How to get a bargain on a Mac
Tech buyers often complain about the high price of Macs and MacBooks. It’s true that they are premium devices with price tags to match, but you don’t have to break the bank if you know where to find a good deal. And one of the best options to consider is buying a Mac that’s been previously owned and then refurbished. You’ll get a much lower price, while retaining the peace of mind that comes with knowing the machine has been checked out by an expert. Buying new is expensive, and buying second-hand is a minefield; buying refurbished is the best of both worlds.
Of course, the next decision is choosing a reputable seller to buy your refurbished Mac from. It’s vital that you are able to rely on a quality service, or the entire point of refurbishment is lost. Here are several options, including the pros and cons of each.
Back Market
Back Market
- Website: backmarket.co.uk
- Trustpilot rating: 4.3/5 (18,500+ reviews)
- Like-for-like price comparison: Back Market sells the 2020 MacBook Air (13-inch, M1, 8GB, 256GB) for £599 or £199.66 per month across three months.
A major player in the refurb sector with plenty of Macs to choose from. It’s important to bear in mind, however, that you’re not buying direct from Back Market, but from a third-party seller. There are benefits to this arrangement, but also complications.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Huge range of devices | It’s a marketplace, and you don’t buy directly |
| Competitive prices | Can be difficult to contact original sellers, causing problems with picking a device, returns and warranty |
| Non-British keyboard languages available | Extra fees added at checkout |
| Limited finance options | |
| Unknown capability or certification of technicians as not buying directly. Quality could vary massively between purchases |
MacFinder
MacFinder
- Website: macfinder.co.uk
- Trustpilot rating: 4.9/5 (6,000+ reviews)
- Like-for-like price comparison: MacFinder sells the 2020 MacBook Air for £575 or £23.96 per month (0% finance) over 24 months.
MacFinder won’t sell you an iPhone, an Apple Watch, or the Eagles’ greatest hits on vinyl. What the company offers is total Mac focus, so you know the refurb has been done by an expert.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Mac specialists | Macs only; no iPhones, iPads or Apple Watches |
| Excellent sales & support from experts | No rental or lease options |
| Part-exchange and trade-in available with 10% store credit bonus | |
| 0% finance up to 24 months on orders above £199 | |
| 1-year battery service cover and up to 3 years warranty available | |
| Quickest to have the latest refurbished models after release | |
| Large range of models and specifications | |
| Fast delivery | |
| Apple certified technicians |
MusicMagpie
MusicMagpie
- Website: musicmagpie.co.uk
- Trustpilot rating: 4.4/5 (288,500+ reviews)
- Like-for-like price comparison: MusicMagpie sells the 2020 MacBook Air for £616.99 or £22.40 per month (19.9% APR finance) over 36 months.
One of the biggest names on this list, MusicMagpie lets you buy (and sell) all kinds of tech and even, as the name suggests, CDs and vinyl. Mac buyers may find this lack of specialisation worrying.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Options to buy, rent and finance a Mac | Limited purchase and technical support |
| Up to 36 months interest-bearing finance available | No more than 12-month warranty available |
| Fast delivery | Not Apple specialists |
| Unknown capability or certification of technicians |
Apple Refurbished
Apple
Website: apple.com/uk/shop/refurbished
Trustpilot rating: 1.9/5 (8,500+ reviews)
Like-for-like price comparison: Apple Refurbished sells the 2020 MacBook Air for £795 or £25.93 per month (14.9% APR finance) over 36 months.
You know what you’re getting from Apple’s own refurb offering: absolute peace of mind, and higher prices than elsewhere.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Purchase direct from Apple | Limited purchase support |
| 1-year Apple warranty | Stock can be limited |
| Up to 36 months interest-bearing finance available | Generally higher prices |
| AppleCare available | |
| Pickup from Apple store | |
| Apple certified technicians |
Raylo
Raylo
- Website: raylo.com
- Trustpilot rating: 4.5/5 (9,500 reviews)
- Like-for-like price comparison: Raylo sells the 2020 MacBook Air for £19.68 per month on a 24-month lease.
Raylo offers to lease you a Mac, which is perfect for short-term use but less appealing for the rest of us. Watch out for additional charges.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lifetime warranty | Leasing only; you don’t ever own the device |
| Good if you only need a device short term | High end-lease purchase prices |
| Always have the latest device | Potential charges at the end of the lease for condition or repair |
| Limited specifications available | |
| Unknown capability or certification of technicians |
Conclusion
Buying a refurbished Mac has many advantages, including a far lower price than when buying brand-new and the twin reassurances of a tune-up from an expert and warranty support. But it’s also more difficult than buying new because you need to be sure you’re buying from a reputable seller.
In other words, you need to look carefully at the company’s credentials. Does it have Mac expertise? How good is the range of products, and how competitive are the prices? Crucially, how comprehensive is its post-purchase support, and do previous customers back up the company’s claims with strong reviews?
The decision, ultimately, is yours. But hopefully this guide has helped you to make an informed choice.