With multiple configurations and various models to choose from, finding a deal on an M1-equipped MacBook or Mac Mini is not all that difficult. It’s sometimes a slightly different story for the MacBook Pros with the beefier M1 Pro and M1 Max CPUs, but any savings you can get on those Pro models is sure to be worthwhile. As for the newer 13-inch MacBook Pro and MacBook Air with M2 processors, it may take time to see sizable savings.
Here, we’ll run through the discounts that are currently available for the current MacBooks, as well as any deals to be had on the Mac Mini. And with the Amazon Prime Early Access sales event about to hit, there are hopefully going to be some extra-special deals cropping up on M1 Macs of all kinds.
Of course, you may still find older Intel-based configurations lying around, with some heavy closeout sales. While those are compatible with macOS Monterey and the upcoming macOS Ventura, we strongly recommend opting for a newer model now that Apple has its M1 and M2 chips across the MacBook Air and Pro lines. There is really no downside to opting for Apple’s own silicon, save for Windows Boot Camp holdouts.
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 unit. If you’re looking for a new model, however, here are the best MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini deals available.
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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 newly redesigned M2 version of the MacBook Air is now out, but even with the arrival of that pricier model, the 2020 version with an M1 processor and fanless design remains in the lineup as the budget option. For most people, the M1 Air ticks all the right boxes when it comes to performance and price, which is why it’s the one we recommend for budget-minded MacBook seekers in our best laptop you can buy guide, even with the M2 now available.
The base MacBook Air with the M1 chip has 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. It typically sells for $999, but we’ve seen it very rarely dip as low as $799.99. Currently, Amazon has it for $949.99 (about $50 off) in all three color options. That’s sadly not much of a discount, so unless you need one urgently, it may be best to wait for it to drop another $50 or more.
As for the newer, much fancier MacBook Air with the M2 processor, it’s $100 off in the base 256GB configuration at Amazon and B&H Photo in both starlight and the lovely yet fingerprint prone midnight color. That modest discount drops the price of the MagSafe-equipped laptop to $1,099.
The new MacBook Air is a super slim and light laptop, with a 1080p webcam that’s actually usable and that handy magnetic charger that frees up one of its precious two USB-C ports. Its M2 processor didn’t kick-start a revolution like the M1 generation, but it's a great performer for any user outside of more demanding creatives.
It does have some slight downsides, like slower storage in the base configuration and a notch cutout in its otherwise excellent screen. But even so, there hasn’t been a more travel-friendly laptop offered by Apple since the days of the polarizing 12-inch MacBook, and this one’s good enough to be the No. 1 laptop we now recommend in our buying guide.
The best MacBook Pro deals
The MacBook Pro line has been split into two different segments — for the time being. The M1-powered MacBook Pro of 2020 and its new 2022 replacement with the M2 processor remain the Touch Bar holdouts. These are siblings to the 2020 MacBook Air, with similar designs save mostly for a fan that allows them to run at peak performance for longer.
At this point, it’s best to avoid the older 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro and opt for the newer M2 version with its exceptional battery life. Yes, it’s still plagued by the Touch Bar and its base model has its shortcomings on speed, but we’re occasionally seeing discounts on this new laptop.
Right now, the only prevalent deal is a sizable $150 discount on the 256GB model at Best Buy. That drops the price from $1,299 to $1,149. If you need more storage, Best Buy also has it with a 512GB SSD for $1,299 ($200 off). Some folks who do intensive creative work may still be better served spending more on the more capable 14-inch MacBook Pro (see below), but at least this is a good deal.
As for the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros announced in October, they come with the M1 Pro or optional M1 Max CPUs and are the likely choice of demanding creative professionals. The 14-inch M1 Pro-equipped 512GB base model is at its best price to date right now, selling for $1,599 ($400 off) at Best Buy. That $400 in savings is a common thread here, as the 1TB configuration with the M1 Pro is $2,099 (normally 2,499).
As for the 16-inch MacBook Pro with 512GB of storage and the M1 Pro, both Amazon and Best Buy have it for $2,099 ($400 off). Likewise, you can also save $400 when stepping up to the 16-inch model with 1TB SSD at either Best Buy or Amazon. These discounts are around as steep as they get across the 14- and 16-inch models — unless the Prime Early Access Sale soon proves us wrong — so if you’re in the market for a workhorse laptop, be sure to take advantage.
Our reviews of the latest MacBook Pro line were absolutely beaming with praise. Whether it was the beautiful display or the remarkable performance and battery life they exhibited, these premium laptops are investments that we can wholeheartedly recommend. As soon as there’s a steep price break on these impressive laptops, we’d suggest that anyone in the market for a new laptop consider purchasing one, as they’re likely to sell out fast.
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 2020 MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro, the Mac Mini features Apple’s M1 processor. It starts at $699, with the price varying based on your RAM and storage configurations. We often see it selling in its base configuration with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage for $659, and often much less. However, right now, the major stores aren’t offering any sales. Costco has it for $669.99 (a paltry discount of about $30 off), but it’s not worth it if you’re not already a member and have to pay a 5 percent surcharge of $33.50. If you’re lucky enough to live near a Micro Center, you may be able to get a base M1 Mac Mini for in-store pickup for $649.99 ($50 off), though that’s location-dependent. It may just not be a great time to buy this computer right now if you want a deal.
The new Mac Studio may get all the recent praise, but that’s a much pricier machine. The little M1 Mac Mini is still a very capable desktop for everyday users who dabble in some creative work, even if general deals on it have recently gotten a little quiet.
Source: The Verge