Cheapest Mac Laptop: Budget-Friendly Apple Computing
Note: We have researched 9 Mac laptops for you.
Last updated on 02.07.24 um 11:30
In today's fast-paced world, having a reliable laptop has become a necessity for many. With the seamless integration of hardware and software, Mac laptops have carved out a significant presence in the market. However, the price tag associated with Apple's products often puts them out of reach for budget-conscious consumers.
Seeking to bridge that gap, we have scoured the lineup to bring you a selection of options that merge the elegance and performance of macOS with a more approachable cost. Whether you're a student, a freelancer, or simply looking to enjoy the Apple ecosystem without breaking the bank, there are affordable choices available that refuse to compromise on quality and usability.
Seeking to bridge that gap, we have scoured the lineup to bring you a selection of options that merge the elegance and performance of macOS with a more approachable cost. Whether you're a student, a freelancer, or simply looking to enjoy the Apple ecosystem without breaking the bank, there are affordable choices available that refuse to compromise on quality and usability.
To simplify the price comparison, we determine the prices for the individual articles on Amazon, Ebay and other shops and link the offers via partner links where applicable. This means that we receive a commission if you buy something that we recommend - the price does not change for you.
Pictured: Apple 2024 MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop
What to Look for in Cheapest Mac Laptops
Important criteria
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Affordability
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Portability
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Battery life
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Compatibility with macOS and Apple ecosystem
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Build quality
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Warranty and customer support
1.) Understanding Specifications
When looking for the cheapest Mac laptop, you should understand the specs that meet your needs. Prioritize the processor speed, RAM, and storage capacity according to your usage patterns. For basic tasks, a dual-core processor and 8GB of RAM might suffice, but for more intensive uses like video editing, look for at least a quad-core processor and 16GB of RAM. Storage-wise, SSDs offer better performance than traditional HDDs, so aim for a minimum of 256GB SSD. Remember, Macs are not easily upgradable, so choose specifications you can live with for the duration of the laptop's life.
2.) Checking the Model Year
Always check the model year of the Mac laptop, as Apple updates hardware frequently, and older models might not support the latest macOS or applications efficiently. Even the cheapest Mac should be a recent model, ideally not more than 3 years old, to ensure software compatibility and to receive the latest updates. In addition, newer models have better resale value and typically come with a warranty or the option to purchase AppleCare for extended protection.
Pictured: Apple 2024 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop
3.) Condition and Battery Life
Inspect the condition of the Mac laptop if you are considering a used or refurbished model to save money. Look for any signs of damage or excessive wear, which could indicate potential issues down the line. Battery life is also a critical aspect; confirm the number of battery cycles and compare it against the manufacturer's battery cycle count rating. Replacing a battery can be costly, so it's best to find a Mac with a healthy battery life remaining.
4.) Portability vs. Performance
Evaluate the trade-off between portability and performance. The cheapest Mac laptops, such as the MacBook Air, are designed for portability and may offer less power compared to the MacBook Pro line. Decide what's more important for your daily use. If you prioritize portability and mainly use cloud services and web-based applications, a MacBook Air could be sufficient. However, if you need more robust performance for creative work or software development, investing a little more in a MacBook Pro might be the wiser choice in the long run.
The Cheapest Mac Laptops of our Choice
Our Pick
Apple 2024 MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop
Type/Color: Midnight
Size: 256GB
Features
- Blazing-fast MacBook Air with M3 chip
- Lightweight and portable design
- 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU
- Up to 18 hours battery life
- 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display
- 1080p FaceTime HD camera, three mics
- Six speakers with Spatial Audio
- Apps run fast on macOS
- Two Thunderbolt ports, headphone jack
- Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, MagSafe port
- Connect up to two external displays
- Seamless connection with Apple devices
2
Apple 15.4in MacBook Pro Laptop
Type/Color: Space Gray
Size: 15-15.99 inches
Features
- Lightweight and durable materials for portability.
- Easy setup and user-friendly interface for convenience.
- Fast processing speed and responsive performance.
- High-definition display with vibrant colors and clarity.
- Long-lasting battery life for extended use.
- Secure authentication options for data protection.
- Expandable storage capacity for more files.
Price Pick
Apple MacBook Air MD711LL/A 11.6-inch Laptop
Type/Color: Brushed Aluminum
Size: 4GB RAM-128GB SSD
Features
- Renewed products are like new
- Inspected and tested by qualified suppliers
- Diagnostics, replacement of defective parts, thorough cleaning
- Generic packaging and accessories
- Minimum 90-day supplier-backed warranty
- 11-Inch LED-backlit Display with 720p FaceTime HD Camera
- 1366x768 Resolution; Intel HD Graphics 5000
- 1.3 GHz Dual-Core 4th-Gen Intel Core i5 Processor
- Up to 2.6 GHz Turbo Boost
- 128GB Flash Storage, 4GB 1600MHz LPDDR3 RAM
- 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0
- Up to 9 Hours Battery Life, OS X
4
Apple 2024 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop
Type/Color: Silver
Size: 512GB
Features
- Lightweight, under half inch thin design
- Powerful M3 chip for smooth performance
- Up to 18 hours of battery life
- 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with 1B colors
- 1080p FaceTime HD camera, three mics
- Four speakers with Spatial Audio
- Apps run fast with Apple Silicon
- Two Thunderbolt ports, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
- Connect up to two external displays
- Works seamlessly with other Apple devices
In other categories
- Rank 3 of 20 in Fastest Laptops
5
Apple Macbook Pro 5MPXV2LL/A-R Laptop
Type/Color: Space Gray
Size: 13-13.99 inches
Features
- Dual-core Intel Core i5 processor good performance
- 8GB 2133MHz LPDDR3 memory decent memory
- 256GB SSD storage 13.3" 2560 x 1600 Retina Display
- Intel Iris Plus Graphics 650 good graphics
6
Apple MacBook Air MD711LL/B 11.6in Widescreen
Type/Color: Silver
Size: 11-11.99 inches
Features
- 11-Inch LED-backlit Display with build in 720p FaceTime HD Camera; 1366x768 Resolution; Intel HD Graphics 5000.
- 1.4 GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i5 (Turbo Boost up to 2.7GHz) with 3MB shared L3 cache;
- 4GB of 1600 MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory, 128GB PCIe-based flash storage;
- 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0;
- Mac OS X
7
Apple Laptop MacBook Air MD628LL/A Intel
Type/Color: Silver
Size: 13-13.99 inches
Features
- Tested and certified to work like new
- Includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection
- Ships with relevant accessories and 90-day warranty
- Select sellers offer Certified Refurbished products on Amazon.com
- Intel Core i5-3317U 1.7GHz dual-core processor
- 128GB Solid State Drive (SSD)
- 4GB 1600MHz DDR3L RAM
- AirPort 802.11a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0
8
Apple MacBook Pro MGXA2LL/A 15-Inch Laptop
Type/Color: White
Size: 15-15.99 inches
Features
- Renewed products look and work like new.
- Inspected and tested by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- Full diagnostic test and replacement of defective parts.
- Thorough cleaning process.
- Packaging and accessories may be generic.
- Minimum 90-day supplier-backed warranty.
- 2.2 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7 Processor.
- Turbo Boost up to 3.4 GHz.
- 6 MB shared L3 cache.
- 16 GB 1600 MHz DDR3L RAM.
- 256 GB PCIe-based Flash Storage.
- 15.4-inch IPS Retina Display.
- 2880-by-1800 resolution.
9
Apple MacBook Air MD711LL/B 11.6in Widescreen HD Laptop
Size: Core i5 | 4GB RAM | 128GB SSD | Mac OS X
Features
- Enhanced performance for quicker processing speeds
- Improved user interface for easier navigation
- Increased durability for longer lifespan
- Thinner design for portability
- Enhanced security features for data protection
* All prices incl. VAT, plus shipping if applicable. Prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. The selection of products was made independently of the manufacturer and without any claim to completeness. All links to products are external partner links through which we may receive compensation. All information without guarantee.
Top Choices for Affordable Mac Laptops
Budget-Conscious Students
Students seeking a balance between functionality and affordability should consider our curated selection. Delve into the world of Mac without breaking the bank.
Freelancers and Professionals
Freelancers needing reliable equipment will find these Mac laptops a smart investment. Power through your projects with a budget-friendly option.
Casual Users
For everyday browsing and streaming, these Mac laptops blend performance with cost efficiency. Get your hands on a user-friendly, affordable Mac right now.
Questions You Might Ask
The MacBook Air is designed to be slim and light, making it ideal for portability, while the MacBook Pro offers more powerful processors and graphics for intensive tasks. MacBook Pro also typically features a brighter screen with higher resolution and better color accuracy. Additionally, some MacBook Pro models include the Touch Bar, a touch-sensitive control strip above the keyboard.
Consider what you'll primarily use your laptop for. If you need it for basic tasks like browsing the web, using office apps, and streaming video, a MacBook Air might be sufficient. For more demanding tasks like video editing, music production, or software development, you might want to invest in a MacBook Pro for its enhanced performance capabilities.
RAM is important for the overall speed and the ability to multitask without slowdowns, so if you work with large files or run multiple apps at once, extra RAM could be beneficial. Increased storage is recommended if you plan to save a lot of large files locally, such as videos or high-resolution images. Otherwise, you might consider external storage options or cloud services.
The Apple M1 chip is Apple's custom silicon designed specifically for Mac. It offers improved performance and efficiency over traditional Intel processors. M1-equipped Macs deliver faster processing, better graphics performance, and longer battery life compared to their Intel counterparts.
Mac laptops are known for their limited upgradeability. Most current models have the memory and storage soldered onto the motherboard, meaning they cannot be upgraded after purchase. It's advised to buy a model with the specifications you will need over the long term, considering future needs as well.
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How to Choose the Cheapest Mac Laptop: A Guide
Our Pick: Apple 2024 MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop
Navigating the world of Mac laptops doesn't have to be daunting—or a drain on your wallet. Whether you're a student, a professional on the go, or someone looking for the sleek design and user-friendly experience of a Mac without the hefty price tag, this guide will walk you through finding the most affordable Mac laptop that doesn't sacrifice quality for cost.
Understand the Mac Lineup
Before hunting for deals, familiarize yourself with Apple's current Mac lineup. There's the lightweight MacBook Air, the powerful MacBook Pro, and sometimes, the smaller and now-discontinued 12-inch MacBook might still be available refurbished or used.
The MacBook Air is often the most affordable option, providing a balance of performance and portability. The entry-level MacBook Pro may have a higher price point but could be a more cost-effective option in the long run for power users.
Recognize that newer models command higher prices, but if you're open to purchasing a slightly older version, significant savings are possible. Keep in mind that Apple frequently updates their lineup, so a recent model might see a price drop when a new version is released.
Buying New vs. Refurbished vs. Used
Purchasing a new Mac laptop will give you the latest technology and a warranty, but it's not always the most budget-friendly. Explore Apple's certified refurbished products for a middle ground—they are tested, certified, and come with a warranty, often making them a reliable and more affordable option.
Used Macs can provide the most savings but come with risks, such as lack of warranty or hidden damage. If you're considering buying used, purchase from a reputable source, and thoroughly check the laptop's condition and specs.
When looking at used or refurbished models, check the battery cycle count, as a heavily used battery may need to be replaced soon, adding to the overall cost.
Consider Performance Needs
Assess your intended use for the Mac laptop. If you're focused on basic tasks like web browsing or word processing, a base model MacBook Air could suffice. However, if you're into video editing or other intensive tasks, you might need the extra power of a MacBook Pro.
RAM and storage are two key components that affect performance. While a 8GB RAM MacBook might be cheaper, 16GB could be a wiser choice for longevity and multitasking. Similarly, a 256GB SSD is a good starting point, but more space may be beneficial depending on your data storage needs.
Remember that upgrading components later in MacBooks is often not possible, as many parts are soldered on. Ensure the specs meet your long-term needs, so you won’t have to replace the entire laptop prematurely.
Timing Your Purchase
Apple discounts are not common, but you can find seasonal deals, back-to-school promotions, and Black Friday sales that might make a new Mac laptop surprisingly affordable. Keep an eye on these opportunities throughout the year.
Timing is everything. Apple typically releases new models in October or November, and older models may drop in price. Retailers might also offer discounts to clear out old inventory. Stay informed about Apple's release cycle to make a timely purchase.
Additionally, shopping through educational stores or using student discounts can result in savings. Whether you’re a student, educator, or parent of a student, these discounts can make a new Mac laptop more accessible.
Where to Shop
Aside from buying directly from Apple, trusted retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and B&H Photo offer Mac laptops at competitive prices. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, as they might indicate a scam or defective product.
Check out Apple's own refurbishment store for certified products that meet their high standards. Also, consider certified resellers and second-hand tech stores with strong reputations and customer reviews.
Online marketplaces like eBay can be a treasure trove for used Mac laptops, but always review the seller's ratings and history. Purchase protection policies can provide a safety net in case the transaction doesn't go as planned.
Hands-on Reviews and Recommendations from Discussion-Boards
In our search for the most cost-effective Mac laptops, we have meticulously gathered and evaluated a wealth of resources to guide your decision. To help you make an informed purchase, we have compiled an assortment of the most informative links, which we believe stand out for their credibility and utility. This assortment is organized into four distinct categories: professional reviews, forum discussions, Reddit threads, and video content, each offering unique insights into the most affordable Mac laptop options available.
Nov 7, 2023 — What is the best overall MacBook? The 13-inch M2 MacBook Air isn't just the best overall MacBook, it's our pick for the best overall laptop.
Nov 7, 2023 — Best MacBook deals · M1 MacBook Air (256GB SSD): $ 750 · M2 MacBook Air 13 (256GB SSD): $899 · M2 MacBook Air 15 (256GB SSD): $1,199 · M2 MacBook Pro...
3 days ago — The best Apple laptop we've tested is the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M2, 2023 ), a premium mobile workstation and the smaller of the two 'Pro' models...
Best MacBook deals right now ; MacBook Air 13 " (M1/256GB): was $999 now $749 @ Amazon ; MacBook Air 13" (M2/256GB): was $1,099 now $949 @ Best Buy ; MacBook Air 15...
Best bet is Apple's direct student program. From a quick glance, only the base model Air is in your price range.
Microcenter! The one in California currently have them for $1299 and 16 inch MacBook pros with 1 TB ssd for $1549. However, flash sales do...
Budget Macbook - Best Macbook to get for around ~$1k or less · Macbook Pro 13in 2020 - $800 2Hz Quad Core i5 16gb Memory · MacBook Pro 16in 2019...
Facebook Marketplace- I picked up a base M1 MacBook Pro for $650, and an M1 Mac Mini for $450. Both in excellent shape, both sold by persons...
15-inch MacBook Air Review: Far More Affordable than Pro
The big-screen Air lacks the Pro's extras, but still performs well and is more reasonably priced. 0:00 Intro 0:56 What's new in the 2023...
