Struggling to figure out which older MacBook still makes sense to buy in 2025? If you’re looking to grab a fantastic deal on a reliable Apple laptop without paying new-release prices, the MacBook Air M1 2020 is hands-down the best choice for most people. This little powerhouse still delivers incredible performance, stellar battery life, and will keep getting macOS updates for years to come, making it an absolute steal for anyone on a budget. You can often find a refurbished MacBook Air M1 for hundreds less than a brand new model, making it a smart financial decision that doesn’t compromise much on daily usability. For those needing a bit more muscle, like for serious video editing or coding, a refurbished MacBook Pro M1 2020/2021 is a fantastic upgrade that still offers amazing value. We’re talking about Apple Silicon chips here, which truly changed the game, so you’ll want to absolutely focus on these models and generally steer clear of older Intel-based Macs if you want a machine that feels modern and keeps up with today’s software.

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Why Consider a Used or Refurbished MacBook in 2025?

Let’s be real, new MacBooks can feel like they cost a small fortune, right? But the good news is, Apple builds these machines with quality, so even models from a few years ago can still perform like champs. Going for a used or refurbished MacBook in 2025 isn’t just about saving some serious cash. it’s a smart move for a few key reasons:

Significant Cost Savings: This is probably the biggest draw. You can often get a Mac that’s just a few years old, still incredibly powerful, for a fraction of the original price. For example, a new M4 MacBook Air might set you back over $1,000, but an M1 MacBook Air can sometimes be found for as low as $599 if you catch a good sale, or around $700-$800 refurbished. That’s a huge difference!
Excellent Build Quality & Longevity: MacBooks are built to last. Many users report their Macs working well for 8 to 10 years, or even more, with proper care. This means your “old” MacBook isn’t just a temporary fix. it can be a reliable daily driver for many years.
Access to the macOS Ecosystem: If you’re already in the Apple ecosystem with your iPhone or iPad, a Mac just makes everything work together beautifully. Things like AirDrop, Handoff, and shared clipboards are super convenient, and you don’t need the absolute newest model to enjoy these benefits.
Sustainable Choice: Giving an older device a second life is also a great way to reduce electronic waste. It’s a win-win for your wallet and the environment.

The Game Changer: Apple Silicon vs. Intel Macs

if you’re seriously considering an older MacBook, you absolutely need to understand the big shift Apple made a few years back. In late 2020, Apple introduced its own custom-designed chips, starting with the M1, effectively ending its long-standing partnership with Intel. This wasn’t just a small upgrade. it was a monumental leap forward for laptops.

Here’s why it matters to you:

Performance: Apple Silicon M1, M2, M3, and so on chips are incredibly fast and efficient. They offer significantly better performance per watt compared to their Intel predecessors. This means apps launch quicker, multitasking is smoother, and even demanding tasks like video editing are handled with surprising ease, especially on the M1.
Battery Life: This is where Apple Silicon truly shines. M1 MacBooks offer vastly improved battery life, often lasting 10-18 hours on a single charge for typical use, compared to older Intel models that often struggled to hit half that.
Efficiency and Heat: M1 chips run cooler and quieter. Many M1 MacBook Airs don’t even have a fan, meaning silent operation, which is a dream for focused work or quiet environments. Intel Macs, especially under heavy load, can get hot and loud.
Software Support: This is crucial for long-term usability. Apple typically supports its Macs with macOS updates for about 6-7 years after their release. Since M1 Macs started arriving in late 2020, you can expect them to receive official macOS updates for several more years into the future, likely through 2026-2027 or even longer for security patches. Intel Macs, especially those from before 2018-2019, are quickly losing official support, meaning no new features and eventually no security updates, which can be a big problem.

My simple advice? In 2025, if you can at all stretch your budget for an Apple Silicon Mac, do it. The difference in experience is so profound that it’s generally not worth considering an Intel Mac, unless your budget is extremely tight and you have a very specific, light-use case in mind.

Our Top Picks for “Old” MacBooks in 2025

When we talk about “old” MacBooks in 2025, we’re really looking at machines that are a few years old but still pack a punch. The sweet spot is definitely the M1 generation of Apple Silicon Macs. Best old iphone to buy in 2025

MacBook Air M1 2020 – The Best Overall Value

If you ask me, or really, if you ask most tech experts, the MacBook Air M1 2020 is the reigning champion of older MacBooks to buy in 2025.

Why it’s still amazing:

Performance that punches above its weight: Even with newer M2 and M3 chips out, the M1 is still incredibly fast for most everyday tasks. It handles web browsing, emails, document creation, streaming, and even light to moderate photo and 4K video editing without breaking a sweat. Seriously, for a laptop that came out in 2020, it still feels snappy in 2025.
Phenomenal Battery Life: This is a big one. You can comfortably get 10-15 hours of real-world use on a single charge, which is fantastic for students, commuters, or anyone who doesn’t want to be tethered to a power outlet.
Silent, Fanless Design: The M1 MacBook Air doesn’t have a fan, meaning it’s completely silent, no matter how hard you push it within reason. This is a huge perk for quiet study spaces or late-night work sessions.
Excellent macOS Support: Being an Apple Silicon machine, the M1 Air will continue to receive major macOS updates for several more years, ensuring you have the latest features and crucial security patches.
Price: This is where it seals the deal. You can often find renewed or refurbished MacBook Air M1 models for significantly less than their original retail price, sometimes dropping to around $600-$800, making it an incredible value.

Who is it for?
The M1 MacBook Air is perfect for students, writers, remote workers, casual users, and even content creators who don’t need the absolute top-tier performance for their demanding projects. It’s an all-rounder that provides a premium experience without the premium price tag.

MacBook Pro M1 2020/2021 – The Professional’s Budget Pick

If your work involves more resource-intensive tasks, like professional video editing, graphic design, podcast production, or serious coding, then an older MacBook Pro M1 2020/2021 could be your best bet. Best new vehicle to buy in 2025

Why it’s still a strong contender:

More Power for Demanding Workflows: The M1 Pro and M1 Max chips found in the 2021 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros offer even greater CPU and GPU performance compared to the standard M1, making them better suited for heavy-duty applications. Even the base M1 chip in the 2020 MacBook Pro has a fan, allowing it to sustain peak performance for longer than the fanless Air.
Better Displays: The 14-inch and 16-inch M1 Pro/Max MacBook Pros feature stunning Liquid Retina XDR displays with ProMotion technology up to 120Hz refresh rate, which are noticeably better than the M1 Air’s display, especially for creative work.
More Ports: These Pro models bring back useful ports like HDMI, an SD card slot, and MagSafe charging, which can be a huge convenience for professionals who regularly connect external monitors or peripherals.
Still Great Value Refurbished: While a bit pricier than the M1 Air, a refurbished M1 MacBook Pro from 2020 or 2021 can offer incredible performance for its price point in 2025. For instance, you might find a 14-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro for substantially less than a new M3 Pro model.

This is for the power user on a budget: video editors, graphic designers, podcastians, software developers, or anyone who needs sustained high performance and a professional-grade display and port selection without shelling out for the latest M3/M4 Pro or Max machines.

Key Things to Look For When Buying a Used MacBook

Buying a used or refurbished MacBook means you need to be a bit more savvy than simply picking one off the shelf. Here’s what you should pay close attention to:

Processor and RAM

As we’ve discussed, Apple Silicon M1, M2, M3 is the way to go. Avoid Intel Macs if possible.

When it comes to RAM, 8GB is the absolute minimum for an M1 MacBook, and it’s surprisingly capable due to how Apple’s unified memory works. However, if your budget allows, 16GB of RAM will provide a smoother experience, especially with multiple apps open or more demanding tasks, and will definitely help with future-proofing. Many people using M1 Airs with 8GB RAM are perfectly happy, but 16GB will always be better for longevity. Best new car to buy in 2025

Storage

You’ll usually find base models with 256GB SSD storage. For most users, especially if you rely on cloud storage or external drives, this can be enough. However, if you plan to store a lot of large files, videos, or have many applications, 512GB or more would be a much better option to prevent running out of space quickly. Remember, storage on Apple Silicon Macs is not upgradable later, so choose wisely upfront.

Battery Health

This is one of the most important things to check on any used laptop. Over time, all batteries degrade. Apple rates its MacBook batteries for around 1000 charge cycles before their capacity drops significantly around 80% of original capacity.

How to check: In macOS, go to System Settings > Battery > Battery Health. Look for “Maximum Capacity” and “Cycle Count.”
What to aim for: Ideally, you want a battery with at least 85-90% maximum capacity and a low cycle count under 300-400. If it’s much lower, you might need a battery replacement sooner rather than later, which is an additional cost. Reputable refurbishers often guarantee a certain battery health percentage.

macOS Software Support

As mentioned, Apple typically supports Macs for 6-7 years with major OS updates. Buying an M1 Mac 2020 means you’re good for several years, likely until at least 2027-2028, with security updates potentially longer. This is crucial for security and compatibility with modern software.

Older Intel Macs pre-2018 might already be cut off from the latest macOS versions. While tools like OpenCore Legacy Patcher can help, they’re not officially supported, can be complex, and may not offer the best experience. It’s generally better to stick to officially supported hardware if possible.

Physical Condition & Keyboard

Inspect the device carefully for dents, deep scratches, and screen damage. Minor cosmetic imperfections are often acceptable for a lower price, but anything that affects functionality like screen cracks or dead pixels is a red flag. Best mobile to buy in 2025

A special note on keyboards for Intel Macs: The “butterfly” keyboards found in MacBook Pro models from 2016 to 2019 and some MacBook Air models from 2018-2019 are notorious for reliability issues stuck keys, repeating characters. If you’re looking at an Intel Mac, try to find models before 2016 or after 2019 which had the “Magic Keyboard” to avoid this problem. However, as advised, focusing on M1 models sidesteps this issue entirely, as they all feature the reliable Magic Keyboard.

Where to Buy Refurbished vs. Used

Certified Refurbished Highly Recommended: This is usually your safest bet. Retailers like Apple’s Certified Refurbished Store which is excellent but often pricier, Back Market, and Amazon Renewed offer devices that have been professionally inspected, repaired, cleaned, and tested. They usually come with a warranty often 12 months, ensuring peace of mind. Many sources strongly recommend this route to avoid potential issues.
Used Proceed with Caution: Buying from individual sellers on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or local classifieds can offer lower prices, but it comes with higher risks. You might not get a warranty, and it’s harder to verify the device’s true condition. If you go this route, always inspect the device in person if possible, check battery health thoroughly, and test all functions before purchasing.

MacBooks to Steer Clear Of in 2025

To make your life easier, here are some models you should generally avoid in 2025:

Any Intel MacBook older than 2018/2019: These models are quickly losing or have already lost official macOS support, meaning no new features and potentially no security updates. Their performance, battery life, and overall efficiency are also significantly worse than Apple Silicon Macs.
MacBook Pro models 2016-2019 with “Butterfly Keyboards”: As mentioned, these keyboards are prone to failure and can lead to costly repairs. It’s a risk you generally don’t want to take.
12-inch MacBook 2015-2017: While incredibly thin and light, these models feature underpowered Intel Core m processors, single USB-C ports, and often struggle with anything beyond very basic tasks. They won’t provide a good experience in 2025.
MacBook Air models pre-2018: These often have lower-resolution displays, thick bezels, and outdated processors that simply won’t feel good to use in 2025. The 2015 MacBook Air, for example, has a display that’s “a real shortcoming” now.

While a 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro with an Intel i7 or i9 might seem tempting for its large screen, even these powerful Intel machines suffer from heat, fan noise, and lower efficiency compared to M1 models, and their software support window is closing.

Maximizing Your Old MacBook’s Lifespan

Once you’ve got your “new” old MacBook, you’ll want to take good care of it to ensure it lasts as long as possible: Best mobile phone to buy in 2025

Software Updates: Always keep macOS updated to the latest version your Mac supports. This ensures you have the newest features, performance improvements, and crucial security patches.
Battery Care: While modern Macs manage battery health well, you can help by not constantly draining it to 0% or keeping it plugged in at 100% all the time. Apple recommends keeping the battery between 20% and 80% for optimal long-term health. Consider using optimized battery charging features in macOS.
Keep it Clean: Dust can accumulate in vents and affect cooling. Gently clean your screen, keyboard, and ports regularly. Use compressed air for vents if you feel comfortable.
Storage Management: Don’t let your SSD get completely full. Try to keep at least 15-20% of your storage free for optimal performance. Regularly delete old files or offload them to external storage or cloud services like iCloud or external SSDs.
Protective Gear: A good quality laptop sleeve or case can protect your MacBook from accidental bumps and scratches, especially if you’re carrying it around a lot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an old MacBook worth buying in 2025?

Yes, absolutely! An old MacBook can be incredibly worth it in 2025, especially if you focus on models with Apple Silicon chips like the M1. These provide excellent performance, battery life, and software support for years to come, all at a significantly lower price than brand-new models.

Which is the oldest MacBook still supported by Apple in 2025?

Generally, Apple provides major macOS updates for about 6-7 years. For Apple Silicon Macs, the M1 models released in late 2020 are still fully supported and expected to receive updates for several more years. For Intel Macs, models from around 2018 onwards might still get the latest macOS, but their support window is closing rapidly, and the M1 is a much better experience.

Can a MacBook last 10 years?

Many MacBooks are built well enough to physically last 10 years or more with proper care. However, the main challenge is software support. Apple typically stops providing major macOS updates after 6-7 years, which can lead to security vulnerabilities and app incompatibility. While the hardware might still work, the software experience will be outdated.

What is the best old MacBook Pro to buy in 2025?

For professionals seeking an older MacBook Pro in 2025, the MacBook Pro M1 either the 2020 13-inch or the 2021 14-inch/16-inch models is your best bet. These offer superior performance, better displays, and more ports than the M1 Air, making them ideal for demanding creative and technical tasks at a refurbished price. Best jordan 4s to buy in 2025

Is it worth buying an Intel-based MacBook in 2025?

In most cases, no, it’s generally not worth buying an Intel-based MacBook in 2025. Apple Silicon Macs M1 and newer offer vastly superior performance, battery life, and efficiency, plus they will receive macOS updates for a longer period. The only exceptions might be for extremely budget-constrained situations or if you specifically need to run Windows via Boot Camp, which isn’t available on Apple Silicon.

What are the main downsides of buying an old MacBook?

The main downsides include potentially shorter software update cycles especially for Intel models, degraded battery health which might require replacement, and a lack of the absolute latest features or display technologies found in brand-new models. You also have to be more careful about where you buy from to ensure reliability.

How much RAM should an old MacBook have in 2025?

For an M1 MacBook, 8GB of unified memory is surprisingly capable for general use. However, for a smoother experience, better multitasking, and more future-proofing, 16GB of RAM is highly recommended, especially if you plan to keep the machine for several years or use more demanding applications.

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