What condition should I choose for a refurbished MacBook during Black Friday?

For MacBooks, "Good" condition typically offers the best value during Black Friday – you'll save significantly versus "Excellent" or "Premium" while getting identical performance. MacBooks are built to last, so minor cosmetic wear like light scratches on the lid or keyboard shine doesn't affect functionality. "Excellent" condition makes sense if you're buying for professional presentation or plan to resell later. "Fair" condition MacBooks work perfectly but might have visible wear that could be distracting in business settings. And "Premum" is genreally the 'Crème de la crème' where the screen and appearance looks hardly used, and the parts are still mostly original from the manufacturer. Regardless of condition grade, every MacBook must pass our comprehensive testing for display quality, keyboard function, trackpad responsiveness, port connectivity, and thermal performance. Battery health is crucial – ensure any MacBook has at least 80% capacity or has been replaced with a new battery. During Black Friday, "Good" condition models often offer the deepest discounts while still looking professional enough for most users. Focus on specifications that matter for your workflow rather than pristine appearance.

Will a refurbished MacBook run the latest macOS?

Most refurbished MacBooks run current macOS versions, but it depends on the model year and Apple's compatibility requirements. MacBooks typically receive macOS updates for 7-8 years after their release date. For example, 2017 MacBook Pros still support macOS Ventura and later versions, while 2015 models have reached their update limit. Before buying, check Apple's macOS compatibility list to ensure your chosen MacBook will receive future updates for as long as you need. The good news? Even MacBooks that can't run the latest macOS remain fully functional with excellent software support for several more years. Many professional applications work perfectly on older macOS versions. When you receive your refurbished MacBook, you can immediately update to the newest compatible macOS version through System Preferences > Software Update. This ensures you get current security patches and features, making your refurbished MacBook as capable as a new one for most tasks.

How do I know if a refurbished MacBook's battery will last through my workday?

MacBook battery performance depends on the model, age, usage patterns, and whether the battery has been replaced during refurbishment. Modern MacBooks (2016 and newer) typically offer 8-12 hours of light use when the battery is healthy. At Back Market, every MacBook must meet our minimum battery health standard of 80% original capacity, which translates to roughly 7-10 hours for most users. Many refurbished MacBooks receive new batteries during restoration, essentially giving you a fresh start. Check each product listing for specific battery health percentages – anything above 90% should perform like new. Your actual battery life depends on usage: video editing and gaming drain batteries faster than web browsing and document work. If battery life is crucial for your workflow, consider newer MacBook models (2018+) or devices explicitly mention new battery installation. Our 1-year warranty covers battery issues, so if your MacBook doesn't meet reasonable battery life expectations, we'll address it at no cost.

Can I upgrade components in a refurbished MacBook?

Upgrade options depend entirely on the MacBook model and year – Apple has significantly limited upgradability in recent models. MacBooks from 2012-2015 often allow RAM and storage upgrades, making older refurbished models appealing for tech-savvy buyers on budgets. However, MacBooks from 2016 onward typically have soldered RAM and proprietary SSD connectors, making upgrades difficult or impossible. MacBook Air models have been largely non-upgradeable since 2013, while MacBook Pro models lost upgradability gradually. The 2021+ MacBook Pros with M1/M2/M3 chips are completely non-upgradeable – you're stuck with whatever RAM and storage configuration you buy. This makes choosing the right specifications crucial when buying refurbished. If you need upgradeability, focus on 2012-2015 MacBook Pro models. For newer models, buy the configuration you'll need for the device's entire lifespan rather than planning to upgrade later. Consider this limitation when comparing refurbished prices against new MacBook deals.

What's the best refurbished MacBook for students during Black Friday?

The MacBook Air (2020 or newer with M1/M2 chips) offers the ideal balance of performance, battery life, and price for most students. These models handle typical academic tasks – research, writing, presentations, light photo editing – without breaking a sweat while maintaining all-day battery life for campus use. Expect to pay $600-900 for refurbished M1 MacBook Airs during Black Friday, compared to $1000+ new. For students in demanding fields like video production or engineering, consider refurbished MacBook Pro 14-inch models, though they'll cost more ($1200-1500 refurbished vs. $2000+ new). Avoid Intel-based MacBooks (2019 and older) unless budget is extremely tight – the M1/M2 chips offer dramatically better performance and battery life. Consider storage carefully since newer MacBooks can't be upgraded: 256GB works for basic use, but 512GB provides breathing room for larger projects. Educational software discounts apply to refurbished MacBooks just like new ones, and Back Market's warranty gives you better protection than typical student laptop deals.

Black Friday’s not over — but it will be...

MacBook Black Friday deals

Name: MacBook Black Friday deals Deals
Brand: Back Market
Price: 369 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.37 (48519 reviews)

Black Friday has left the building (see you in 2026)

But hey, refurbished deals don't need a special day. Check out what's available right now:

Shop Refurbished MacBooks Shop Good Deals

Compare devices

27 products

Trade in to get it for less

Today’s purchase could set you back a lot less when you trade in an old device at the same time.

MacBook Air (M1 series)

(2,549)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$369.00

Versus $999.00 new

MacBook Neo

Starting at

Refurbished price:$599.00

MacBook Air (M2 series)

(902)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$552.00

Versus $1,199.00 new

MacBook Pro (M1 series)

(3,605)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$467.00

Versus $1,499.00 new

MacBook Pro (M2 series)

(538)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$634.00

Versus $1,299.00 new

MacBook Pro (M3 series)

(251)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$899.00

Versus $1,599.00 new

MacBook Air (M3 series)

(401)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$660.62

Versus $1,099.00 new

Going fast

MacBook Pro (M4 series)

(116)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$1,180.00

Versus $1,599.00 new

Going fast

MacBook Air (M4 series)

(182)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$799.00

Versus $999.00 new

MacBook Pro (2020, Intel)

(1,965)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$344.00

Versus $1,999.00 new

"Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel)

(1,575)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$220.99

Versus $1,299.00 new

"Obsolete" MacBook Pro (2019,Intel)

(4,712)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$285.75

Versus $2,299.00 new

"Obsolete" MacBook Air (2017,Intel)

(3,591)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$151.78

Versus $999.00 new

"Obsolete" MacBook Air (2015,Intel)

(1,971)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$145.00

Versus $499.00 new

"Obsolete" MacBook Air (2019,Intel)

(628)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$246.00

Versus $1,099.00 new

"Obsolete" MacBook Pro (2017,Intel)

(2,645)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$198.99

Versus $1,599.00 new

"Obsolete" MacBook Pro (2018,Intel)

(1,637)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$253.00

Versus $2,099.00 new

"Obsolete" MacBook Pro (2015,Intel)

(1,288)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$191.57

Versus $1,299.00 new

"Obsolete" MacBook Air (2018,Intel)

(626)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$231.00

Versus $1,399.00 new

"Obsolete" MacBook Pro (2016,Intel)

(264)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$186.99

Versus $1,799.00 new

MacBook (2017, Intel)

(382)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$242.55

Versus $999.00 new

"Obsolete" MacBook (2016,Intel)

(212)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$291.00

Versus $1,299.00 new

"Obsolete" MacBook (2015,Intel)

(133)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$343.00

Versus $1,299.00 new

MacBook Pro (M5 series)

(7)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$1,495.00

Versus $1,599.00 new

MacBook Air (M5 series)

Starting at

Refurbished price:$1,029.00

Versus $1,099.00 new

MacBook Air

Starting at

Refurbished price:$649.69

Versus $1,199.99 new

MacBook Pro

Starting at

Refurbished price:$825.00

Versus $1,999.00 new

General

Why is my phone screen black? Fixing guide | Back Market

Phone screens can go black after a bad drop, overheating, malware, or other problems. Learn other reasons why your phone screen is black and how to fix it.

Customer reviews for MacBook Black Friday deals

Overall rating

48,519 verified reviews

Rating details

Appearance
4.4/5
Overall performance
4.3/5
Packaging
4.5/5
Shipping
4.6/5

Reviews

Laci H.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 6/4/26, United States.
I was a little nervous ordering a “Fair” condition refurbished MacBook Air, but this purchase exceeded my expectations. I purchased a 2025 MacBook Air M4 with 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD for $876, and when it arrived it looked almost flawless. The screen, keyboard, trackpad, and exterior were all in excellent condition with only the slightest signs of use. Honestly, I would not have guessed this was graded as “Fair.” The battery was another pleasant surprise. The laptop arrived with only 32 battery cycles, 100% maximum battery capacity, and a normal battery condition. It feels very close to a brand-new machine. Most importantly, the specifications matched exactly what was advertised: 2025 MacBook Air, Apple M4 chip, and 16GB of memory. Setup was easy, performance is incredibly fast, and the upgrade from my 2015 MacBook Air has been dramatic. Based on my experience, I would absolutely buy from Back Market again. Great value, accurate description, and a product that exceeded my expectations.
MacBook Air (2025) 13-inch - Apple M4 10-core and 8-core GPU - 16GB RAM - SSD 256GB - Standard display
MacBook Air (2025) 13-inch - Apple M4 10-core and 8-core GPU - 16GB RAM - SSD 256GB - Standard display
See item
Condition
Fair
Signs of wear. The body may have a few visible scratches and dents. Items with screens may have light scratches.
Purchased
5/28/26
Michelle L.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 3/14/26, United States.
I LOVE ITTTTTT i originally ordered a 2022 macbook pro in ‘excellent’ condition off amazon. huge mistake. not only was it was scratched really bad, but the listing was incorrect. i received a macbook with half the storage than i ordered. i decided to try out backmarket for the first time instead and i will be telling everyone to come here for refurbished, used/older products. this macbook is in perfect condition. PERFECT. not a single scratch, the battery capacity is at 100% and the charging cycles when i received it was at 10. it was used and charged a total of 10 times. what an insane deal. i was shocked when i saw how perfect this thing is. i ordered it in excellent condition and it delivered just as that. it came in the original box with the original charger and charging brick. shipping was fast, placed the order on thursday and it delivered monday. if it wasn’t for the weekend it would of came in 2 days via fedex. customer service responded to be as soon as possible regarding shipping and they even followed up with me to make sure i received the product. if you’re on the fence about ordering from this website do it. you will not regret it.
MacBook Pro (2022) 13-inch - Apple M2 8-core and 10-core GPU - 24GB RAM - SSD 1000GB - Standard display
MacBook Pro (2022) 13-inch - Apple M2 8-core and 10-core GPU - 24GB RAM - SSD 1000GB - Standard display
See item
Condition
Excellent
Almost no signs of wear. The body may have very light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
3/5/26
Tony H.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 1/22/26, United States.
Super Excellet. 😊 This was my very first time buying from this company, and I’ll admit I was a little skeptical at first about going the refurbished route. I was upgrading from my old mid-2014 13-inch MacBook Pro, so I decided to go with the 2021 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M1 Pro chip, 32GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. I wanted to be 100% sincere in my feedback, so I gave it a good month of heavy use before writing this. Honestly, the quality is outstanding! It arrived on time, well-packaged, and looked pristine—I found zero scratches on it. Even though it had 333 battery cycles, the battery health is great, and it performs like a brand-new machine. I am really enjoying this upgrade and truly appreciate the quality I received!
MacBook Pro (2021) 16-inch - Apple M1 Pro 10-core and 16-core GPU - 32GB RAM - SSD 512GB - Standard display
MacBook Pro (2021) 16-inch - Apple M1 Pro 10-core and 16-core GPU - 32GB RAM - SSD 512GB - Standard display
See item
Condition
Excellent
Almost no signs of wear. The body may have very light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
12/11/25
Yk M.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 4/15/26, United States.
Best purchase ever made 💯. This is the best place to buy refurbished Apple products. Mine didn’t really had any issues and some aren’t noticeable. After you get your MacBook, just give it a wipe with microfiber cloth/towel, and you are good to go.
MacBook Air (2020) 13-inch - Apple M1 8-core and 7-core GPU - 8GB RAM - SSD 256GB - Standard display
MacBook Air (2020) 13-inch - Apple M1 8-core and 7-core GPU - 8GB RAM - SSD 256GB - Standard display
See item
Condition
Fair
Signs of wear. The body may have a few visible scratches and dents. Items with screens may have light scratches.
Purchased
3/4/26
Logan C.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 12/5/25, United States.
I absolutely LOVE my refurbished MacBook Air!! I ordered it during their Black Friday sale and it was worth every penny!! I got mine in good condition with 16GB - SSD 512GB In space gray and I love it. 10/10 would recommend. It shipped out fast and they sent the QR code for my trade-in to be shipped through UPS and it was a seamless process. I'll be ordering all my devices through Back Market from now on.
MacBook Air Retina 13-inch (2019) - Core i5 - 16GB - SSD 512GB
MacBook Air Retina 13-inch (2019) - Core i5 - 16GB - SSD 512GB
See item
Condition
Good
Light signs of wear. The body may have light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
11/29/25
Samuel C.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 9/17/25, United States.
I ordered a 'premium' condition Macbook Pro, and the whole experience was indeed *premium*. The machine arrived on time and in good shape and turned out to be an Apple refurbished computer with only 7 cycles on the battery and an active AppleCare+ subscription. As far as I can tell it is effectively brand new and all wearable parts never used at all. I couldn't be happier!
MacBook Pro (2021) 14-inch - Apple M1 Max 10-core and 32-core GPU - 64GB RAM - SSD 2000GB - Standard display
MacBook Pro (2021) 14-inch - Apple M1 Max 10-core and 32-core GPU - 64GB RAM - SSD 2000GB - Standard display
See item
Condition
Premium
Close to perfection. The body may have tiny micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will be flawless.
Purchased
9/1/25
Jeff S.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 5/1/26, United States.
So far I've had an exceptional experience with Back Market and Omaha Blue. Like other reviewers, I was somewhat hesitant to purchase a refurbished machine, but the no-hassle return policy, included 1-year warranty, and reputation of Omaha Blue nudged me to give it a shot. I got the exact spec machine that I was looking for. Due to my budget, I opted for Fair condition. Many other reviewers had indicated that their "Fair" devices arrived in great shape. This was my experience as well. Couple of very minor scratches, otherwise exterior looks largely like new. Screen is immaculate. Keyboard is in fantastic shape - minimal shine on some of the keys (completely acceptable for a 2021 device). Battery at 90% with only 346 cycles. Just for good measure, I ran all system diagnostics and everything came up green. I've been using this machine for roughly three weeks and so far, it has performed flawlessly. Will definitely return to Back Market and Omaha Blue for future MacBook purchases.
MacBook Pro (2021) 14-inch - Apple M1 Pro 8-core and 14-core GPU - 32GB RAM - SSD 512GB - Standard display
MacBook Pro (2021) 14-inch - Apple M1 Pro 8-core and 14-core GPU - 32GB RAM - SSD 512GB - Standard display
See item
Condition
Fair
Signs of wear. The body may have a few visible scratches and dents. Items with screens may have light scratches.
Purchased
4/8/26
Caleb V.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 3/5/26, United States.
For what I paid for, this device is outstanding. Arrived with 85% battery health which isn’t bad for a machine more than 4 years old. Additionally, the way Apple made these devices it feels worth way more than what I paid for it. I needed a replacement for my 13” m1 with a cracked screen that I could only use hooked up to an external monitor. This has been the perfect replacement without having to go brand new. I will probably continue the refurbished route because the value is undeniable, no complaints here.
MacBook Pro (2021) 16-inch - Apple M1 Pro 10-core and 16-core GPU - 16GB RAM - SSD 512GB - Standard display
MacBook Pro (2021) 16-inch - Apple M1 Pro 10-core and 16-core GPU - 16GB RAM - SSD 512GB - Standard display
See item
Condition
Fair
Signs of wear. The body may have a few visible scratches and dents. Items with screens may have light scratches.
Purchased
2/4/26
Marcos G.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 6/20/26, United States.
I’m extremely happy with this MacBook Pro. It arrived in excellent condition and looked almost brand new, with no noticeable signs of wear. The setup process was quick and easy, and the performance has been smooth and reliable for everything I use it for. The battery life is great, the screen looks fantastic, and the device matched the description perfectly. Overall, this was a great value and an excellent experience. I would definitely purchase from Back Market again.
MacBook Pro Retina 13-inch (2020) - Core i5 - 16GB - SSD 512GB
MacBook Pro Retina 13-inch (2020) - Core i5 - 16GB - SSD 512GB
See item
Condition
Excellent
Almost no signs of wear. The body may have very light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
5/20/26
Philip R.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 6/18/26, United States.
The 2020 MacBook Air M1 arrived fast and in perfect condition. You'd never know it was used! Back Market had a good selection to choose from, and the price was fair compared to somewhat similar models I'd found for sale online…and this one came with a guarantee, so there was no gambling with the purchase. The laptop was factory reset and ready for setup, so I had it up and running in no time. I'll definitely order used computers from Back Market again.
MacBook Air (2020) 13-inch - Apple M1 8-core and 7-core GPU - 8GB RAM - SSD 1000GB - Standard display
MacBook Air (2020) 13-inch - Apple M1 8-core and 7-core GPU - 8GB RAM - SSD 1000GB - Standard display
See item
Condition
Good
Light signs of wear. The body may have light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
6/3/26

For MacBooks, "Good" condition typically offers the best value during Black Friday – you'll save significantly versus "Excellent" or "Premium" while getting identical performance. MacBooks are built to last, so minor cosmetic wear like light scratches on the lid or keyboard shine doesn't affect functionality. "Excellent" condition makes sense if you're buying for professional presentation or plan to resell later. "Fair" condition MacBooks work perfectly but might have visible wear that could be distracting in business settings. And "Premum" is genreally the 'Crème de la crème' where the screen and appearance looks hardly used, and the parts are still mostly original from the manufacturer. Regardless of condition grade, every MacBook must pass our comprehensive testing for display quality, keyboard function, trackpad responsiveness, port connectivity, and thermal performance. Battery health is crucial – ensure any MacBook has at least 80% capacity or has been replaced with a new battery. During Black Friday, "Good" condition models often offer the deepest discounts while still looking professional enough for most users. Focus on specifications that matter for your workflow rather than pristine appearance.
Most refurbished MacBooks run current macOS versions, but it depends on the model year and Apple's compatibility requirements. MacBooks typically receive macOS updates for 7-8 years after their release date. For example, 2017 MacBook Pros still support macOS Ventura and later versions, while 2015 models have reached their update limit. Before buying, check Apple's macOS compatibility list to ensure your chosen MacBook will receive future updates for as long as you need. The good news? Even MacBooks that can't run the latest macOS remain fully functional with excellent software support for several more years. Many professional applications work perfectly on older macOS versions. When you receive your refurbished MacBook, you can immediately update to the newest compatible macOS version through System Preferences > Software Update. This ensures you get current security patches and features, making your refurbished MacBook as capable as a new one for most tasks.
MacBook battery performance depends on the model, age, usage patterns, and whether the battery has been replaced during refurbishment. Modern MacBooks (2016 and newer) typically offer 8-12 hours of light use when the battery is healthy. At Back Market, every MacBook must meet our minimum battery health standard of 80% original capacity, which translates to roughly 7-10 hours for most users. Many refurbished MacBooks receive new batteries during restoration, essentially giving you a fresh start. Check each product listing for specific battery health percentages – anything above 90% should perform like new. Your actual battery life depends on usage: video editing and gaming drain batteries faster than web browsing and document work. If battery life is crucial for your workflow, consider newer MacBook models (2018+) or devices explicitly mention new battery installation. Our 1-year warranty covers battery issues, so if your MacBook doesn't meet reasonable battery life expectations, we'll address it at no cost.
Upgrade options depend entirely on the MacBook model and year – Apple has significantly limited upgradability in recent models. MacBooks from 2012-2015 often allow RAM and storage upgrades, making older refurbished models appealing for tech-savvy buyers on budgets. However, MacBooks from 2016 onward typically have soldered RAM and proprietary SSD connectors, making upgrades difficult or impossible. MacBook Air models have been largely non-upgradeable since 2013, while MacBook Pro models lost upgradability gradually. The 2021+ MacBook Pros with M1/M2/M3 chips are completely non-upgradeable – you're stuck with whatever RAM and storage configuration you buy. This makes choosing the right specifications crucial when buying refurbished. If you need upgradeability, focus on 2012-2015 MacBook Pro models. For newer models, buy the configuration you'll need for the device's entire lifespan rather than planning to upgrade later. Consider this limitation when comparing refurbished prices against new MacBook deals.
The MacBook Air (2020 or newer with M1/M2 chips) offers the ideal balance of performance, battery life, and price for most students. These models handle typical academic tasks – research, writing, presentations, light photo editing – without breaking a sweat while maintaining all-day battery life for campus use. Expect to pay $600-900 for refurbished M1 MacBook Airs during Black Friday, compared to $1000+ new. For students in demanding fields like video production or engineering, consider refurbished MacBook Pro 14-inch models, though they'll cost more ($1200-1500 refurbished vs. $2000+ new). Avoid Intel-based MacBooks (2019 and older) unless budget is extremely tight – the M1/M2 chips offer dramatically better performance and battery life. Consider storage carefully since newer MacBooks can't be upgraded: 256GB works for basic use, but 512GB provides breathing room for larger projects. Educational software discounts apply to refurbished MacBooks just like new ones, and Back Market's warranty gives you better protection than typical student laptop deals.

Read our guides

Our recent comparisons

Searches so popular you can't sit with them

Calculators HP Victus Mother's Day HP Laptops Father's Day ThinkPad Mouse Printer Dell Monitors Keyboards

Smart shoppers avoid the Black Friday rush and use Back Market

Find the best refurbished devices at 70% off the price of new!

Choose location

Suggested searches

Popular searches

MacBook Black Friday deals

Black Friday has left the building (see you in 2026)

Trade in to get it for less

Why is my phone screen black? Fixing guide | Back Market

Reviews

Laci H.

Michelle L.

Tony H.

Yk M.

Logan C.

Samuel C.

Jeff S.

Caleb V.

Marcos G.

Philip R.

What condition should I choose for a refurbished MacBook during Black Friday?

Will a refurbished MacBook run the latest macOS?

How do I know if a refurbished MacBook's battery will last through my workday?

Can I upgrade components in a refurbished MacBook?

What's the best refurbished MacBook for students during Black Friday?

How I fell in love through BlackBerry Messenger | Back Market

iPhone 14 Review in 2026: Is It Still Worth the Investment? | Back Market

What does refurbished mean for the environment? | Back Market

PS6 release date: Everything we know about PlayStation 6 so far | Back Market

How to factory reset an Android phone (4 quick scenarios) | Back Market

How to Activate My Phone | Back Market

Dell Latitude 7400 14" vs Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13" comparison

Dell Latitude 7420 14" vs HP EliteBook 840 G6 14" comparison

HP EliteBook 840 G7 14" vs Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon G11 14" comparison

Dell Latitude 7420 14" vs Lenovo ThinkPad T480 14" comparison

Galaxy S23+ • Unlocked vs Galaxy S24 • Locked T-Mobile comparison