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5 Best Inexpensive Macbook 2025 in the United States

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#1

Winner

Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M4 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID; Sky Blue

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,396
Processor (CPU)
Memory (RAM)
Operating System

Most important from
2611 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The leap in speed with the M4 chip is clearly noticeable compared to previous models, making the performance feel significantly faster.
Memory (RAM)
The base model's memory and storage feel somewhat limited, suggesting upgrading for a smoother experience with heavier workloads.
Operating System
Switching from Windows to macOS has been an interesting and positive experience, especially for first-time Mac users.

The 2025 MacBook Air with the M4 chip is a strong choice if you want a lightweight, fast, and modern Mac laptop without spending too much. It features a powerful Apple M4 processor with 10 CPU cores and 8 GPU cores, making it capable for everyday tasks, multitasking, and even some heavier work like video editing or casual gaming. The 16GB of unified memory is ample to keep apps running smoothly, while 256GB of SSD storage is a decent start but might feel limited if you store lots of files or large projects. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display is bright and sharp with vivid colors, great for watching videos or working on photos.

Battery life impresses with up to 18 hours of video streaming, allowing it to last a full day on a single charge, which is excellent for portability. Speaking of portability, it’s thin and weighs just 2.7 pounds, making it very easy to carry around. It comes with the latest macOS, which supports seamless integration with other Apple devices and plenty of popular software. For those who need more storage or plan heavy graphics workloads, the base 256GB SSD and integrated graphics might feel a bit limited. The laptop only has two Thunderbolt 4 ports, so you may need adapters to connect multiple devices.

While Apple markets it as an affordable option, it remains pricier than many Windows alternatives. This MacBook Air is well suited for students, professionals, and everyday users who want a stylish, speedy machine with great battery life and portability but can manage with moderate storage and minimal ports.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,396
Processor (CPU)
Memory (RAM)
Operating System

Most important from
2611 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The leap in speed with the M4 chip is clearly noticeable compared to previous models, making the performance feel significantly faster.
Memory (RAM)
The base model's memory and storage feel somewhat limited, suggesting upgrading for a smoother experience with heavier workloads.
Operating System
Switching from Windows to macOS has been an interesting and positive experience, especially for first-time Mac users.
#2

Apple 2025 MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop with M4 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 15.3-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID; Midnight

Rating
9.6
Processor (CPU)
Display
Battery Life

Most important from
1040 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The new M4 Air is significantly faster and costs less than the M3, making it better in every way.
Display
The screen size is perfect with a clear, high-quality display that makes visuals vibrant and enjoyable.
Battery Life
Battery life lasts forever, supporting long work sessions without needing a charger.
Portability
Lightweight design combined with great performance makes this laptop a pleasure to carry and use.
Operating System
Navigating the MacBook as a first-time user is very easy, enhancing productivity for tasks like homeschooling.

The Apple 2025 MacBook Air 15-inch with the new M4 chip is a powerful yet lightweight laptop designed for smooth everyday use, especially if you appreciate Apple's ecosystem. Its 10-core M4 processor and 16GB of unified memory provide fast and fluid performance whether you're multitasking, editing videos, or using creative apps. The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display is bright and sharp, making photos and videos look vibrant with support for 1 billion colors. Battery life is impressive too, offering up to 18 hours, which means you can work all day without hunting for a charger.

Portability is a strong point here, with the laptop weighing just over 3 pounds and having a slim profile. It also has convenient features like Touch ID for secure login, a quality 12MP front camera for video calls, and a solid speaker and microphone setup for clear audio. Connectivity options include two Thunderbolt 4 ports and MagSafe charging, which are good for most users but might feel limited if you need many external devices.

The 256GB SSD storage is relatively small by today's standards, especially if you plan to store lots of photos, videos, or large files. Also, while it's termed an "inexpensive MacBook," Apple laptops generally come at a premium price compared to Windows alternatives, so it may not be the best fit if budget is the top priority. Mac OS offers smooth integration with iPhones and iPads, which is a plus if you use other Apple devices. This MacBook Air is ideal for students, professionals, or creatives who want a large, high-quality screen combined with reliable performance and great battery life in a sleek, portable package. If you need lots of storage or are very price-conscious, you might want to consider other options.

Rating
9.6
Processor (CPU)
Display
Battery Life

Most important from
1040 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The new M4 Air is significantly faster and costs less than the M3, making it better in every way.
Display
The screen size is perfect with a clear, high-quality display that makes visuals vibrant and enjoyable.
Battery Life
Battery life lasts forever, supporting long work sessions without needing a charger.
Portability
Lightweight design combined with great performance makes this laptop a pleasure to carry and use.
Operating System
Navigating the MacBook as a first-time user is very easy, enhancing productivity for tasks like homeschooling.
#3

Apple 2022 MacBook Air Laptop with M2 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage, Backlit Keyboard, 1080p FaceTime HD Camera; Midnight

Rating
9.3
Processor (CPU)
Display
Battery Life

Most important from
1470 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Handles multitasking and demanding tasks like video editing effortlessly, making it an outstanding laptop.
Display
The Liquid Retina display is stunning, enhancing both work and entertainment experiences.
Battery Life
Battery life is exceptional, lasting a full day, perfect for on-the-go use.
Portability
Lightweight and slim design makes it ideal for students and professionals who need portability.
Connectivity
Despite the limited ports, the overall performance and sleek design make it a fantastic investment.

The Apple 2022 MacBook Air with M2 chip is an appealing choice for anyone seeking an inexpensive MacBook that doesn't compromise on performance. Its lightweight design, weighing just 2.7 pounds, makes it highly portable—perfect for students or professionals on the go. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display offers vibrant colors and brightness levels that enhance viewing experiences, whether for work or entertainment.

Powered by the new M2 chip, it features an 8-core CPU that allows for smooth multitasking and faster processing speeds. With 16GB of RAM, users can comfortably run multiple applications without slowdowns. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 18 hours, which is a significant advantage for those who need a laptop that can endure a full day without constant charging.

However, this MacBook Air has some drawbacks. While the base storage of 256GB is decent, it may not be sufficient for heavy users needing extensive space for files, photos, or applications. Users may need to consider upgrading to larger storage options, which can increase the overall cost. Additionally, while it offers solid connectivity options with two Thunderbolt ports and a MagSafe charging port, it lacks standard USB-A ports, which could be inconvenient for those with older peripherals. The built-in 1080p FaceTime HD camera and enhanced audio system are great for video calls and media consumption, making it a well-rounded device. But, if you are not an Apple ecosystem user, you might find some software compatibility issues with non-Apple applications.

This MacBook Air is ideal for users looking for an affordable yet powerful laptop for everyday tasks, provided they are willing to manage storage needs and adapt to the Apple experience.

Rating
9.3
Processor (CPU)
Display
Battery Life

Most important from
1470 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Handles multitasking and demanding tasks like video editing effortlessly, making it an outstanding laptop.
Display
The Liquid Retina display is stunning, enhancing both work and entertainment experiences.
Battery Life
Battery life is exceptional, lasting a full day, perfect for on-the-go use.
Portability
Lightweight and slim design makes it ideal for students and professionals who need portability.
Connectivity
Despite the limited ports, the overall performance and sleek design make it a fantastic investment.

Buying Guide for the Best Inexpensive Macbook

When looking for an inexpensive MacBook, it's important to balance cost with the features you need. MacBooks are known for their build quality, performance, and integration with the Apple ecosystem. However, even within the range of MacBooks, there are various models and configurations to consider. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision that meets your needs without overspending.
Processor (CPU)The processor, or CPU, is the brain of your MacBook. It determines how fast and efficiently your computer can run applications and perform tasks. For basic tasks like web browsing, email, and word processing, a dual-core processor is sufficient. If you plan to do more demanding tasks like video editing or gaming, a quad-core or higher processor will be beneficial. Choose a processor based on the intensity of the tasks you plan to perform.
Memory (RAM)RAM, or Random Access Memory, is crucial for multitasking and running applications smoothly. More RAM allows your MacBook to handle more tasks at once without slowing down. For general use, 8GB of RAM is usually adequate. If you plan to run heavy applications or do a lot of multitasking, consider 16GB or more. Your usage pattern will guide you in choosing the right amount of RAM.
StorageStorage determines how much data you can keep on your MacBook, including the operating system, applications, and personal files. Solid State Drives (SSDs) are faster and more reliable than traditional hard drives. For basic use, 256GB of storage is often enough. If you store a lot of large files like videos or high-resolution photos, you might need 512GB or more. Consider your storage needs based on the type and amount of data you plan to store.
DisplayThe display quality affects your viewing experience. MacBooks typically come with Retina displays, which offer high resolution and vibrant colors. For general use, a standard Retina display is sufficient. If you work with graphics, video editing, or enjoy watching high-definition content, a higher resolution display with better color accuracy might be important. Choose a display based on how much you value screen quality and what you will be using it for.
Battery LifeBattery life is important if you plan to use your MacBook on the go. Longer battery life means you can work longer without needing to recharge. For general use, a battery life of around 10 hours is usually sufficient. If you travel frequently or use your MacBook for extended periods away from a power source, look for models with longer battery life. Your mobility and usage duration will help determine the right battery life for you.
PortabilityPortability refers to the size and weight of the MacBook. Lighter and smaller models are easier to carry around, making them ideal for students or professionals who travel frequently. Larger models may offer better performance and larger screens but can be heavier and less convenient to transport. Consider how often you will be carrying your MacBook and choose a size and weight that fits your lifestyle.
Operating SystemMacBooks run on macOS, which is known for its user-friendly interface and seamless integration with other Apple products. Ensure that the MacBook you choose supports the latest version of macOS to benefit from the latest features and security updates. If you are already invested in the Apple ecosystem, this integration can enhance your overall experience. Choose a MacBook that aligns with your preference for operating system features and compatibility.

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