Where to Buy a Refurbished MacBook in 2024 | Top 6 Refurbished Macbook Stores to Check Out
If you're in the market for a MacBook but don't want to pay full price, buying a refurbished MacBook is a great way to save money.
Refurbished MacBooks are pre-owned laptops that have been restored to their original factory condition and are typically sold at a discount. While buying a refurbished MacBook can be a cost-effective option, it's important to make sure you're purchasing from a reputable seller.
There are several places where you can buy a refurbished MacBook, but the best place to buy a refurbished MacBook is the Apple Refurbished Store. The Apple Refurbished Store sells refurbished products on their website at a discounted price.
You can find refurbished MacBooks here that come with a one-year warranty and are thoroughly tested by Apple. This means that you can trust that your refurbished MacBook will be in excellent condition and will be backed by Apple's warranty in case anything goes wrong.
Other places where you can buy a refurbished MacBook include Amazon Renewed, which is a program that offers refurbished products, including MacBooks, that are tested and certified by Amazon-qualified suppliers, and Best Buy Refurbished, which sells refurbished MacBooks in-store and online and offers a 90-day warranty on all products.
However, the Apple Refurbished Store is the best option for purchasing a refurbished MacBook due to its reputation, warranty, and quality control.
Read on to find out more about buying a refurbished Macbook as I take you through a couple of certified refurbished sellers that offer online and offline service.
| Top 6 Online Stores to Buy Refurbished Macbooks | Details |
| Apple Refurbished Store (Online) | 1-year warranty, Prices range from $750 - $2,199 |
| Mac of All Trades | 90-day to 1-year warranty, Prices range from $389 - $2,250 |
| Amazon.com | 90-day warranty Prices range from $480 - $1,900 |
| RefurbMe | 30-day warranty, From $160 |
| OWC Refurbished Macbook Store | 5-year limited warranty, Prices range from $550 - $1,900 |
| Buy Refurbished MacBooks at Best Buy | 3-year warranty, From $450 onward |
Where Can I Buy a Refurbished Macbook From?
#1 -- Apple Refurbished Store (Online)
Buying a refurbished MacBook from the Apple Refurbished Store can be a smart choice for those who want to save money while still getting a reliable and high-quality product.
Refurbished MacBooks are devices that have been returned to Apple, thoroughly tested, and certified to meet Apple’s standards before being offered for sale again.
The Apple Refurbished Store offers a range of popular MacBook models at discounted prices. Some of the most popular models available include:
- MacBook Air: The MacBook Air is a lightweight laptop that is perfect for everyday use. Refurbished models are available with prices starting at around $749.
- MacBook Pro: The MacBook Pro is a more powerful laptop that is ideal for professionals or those who need more processing power. Refurbished models are available with prices starting at around $1,099.
- MacBook: The MacBook is a lightweight and portable laptop that is perfect for those who are always on the go. Refurbished models are available with prices starting at around $929.
- iMac: The iMac is a desktop computer that is perfect for those who need a larger screen and more processing power. Refurbished models are available with prices starting at around $1,099.
All refurbished MacBooks come with a one-year warranty from Apple. This means that if there are any issues with the device within the first year, Apple will repair or replace it for free.
Additionally, refurbished MacBooks come with a 14-day return policy, so if you’re not satisfied with your purchase, you can return it for a full refund.
It’s important to note that while refurbished MacBooks are thoroughly tested and certified to meet Apple’s standards, they may have some cosmetic imperfections or slight wear and tear.
However, these imperfections do not affect the functionality of the device, and Apple’s warranty and return policy ensure that you can still purchase with confidence.
Visit: Apple Refurbished Store
#2 -- Mac of All Trades
Mac of All Trades is a reputable company and a fantastic place to buy refurbished Apple products, including MacBooks from. They offer a wide range of refurbished MacBook models at competitive prices and provides warranty options to ensure customer satisfaction.
Some of the most popular refurbished MacBook models available at Mac of All Trades include:
- MacBook Pro: Mac of All Trades offers a range of MacBook Pro models, including the 13-inch and 15-inch models, starting at $489.
- MacBook Air: You can choose form a wide variety of MacBook Air models, including the 11-inch and 13-inch models, starting at $389.
- MacBook: If you're in search of a Macbook, like the 12-inch model, then prices here start at $489.
In addition to competitive prices, Mac of All Trades provides a warranty on all refurbished MacBooks to ensure customer satisfaction. Customers can choose between a 90-day warranty or a longer 1-year warranty for an additional fee.
There's also a no-questions-asked return policy where you can return your purchase within 14 days , which is quite reasonable and this gives buyers peace of mind when buying a refurbished MacBook from them.
Visit: macofalltrades
Related: Are Apple Refurbished Products Good? | Latest 2022 Guide!
#3 -- Amazon.com
Amazon is one of the biggest brands of the 21st century and the brand was built by selling products. People’s trust in Amazon is why they are such a massive brand.
With availability for almost any type of commercial good, it is not a surprise that they sell refurbished Apple products too. And one of the most popular refurbished products on Amazon’s website is the Apple MacBook.
But is the experience of buying a refurbished MacBook from Amazon good? , ,
- For any refurbished products, they are put through tests to make sure that they are in working condition and that they can be sold to customers. This is true in the case of the MacBook too. Amazon works with multiple third-party sellers to get refurbished MacBooks to the hands of customers.
- This means that each third-party seller can have a different testing process, but Amazon allows only select trusted sellers to make sure that the MacBooks work like new and show minimal signs of wear and tear. , ,
- The price of a refurbished product is probably the reason that makes the products an attractive buy. Refurbished MacBooks from Amazon come at an average savings of 37% compared to the price of a brand new MacBook.
- But this can vary from model to model with some MacBooks having just 10% off, with some having more than 60% off. All refurbished products including MacBooks from Amazon come with free shipping and some are even eligible for Amazon Prime. These MacBooks are packaged in generic white boxes and include all accessories of the respective MacBook. ,
- Amazon offers a minimum of a 90-warranty period for refurbished MacBooks, with longer periods for certain models. This duration varies based on who is selling, the model, and the price of the product. Obviously, the higher the warranty period the better, so stick to models with longer warranty periods. , ,
- Another important factor when it comes to buying refurbished MacBooks is the stock itself, and Amazon has a decent stock and models of refurbished MacBooks. Some of the other refurbished dealers of MacBooks on this list have a better stock though. , ,
If you want a refurbished MacBook from a trusted retailer at a decent price, warranty, and good quality, then Amazon might be the right one for you as they tick all the boxes. , ,
Visit: Amazon.com
Check out the latest MacBook on Amazon!
#4 -- RefurbMe
While RefurbMe is not a dealer, it is the perfect companion for anyone looking to buy a refurbished MacBook. RefurbMe is a specialized site that compares the prices of MacBooks for you in an instant.
You can see all the deals from other popular retailers like Mac of All Trades, Amazon, and more. ,
Refurb.me offers a wide range of refurbished MacBook models, including the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. The popular models available on the site include:
- MacBook Pro 13-inch starting at $519
- MacBook Pro 15-inch starting at $809
- MacBook Air 13-inch starting at $519
- MacBook Air 11-inch starting at $449
These are just a few examples of the many refurbished MacBook models available on Refurb.me. Prices may vary based on the specifications of the device, such as storage capacity, processor speed, and RAM.
You will be able to pick from a wide range of cheap refurbished Macbooks across a variety of stores and you can even set up alerts so that you get a head start for the best-refurbished MacBook deal.
The warranty and prices are set by retailers so you can choose from your favorite retailer. , ,However, all refurbished Macbooks that are sold on Refurb.me will have a minimum 30-day warranty or more and nothing less.
So if you do pick up a refurbished Macbook from them make sure to check the warranty details of the product on the respective product page.
Visit: RefurbMe
#5 -- OWC Refurbished Macbook Store
OWC (Other World Computing) is a great place to buy MacBook accessories like RAMs, Storage, Docks, and more. They have many quality kits that let you upgrade and improve the experience with your mac. ,
OWC also sells refurbished MacBooks in their eShop. One of the benefits of buying from OWC is that their refurbishing process is rigorous and detailed. Each device is fully tested and inspected, and any necessary repairs or replacements are made.
This means that you can trust that the device you receive will be of high quality and perform just as well as a brand new device.
The OWC Refurbished MacBook Store offers a range of MacBook models, including the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Pro with Retina display. The available models and prices are:
- MacBook Air 13-inch starting at $779
- MacBook Pro 13-inch starting at $949
- MacBook Pro 15-inch starting at $1,199
- MacBook Pro with Retina display 13-inch starting at $1,199
These prices may vary based on the specifications of the device, such as storage capacity, processor speed, and RAM. OWC also provides customization options that allow you to upgrade certain specifications to better fit your needs.
In terms of the warranty offered, OWC provides an impressive 5-year limited warranty on all products and you can either get the device repaired or replaced with a similar value item if the hardware damage is beyond repair.
Overall, OWC offers good service when it comes to refurbished MacBooks. Definitely give them a look if you want a smooth experience.
Visit: MacSales.com
#6 -- Buy Refurbished MacBooks at Best Buy
Best Buy, like Amazon, has one of the biggest libraries of refurbished products on sale. MacBooks among other laptops and smartphones are a hot part of the library, with many models and configs on sale. ,
So if you were not able to find a particular model of MacBook on the above sites, then you can search for it on Best Buy. ,
While the service is not the best, you can opt for plans that can protect your refurbished MacBook for up to 3 years. A word of advice is to read the product descriptions and what's included with the product. ,
Make sure that you are getting all the cables and adapters you need.
Visit: Best Buy
Here are some other reputed refurbished Macbook retailers
- Gazelle: This website specializes in selling used and refurbished electronics, including MacBooks. They have a wide selection of MacBook models available, and offer free shipping and a 30-day return policy.
- PowerMax: PowerMax is a retailer that sells new and used Apple products, including refurbished MacBooks. They have a 90-day warranty on all refurbished products, and also offer a trade-in program for your old MacBook.
- MacSales: This online retailer sells a variety of refurbished and used Mac products, including MacBooks. They have a range of models available, and offer a 90-day warranty on all refurbished products.
- eBay: eBay is a popular online marketplace that offers a wide selection of used and refurbished MacBooks. It's important to do your research and buy from a reputable seller with good ratings, and make sure to read the item description carefully before making a purchase.
- B&,H Photo Video: While B&,H Photo Video is primarily known for selling cameras and photography equipment, they also offer a selection of refurbished MacBooks. They have a 90-day warranty on all refurbished products, and offer free shipping on most orders.
What is the difference between a refurbished Mac, a used Mac, and Mac being resold?
While a refurbished Mac, used Mac, and Mac being resold might sound similar and share some similarities like the fact that all of them are used Macs, cost cheaper than new Macs, and more. These Macs also have differences and they are,
Refurbished Macs
Refurbished Macs as the name suggests are refurbished by a brand and then sold. Refurbishing is the process of restoring a used Mac by cleaning it, replacing any faulty parts, and sometimes even cosmetically restoring it. ,
Even Apple sells refurbished Macs and other devices. Brands like Mac Of All Trades, Amazon, and more also deal with refurbished Macs. Refurbished Macs may cost more than used Macs but they are also better as they come with warranties and are checked for any problems. ,
Used Macs
If you have a Mac with you that you have been using for a while now, then that is a used Mac. These are generally in a poorer condition compared to refurbished Macs unless the owner took exceptional care of them. Used Macs cost the lowest since they are not refurbished or repaired. Used Macs are mostly sold by individuals on eBay, Craigslist, etc. ,
Mac being Resold
Mac being resold is any used Mac that is getting sold. You can resell a Mac either to an individual or to companies that buy old Macs (probably to refurbish and sell them for a profit). Apple products like Macs don’t lose value easily, so a lot of Macs get resold. , ,
All refurbished Macs are used Macs but all used Macs are not refurbished. Likewise all resold Macs are used too. You can interchange Macs being resold and used Macs and it will mean the same.
Should you buy a refurbished Macbook?
After using a refurbished MacBook myself, I can vouch for refurbished MacBooks. But it all depends on where you buy it from, if you are buying from Apple or any other reputed brand, then the MacBooks should work well with no problems. ,
I have recommended refurbished MacBooks to my friends and family, especially if they are on a tight budget and don't need the latest cutting-edge technology. If you are strapped for cash and want a MacBook, then it is perfectly okay to get a refurbished MacBook.
Refurbished MacBooks from Apple or reputed brands have the same awesome performance, have little cosmetic damage, cost less, and even come with warranties, so they are a great deal.
What tests does Apple perform while refurbishing a Macbook?
While the exact tests that Apple conducts during the refurbishing process of a MacBook may vary depending on the specific model and condition of the device, generally, the following tests are performed:
- Visual inspection: The MacBook is visually inspected for any physical damage or defects.
- Diagnostic test: The device is run through a series of diagnostic tests to check the functionality of hardware components, such as the processor, graphics card, memory, and storage.
- Battery test: The battery is checked for capacity and performance.
- Operating system installation: The operating system is reinstalled and updated to the latest version.
- Data wipe: Any existing data on the device is securely erased to protect the privacy of the previous owner.
- Cosmetic restoration: The device is cleaned, and any scratches or dents are repaired to make it look as close to new as possible.
Overall, Apple's refurbishment process is designed to ensure that the refurbished MacBook meets the same high-quality standards as a brand new device.
In which countries are Apple certified refurbished Macbooks available?
Apple's refurbished online store is available in many countries around the world, including:
- United States
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Japan
- China
- Hong Kong
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Taiwan
Please note that availability of specific products may vary by country and may change over time. Additionally, some countries may have different pricing and shipping policies, so it's important to check the details for the specific country you are interested in.
Where to buy refurbished Macbooks - Final Thoughts
Not everyone can afford Apple products because they are not exactly affordable. And MacBooks are some of the most premium laptops and this is reflected in their price tag.
Students and professionals alike have difficulty affording a new MacBook even though they may need one for learning and work. If you are someone looking for a MacBook but don’t exactly have the means to buy it, then refurbished MacBooks might be the way to go for you. ,
Refurbished MacBooks from reputed retailers are as good as new MacBooks but come at significantly lower prices. They are tested to work and last like a new MacBook and come with warranties too.
The above are some of the best retailers to buy a refurbished MacBook from. So, what are you waiting for, go get yourself a refurbished MacBook right now. Check out our entire guide on WHERE TO BUY A REFURBISHED MACBOOK for all the details.
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