Apple’s MacBooks are known for their superb performance, gorgeous design and incredible resolution. These are just a few of the reasons why Apple fans tend to stick to the brand whenever they need new tech. The brand’s latest laptops include some of their speediest chips yet, and they easily slid to the top of our best laptops list. However, the quality of Apple’s laptops are also associated with a high cost. Even with potential tariff exemptions, MacBooks are rarely cheap and that probably won’t change any time soon. That’s why we’ve combed through the internet to find the best possible deals so you can save on a new laptop.
With more than 20 years of experience, Matt Elliott is one of CNET’s resident laptop experts, and he’s collaborated with CNET’s team of dedicated deals writers to bring you the best MacBook bargains out there. We even list ways to save on the M4 MacBook Air, which is still relatively new to the market. You can score even bigger discounts if you’re open to buying previous-gen models.
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We’ll continue to update this page as offers come and go, so check back often.
Best M4 MacBook deals
M4 MacBook Air (13-inch): $949
The new MacBook Air is our absolute favorite laptop in 2025. As well as dropping back under $1,000, it has a speedy M4 processor and a lovely sky blue color variant, while keeping the same lightweight design people have grown accustomed to. Right now, it’s $50 off at Amazon which is a nice little savings on such a new Apple device.
M4 Pro MacBook Pro (16-inch): $2,289
If a big screen is a top priority for you, you can score a $210 discount on the 16-inch model of the latest MacBook Pro, dropping the price to $2,289. It features the upgraded 14-core M4 Pro processor and 24GB of RAM for blazing-fast performance.
M4 Max MacBook Pro (14-inch): $3,039
The M4 Max version of the MacBook Pro comes in two sizes: 14-inches and 16-inches. The M4 Max chip has up to 16 CPU cores and 40 GPU cores, making it great for gamers. This version also includes the Thunderbolt 5 connectivity. The M4 Max MacBook Pro is Apple’s most powerful option, and right now the silver and space black options are on sale.
Best M3 MacBook deals
M3 MacBook Air (15-inch): $1,049
If you want a larger display, Best Buy is offering a very respectable $250 discount on the 15-inch version of the M3 MacBook Air, which drops it to just $1,049. Plus, you can score up to $500 off with an eligible trade-in.
M3 Pro MacBook Pro (14-inch): $1,699
If you need something with a little more kick, you can save some serious cash when you upgrade to the M3 model with a Pro chip. It features an 11-core processor, 512GB of storage and a blistering 18GB of RAM.
Best M2 MacBook deals
M2 Pro MacBook Pro (14-inch): $1,649
Now two generations old, the M2 MacBook Pro is getting a little tough to find in stock. It has a 14-inch display, an M2 Pro chip and a 512GB SSD. You can pick up the basic configuration for $1,649 right now, though you’d be better off upgrading to the M3 model, which is newer and cheaper.
M2 MacBook Air (13-inch): $799
With the new M4 Air model on the way, retailers have dropped this older M2 model to a new all-time low. You can grab the basic 256GB 13-inch model for a record-low $799 right now, which saves you $200 compared to the usual price. If you’re an Apple user on a tight budget who only needs the basics, this is one of the best values out there right now.
Best M1 MacBook deals
M1 MacBook Air (13-inch): $649
Although the M1 MacBook Air is a couple of generations old at this point, it’s still our top pick for those on the hunt for an affordable MacBook. This model usually lists for $699, making this $50 discount a great value for Apple users on a budget.
What is the best MacBook deal right now?
The new M4 MacBook Air is here, and has just bumped the M3 model off top spot as our overall favorite laptop of 2025. While the M4 is $50 off at Amazon, you can save as much as $250 off the M3 model at Best Buy, which is a serious bargain.
*All information about the Apple Card credit card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
MacBook prices
Compare prices with this chart.
| Model (with chip and screen size) | List price | Best price (current) | Best price (all-time) |
|---|---|---|---|
| M3 MacBook Air (13-inch) | $1,099 | $899 | $799 |
| M3 MacBook Air (15-inch) | $1,299 | $1,049 | $999 |
| M4 MacBook Air (13-inch) | $999 | $949 | $949 |
| M4 MacBook Air (15-inch) | $1,199 | $1,149 | $1,139 |
| M3 MacBook Pro (14-inch) | $1,599 | $1,199 | $1,199 |
| M3 MacBook Pro (16-inch) | $2,499 | $1,999 | $1,900 |
| M4 MacBook Pro (14-inch) | $1,599 | $1,449 | $1,395 |
| M4 MacBook Pro (16-inch) | $2,499 | $2,289 | $2,199 |
*Note that “all-time” means the best price we’ve seen on a new model at an Apple-authorized retailer in the product’s lifetime. Prices change frequently and may differ between colors.
How we choose MacBook deals at CNET
CNET’s dedicated deals writers have years of experience scouting the best deals out there on top tech, including bargains on Apple devices. Our combined expertise helps us discern which standout deals are truly a good bargain — evaluating the model, year, specs, discount and our reviewer’s thoughts for each model. We also ensure that all deals featured on this list are sourced from a trustworthy retailer so you never have to wonder if a bargain is too good to be true.
You can occasionally find MacBooks on sale throughout the year, but the deals are unpredictable, short-lived and typically fall short of the prices we see during major shopping events. If you’re looking to grab an Apple laptop at the lowest price possible, you’ll want to save your shopping for Black Friday, Cyber Monday or Amazon Prime Day. If you don’t want to wait for the next major event, which is months off, be on the lookout for weekend flash sales at major retailers like Best Buy, as they’re fairly frequent and often feature big discounts on Apple tech.
Apple almost never offers discounts on its own devices, so you’ll have to look elsewhere if you’re hoping to find a MacBook on sale. Major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart are good places to start, especially during major shopping events. However, it’s also worth seeing what deals are available at smaller online retailers like Adorama, B&H Photo and Newegg, as they may offer some under-the-radar bargains that aren’t being matched at larger competitors.
One of the most important factors to consider is which configuration is on sale. A $500 discount might look enticing, but it may be exclusive to an upgraded version of the laptop with maxed-out specs, so you’ll ultimately end up paying more for expensive hardware you may not need. Be sure to check the storage, memory, screen size and processor to make sure the configuration fits your needs as well as your budget.
While Amazon, Best Buy and Adorama typically have the best prices, one benefit to paying full price and buying from Apple is that you can customize the machine, adding more RAM or a higher-capacity solid-state drive. The models sold by Amazon and other retailers have fixed configurations.
It’s also worth noting that you can find refurbished MacBooks on Apple’s Certified Refurbished Mac page. Refurb inventory changes rapidly, so you might not always see the latest MacBook Air or Pro available. If you’re on the hunt for a specific model, it’s worth keeping an eye on this page because you can lock in substantial savings.
Apple also offers students an educational discount, which can trim hundreds of dollars from the price of a new laptop or tablet.
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