The two most important factors to consider when choosing the best MacBook for college are your major and your budget. However, choosing one can be a headache, especially considering how many models Apple offers, their different features, and additional factors to consider. In addition, are really MacBooks good for college? In this article, we will clear up these doubts and show you how you can save even more when getting a MacBook for college for 2024 and 2025.
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Should you buy a MacBook for college?
Apple is in a good place amongst the market and demographic of college students. Many college students want a MacBook, and many currently own one. The main reasons for this are:
- macOS is responsive and smooth
- Good storage capacity
- Excellent battery life
- The screen is superb
- The durability is over the top
You can carry a MacBook around campus all day long without charging it repeatedly, which is basically what many are looking for in a laptop for school.
Due to its thin and portable design, it can also fit into your backpack. Some models, like the Air, offer a fanless design for silent performance in class, which is equally important.
You don’t always need to spend over $1500 to get the Mac experience for college. Another great way to be part of this flagship is by buying a refurbished MacBook, which is as good as its counterpart, fresh from a store at a discounted price (sometimes more than half of the price) and with a warranty.
In short, owning a MacBook for student life is a good idea. Being the 13-inch MacBook Pro, a MacBook Air with the M2 chip, or any other model, you are covered with Apple’s laptop for years to come. The investment is worth it.
Mac vs. PC for college: Pros and cons
The age-old debate of Mac vs. PC continues to be relevant, especially for college students. Both platforms have their pros and cons, making the choice a matter of personal preference and specific needs.
MacBooks (macOS)
✅ Pros:
- User-friendly: macOS is known for its intuitive interface and smooth performance.
- Seamless ecosystem: If you own other Apple devices (iPhone, iPad), macOS integrates seamlessly for a unified experience.
- Design & build quality: MacBooks are often praised for their sleek design and durable construction.
- Software availability: While not as vast as Windows, essential software for students is readily available for macOS.
- Security: macOS is generally considered more secure than Windows, with fewer malware threats.
❌ Cons:
- Price: MacBooks are generally more expensive than comparable Windows laptops.
- Limited customization: Upgrading components like RAM and storage can be difficult or impossible.
- Gaming: MacBooks are not the best choice for gamers due to limited game compatibility and graphics capabilities, although this is constantly improving.
👉 Learn more: 20 Best Games for Mac in 2024
Windows PCs
✅ Pros
- Variety & price: Windows laptops offer a wide range of options across various price points and specifications.
- Customization: It’s easier to upgrade components like RAM and storage in many Windows laptops.
- Software compatibility: Windows has a larger software library, including industry-specific tools and games.
- Gaming: Windows PCs are the preferred platform for gaming due to superior graphics capabilities and game compatibility.
❌ Cons
- Less intuitive: Windows can be less user-friendly than macOS, especially for those new to the operating system.
- Security: Windows is generally more vulnerable to malware and viruses compared to macOS.
- Quality control: The build quality of Windows laptops can vary significantly depending on the manufacturer.
In a nutshell
The best choice for you ultimately depends on your individual needs and priorities:
- MacBooks might be ideal for students who prioritize user experience, design, and integration with other Apple devices. They are particularly well-suited for majors like graphic design, video editing, and music production.
- Windows PCs could be a better choice for those on a budget who need specific software or are avid gamers. They also offer more flexibility for customization and upgrades.
Additional tips
- Consider your major: Some fields of study have specific software requirements that might be better suited for one platform over the other.
- Test them out: Visit a store and try out both MacBooks and Windows laptops to get a feel for the operating system and keyboard.
- Research discounts: Many retailers offer student discounts on both MacBooks and Windows laptops.
What to look out for to find the best MacBook for college
The process of choosing the best MacBook for college can be overwhelming. Have a look at the following highlights to help your decision-making process.
- Performance. An Apple MacBook is one of the best laptops you can find if you’re looking to get the most power in a portable package. For example, a MacBook Pro can run on Intel processors but also on the newest and most powerful M1, M2, and M3 chips.
- Battery life. Every student needs a laptop they can carry around campus most of the time without having to recharge. The MacBook can last up to fourteen hours on a charge, even while in use. It lasts six hours longer than the average portable laptop. The long-lasting battery makes them excellent laptops for college students.
- Touch ID. The new range of MacBooks comes with Touch ID. For instance, a MacBook Air has a fantastic Touch ID feature that includes a small sensor enabling you to protect your documents and settings. This is especially important when using the Mac in public spaces.
- Display. Newer MacBooks have a Retina display and True Tone. You will most certainly use your Mac for countless hours, so it’s always better to benefit from a high-quality display and adapt your laptop’s screen colors to your surroundings. If you use it for graphic design, this becomes even more important.
- Size and weight. You can choose between a wide range of sizes, and the weight is equally important when carrying it around. If you want to prioritize portability, we recommend the MacBook Air 13.3″. Conversely, if you need all the extra power a laptop can offer, you can choose bigger M1 or M2-based Macs. M3 MacBooks might be too expensive for now.
- Noise. Consider whether the MacBook of your choice has a fanless design. This is especially important when you are in class and your surroundings are quiet. A recent MacBook Air tends to be less noisy than a MacBook Pro because it features no fans in its design, while the MacBook Pro needs them to process more demanding tasks and cool the components.
- Operating system. Since the macOS 14 Sonoma release, it’s essential to know if your new MacBook will be compatible with Apple’s latest operating system. Luckily, macOS 14 runs on MacBooks that were released several years ago. If you want to go exclusively for the cheapest MacBook for college, consider the compatibility of macOS 14 to be able to use the latest apps and receive the most recent security updates.
How to save the most money getting a MacBook for college
Depending on which model you want to buy, the price range for a new MacBook can be at least $1000. For a college student, affording these expensive models can be difficult.
Apple gives student discounts, which can help you out a little. You can get up to 20% off AppleCare and a gift card up to $150. However, the education pricing may not be enough. The most affordable option is to buy a refurbished MacBook, which gives you all the same benefits a new MacBook would provide with significant discounts.
Certified refurbished products always include a warranty, as is the case with the Apple Certified Refurbished program, where Apple sells its own refurbished devices that are hard to distinguish from factory-new items.
In the next section, we’ll see some of the best refurbished MacBooks you can buy from Apple and third-party refurbishers with solid track records, like Back Market and Amazon Renewed.
The 5 best MacBooks for college and education
Before choosing a MacBook for college, you must factor in your major, budget, how much time you’ll be carrying it around campus, and, of course, performance. Here are five great choices you can consider in 2024.
1. MacBook Air M2 15.3″ (2023)
Apple M2 with 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU
8GB memory • Midnight
with Touch Id • 2023 release
Apple M2 with 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU
8GB memory • Space Gray
with Touch Id • 2023 release
Apple M2 with 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU
8GB memory • Starlight
with Touch Id • 2023 release
✅ Pros
- Big and beautiful screen
- Improved display quality
- Incredible performance with less throttling
- Long battery life of up to 18 hours
- Thing and light design, even for a 15-inch laptop
❌ Cons
- No ProMotion technology (120Hz refresh rate)
- Only two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports
- No Face ID
- Not the cheapest option
The newest MacBook Air M2 15.3″ of 2023 is the perfect laptop for college students. It’s powerful enough to handle any task, with up to 2x faster CPU and 4x faster graphics than the previous generation and a long battery life of up to 18 hours. It’s also incredibly thin and light, making it easy to carry around campus with you. Plus, it comes with a stunning Liquid Retina display, which includes a variety of features that are perfect for students, such as Focus mode, Universal Control, and Live Text.
2. MacBook Air M2 13.6″ (2022)
Apple M2 with 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU
8GB memory • Silver
with Touch Id • 2022 release
Apple M2 with 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU
8GB memory • Space Gray
with Touch Id • 2022 release
Apple M2 with 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU
8GB memory • Starlight
with Touch Id • 2022 release
✅ Pros
- Larger screen size than its predecessor
- Bright and colorful display
- Upgraded performance with the powerful M2 chip
- 1080p webcam
- Long-lasting battery life
❌ Cons
- Only supports one monitor
- SSD is a bit slower than the M1 model
- The GPU is not as powerful as in the Pro lineup
The MacBook Air is one of the best MacBooks for college students, regardless of their major. The upgraded M2 chip gives this laptop a MacBook Pro-level performance without having to spend more than needed. In addition, it has a larger screen of 13.6 inches that is 25% brighter, but it doesn’t weigh more, making it perfect to carry around campus. The battery capacity is also superb, with up to 18 hours of video playback.
👉 Related: 13-Inch vs. 15-Inch MacBook Air M2: All the Differences
3. MacBook Air M1 13″ (2020)
Apple M1 with 8-core CPU, 7-core GPU
8GB memory • Gold
with Touch Id • 2020 release
Apple M1 with 8-core CPU, 7-core GPU
8GB memory • Space Gray
with Touch Id • 2020 release
Apple M1 with 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU
16GB memory • Gold
with Touch Id • 2020 release
✅ Pros
- Compact design
- Powerful and fast
- Silent and without fans
- Excellent value for money
❌ Cons
- The screen quality could be better
- It only has two USB-C ports
It’s no surprise that the M1-powered MacBook Air 13″ of 2020 is regarded as one of the best laptops for college students who wish to stick to their budget. Its 13.3-inch Retina display and compact size make it perfect for students who want a more affordable MacBook for college without sacrificing significant power and speed. It also includes a Touch Bar.
4. MacBook Pro M2 13″ (2022)
Apple M2 with 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU
8GB memory • Space Gray
with Touch Bar • 2022 release
✅ Pros
- Apple’s M2 outstanding processor
- Powerful and compact
- Excellent battery life
- Much cheaper than other MacBook Pros, like the 14″ and 16″ of 2023
- Great webcam
- Comfortable keyboard
❌ Cons
- The screen size can be insufficient for some graphic designers
- Not enough ports
- Outdated design
The MacBook Pro 13″ of 2022 came with an upgraded M2 chip with a boost in performance. One of this laptop’s most notable advantages is its outstanding performance packed into a 13-inch screen size. Although the M2 chip is not as powerful as the M1 Pro or the M1 Max of previous MacBooks, it offers a superb performance and battery life that can cope with most creative tasks and apps like Adobe Photoshop and 4K video editing.
5. MacBook Pro 14″ M3 (2023)
Apple M3 with 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU
8GB memory • Space Gray
2023 release
Apple M3 with 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU
8GB memory • Silver
2023 release
Apple M3 with 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU
8GB memory • Space Gray
2023 release
The 14-inch MacBook Pro M3 is more expensive than the MacBook Air and a significant investment. However, it offers fantastic performance that the MacBook Air and other MacBook Pros can’t match, especially for demanding tasks. That’s why it’s a perfect model for those who want the most out of their laptops. Its larger size is also helpful for graphic designers who use an Apple Pencil, and its long-lasting battery life offers the ease of mind of carrying it around without having to recharge every now and then.
✅ Pros
- Exceptional performance of the M3 chip
- Stunning visuals thanks to its Liquid Retina XDR Display
- Excellent battery life
- Premium build quality
- Versatile port selection, including 2x Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe, HDMI, and an SD card slot
❌ Cons
- High cost
- No USB-A port
- Heavier than other models
👉 Related: 10 Best MacBook Accessories in 2024
Closing thoughts
Getting a MacBook for college is a great idea, and as we’ve seen in this article, there are several perfect options to choose from. If budget is your priority or you can’t choose, consider getting the cheapest MacBook Air compatible with the latest macOS 14 Ventura.
Whatever your choice, Apple’s MacBooks are reliable and durable, have a fantastic design, efficient RAM, and have far fewer glitches and inconvenient automatic updates when you are in the middle of an important task.
👉 Learn more: 7 Best Mac Widgets in 2024 (for Free)
Do you want to save even more money? Head on to RefurbMe, start comparing specs and prices and create price alerts for the exact model you are looking for. You can also compare student discounts with our certified refurbishers.
A refurbished model is in perfect working condition, has been examined thoroughly, and includes a professional warranty. The only difference is the price tag and that you can find discontinued models that are no longer available in stores.
Good luck at college!
