Where to buy refurbished MacBook Pro

Best place to buy refurbished MacBook Pro

Finding a cheap MacBook Pro can seem like a daunting task, especially considering that new models start around $1,500.

Buying a used and refurbished MacBook Pro, can save you hundreds of dollars without sacrificing your device's performance quality. There are a number of options to shop refurbished, but to ensure the best quality, you should always buy from a refurbished specific marketplace like Back Market. Back Market not only gives you the most competitive pricing among hundreds of MacBook sellers, but we also hold every refurbisher to a high standard of quality, including a minimum 24 point inspection on every device.

All MacBook Pro purchases are also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, free standard shipping and a 1-year warranty.

Learn more about how Back Market's verified refurbished laptop program works.

How much will a refurbished MacBook Pro cost?

Today, you'll be able to find a refurbished MacBook Pro for anywhere between $150 to $3,000+. Exact pricing will mainly depend on how recent the model is, but also, storage, memory, processor, screen size, and external condition.

For example, Back Market grades the external condition of the device from Fair, Good, Excellent to Premium. Obviously, the higher the graded condition of the laptop, the more expensive it will likely be and vice versa, but it's important to note that the condition grade does not impact the performance of the device. Right now, the price for a 2019 Core i7 MacBook Pro 16" with 512GB of storage on Back Market ranges from $470 to $662.*

More recent models with more storage, upgraded processor chips and larger screen sizes will typically have higher prices on average as well. As a comparison, a 2022 M2 MacBook Pro 13.3" with 512 GB of storage has a higher cost range of $900 to $1,300.*

*Prices found on www.backmarket.com/en-us as of Aug 2024. Subject to change.

How to choose the right MacBook Pro

Once you've picked a reputable dealer to buy a refurbished MacBook Pro, your next step is to make sure you're choosing the right model for you. Here are a few things you'll need to consider.

Processing Power

As you begin to set a budget for yourself and what laptop you want, consider that a refurbished MacBook Pro can cost anywhere from $170 to over $2500. That's quite a large price range, but it reflects the range of capabilities for these devices. One of the biggest factors that affects the price of a used MacBook is the processor.

MacBook Pro processors are available in Core i5, Core i7, Core i9 and most recently the Apple M1, M2 and M3 chips. While the Core i5 processor of a 2015 device doesn’t compare to the Core i5 processor on a 2020 device, it does speak to the general capabilities of each device within its year of release. Accordingly, a 2019 device with Core i5 is going to be a more powerful computer than a 2013 Core i7, simply because of the advancements in technology between years and processors.  The most advanced Apple MacBook processors on the market right now, are the M2 and M3 chips; the M2 is available on the 13-inch MacBook Pro (2022) and the 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro (2023). The M3 is available on the most recent 13, 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pros (2023).

The prices for each of these processors range significantly, but intuitively the more recent and more powerful processors will end up costing you more. Luckily, you can save on refurbished devices without needing to worry about a Mac's processor being compromised.

Display Size

The MacBook Pro is available in a few different Retina display sizes: 13.3-inch display, 14-inch display, 15.4-inch display, and 16-inch display. If you need to have multiple tabs open or frequently work with videos or larger documents, the 15.4-inch or 16-inch display might be ideal. If you prefer something smaller and more compact for travel, the 13.3-inch or 14-inch display may be a better option.

Apple’s Retina display consistently keeps the pixel density at 300+ pixels per square inch. So even though the display size of MacBook Pros might vary, the quality of the screen remains consistent between the models. The resolution will be sharp and clear regardless of which dimensions you prefer, so it truly depends on how much screen size you'll need to work with.

When it comes to buying refurbished, the screen display size and quality will not be affected by the refurbished process. You can expect the same screen quality from a verified refurbished Mac as you would with a brand new one.

Storage and Memory

You can find a used MacBook Pro with anywhere from 128GB to 8TB. While 128GB might sound low, if you already have an external hard drive, or rarely save documents on the laptop itself, that might not be an issue. Typically, average users invest in laptops with about 250GB, which is usually enough, unless the laptop is purchased for a specific purpose requiring more space.

The RAM for MacBook Pros typically ranges anywhere from 4GB to 16GB. This has a direct impact on how many programs can run simultaneously and at what speed. Again, consider what you'll be using the laptop for to decide how much memory you'll need. The average user would likely find that a MacBook Pro with 8GB memory works well for their needs.

You shouldn't have any issues finding the right storage size and memory when you're shopping for a refurbished MacBook Pro. In fact, you might find that you can upgrade to a Mac with more storage and still stay on your budget when you buy used.

Earn more towards your refurbished MacBook Pro purchase with Trade in

Shoppers looking to get a discount on their MacBook Pro should also consider MacBook trade in programs like the one found on Back Market. Not only will this keep your old MacBook from ending up in a landfill, but it's a great way to earn a few hundred bucks towards your next upgrade.

When you trade in your old tech to Back Market, we make sure to either refurbish it and give it a chance at another life or utilize all the working parts and properly recycling the rest. The process is simple, and you can receive and accept a cash offer directly online in 1-2 minutes.