The best deals on MacBooks to Get One Right Now

Apple offers MacBooks with M-series chips in various sizes and price points. The M1 MacBook Air was discontinued to accommodate the latest models, but some retailers still sell the last-gen laptop at $649. Despite the high cost of purchasing a new MacBook, finding deals on recent models is easier due to Apple’s recent changes in starting RAM, offering more options and steeper discounts on older models.

Macs can be discounted by up to $400, and purchasing refurbished options directly from Apple can save money without waiting for deal changes. Apple’s refurbished store offers a one-year warranty on all products and discounts of up to 15-20% off the price of a new unit.

However, if you prefer to buy new, the best deals for MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini are available. This is the only option for certain SKUs of older models as Apple continues to release newer releases.

The Deals best on MacBook Air

M1 MacBook Air

Apple’s M1 MacBook Air, once considered Apple’s entry-level laptop, is now available as a budget option with an M1 processor and fanless design. The 2020 version, with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, is best suited for productivity work with a comfortable keyboard, excellent trackpad, and all-day battery life.

The base MacBook Air with the M1 chip is becoming harder to find in new condition, but Walmart is currently discounting it to $549 ($450 off) for the foreseeable future. Despite being a few years old, the M1 Air remains a strong value option, especially in terms of everyday performance and battery life. Walmart has been discounting the M1 Air to $539 since its counter-Prime Day promotions in July.

M2 MacBook Air

The M2 MacBook Air is a slim, lightweight laptop with a 1080p webcam and a magnetic charger. It has a powerful M2 processor and is suitable for users, including creatives. However, it has slower storage in the base 256GB configuration and a notch cutout in its screen. Despite these drawbacks, Apple hasn’t offered a more travel-friendly laptop since the 12-inch MacBook, making it a top choice for travelers.

The M2-powered MacBook Air 13 from 2022 is nearing its end, with availability for the 15-inch version decreasing. However, the 13-inch M2 model with 16GB RAM, 256GB storage, and an eight-core GPU is available for $799 ($200 off) at Amazon and Best Buy. The same model with 8GB RAM and a 512GB SSD is available for $899 ($300 off) at Amazon.

M3 MacBook Air

Apple’s updated entry-level laptops, the M3 MacBook Air, have arrived in 13- and 15-inch variants, offering slightly faster performance and minor upgrades. The M3 Air includes Wi-Fi 6E, an additional Thunderbolt port, 18 hours of battery life, and a MagSafe charging port. It starts at $1,099. However, Apple discontinued the M3 MacBook Air with 8GB of RAM and now considers the 16GB / 256GB model as the starting configuration.

The entry-level MacBook Air M3 with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage is currently on sale at Amazon and Best Buy for $899 ($200 off). The 16GB RAM / 512GB model is also available for $1,099 in select colors. The 15-inch MacBook Air M3 is available for $1,099 with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage, and in the 16GB / 512GB configuration for $1,299 ($200 off).

The best deals on MacBook Pro

Apple recently introduced new MacBook Pros using M3 processors, including a 14-inch model replacing the 13-inch M2. The company followed with M4-based models in October, with discounts already observed. Last-gen M3 models are often the better bargains due to their ease of finding and steeper discounts.

M3 and M3 Pro MacBook Pro

The 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro is a MagSafe-equipped version of the MacBook Pro, offering a smaller design with a 3024 x 1964 resolution display and 120Hz refresh rate. It features a MagSafe charging port, SD card slot, and HDMI port, but only has 8GB of RAM and lacks the third USB-C / Thunderbolt port found in the M3 Pro and M3 Max models.

The M3 MacBook Pro is a good laptop, especially if you find a deal that puts more price distance between the M3 model and the M3 Pro version. The base model with 8GB and 512GB of storage is waning as Apple standardizes 16GB of RAM across its lineup.

M4 and M4 Pro MacBook Pro

Apple has launched the M4-series MacBook Pro, featuring a base 14-inch model with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage for the same starting price as the last-gen model. The model also has a third Thunderbolt 4 port, supports dual external monitors, an upgraded 12-megapixel webcam, a new Desk View feature, and the option to add a nano-texture display for an extra $150. The model is available in space black.

The 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips have received additional RAM, bringing them up to 24GB. They start with 512GB of storage and retail for $1,999 and $2,499, respectively.

These models offer faster Thunderbolt 5 ports, an SD slot, dedicated full-sized HDMI port, and 3.5mm jack. They also have an upgraded 12-megapixel Center Stage webcam with Desk View and an optional nano-texture display option. Deals for the M4 MacBook Pro have started to roll in, with the base 14-inch model with 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD down to $1,449 ($150 off) at Amazon and B&H Photo. The 24GB / 512GB variant with an M4 Pro chip is down to $1,799 ($200 off) at Amazon.