People generally begin their search for a laptop by considering two factors: operating system and price. This means choosing between macOS, Windows, or Chrome OS, while also trying to get the best deal. Quite often, this means trying to find a cheap laptop, but the word “cheap” is really a sliding scale based on your personal budget.
Not everyone is willing or able to call a MacBook cheap, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a great deal. In fact, it is relatively easy to find a cheap(er) MacBook, and depending on your personal budget, you can easily find a gently used MacBook in your price range.
Whether you are looking to outfit a work-from-home setup, trying to prepare your child for remote learning, or just looking for something for everyday use — continue reading to see some of the best MacBook deals that can be found in the Swappa marketplace.
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Find a cheap Apple MacBook on Swappa
Compared to most Windows laptops or Chromebooks, the Apple MacBook is often considered to be a higher-quality computer. The longevity and durability mean that you can use a MacBook as your daily driver for much longer, and Apple keeps the system current with optimized operating system updates.
As of (mid) October 2021, the current version of macOS is 11.6 Big Sur. Apple has stated that Big Sur will be supported on the following MacBook models:
- MacBook Pro: late-2013 and newer
- MacBook Air: 2013 and newer
- MacBook (aka Retina MacBook): 2015 and newer
Essentially, this means you can get a MacBook from 2013 and still be able to run the macOS 11 Big Sur.
Apple has also announced plans to release macOS 12 Monterey in the fall of 2021. The following models will support macOS 12 when it is released.
- MacBook Pro: early-2015 and newer
- MacBook Air: early-2015 and newer
- MacBook (aka Retina MacBook): early-2016 and newer
Apple MacBook: $500 and under
At the $500 price point, you are looking at models that are slightly older. But as noted earlier in this post, these models can all run macOS 11 Big Sur.
You can get a more in-depth look at the specs for each of these models in the table below. Some of the fields, such as the processor and graphics may seem a bit overwhelming, but those features tend to be more important if you are looking to push the power of your laptop. If you are looking to buy a MacBook for everyday tasks such as email and web browsing, school or work, or some lighter (casual) gaming — you should focus more on the display size, and overall size, and weight, as your starting point. Of course, price is also important to consider.
| MacBook Pro 2013 (Retina) – 15″ | MacBook Pro 2013 (Retina) – 13″ | MacBook Air 2015 – 13″ | MacBook Pro 2015 (Retina) – 13″ | |
| Display | 15.4″ LED backlit display with IPS technology (2880 x 1800) | 13.3″ LED backlit display with IPS technology (2560 x 1600) | 13.3″ LED backlit glossy widescreen display (1440 x 900) | 13.3″ LED backlit display with IPS technology (2560 x 1600) |
| Processor | 2.0GHz quad-core Intel Core i7, 2.3GHz quad-core Intel Core i7, 2.6GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 | 2.4GHz dual-core Intel Core i5, 2.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5, 2.8GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 | 1.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 (Configurable to 2.2GHz dual-core Intel Core i7) | 2.7GHz dual-core Intel Core i5, 2.9GHz dual-core Intel Core i5, 3.1GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 |
| RAM | 8GB, 16GB | 8GB, 16GB | 4GB, 8GB | 8GB, 16GB |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Graphics & Video | Intel Iris Pro graphics, NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M | Intel Iris graphics | Intel HD graphics 6000 | Intel Iris graphics 6100 |
| Size & Weight | 0.71″ (H) x 14.13″ (W) x 9.73″ (D) and 4.46 pounds | 0.71″ (H) x 12.35″ (W) x 8.62″ (D) and 3.46 pounds | 0.11″ – 0.68″ (H) x 12.8″ (W) x 8.94″ (D) and 2.96 pounds | 0.71″ (H) x 12.35″ (W) x 8.62″ (D) and 3.48 pounds |
| Ports | MagSafe 2, Two Thunderbolt 2, Two USB 3, HDMI, SDXC card slot | MagSafe 2, Two Thunderbolt 2, Two USB 3, HDMI, SDXC card slot | MagSafe 2, Thunderbolt 2, Two USB 3, SDXC card slot | MagSafe 2, Two Thunderbolt 2, Two USB 3, HDMI, SDXC card slot |
| Camera | 720p FaceTime HD camera | 720p FaceTime HD camera | 720p FaceTime HD camera | 720p FaceTime HD camera |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, Bluetooth 4.0 | Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, Bluetooth 4.0 | Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, Bluetooth 4.0 | Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Other Features | Stereo speakers, Dual microphones, 3.5mm headphone jack | Stereo speakers, Dual microphones, 3.5mm headphone jack | Stereo speakers, Dual microphones, 3.5mm headphone jack | Stereo speakers, Dual microphones, 3.5mm headphone jack |
Apple MacBook: $750 and under
Stepping up to the $750 price point and you are now looking at some newer models. The MacBook Pro at this price point dates to 2015, and you can get also get a 2018 MacBook Air, both of which are slated to get macOS 12 Monterey.
You can get a more in-depth look at the specs for each of these models in the table below. But first, you’ll notice there are quite a few similarities across the board for items such as the ports, camera, and wireless. These can be important, but a good starting point (aside from price) is deciding what size display you prefer and then trying to decide how much storage space you need. Keep in mind, storage can add up quickly if you are saving things like video files and high-quality image files.
| MacBook Air 2018 – 13″ | MacBook Retina 2016 – 12″ | MacBook Pro 2016 (No Touch Bar) – 13″ | MacBook Pro 2015 (Retina) – 15″ | |
| Display | 13.3″ LED backlit display with IPS technology (2560 x 1600) | 12″ LED backlit display with IPS technology (2304 x 1440) | 13.3″ LED backlit display with IPS technology (2560 x 1600) | 15.4″ LED backlit display with IPS technology (2880 x 1800) |
| Processor | 1.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 | 1.1GHz dual-core Intel Core m3, 1.2GHz dual-core Intel Core m5, 1.3GHz dual-core Intel Core m7 | 2.0GHz dual-core Intel Core i5, 2.4GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 | 2.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i7, 2.5GHz quad-core Intel Core i7, 2.8GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 |
| RAM | 8GB, 16GB | 8GB | 8GB, 16GB | 16GB |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1.5TB | 256GB, 512GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Graphics & Video | Intel UHD graphics 617 | Intel HD graphics 515 | Intel Iris graphics 540 | Intel Iris Pro graphics |
| Size & Weight | 0.16″ – 0.61″ (H) x 11.97″ (W) x 8.36″ (D) and 2.75 pounds | 0.14″ – 0.52″ (H) x 11.04″ (W) x 7.74″ (D) and 2.03 pounds | 0.59″ (H) x 11.97″ (W) x 8.36″ (D) and 3.02 pounds | 0.71″ (H) x 14.13″ (W) x 9.73″ (D) and 4.49 pounds |
| Ports | Two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) (with support for charging, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, USB-C 3.1 Gen 2) | USB-C (with support for charging, USB 3.1 Gen 1, DisplayPort 1.2) | Two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) (with support for charging, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, USB-C 3.1 Gen 2) | MagSafe 2, Two Thunderbolt 2, Two USB 3, HDMI, SDXC card slot |
| Camera | 720p FaceTime HD camera | 480p FaceTime camera | 720p FaceTime HD camera | 720p FaceTime HD camera |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, Bluetooth 4.2 | Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, Bluetooth 4.0 | Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, Bluetooth 4.2 | Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Other Features | Touch ID, Stereo Speakers, Three microphones, 3.5mm headphone jack | Stereo Speakers, Dual microphones, 3.5mm headphone jack | Stereo Speakers with high dynamic range, Dual microphones, 3.5mm headphone jack | Stereo Speakers, Dual microphones, 3.5mm headphone jack |
Apple MacBook: $999 and under
This is the price point where some will start to feel like they’ve ventured out of the “cheap” category. But at $999 and under, you’re still getting a great deal on models such as the 2019 13-inch MacBook Pro or a nicely spec’d 2020 MacBook Air.
You can get a more in-depth look at the specs for each of these models in the table below. These two laptops include a 2019 and 2020 model year. They each have a 13-inch display, and you will also notice quite a few other similarities such as with the RAM, storage, and camera. The MacBook Air is a little lighter, and the MacBook Pro has a Touchbar, but either of these models will stand quite well on its own, and either option will be great due to newer features such as True Tone on the display and Touch ID for security.
| MacBook Air 2020 – 13″ | MacBook Pro 2019 – 13″ | |
| Display | 13.3″ LED backlit display with IPS technology and True Tone (2560 x 1600) | 13.3″ LED backlit display with IPS technology and True Tone (2560 x 1600) |
| Processor | 1.1GHz dual-core Intel Core i3, 1.1GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, 1.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 Apple M1 chip | 2.4GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, 2.8GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 |
| RAM | 8GB, 16GB | 8GB, 16GB |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| Graphics & Video | Intel Iris Plus graphics (on Intel models) | Intel Iris Plus graphics 655 |
| Size & Weight | 0.16″ – 0.63″ (H) x 11.97″ (W) x 8.36″ (D) and 2.8 pounds | 0.59″ (H) x 11.97″ (W) x 8.36″ (D) and 3.02 pounds |
| Ports | Intel models: Two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) (with support for charging, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, USB 3.1 Gen 2) M1 models: Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports | Four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) (with support for charging, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, USB 3.1 Gen 2) |
| Camera | 720p FaceTime HD camera | 720p FaceTime HD camera |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, Bluetooth 5.0 | Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Other Features | Touch ID, Stereo speakers, Wide stereo sound, Dolby Atmos playback, Three-mic array, 3.5mm headphone jack | Touch Bar, Touch ID, Stereo speakers with high dynamic range, Three microphones, 3.5mm headphone jack |
Apple MacBook: $1,000+ (But still a really good deal)
Even we can’t argue that $1,000 and over can truly be considered “cheap.” Instead, at this price range, we begin to shift from the MacBook being cheap — to the MacBook being a good deal. And good deals can be found on a 13″ 2020 MacBook Pro or a 16″ 2019 MacBook Pro.
You can get a more in-depth look at the specs for each of these models in the table below. These are both Pro model laptops, and both are from 2019 and 2020, so the key distinguishing feature is going to be the display size, or in the case of the 2020 model, whether it is powered by Intel or Apple’s M1 chip. The 2020 model has a 13″ display, which is better for portability, and the 2019 has a 16″ display. The 13″ model is likely better if you want a mix of home and portable use, and the 16″ is on the bigger side, so it won’t be as easy to lug around if you are regularly carrying it in a bag.
| MacBook Pro 2020 – 13″ | MacBook Pro 2019 – 16″ | |
| Display | 13.3″ LED backlit display with IPS technology and True Tone (2560 x 1600) | 16″ LED backlit display with IPS technology and True Tone (3072 x 1920) |
| Processor | 2.0GHz quad-core 10th generation Intel Core i5, 2.3GHz quad-core 10th generation Intel Core i7 Apple M1 chip | 2.6GHz 6-core Intel Core i7, 2.4GHz 8-core Intel Core i9, 2.3GHz 8-core Intel Core i7 |
| RAM | Intel models: 16GB, 32GB M1 models: 8GB, 16GB | 16GB, 32GB, 64GB |
| Storage | Intel models: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB M1 models: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB |
| Graphics & Video | Intel Iris Plus graphics (on Intel models) | AMD Radeon Pro 5300M with 4GB of GDDR6, AMD Radeon Pro 5500M with 4GB of GDDR6, AMD Radeon Pro 5500M with 8GB of GDDR6, AMD Radeon Pro 5600M with 8GB of HBM2 |
| Size & Weight | 0.61″ (H) x 11.97″ (W) x 8.36″ (D) Intel models: 3.1 pounds M1 models: 3.0 pounds | 0.64″ (H) x 14.09″ (W) x 9.68″ (D) and 4.3 pounds |
| Ports | Intel models: Four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) (with support for charging, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.1 Gen 2) M1 models: Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports | Four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) (with support for charging, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, USB 3.1 Gen 2) |
| Camera | 720p FaceTime HD camera | 720p FaceTime HD camera |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, Bluetooth 5.0 | Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Other Features | Touch Bar, Touch ID, Stereo speakers with high dynamic range, Support for Dolby Atmos playback,Three-mic array, 3.5mm headphone jack | Touch Bar, Touch ID, High-fidelity six-speaker system with force-cancelling woofers, Wide stereo sound, Support for Dolby Atmos playback, Studio-quality three-mic array, 3.5mm headphone jack |
Lots of people agree that the MacBook lineup is higher-quality in terms of the overall build, but Apple also offers some nice perks in terms of ecosystem integration. For example, if you are also using an iPhone you can take a picture, and have that picture automatically appear on your MacBook thanks to iCloud and Apple Photos. You can also easily connect an Apple Homepod to get better sound from your MacBook using AirPlay. The good news is that you can find all kinds of Apple goodies in the Swappa marketplace — and quite often, you will be able to save lots of money when buying gently used Apple products.
Snag the best deals on used MacBooks deals wherever you go. Download the Swappa App today!
