MacBook Prices: How to Find the Best Deal

If you’re looking for a refurbished MacBook, you can find plenty of MacBook deals for under $500, but if you really want to get a refurbished Apple laptop that will last, we suggest getting something a little newer.

Try going for a MacBook Pro that’s from 2017 or newer, you’ll be able to find a few for around $800. This is the optimal price point in our opinion.

Even a 2016 or 2015 MacBook Pro should still be fine, and there’s a reason I’m not suggesting a refurbished MacBook Air.

It’s because the MacBook Air only received the Retina display in 2018, so if you really want that top-notch display, you’re limited to getting one that’s from 2018 or newer. Therefore, you’ll probably be able to find a better deal for the refurbished MacBook Pro, which received the Retina display in 2012 (although it was only optional in the first few years; not all MacBook Pros from 2012 have the Retina display).

But at the time of writing this, refurbished MacBook Airs from 2018 also start at $800 on Back Market, so consider one of these as well.

The latest big update to the MacBook Air line was the introduction of the Retina display. Even though each year sees the MacBook Air being upgraded with a faster processor, a used MacBook Air from 2018 will still be plenty fast.

If you want a small MacBook with a Retina display, consider buying a used MacBook Retina! Even though Apple has discontinued this line, it still receives updates and is a stellar computer!

I mean you can get one of those old plastic MacBooks from circa 2008, you can probably find one of those for around $100 (lol). But that probably isn’t the best idea. At this point, these devices are super slow and may not even be able to perform the most basic web tasks.

But if you’re set on paying the bare minimum for a used MacBook, I would aim to get a refurbished MacBook Pro from circa 2015 for $500 or slightly less. Since the Retina display was introduced into the MacBook Pro line in 2012, one of these models will give you an awesome display, despite already being an older laptop. The processing speed shouldn’t be too bad either, although the age will probably start being noticeable soon, if not already.

But if you’re looking to get a used MacBook on a tight budget, then a circa 2015 MacBook Pro may be perfect for your needs.