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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; Silver

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,401
Processor (CPU)
Display
Battery Life

Most important from
4581 reviews

Processor (CPU)
This MacBook Air is incredibly fast and compact, running the latest software smoothly while maintaining a long battery life of around 15 hours on normal use.
Display
The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display offers sharp, vibrant colors with excellent brightness, enhancing both work and media consumption experiences.
Battery Life
This MacBook Air is incredibly fast and compact, running the latest software smoothly while maintaining a long battery life of around 15 hours on normal use.
Portability
This MacBook Air is incredibly fast and compact, running the latest software smoothly while maintaining a long battery life of around 15 hours on normal use.

The Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch with the new M4 chip is a strong option if you want a lightweight, portable MacBook that still delivers fast performance. The M4 chip offers a powerful 10-core CPU and an 8-core GPU, which means it handles everyday tasks, multitasking, and even some video editing or light gaming with ease. It comes with 16GB of unified memory, which helps apps run smoothly, and a 256GB SSD for storage, which is fast but might feel a bit limited if you store lots of files or media. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display is bright and colorful, making photos and videos look sharp and vibrant — great for watching content or working on creative projects. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 18 hours on a single charge, so you can use it all day without hunting for an outlet.

At just under 3 pounds and less than half an inch thick, it’s highly portable, perfect for carrying around school, work, or travel. It runs macOS, which is user-friendly and integrates smoothly with other Apple devices like the iPhone, enhancing everyday convenience. The included 12MP Center Stage camera and spatial audio system improve video calls and media playback quality. However, it has only two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a headphone jack, so you might need adapters for extra connections. The 256GB storage might also require external drives if you handle large files often.

While it’s not the cheapest MacBook model ever, this Air balances price with modern power and portability well, making it a smart pick for students, professionals, or casual users looking for a reliable and efficient Mac without stepping up to the more expensive Pro models.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,401
Processor (CPU)
Display
Battery Life

Most important from
4581 reviews

Processor (CPU)
This MacBook Air is incredibly fast and compact, running the latest software smoothly while maintaining a long battery life of around 15 hours on normal use.
Display
The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display offers sharp, vibrant colors with excellent brightness, enhancing both work and media consumption experiences.
Battery Life
This MacBook Air is incredibly fast and compact, running the latest software smoothly while maintaining a long battery life of around 15 hours on normal use.
Portability
This MacBook Air is incredibly fast and compact, running the latest software smoothly while maintaining a long battery life of around 15 hours on normal use.
#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
9.4
Processor (CPU)
Display
Battery Life

Most important from
1619 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
9.4
Processor (CPU)
Display
Battery Life

Most important from
1619 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 2024 MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop with M3 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 15.3-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, Backlit Keyboard, Touch ID; Midnight

Rating
7.9
Processor (CPU)
Storage
Battery Life

Most important from
1496 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Handles tasks quickly and easily, making working between it and an iPad a breeze.
Storage
Quick, versatile, looks and sounds great, with enough power and storage to last for years to come.
Battery Life
A great first Mac for a life-long Windows user, with slick Mac OS, quality hardware, and long battery life.
Portability
The ultra-thin and lightweight form-factor is perfect for travel, with no bloatware cluttering the computer for an optimal user experience.
Connectivity
Easy setup and transfer of content from previous computer, with tight integration with iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods.

The Apple 2024 MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop with M3 chip stands out as a powerful and lightweight option in the realm of inexpensive MacBooks. With its 8-core CPU and up to 10-core GPU, it delivers impressive performance suitable for both work and entertainment, making it a solid choice for students, professionals, and casual users alike. The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display offers vibrant colors and sharp images, enhancing the viewing experience for media consumption and productivity tasks.

One of the standout features is its portability; weighing just 3.32 pounds and measuring under half an inch in thickness, it's easy to carry around. The battery life is exceptional, providing up to 18 hours on a single charge, which is perfect for long days out without needing to hunt for an outlet.

Connectivity is robust with two Thunderbolt ports and Wi-Fi 6E, ensuring fast data transfers and internet access. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with other Apple devices, allowing users to transition tasks effortlessly between an iPhone and the MacBook.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. The storage starts at 256GB, which may not be sufficient for users with extensive media libraries or large files unless you opt for external storage solutions. Additionally, while the MacBook Air is generally considered a great value for its performance, some users may find it slightly pricier compared to other laptops in the same category that offer similar specs.

The MacBook Air with M3 chip is a strong contender for anyone seeking a portable, high-performing laptop with excellent battery life, but potential buyers should evaluate their storage needs and budget before making a decision.

Rating
7.9
Processor (CPU)
Storage
Battery Life

Most important from
1496 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Handles tasks quickly and easily, making working between it and an iPad a breeze.
Storage
Quick, versatile, looks and sounds great, with enough power and storage to last for years to come.
Battery Life
A great first Mac for a life-long Windows user, with slick Mac OS, quality hardware, and long battery life.
Portability
The ultra-thin and lightweight form-factor is perfect for travel, with no bloatware cluttering the computer for an optimal user experience.
Connectivity
Easy setup and transfer of content from previous computer, with tight integration with iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods.

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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