With multiple configurations and various models to choose from, including some equipped with Apple’s new M1 processor, finding a deal on a MacBook or Mac Mini is not all that difficult.
We’ll run through discounts currently available for the latest MacBook models as well as any deals to be had on the Mac Mini. Of course, there are also frequent discounts available for older Intel-based configurations — all of which will be compatible with macOS Monterey upon its release in the fall — and we’ll also highlight those when we find them.
Alternatively, purchasing refurbished is another way to save money on an Apple computer. Apple’s refurbished store provides a one-year warranty on all products and generally has discounts of 15- to 20-percent off the price of a new model. Two other retailers to look at for refurbished MacBooks are Best Buy and Amazon. For now, however, these are the best MacBook and Mac Mini deals you can take advantage of.
The best MacBook Air deals
The MacBook Air is Apple’s entry-level laptop. It’s best suited for typical productivity work, with a comfortable keyboard, excellent trackpad, and all-day battery life. The most recent model includes the Apple-designed M1 processor and lacks a fan for quiet, efficient performance.
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The Apple MacBook Air is the entry-level laptop with Apple’s new custom silicon called the M1. It comes with 8GB RAM and 256GB of storage and doesn’t have a fan. Right now, it’s available at Amazon for $900 (coupon applies at checkout).
The base MacBook Air with the M1 chip has 8GB of RAM and a 256G SSD. It typically sells for $999, however, it’s currently available at Best Buy and Amazon for $850 and $899, respectively. Both retail giants also have the 512GB configuration on sale in all three colorways for $1,099 (Best Buy, Amazon), a discount of $150.
The best MacBook Pro deals
The MacBook Pro comes in more sizes and options than the Air, and it’s more geared toward demanding use cases. The base model is the 13-inch M1-powered variant, which includes a brighter screen and longer battery life compared to the M1 Air. The M1 MacBook Pro 13 normally starts at $1,299, but the base model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage is on sale for $200 off at Amazon and Best Buy.
The upgraded version of the 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro with 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD is also $200 off at Amazon and Best Buy.
Of course, you can also buy some older MacBook Pro models, including the 13-inch mid-2020 model. The older device features four Thunderbolt ports, Ice Lake processors, a new keyboard, increased RAM, and various storage configurations. Right now, the 13-inch model is available in two configurations at Amazon: one with a 10th Gen i7 Intel processor and 512GB of storage for $1,999, or one with 1TB of storage and a 2.0GHz 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor for $1,799.
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The MacBook Pro 13 has the same M1 processor as the Air but includes a brighter screen, longer battery life, and a fan for better sustained performance.
If you want a bigger laptop with more horsepower, the MacBook Pro 16 is the top-of-the-line model. Compared to its predecessor, it has a better keyboard, newer processors, and improved speakers. Amazon currently has an Intel Core i7 CPU and 512GB of storage configuration in space gray on sale for $2,000, a $400 discount. There are other configurations available with more storage and quicker processors — for instance, you can also get the 16-inch model with an Intel Core i9 CPU and 1TB of storage for $2,300 at Amazon — but deals are few and far between.
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MacBook Pro 16-inch (late-2019)
A fifth-generation MacBook Pro with a 16-inch Retina display in addition to a better keyboard, processor, and speakers when stacked up against its predecessor.
The best Mac Mini deals
While it is not an Apple laptop, the Mac Mini is an affordable desktop computer with macOS. It does not include a display, keyboard, or mouse (so you’ll have to supply your own), but this compact machine is an excellent performer if you aren’t concerned about portability. It’s fast, efficient, and comes outfitted with Wi-Fi 6.
Like the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro 13, the Mini features Apple’s new M1 processor. It starts at $699, with the price varying based on your RAM and storage configurations. We’ve seen the base model drop to as low as $600, however, right now it’s only available at Amazon and B&H Photo for as low as $649.
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Apple’s most affordable Mac desktop computer is now powered by the custom M1 chip. It comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage in its base model but can be configured with up to 16GB RAM and 2TB of storage.