You know the logo. You’ve seen it on the backs of laptops in Hollywood movies and inner-city coffee shops. It’s an image as iconic as the brand it represents. A brand that has been making waves and continually redefining the world of electronics for years.  

We’re all familiar with Apple in some way. Maybe it’s your brand of choice when you need a new phone, maybe you’ve owned an iPod or two, or maybe you’ve just been exposed to the ads. The more Apple products you own, the more familiar you are with “the Apple ecosystem”, which isn’t a product but a result of owning multiple devices and seeing how they work together. MacBooks are Apple’s laptops, and of course, they play a large role in this ecosystem. But brand new MacBooks also tend to come with large price tags, making many people think twice before rushing out to buy one.

The solution? Refurbished MacBooks!

Refurbished MacBooks are available at the price of other second hand MacBooks but operate at a level that’s as good as new, or at least close to it. When you buy refurbished, you can save hundreds of dollars while still enjoying the benefits MacBooks provide, like security, stable performance, good battery life and an easy operating system.

But not every MacBook is the same. Even if you’re firmly on Apple’s side in the “Mac vs. PC” debate, there’s still the question of “MacBook Air or MacBook Pro? And what’s the difference?”

To help make your decision a little easier, here’s a brief guide to some of the best used MacBooks currently out there for you.  

What Are Refurbished MacBooks?

What’s the difference between refurbished MacBooks and regular second hand MacBooks? While a second-hand device is just a device that someone else has previously owned and is now up for sale again, a refurbished device has been restored to a new-like condition. For a device to really be considered refurbished, it has to have passed particular tests and measure up to certain standards. Professional sellers of refurbished devices always check that the device isn’t somebody’s lost or stolen property, that the previous owner’s data is erased and that the device meets the benchmark for quality. They have their reputations to maintain, after all.

Refurbished laptops, tablets and smartphones are generally sold in categories based on their condition, from new-like to a little more worn-out. Most, however, look very close to new devices apart from the odd chip or dent here or there. Some, known as “ex-demo” devices, have only been taken out of their boxes to be displayed in retail stores.

Aside from being more affordable, refurbished MacBooks and other devices are also better for the environment. Instead of leaving old electronic devices in landfills to add to the mountain of e-waste, refurbishing gives new life to old devices and spares many consumers from buying new ones.

And there are more refurbished devices on the market than you might think, including many different MacBook models.

Best Used MacBooks

You’ll find a lot of variety among OzMobiles’ extensive range of refurbished MacBooks, with prices up to 40% off the recommended retail price. So which MacBook should you pick? If you need some suggestions, here are a few of the best used MacBooks available. This list is just for starters. New refurbished devices are sure to arrive in the future as fresh devices continue to hit stores, so the stock is always growing.

Apple 13" MacBook Air 2020 (1.2GHz) - $1,559 (save $120)

The MacBook Air was first launched in 2008 and marketed as “the world’s thinnest laptop”. To demonstrate the point, Steve Jobs first unveiled it by pulling it out of an office envelope. The Apple 13" MacBook Air 2020 has an M1 chip and MacOS Big Sur that give this famously slim laptop a big boost in performance. Its other features include an excellent keyboard, long battery life and silent operation.

Apple 13" MacBook Pro 2019 (2.4GHz) - $1,699 (save $700)

While it may have a couple of years behind it now, the Apple 13" MacBook Pro 2019 is still an all-around great laptop for anyone who wants the benefits of Apple Mac. Available in Silver or Space Gray colour, it certainly has that Apple aesthetic people know and love, plus the features to match. Features include quick performance, impressive battery life, Touch ID and top-notch speakers.

Apple 13" MacBook Air 2019 (1.6GHz) - $1,459

The Apple 13" MacBook Air 2019 radiates elegance through and through, including its solid gold colour. It also provides an intuitive and satisfying user experience, with no bloatware to slow it down or take up excess space. With crisp and clear audio, the MacBook Air 2019 is a pleasure to listen to music on, and its other benefits include decent battery life and a sharp screen display.

Apple 13" MacBook Air 2018 (1.6GHz) - $1,215

Slim, light and slick with a beautiful screen display, the Apple 13" MacBook Air 2018 is ideal for frequent travellers and people who are always on the go. The battery life is long, storage space is high, and the keyboard has four times the key stability of standard laptop keyboards.

Apple 13" MacBook Air 2017 (1.8GHz) - $590

A new Apple MacBook for less than $600? That’s exactly what you’ll get when you buy the Apple 13" MacBook Air 2017 from OzMobiles. This ultra-affordable laptop has remained a great buy over the years, with a CPU that allows smooth, fast multi-tasking, plus good battery life and a webcam. Like other Air MacBooks, it’s also highly portable, and you can take it anywhere.

Where to Buy Refurbished MacBooks

If you’re looking for the best refurbished MacBooks money can buy for a level of quality that’s guaranteed to be high, you’re in the right place.

OzMobiles specialises in refurbished electronic devices, from smartphones to tablets and laptops, including second hand MacBooks of various types. We’re an Australian-owned and operated company, and every one of our devices is tested at our Melbourne headquarters using our 72-point checking process to ensure it measures up to Australian standards.

All our devices are certified as fully functional (including battery lives of at least 80%) and sold with 12-month warranties and 30-day money-back guarantees. In the unlikely event that what you get doesn’t match what you paid for or expected, you’re covered.

Offering used MacBooks and other devices at prices that save you money is important to us, which is why we provide free and fast shipping. Quick delivery of your device is also a high priority. That’s why if you order your device before 12:30 pm on a weekday, we’ll have it shipped out on the same day.

Can’t afford to pay the total price for your device in one go? We offer payment plans through third-party providers like ZipPay, AfterPay and PayPal Pay in 4. If you’ve found a better deal elsewhere, we’ll beat that price by $10 (terms and conditions apply).

For more information or help choosing the right refurbished MacBook, get in touch with OzMobiles!