MacBooks are known for their high performance, elegant design, and excellent build quality, but they also come with a premium price tag. However, you don't have to pay full price to get your hands on a MacBook. With a few smart strategies, you can save a significant amount of money on your purchase. In this guide, we’ll share tips on how to find the best deals on MacBooks and help you get one at a lower price.
1. Buy from Apple’s Refurbished Store
One of the best ways to get a cheap MacBook is by purchasing a refurbished model from Apple’s official refurbished store. Apple Certified Refurbished MacBooks are pre-owned devices that have been tested, cleaned, and restored to like-new condition.
- Quality Assurance: These MacBooks come with the same 1-year warranty as new products, and you can even add AppleCare for extended coverage.
- Significant Savings: You can often save up to 15-25% compared to the original price.
- Latest Models Available: Refurbished options often include recent models, so you won’t miss out on the latest features.
2. Look for Student Discounts
Apple offers special pricing for students and educators through its Education Store. This discount can save you a decent amount, especially during the back-to-school season when Apple typically offers additional promotions like free AirPods or gift cards.
- How to Qualify: You need to be a student, educator, or parent buying for a student. Verification may be required.
- Discount Amount: Savings range from $100 to $200, depending on the model.
- Extra Perks: During certain promotions, you may receive free accessories or additional discounts.
3. Check Out Third-Party Retailers
Major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart often have sales on Apple products, including MacBooks. These sales typically coincide with major shopping events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and back-to-school season.
- Price Comparisons: Use price comparison tools or websites like CamelCamelCamel to track price history and find the best deals.
- Open-Box Deals: Retailers like Best Buy offer open-box MacBooks at a discounted price. These are usually customer returns that have been inspected and certified for resale.
- Sign Up for Alerts: Subscribe to deal alerts or retailer newsletters to be notified when a MacBook goes on sale.
4. Consider Buying an Older Model
While the latest MacBook models come with the most advanced features, buying a previous-generation model can be a smart way to save money. Older MacBooks with M1 or M2 chips still offer excellent performance for most users.
- Great Performance: Even older models like the M1 MacBook Air or MacBook Pro provide powerful performance for everyday tasks.
- Significant Discounts: As new models are released, retailers often discount older models to clear out inventory.
- Software Updates: Apple supports MacBooks with software updates for many years, so you won’t be left behind in terms of features and security.
5. Look for Trade-In Programs
Apple and other retailers offer trade-in programs that allow you to exchange your old devices for credit towards a new MacBook purchase. This can help offset the cost and make your purchase more affordable.
- Trade-In Value: The amount you receive depends on the condition and age of your old device.
- Convenience: Apple’s trade-in process is straightforward and can be completed online or in-store.
- Combine with Discounts: You can often combine trade-in credits with other promotions or sales for even bigger savings.
6. Shop During Seasonal Sales Events
The best times of the year to find deals on MacBooks are during major sales events. Keep an eye out for discounts during the following periods:
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday: These events offer some of the deepest discounts on electronics, including MacBooks.
- Back-to-School Season: Retailers often run promotions targeting students and educators, making it a great time to buy.
- Holiday Sales: Deals around Christmas and New Year can also provide good opportunities for savings.
7. Consider Financing Options
If you can't afford to pay the full price upfront, consider using Apple’s financing options or a retailer's payment plan. This allows you to spread the cost over several months, often with 0% interest.
- Apple Card Monthly Installments: Apple offers 0% financing for up to 12 or 24 months when you use an Apple Card.
- Retailer Financing: Some retailers also provide 0% interest financing for a limited time, making it easier to manage your budget.
Conclusion
Buying a MacBook doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you choose to buy refurbished, take advantage of student discounts, or wait for seasonal sales, there are plenty of ways to get a great deal. By doing a little research and planning ahead, you can enjoy all the benefits of owning a MacBook while saving money.
