Best MacBook for students in 2025

With so many options available, choosing the best MacBook for students in 2025 can seem overwhelming. Should you go for one of the latest models, or will an older model do the trick? It really depends on your course and what your coursework demands. But why chase the latest MacBook when last year's model still gets the job done and keeps great tech in use? Here's a quick guide on finding a refurbished MacBook for students that suits your needs and budget.  

Why a refurbished MacBook for students just makes sense  

As a student, you're likely on a limited budget that needs to cover your course materials, transport, rent (if you live in your own place), and so on. So, you need to get the right laptop for as little as possible. You almost certainly don't want to buy an expensive new one. That's why refurbished MacBooks for students are in high demand. You can save up to 50% on the original retail price at Back Market. 

Does refurbished mean you're compromising on quality and performance? Not at all. In fact, our refurbished laptops come from trusted sellers and have been fully restored by verified refurbishers. After, they're exhaustively tested to ensure they perform up to the original benchmark specs. All our refurbished electronics come with a 1-year warranty for your peace of mind. 

Additionally, there's no getting around the global warming threat we face. This is the third year in a row that we've broken all-time average temperature records. We all need to do something to stop things from worsening, and the time is now! By buying a refurbished laptop, you'll save one more item of electronic waste. If everyone does this, we can significantly transform our disposable consumer culture into a more sustainable circular economy based on recycling. 

For the budget buyer: MacBook Air (2017–2019) 

Between 2017 and 2019, Apple released three MacBook Air models. These were all basically upgrades on the 2017 MacBook Air (13-inch). The 2017 model is known as the MacBook Air 7,2. The 2018 version (8,1) added a Retina screen, while the 2019 release featured a minor OS update, taking it to version 8,2. Any of these models can easily cope with most student tasks, such as notetaking, assignments, and online research. However, they lack the power for more demanding tasks like video editing, so if you're taking a course that requires creative modelling, you'll want to get the more powerful MacBook Pro (below). But if value for money is your main priority, these three are our picks as the best MacBooks for students in 2025. 

Lowest prices on Back Market:  

• MacBook Air 2017 – from $125* (save $875 on new price) 

• MacBook Air 2018 – from $258* (save $942 on new price) 

• MacBook Air 2019 – from $275* (save $825 on new price) 

*All prices as at time of writing (17 July 2025) and subject to change. 

MacBook Air (2017–2019) pros and cons 

"I am highly satisfied with my MacBook Air and will most certainly return for the purchase of other items! Product was refurbished, but you could not tell it at all. No dings, no scratches, works great, long battery life and came with a new charger and cube! A+++"  - Stacy H.

For the multitasker: MacBook Air M1 

Many still consider the MacBook Air M1 the best MacBook Air for students, especially now at an all-time low price. It was the first Mac to host Apple's game-changing M1 chip, and even today, its performance surpasses several modern laptops. It was a standout machine back then, and its features still make it a solid choice for student life.  

 The MacBook Air M1 has fantastic battery life, and because it doesn't need a fan for cooling, it operates silently. It supports many apps and runs them flawlessly. The screen renders true-to-life colors, making the machine suitable for editing photos and videos. In TechRadar's bench testing, the MacBook Air M1 was about 9x faster than the previous Air models, and its memory was twice as fast.  

Lowest price on Back Market:  

• MacBook Air M1 – from $349* (save $651 on new price) 

*All prices as at time of writing (17 July 2025) and subject to change. 

MacBook Air M1 pros and cons 

"I ordered the MacBook Air in Excellent condition and the delivery came as expected. My MacBook came in perfect condition with no scratches and it came with a brand new Apple charger. I am so impressed with my order." 

- Bridget serwaa A.

For creatives: MacBook Pro M1 and M2

The MacBook Pro M1 uses the same powerfully capable chip as the MacBook Air M1, but the Pro is in a different class when it comes to handling resource-heavy tasks like video editing and 3D modelling. This laptop is ideal for people taking creative courses, including architecture. Even though it was released in 2020, it remains a superior machine, thanks to its many tech upgrades in the interim. 

As expected, the MacBook Pro M2 ups the game even further. It's quite the beast, starting with its virtually indestructible aluminum chassis under everyday circumstances. The M2 chip's ferocious power can easily handle heavy-duty tasks. It also has a bright screen, which is ideal for graphics work and 3D modelling. The MacBook Pro M2's screen resolution is a whopping 3,456 x 2,234 pixels, with a pixel density of 244 ppi, running at a variable 120 Hz refresh rate. If serious power is vital to you, this is undoubtedly the best MacBook for students in 2025. 

📸 Why creators are sticking with older MacBooks 

Instagram influencers, TikTok creators, and YouTube pundits don't need the latest smartphones or laptops to make great content. So why would you? M1 and M2 MacBooks have the necessary power, software, and battery life. These machines handle everything from podcast recording to detailed video editing with voiceovers. Their chips render fast, so you can go from recording your next viral video to publishing it in no time. And if you're just showing off an exotic meal or a glorious sunset, you can share it faster than most people. 

Lowest prices on Back Market:

• MacBook Pro M1 – from $473* (save $1,027 on new price) 

• MacBook Pro M2 – from $739* (save $561 on new price) 

*All prices as at time of writing (17 July 2025) and subject to change. 

MacBook Pro M1 and M2 pros and cons 

"My MacBook Pro M2 late 2022 model came in quickly and looked brand new with the box and charger. I would've never known it was refurbished if no one told me. I definitely recommend buying from Back Market because it is trusted and you also get the 1-year warranty in case something goes wrong." 

- Melissa F.

Smart add-ons and exclusive bundles 

Back Market also offers a wide variety of MacBook accessories and peripherals. These include chargers and charging cables, both MagSafe and USB. You'll also find those crucial Thunderbolt adapters. We have separate MacBook keyboards if you don't like the feel of the onboard one. It's also better for your body to go desktop-style; the screen is at eye level, the keyboard is at arm height, and your posture will thank you.  

You'll be thrilled to know that we also sell USB hubs. It's no exaggeration, but the lack of ports has probably been the number one complaint among Mac users. A USB hub solves all those familiar problems, like unplugging a hard drive to insert a flash drive just because you're also using the only other port. While on the subject, you can also get external storage drives on Back Market.  

Exclusive Back Market student bundles 

If you'd like an affordable accessory bundle for your Mac, we offer a Back Market Gift Box tailored for students. Think of it as your student survival kit. It has a keyboard protector, a power adapter, and a laptop stand.  

Student laptop deals and upcoming promotions 

We've given you the lowdown on the best MacBook for students in 2025 – but we've saved the best news for last. With Back Market, there's no need to save up and wait for the next Back to School tech sale. You can get an extra $20 off anything through our student discount plan. That's in addition to our already low refurbished prices. 

 Plus, we have our own flash sales and promotions coming up. Visit us on July 30 to see what we have in store for you and the massive discounts available. It's the best time to explore student laptop deals. This deal won't stick around, so set a reminder and stay sharp.  

Remember: sustainable = smart 

Make the sensible, affordable choice by buying a refurbished MacBook for students. You'll be doing your wallet a big favor and helping the planet. Every refurbished MacBook keeps ~350g of e-waste out of landfill — that's like skipping 700 plastic straws.