The best MacBook deals in July 2024

Apple currently sells MacBooks equipped with its own M-series chips, available in a variety of sizes and price points. The company recently discontinued the M1 MacBook Air to make room for the M3 Air, but some retailers are still selling the latest-generation laptop starting at $649, a far cry from the $2,499 starting price of the latest 16-inch MacBook Pro. Buying a new MacBook is undoubtedly an expensive endeavor, but thankfully it’s actually not that difficult to find deals on current M3-based models.

While Macs may not be permanently discounted, it’s not uncommon to see discounts of up to $400 on various models. Alternatively, buying refurbished accessories directly from Apple is another way to save money without having to wait for ever-changing deal winds. As Apple continues to roll out new versions, this is also the only option for finding certain SKUs of older models. Apple refurbished stores offer a one-year warranty on all products and often offer discounts of up to 15% to 20% off new products.

But if you’re in the market for something new and want to save as much money as possible, here are the best deals on MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini.

this M1 MacBook Air It was considered Apple’s entry-level laptop until the arrival of the M3 model caused Apple to stop selling it directly online and in stores. However, while the redesigned M2 MacBook Air (which we’ve also had for a while) seems poised to become the best value option, the 2020 MacBook Air with its M1 processor and fanless design is still available at some retail stores Purchase from merchants. It’s best for typical productivity work, with a comfortable keyboard, a great trackpad, and all-day battery life. For many, the M1 Air still fits the bill in terms of performance and price, even if it’s been completely supplanted in our best laptops guide.

The base MacBook Air with the M1 chip comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. It’s getting harder to find in new condition, but Walmart has committed to keeping it for the foreseeable future, currently discounting it to $649 ($350 off) — the first time the retailer has launched its Prime Day sale. A special offer always exists. The M1 Air may be a few years old, but it’s still hard to beat for value, especially in terms of day-to-day performance and battery life.

As for 13-inch MacBook Air equipped with M2 chip Starting in 2022, considering that the 15-inch version is not actually available yet, it may be phased out. However, in addition to opting for the newer M3 model (see below), you can now get at least the base 13-inch M2 model with 256GB of storage and an eight-core GPU for $899 ($100 off) on Amazon. Meanwhile, a model with 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD is down to $1,036.46 (about $154) in silver on Amazon, which is a pretty good price for one of the upgraded models.

The M2 MacBook Air is an ultra-thin, lightweight laptop with a 1080p webcam and a convenient magnetic charger that frees up one of two USB-C ports. Although its M2 processor didn’t start a revolution like the M1 generation, it’s a great performer for any user, including more demanding creatives.

It does have some minor drawbacks, though, including slower storage in the base 256GB configuration and a notch cutout for its otherwise excellent screen. But even so, Apple hasn’t offered a more travel-friendly laptop since the days of the 12-inch MacBook, a previous-generation model that was good enough to top our best laptops list.

The M1 Air and its wedge had to die. M3 MacBook Air exist. Apple’s updated entry-level laptop is now available in both 13-inch and 15-inch versions, bringing slightly faster performance and a series of minor upgrades. Apple added Wi-Fi 6E, as well as an additional Thunderbolt port, allowing you to use two external displays with the lid closed. They also continue to offer 18 hours of battery life and a MagSafe charging port, though the M3 Air starts slightly higher than its predecessor at $1,099.

Thankfully, the base MacBook Air 13 with an M3 chip, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage is available on Amazon for $999 ($100 off). There’s a similar discount on the 8GB RAM/512GB SSD model, bringing it down to $1,199 on Amazon ($100 off). As for the 15-inch Air, the better deal right now is the 8GB/256GB base model, which costs $1,099 in space gray on Amazon ($200 discount). If you’re willing to buy the upgraded model with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, it’s an easy recommendation that should work for you in the long run at $1,499 on Amazon (plus $200 off) better.

At last October’s “Scary Fast” event, Apple announced the launch of new MacBook Pro models using M3 processors, including a new 14-inch model that replaced the 13-inch M2 model. This means that the Touch Bar Mac is finally dead, replaced by Apple’s new M3-based MacBook. Thankfully, the latest models are relatively easy to find on sale.

A new entry into the MacBook Pro world is the MacBook Pro with MagSafe, which uses the existing 14-inch design and streamlines it slightly. this 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro It has the same 3024 x 1964 resolution display and 120Hz refresh rate as its pricier sibling, and it has an SD card slot and HDMI port in addition to the MagSafe charging port. However, it starts with just 8GB of memory and lacks the third USB-C/Thunderbolt port (along with Thunderbolt 4 speeds) found on the M3 Pro and M3 Max models.

The M3 MacBook Pro may be a bit odd in some ways, but it’s still a very good laptop – especially if you can find a deal that makes the price gap between the M3 model and the M3 Pro version even wider. Luckily, the base model with 512GB of storage and 8GB of RAM is currently on sale at an all-time low on Amazon, where you can pick it up for $1,399.99 (about $200).

this 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro Another round of spec-boosted models will appear in late 2023, very similar to the previous 2022 version. Now starting with the M3 Pro chip (or the faster M3 Max) and 18GB of base RAM (instead of 16GB), the new models are still aimed at creatives who do things like video editing, photo manipulation, and other graphics work. Like their predecessors and the previous M1 Pro generation, they offer MagSafe charging, three USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI output, and a full-size SD card slot, with prices starting at $1,999 for the 14-inch model and $2,499 for the For 16 inches. Of course, you can configure them if you’re willing to spend more, as seen in the review unit Apple sent us for the 16-inch model, which costs an eye-popping $7,199.

But don’t worry, actual purchased versions are now occasionally discounted. For example, Amazon is selling a 14-inch MacBook Pro in silver or space black with an M3 Pro (11-core CPU/14-core GPU), 18GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD for $1,699.99 (a $300 savings) when you click Coupons on the page. As for the base 16-inch Pro (with an M3 Pro chip, 18GB of RAM, and 512GB), it’s down to $2,249 on Amazon and B&H Photo (a $250 discount).

The latest Mac Mini comes in base configurations with Apple’s M2 processor or in more powerful configurations with the M2 Pro. It’s one of the most affordable and efficient desktops you can get (as long as gaming isn’t your top priority). The M2 Mac Mini starts at $599 with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, while the M2 Pro model comes with a superior processor and Gigabit Ethernet, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage for $1,299.

The latter model also features expanded port selection, from two USB-C ports to four. It’s almost like buying a MacBook Pro 14 with an M2 Pro, but in desktop form. However, keep in mind that purchasing any Mac Mini means you must provide your own mouse, keyboard, and monitor. Regardless, the M2 Mac Mini is still a great value for a desktop computer.

Currently, the base model with an M2 chip, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD is selling for $499 on Amazon and B&H Photo ($100 off), which is a steal and only $20 off the all-time low price for a desktop computer. You can also get 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage on Amazon and B&H Photo for $689 (a better discount is $110).

If you want to maximize its potential, you can upgrade to the M2 Pro version with a 10-core CPU/16-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage for $1,149 ($150 off) at Amazon.