What condition should I choose for a refurbished MacBook during Black Friday?

For MacBooks, "Good" condition typically offers the best value during Black Friday – you'll save significantly versus "Excellent" or "Premium" while getting identical performance. MacBooks are built to last, so minor cosmetic wear like light scratches on the lid or keyboard shine doesn't affect functionality. "Excellent" condition makes sense if you're buying for professional presentation or plan to resell later. "Fair" condition MacBooks work perfectly but might have visible wear that could be distracting in business settings. And "Premum" is genreally the 'Crème de la crème' where the screen and appearance looks hardly used, and the parts are still mostly original from the manufacturer. Regardless of condition grade, every MacBook must pass our comprehensive testing for display quality, keyboard function, trackpad responsiveness, port connectivity, and thermal performance. Battery health is crucial – ensure any MacBook has at least 80% capacity or has been replaced with a new battery. During Black Friday, "Good" condition models often offer the deepest discounts while still looking professional enough for most users. Focus on specifications that matter for your workflow rather than pristine appearance.

Will a refurbished MacBook run the latest macOS?

Most refurbished MacBooks run current macOS versions, but it depends on the model year and Apple's compatibility requirements. MacBooks typically receive macOS updates for 7-8 years after their release date. For example, 2017 MacBook Pros still support macOS Ventura and later versions, while 2015 models have reached their update limit. Before buying, check Apple's macOS compatibility list to ensure your chosen MacBook will receive future updates for as long as you need. The good news? Even MacBooks that can't run the latest macOS remain fully functional with excellent software support for several more years. Many professional applications work perfectly on older macOS versions. When you receive your refurbished MacBook, you can immediately update to the newest compatible macOS version through System Preferences > Software Update. This ensures you get current security patches and features, making your refurbished MacBook as capable as a new one for most tasks.

How do I know if a refurbished MacBook's battery will last through my workday?

MacBook battery performance depends on the model, age, usage patterns, and whether the battery has been replaced during refurbishment. Modern MacBooks (2016 and newer) typically offer 8-12 hours of light use when the battery is healthy. At Back Market, every MacBook must meet our minimum battery health standard of 80% original capacity, which translates to roughly 7-10 hours for most users. Many refurbished MacBooks receive new batteries during restoration, essentially giving you a fresh start. Check each product listing for specific battery health percentages – anything above 90% should perform like new. Your actual battery life depends on usage: video editing and gaming drain batteries faster than web browsing and document work. If battery life is crucial for your workflow, consider newer MacBook models (2018+) or devices explicitly mention new battery installation. Our 1-year warranty covers battery issues, so if your MacBook doesn't meet reasonable battery life expectations, we'll address it at no cost.

Can I upgrade components in a refurbished MacBook?

Upgrade options depend entirely on the MacBook model and year – Apple has significantly limited upgradability in recent models. MacBooks from 2012-2015 often allow RAM and storage upgrades, making older refurbished models appealing for tech-savvy buyers on budgets. However, MacBooks from 2016 onward typically have soldered RAM and proprietary SSD connectors, making upgrades difficult or impossible. MacBook Air models have been largely non-upgradeable since 2013, while MacBook Pro models lost upgradability gradually. The 2021+ MacBook Pros with M1/M2/M3 chips are completely non-upgradeable – you're stuck with whatever RAM and storage configuration you buy. This makes choosing the right specifications crucial when buying refurbished. If you need upgradeability, focus on 2012-2015 MacBook Pro models. For newer models, buy the configuration you'll need for the device's entire lifespan rather than planning to upgrade later. Consider this limitation when comparing refurbished prices against new MacBook deals.

What's the best refurbished MacBook for students during Black Friday?

The MacBook Air (2020 or newer with M1/M2 chips) offers the ideal balance of performance, battery life, and price for most students. These models handle typical academic tasks – research, writing, presentations, light photo editing – without breaking a sweat while maintaining all-day battery life for campus use. Expect to pay £600-900 for refurbished M1 MacBook Airs during Black Friday, compared to £1000+ new. For students in demanding fields like video production or engineering, consider refurbished MacBook Pro 14-inch models, though they'll cost more (£1200-1500 refurbished vs. £2000+ new). Avoid Intel-based MacBooks (2019 and older) unless budget is extremely tight – the M1/M2 chips offer dramatically better performance and battery life. Consider storage carefully since newer MacBooks can't be upgraded: 256GB works for basic use, but 512GB provides breathing room for larger projects. Educational software discounts apply to refurbished MacBooks just like new ones, and Back Market's warranty gives you better protection than typical student laptop deals.

MacBook Black Friday deals

Name: MacBook Black Friday deals Deals
Brand: Back Market
Price: 891 GBP
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.16 (97843 reviews)

Black Friday has left the building (see you in 2026)

But hey, refurbished deals don't need a special day. Check out what's available right now:

Shop Refurbished MacBooks Shop Good Deals

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4 products applies (starting at £0.49)

Trade in to get it for less

Today’s purchase could set you back a lot less when you trade in an old device at the same time.

MacBook Pro (M1 series)

(7,202)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£891.00

Versus £2,299.00 new

MacBook Pro (M2 series)

(1,339)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£1,009.00

Versus £2,699.00 new

MacBook Pro (M3 series)

(573)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£1,729.00

Versus £3,599.00 new

"Obsolete" MacBook Pro (2018,Intel)

(2,032)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£433.00

Versus £4,239.00 new

General

Why is my phone screen black? Fixing guide | Back Market

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Customer reviews for MacBook Black Friday deals

Overall rating

97,843 verified reviews

Rating details

Appearance
4.1/5
Overall performance
4.1/5
Packaging
4.3/5
Shipping
4.4/5

Reviews

Lola M.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 06/07/2026, United Kingdom.
I'm really pleased with this MacBook Air. It was advertised as refurbished in excellent condition, and it arrived exactly as described. Cosmetically, it looks fantastic with no visible wear. It genuinely looks brand new. The battery health is 95%, which exceeded my expectations for a refurbished device and gives me confidence it has plenty of life left. Performance has been excellent too and the M1 chip is fast and responsive for everyday tasks. I'd happily recommend it to anyone considering a refurbished MacBook.
MacBook Air 13-inch (2020) - Apple M1 8-core and 7-core GPU - 8GB RAM - SSD 128GB - Standard display - QWERTY - English
MacBook Air 13-inch (2020) - Apple M1 8-core and 7-core GPU - 8GB RAM - SSD 128GB - Standard display - QWERTY - English
See item
Condition
Excellent
Almost no signs of wear. The body may have very light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
28/06/2026
Jones B.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 30/06/2026, United Kingdom.
I’ve had my MacBook Pro Retina 16-inch (2019) for a while now, and it’s been great so far. It arrived in excellent condition, was easy to set up, and performs really well for everyday use as well as more demanding tasks. The battery life has been good, and everything works exactly as expected. I’m also happy to have chosen a refurbished device—it’s a great way to save money while making a more environmentally friendly choice. Overall, I’m very pleased with my purchase and would happily recommend it.
MacBook Pro Retina 16-inch (2019) - Core i7 - 16GB SSD 512 QWERTY - English
MacBook Pro Retina 16-inch (2019) - Core i7 - 16GB SSD 512 QWERTY - English
See item
Condition
Fair
Signs of wear. The body may have a few visible scratches and dents. Items with screens may have light scratches.
Purchased
22/06/2026
Tiana R.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 30/04/2026, United Kingdom.
I’m honestly really happy with my purchase. I ordered a MacBook Air (M1) in “excellent” condition and I wasn’t sure what to expect, especially at this price, but I was pleasantly surprised. The laptop arrived quickly, was clean, and looks practically brand new. There are no visible scratches or signs of wear at all. The biggest bonus for me was the battery health — it’s at 100%, which I definitely wasn’t expecting from a refurbished device. It runs smoothly, and everything works exactly as it should. I also appreciated how easy the setup was. It felt like setting up a new laptop, just without the original Apple packaging. Overall, I feel like I got amazing value for money. I was initially hesitant, but this experience has definitely changed my perspective on buying refurbished tech. Would 100% recommend.
MacBook Air 13-inch (2020) - Apple M1 8-core and 7-core GPU - 8GB RAM - SSD 256GB - Standard display - QWERTY - English
MacBook Air 13-inch (2020) - Apple M1 8-core and 7-core GPU - 8GB RAM - SSD 256GB - Standard display - QWERTY - English
See item
Condition
Excellent
Almost no signs of wear. The body may have very light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
29/04/2026
Marcos R.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 02/08/2026, United Kingdom.
After a lot of research and comparing different refurbished MacBooks, I finally decided to buy a 13-inch MacBook Pro M1 (16GB RAM / 512GB SSD) from Back Market, and I can honestly say it exceeded my expectations. The buying process was incredibly straightforward. The website was easy to navigate, the product description matched what I received, and the checkout process was quick and hassle-free. One of the biggest surprises was the delivery speed. The laptop arrived the very next day, which I honestly wasn't expecting. Since I rely on my computer for remote work, getting it that quickly made a huge difference. As for the MacBook itself, I selected the Excellent cosmetic grade, and it absolutely lived up to that description. I genuinely struggled to find any visible signs that it was a refurbished device. The chassis was immaculate, the display looked flawless, the keyboard and trackpad felt brand new, and every port worked perfectly. The battery was another pleasant surprise. It arrived with 83% battery health and only 295 charge cycles, which I think is perfectly reasonable for a refurbished machine of this age. macOS reports the battery condition as Normal, and in everyday use it has easily lasted through my work sessions. Before committing to using it as my daily work machine, I thoroughly tested everything: ✅ Display ✅ Keyboard ✅ Speakers ✅ Webcam ✅ Touch Bar ✅ All USB-C ports ✅ Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Everything worked exactly as it should. Performance has been outstanding. I use this MacBook for remote meetings, productivity, writing, Obsidian, VS Code, light development work, and creative applications like Affinity Designer and DaVinci Resolve, and it handles everything effortlessly. Coming from a failing 2016 Intel MacBook Pro, the difference is honestly night and day. The M1 chip still feels incredibly fast, and paired with 16GB of RAM, I never feel constrained even when multitasking across multiple applications. Looking back, choosing a refurbished Mac instead of repairing my old machine was absolutely the right decision. Repairing my previous MacBook would have cost almost as much as buying this one, yet I would still have been using a much older Intel laptop. Instead, I now have a machine that feels modern, fast, reliable, and should comfortably serve me for years. Overall, I'm extremely satisfied with both the laptop and the entire purchasing experience. If my experience is anything to go by, I wouldn't hesitate to buy from Back Market again. Rating: 5/5 ⭐ A smooth buying experience, incredibly fast shipping, a laptop that arrived in excellent condition, and performance that has completely exceeded my expectations. For anyone considering a refurbished MacBook, this was money very well spent.
MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020) - Apple M1 8-core and 8-core GPU - 16GB RAM - SSD 512GB - Standard display - QWERTY - English
MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020) - Apple M1 8-core and 8-core GPU - 16GB RAM - SSD 512GB - Standard display - QWERTY - English
See item
Condition
Excellent
Almost no signs of wear. The body may have very light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
16/07/2026
Kc N.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 12/05/2026, United Kingdom.
After initially ordering the exact same laptop from a third party seller on Amazon and having to return it because the camera wasn’t working, I decided to do a deeper dive into the refurbished electronics market. From all the research I did, it became clear that rather than buying refurbished devices from random third party Amazon sellers, Back Market seemed to have far better checks and systems in place specifically for refurbished products. I placed an order and it arrived on time. I’ve been using the laptop for a few days now and so far I haven’t found any issues. The only downside was the battery health sitting at 80%, but I suppose that comes with choosing a device rated as “Good”. Hopefully this one serves me as well as my previous 2016 MacBook Pro, which I bought used in 2019 and only just replaced in 2026. That laptop still works perfectly fine. I never had to replace or repair anything on it. The only real issue was that the processor had started struggling with the heavy creative apps I regularly use, and the fan would scream anytime I pushed it too hard. I’ll probably pass it on to my nephew. I’m hoping this new one gives me at least another five years without problems. The M1 chip is genuinely a huge upgrade. I honestly feel like I’ve been living under a rock. The seamless connection with my iPhone 15 Pro is incredible.
MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021) - Apple M1 Pro 10-core and 16-core GPU - 16GB RAM - SSD 1000GB - Standard display - QWERTY - English
MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021) - Apple M1 Pro 10-core and 16-core GPU - 16GB RAM - SSD 1000GB - Standard display - QWERTY - English
See item
Condition
Good
Light signs of wear. The body may have light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
09/05/2026
Kasim U.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 03/05/2026, United Kingdom.
I am very pleased with this MacBook Pro M3! I purchased it from BackMarket, and honestly, it arrived in a condition that felt near enough to brand new. I was really impressed to find the battery had only 26 charge cycles, which is incredible for a refurbished device. It looks and functions perfectly! Definitely a 5-star experience.
MacBook Pro 14-inch (2023) - Apple M3 Pro 12-core and 18-core GPU - 18GB RAM - SSD 1000GB - Standard display - QWERTY - English
MacBook Pro 14-inch (2023) - Apple M3 Pro 12-core and 18-core GPU - 18GB RAM - SSD 1000GB - Standard display - QWERTY - English
See item
Condition
Good
Light signs of wear. The body may have light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
21/04/2026
Alison C.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 20/03/2026, United Kingdom.
I really like my MacBook Air. It looks new and is lightweight and works well. I’m glad I got a reconditioned one as it was affordable. I haven’t used it a lot yet but the battery seems fine. I’m happy with my purchase.
MacBook Air 13-inch (2020) - Apple M1 8-core and 7-core GPU - 8GB RAM - SSD 256GB - Standard display - QWERTY - English
MacBook Air 13-inch (2020) - Apple M1 8-core and 7-core GPU - 8GB RAM - SSD 256GB - Standard display - QWERTY - English
See item
Condition
Good
Light signs of wear. The body may have light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
13/02/2026
Tim A.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 29/07/2026, United Kingdom.
This MacBook Air is like new, there are no visible marks and battery condition is still at the highest level. Super pleased with it. Also amazed that it shipped on a Sunday afternoon when I placed the order and I had it 24 hours later.
MacBook Air 13-inch (2020) - Apple M1 8-core and 7-core GPU - 8GB RAM - SSD 256GB - Standard display - QWERTY - English
MacBook Air 13-inch (2020) - Apple M1 8-core and 7-core GPU - 8GB RAM - SSD 256GB - Standard display - QWERTY - English
See item
Condition
Excellent
Almost no signs of wear. The body may have very light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
19/07/2026
Gabriela B.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 04/06/2026, United Kingdom.
Ordered "good" - came like new I ordered this MacBook in "Good" condition and was pleasantly surprised when it arrived looking brand new. The laptop was exceptionally clean, with no signs of wear, and everything worked perfectly. Battery health was 96% which is great, performance was excellent, and the screen and keyboard were in fantastic condition. Overall, it exceeded my expectations for a used device, I would definitely recommend this seller to anyone looking for a quality refurbished MacBook. Thank you so much. ❤️ Cannot recommend it enough.
MacBook Air 13-inch (2022) - Apple M2 8-core and 8-core GPU - 8GB RAM - SSD 256GB - Standard display - QWERTY - English
MacBook Air 13-inch (2022) - Apple M2 8-core and 8-core GPU - 8GB RAM - SSD 256GB - Standard display - QWERTY - English
See item
Condition
Good
Light signs of wear. The body may have light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
30/05/2026
Roderick B.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 11/12/2025, United Kingdom.
Love my refurbished MacBook Air. The speed that it was delivered and the high quality of the computer turned an sh*tty situation (two awful people, seen on CCTV, stole my bag with my laptop in it) into a much better one. The price was great too, If I ever have something stolen from me again, which I hope doesn't happen or I'm looking to upgrade an existing device I'll look at BackMarket (good pun btw) again.
MacBook Air 15-inch (2024) - Apple M3 8-core and 10-core GPU - 8GB RAM - SSD 256GB - Standard display - QWERTY - English
MacBook Air 15-inch (2024) - Apple M3 8-core and 10-core GPU - 8GB RAM - SSD 256GB - Standard display - QWERTY - English
See item
Condition
Excellent
Almost no signs of wear. The body may have very light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
26/11/2025

For MacBooks, "Good" condition typically offers the best value during Black Friday – you'll save significantly versus "Excellent" or "Premium" while getting identical performance. MacBooks are built to last, so minor cosmetic wear like light scratches on the lid or keyboard shine doesn't affect functionality. "Excellent" condition makes sense if you're buying for professional presentation or plan to resell later. "Fair" condition MacBooks work perfectly but might have visible wear that could be distracting in business settings. And "Premum" is genreally the 'Crème de la crème' where the screen and appearance looks hardly used, and the parts are still mostly original from the manufacturer. Regardless of condition grade, every MacBook must pass our comprehensive testing for display quality, keyboard function, trackpad responsiveness, port connectivity, and thermal performance. Battery health is crucial – ensure any MacBook has at least 80% capacity or has been replaced with a new battery. During Black Friday, "Good" condition models often offer the deepest discounts while still looking professional enough for most users. Focus on specifications that matter for your workflow rather than pristine appearance.
Most refurbished MacBooks run current macOS versions, but it depends on the model year and Apple's compatibility requirements. MacBooks typically receive macOS updates for 7-8 years after their release date. For example, 2017 MacBook Pros still support macOS Ventura and later versions, while 2015 models have reached their update limit. Before buying, check Apple's macOS compatibility list to ensure your chosen MacBook will receive future updates for as long as you need. The good news? Even MacBooks that can't run the latest macOS remain fully functional with excellent software support for several more years. Many professional applications work perfectly on older macOS versions. When you receive your refurbished MacBook, you can immediately update to the newest compatible macOS version through System Preferences > Software Update. This ensures you get current security patches and features, making your refurbished MacBook as capable as a new one for most tasks.
MacBook battery performance depends on the model, age, usage patterns, and whether the battery has been replaced during refurbishment. Modern MacBooks (2016 and newer) typically offer 8-12 hours of light use when the battery is healthy. At Back Market, every MacBook must meet our minimum battery health standard of 80% original capacity, which translates to roughly 7-10 hours for most users. Many refurbished MacBooks receive new batteries during restoration, essentially giving you a fresh start. Check each product listing for specific battery health percentages – anything above 90% should perform like new. Your actual battery life depends on usage: video editing and gaming drain batteries faster than web browsing and document work. If battery life is crucial for your workflow, consider newer MacBook models (2018+) or devices explicitly mention new battery installation. Our 1-year warranty covers battery issues, so if your MacBook doesn't meet reasonable battery life expectations, we'll address it at no cost.
Upgrade options depend entirely on the MacBook model and year – Apple has significantly limited upgradability in recent models. MacBooks from 2012-2015 often allow RAM and storage upgrades, making older refurbished models appealing for tech-savvy buyers on budgets. However, MacBooks from 2016 onward typically have soldered RAM and proprietary SSD connectors, making upgrades difficult or impossible. MacBook Air models have been largely non-upgradeable since 2013, while MacBook Pro models lost upgradability gradually. The 2021+ MacBook Pros with M1/M2/M3 chips are completely non-upgradeable – you're stuck with whatever RAM and storage configuration you buy. This makes choosing the right specifications crucial when buying refurbished. If you need upgradeability, focus on 2012-2015 MacBook Pro models. For newer models, buy the configuration you'll need for the device's entire lifespan rather than planning to upgrade later. Consider this limitation when comparing refurbished prices against new MacBook deals.
The MacBook Air (2020 or newer with M1/M2 chips) offers the ideal balance of performance, battery life, and price for most students. These models handle typical academic tasks – research, writing, presentations, light photo editing – without breaking a sweat while maintaining all-day battery life for campus use. Expect to pay £600-900 for refurbished M1 MacBook Airs during Black Friday, compared to £1000+ new. For students in demanding fields like video production or engineering, consider refurbished MacBook Pro 14-inch models, though they'll cost more (£1200-1500 refurbished vs. £2000+ new). Avoid Intel-based MacBooks (2019 and older) unless budget is extremely tight – the M1/M2 chips offer dramatically better performance and battery life. Consider storage carefully since newer MacBooks can't be upgraded: 256GB works for basic use, but 512GB provides breathing room for larger projects. Educational software discounts apply to refurbished MacBooks just like new ones, and Back Market's warranty gives you better protection than typical student laptop deals.

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MacBook Black Friday deals

Black Friday has left the building (see you in 2026)

Trade in to get it for less

MacBook Pro (M1 series)

MacBook Pro (M2 series)

MacBook Pro (M3 series)

"Obsolete" MacBook Pro (2018,Intel)

Why is my phone screen black? Fixing guide | Back Market

Reviews

Lola M.

Jones B.

Tiana R.

Marcos R.

Kc N.

Kasim U.

Alison C.

Tim A.

Gabriela B.

Roderick B.

What condition should I choose for a refurbished MacBook during Black Friday?

Will a refurbished MacBook run the latest macOS?

How do I know if a refurbished MacBook's battery will last through my workday?

Can I upgrade components in a refurbished MacBook?

What's the best refurbished MacBook for students during Black Friday?

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