek and elegant design
Cons
- Fans can be quite loud even while doing light tasks
- For a few users, the touchpad is too wide
5. Apple 13-Inch MacBook Air
If you are looking for an ultra-portable PC for recording your podcasts, the MacBook Air is really one of the best choices out there. As a portable machine, its battery is very decent. You can expect up to 12 hours of battery life with continuous usage which in our opinion is quite good. In addition, it provides up to 30 days of standby time. Further, it packs in the powerful Intel Core i7 dual-core processor with a speed of 2.2GHz although it can be boosted up to 3.2GHz for ultra-fast performance. This makes editing podcasts and even browsing the web a smooth experience.
As if that’s not enough, the machine is fitted with two USB 3.0 ports that are compatible with the latest USB 3 and 2 devices. Similarly, it boasts a Thunderbolt 2 port that is quite fast for you to plug your audio interfaces into. But here is the best part; the PC easily connects to an 802.11ac Wi-Fi base station to provide you with 3x faster wireless performance compared to the 802.11ac previous Wi-Fi generation.
Thanks to its 512GB SSD storage and 8GB LPDDR3 memory, you won’t have problems loading up your sample libraries or accessing files. What’s more? It is equipped with a backlit keyboard so you can work even in the dimmest lighting conditions. Also, the device incorporates an ambient light sensor designed to automatically adjust the keyboard and display brightness once it detects a change in lighting.
Pros
- Comes with a high-end processor to let you edit podcasts with ease
- Decent battery life
- Runs all operations flawlessly and starts up very fast
- Includes spacious multi-touch trackpad that ensures smooth gesture responses
- Ergonomically designed for long-lasting performance
Cons
- Lacks dedicated graphics
- Screen resolution could have been better
6. ASUS VivoBook F510UA Laptop
Running tight on budget? Well, the ASUS VivoBook is one of the best budget laptops available for podcasting that offers a perfect combination of function and performance. Weighing just 3.7lbs and with a thin 0.8-inch profile, the machine is both light and compact enough for ease of portability. For quick and secure login without having to type in your password, it features a fingerprint sensor in the touchpad. Moreover, the PC includes four display modes including manual, vivid, normal and eye-care so you can enjoy stunning and crisp visuals with a just a single click.
Like any reliable machine for podcasting, the ASUS VivoBook inhabits the famous and powerful 8th Gen i5-8250U processor with a clock frequency of 1.6GHz. Therefore, running multiple programs on this at once should not be an issue. On top of that, it packs an extensive amount of built-in storage including 128GB of SSD plus 1TB HDD of hard drive space. Further, the PC comes accompanied by an 8GB of DDR4 memory. Consequently, you can expect instantaneous loading of all your samples, software and applications.
Despite being a budget-friendly machine, it still offers a nice selection of ports. To start with, it is equipped with an HDMI port, USB Type-C 3.1, USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 port that is compatible with a variety of devices and displays. An SD card reader, Bluetooth 4.1 compatibility and one headphone-out and audio-in jack also come in handy. In addition to this, it supports dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi that allows you to enjoy fast speeds of up to 867Mbps and exceptional performance on the go.
Pros
- Offers plenty of connectivity options
- Runs on Windows 10 Home which is sufficient for podcasting
- Boots up very fast
- Memory and the SSD storage can be upgraded
- Responsive fingerprint sensor
Cons
- Poor battery life of up to 5 hours
- The keyboard is not backlit
Final Words
Overall, the best laptop for podcasting depends upon a number of factors but more importantly on your preferences. However, although any of the machines listed on this list would be a suitable choice whether you are an amateur or expert podcaster, none beats the Apple 15-Inch MacBook Pro. But if you are on a budget, both the Acer Aspire R 15 2-in-1 Laptop and ASUS VivoBook F510UA Laptop might suffice.
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