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4 Best Inexpensive Macbook 2025 in the United States

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#1

Winner

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
9.8
Chosen by1,386
Processor (CPU)
Display
Battery Life

Most important from
1278 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
9.8
Chosen by1,386
Processor (CPU)
Display
Battery Life

Most important from
1278 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.
#2

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
9.6
Processor (CPU)
Storage
Battery Life

Most important from
1158 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
9.6
Processor (CPU)
Storage
Battery Life

Most important from
1158 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.
#3

Apple 2024 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M3 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 24GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD Storage, Backlit Keyboard, Touch ID; Midnight

Rating
9.4
Processor (CPU)
Display
Battery Life

Most important from
1433 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The 2024 MacBook Air with the M3 chip is a fantastic laptop for anyone needing a powerful, portable, and stylish machine.
Display
The updated 13-inch screen provides an excellent aspect ratio and ample space for working with documents and multiple windows.
Battery Life
This laptop offers a smooth, fast experience with absolutely amazing battery life that never gets hot, even during gaming.
Portability
Battery life is significantly superior, and the device is super portable and lightweight.

The Apple 2024 MacBook Air with the M3 chip is a strong contender in the inexpensive MacBook category. Its powerful 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU make it well-suited for both work and leisure activities, delivering impressive performance across various applications. The 24GB of unified memory is ample for multitasking, ensuring smooth operation even with multiple programs running simultaneously.

Storage-wise, the 512GB SSD offers fast access to data and sufficient space for most users' needs, although those requiring more storage can opt for configurations up to 2TB. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display is a standout feature, providing vibrant colors and sharp visuals, ideal for media consumption and creative work. Battery life is another strength, boasting up to 18 hours, which is beneficial for users who need to work on the go without frequently worrying about recharging.

Portability is excellent, given its lightweight design and slim profile, making it easy to carry around. Connectivity options are solid, including two Thunderbolt ports, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, a headphone jack, and MagSafe charging, offering versatility for various peripherals and network connections. However, potential drawbacks include the higher price tag associated with Apple products, which may not feel 'inexpensive' to some users. Additionally, it lacks legacy ports like USB-A, which might be inconvenient for those with older accessories. Despite these minor issues, the MacBook Air with M3 chip is a highly capable, portable, and efficient device for those seeking a reliable MacBook experience.

Rating
9.4
Processor (CPU)
Display
Battery Life

Most important from
1433 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The 2024 MacBook Air with the M3 chip is a fantastic laptop for anyone needing a powerful, portable, and stylish machine.
Display
The updated 13-inch screen provides an excellent aspect ratio and ample space for working with documents and multiple windows.
Battery Life
This laptop offers a smooth, fast experience with absolutely amazing battery life that never gets hot, even during gaming.
Portability
Battery life is significantly superior, and the device is super portable and lightweight.

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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