Best MacBook for students in 2025

With so many options now available, choosing the best MacBook for students in 2025 can seem bewildering. Do you go for one of the latest models, or will an older one be all you need? Of course, this depends on what you're studying and what you need for your coursework.

But why chase the latest MacBook, when last year’s model still handles 100 tabs and saves a laptop from landfill? Here's a quick guide on how to find a refurbished MacBook for students that fits your requirements, while spending only as much as you need.

Why a refurbished MacBook for students just makes sense

As a student, you're likely on a limited budget that needs to cover your course materials, transport, rent (if you live in your own place), and the list goes on. So, you need to get the right laptop for as little as possible. You almost certainly don't want to buy an expensive new one. That's why refurbished MacBooks for students are in such demand. You can save up to 50% on the original retail price at Back Market.

Does refurbished mean you're compromising on quality and performance? Not at all. In fact, our refurbished laptops come from trusted sellers and have been fully restored by verified refurbishers. Then they're exhaustively tested to ensure they perform up to the original benchmark specs. All our refurbished electronics come with a 1-year warranty that guarantees their quality.

Additionally, there's no getting around the global warming threat we face. This is the third year in a row that we've broken all-time average temperature records. It's clear that we all need to do something to stop things from getting worse. And the time is now! By buying a refurbished laptop, you'll remove one more item of electronic waste. If everyone does this, we can make a big contribution to transforming our disposable consumer culture into a more sustainable circular one based on recycling.

For the budget buyer: MacBook Air (2017–2019) 

Between 2017 and 2019, Apple released three MacBook Air models. These were all basically upgrades on the 2017 MacBook Air (13-inch). The 2017 model is known as the MacBook Air 7,2. The 2018 version (8,1) added a Retina screen, while the 2019 release featured a minor OS update, taking it to version 8,2. Any of these models can easily cope with most student tasks, such as note-taking, assignments, and online research. However, they lack the power for more demanding tasks like video editing, so if you're studying a course that requires creative modelling, you'll want to get the more powerful MacBook Pro (below). But if value for money is your main priority, these three are our picks as the best MacBooks for students in 2025. 

Lowest prices on Back Market:  

• MacBook Air 2017 – from £138* (save £1,300 on new price) 

• MacBook Air 2018 – from £241* (save £1,158 on new price) 

• MacBook Air 2019 – from £246* (save £1,343 on new price) 

*All prices as at time of writing (17 July 2025) and subject to change. 

MacBook Air (2017–2019) pros and cons 

""Easy to order. Very quick delivery: arrived less than 24 hours after I ordered it. Arrived in excellent condition and was very well packaged. Mac looks practically new." - Pamela M. 

For the multitasker: MacBook Air M1 

Many still consider this the best MacBook Air for students, especially as it's now even more affordable. It was the first MacBook to contain Apple's game-changing M1 chip. Even today, its performance surpasses that of more modern laptops. It was a seminal machine, and its advanced features will still stand you in good stead as a student all-rounder.  

 It has fantastic battery life, and because it doesn't need a fan for cooling, it operates silently. Still faster than many 2024 releases, and quieter than your lecture whispering neighbour. it supports many thousands of apps and runs them flawlessly. The screen renders true-to-life colours, which also makes the machine very suitable for editing photos and videos. In TechRadar's bench testing, the MacBook Air M1 is about 9x faster than the previous Air models, and its memory works twice as fast. It also has all-day battery life unless you're using it for heavy performance tasks.  

Lowest price on Back Market:  

• MacBook Air M1 – from £363* (save £636 on new price) 

*All prices as at time of writing (17 July 2025) and subject to change. 

MacBook Air M1 pros and cons 

"I recently bought a MacBook Air from Back Market, and I couldn’t be happier! The laptop arrived in excellent condition, just as described, and it has been working flawlessly." 

- Mandickel K. 

For creatives: MacBook Pro M1 and M2

The MacBook Pro M1 uses that same powerfully capable chip as the MacBook Air M1, but the Pro is in a different class when it comes to performance for running resource-heavy applications like video editing suites and 3D modelling software. This type of laptop is ideal for people studying in these areas, including architecture. Even though it was released in 2020, it remains a superior machine, thanks to the many tech upgrades it's received in the interim. 

As you would expect, the MacBook Pro M2 ups the game even more. It's quite the beast, starting with its virtually indestructible aluminium chassis under everyday circumstances. The M2 chip's ferocious power can easily handle heavy-duty tasks. It also has an extremely vivid screen, ideal for graphics work and 3D modelling. If you're studying in these areas, you'll appreciate these specs: the screen resolution is a whopping 3,456 x 2,234 at a pixel density of 244 ppi and runs at 120 Hz. If serious power is important to you, this is undoubtedly the best MacBook for students in 2025. 

📸 Why creators are sticking with older MacBooks 

Instagram influencers, TikTok creators and YouTube pundits see no need to get the latest smartphones or laptops to produce their content. Why would they when M1 and M2 MacBooks have plenty of power and all the right software – not to mention more than enough battery life? These machines can handle everything from podcast recording to precise video editing with voiceovers. Their chips ensure quick rendering, so you can go from recording your next viral video to publishing it in no time. And if you just want to show off an exotic meal or a glorious sunset, you can share it faster than most people can complete a lap of Le Mans in Gran Turismo. 

Lowest prices on Back Market:

• MacBook Pro M1 – from £434* (save £1,065 on new price) 

• MacBook Pro M2 – from £626* (save £723 on new price) 

*All prices as at time of writing (17 July 2025) and subject to change. 

MacBook Pro M1 and M2 pros and cons 

"" I recently bought a MacBook Pro from Back Market at an amazing price. The laptop arrived much earlier than expected in immaculate condition." 

- Mekail A. 

We also offer a wide variety of MacBook accessories and peripherals. These include chargers and charging cables, both MagSafe and USB. You'll find those crucial Thunderbolt adapters too. We have separate MacBook keyboards if you don't like the feel of the onboard one. It's also healthier to separate the keyboard and the monitor in a desktop style. Having the laptop screen level with your eye height and the keyboard at your natural arm level helps prevent long-term posture problems. 

 You'll be thrilled to know that we sell USB hubs. That's no exaggeration. The lack of ports has probably been the number one complaint among Mac users for at least 20 years now. A USB hub solves all those familiar problems, like having to unplug a hard drive to insert a flash drive just because you're also using the only other port. While on the subject, you can get external storage drives on Back Market, too. 

Exclusive Back Market student bundles 

If you'd like an affordable accessory bundle for your Mac, we offer a Back Market Gift Box tailored for students. Think of it as your Student Survival Kit. It comes with a keyboard protector, a power adapter, and a laptop stand.  

Student laptop deals and upcoming promotions 

We've given you the lowdown on the best MacBook for students in 2025 – but we've saved the best news for last. With Back Market, there's no need to save up and wait for the next Back to School tech sale. You can get an extra £20 off anything through our student discount plan. That's on top of our already low refurbished prices. 

Plus, we have our own flash sales and promotions coming up. Visit us in the week of the 4th of August to see what we've unveiled for you and the big discounts we're offering. It's the perfect time to explore student laptop deals. It's a limited time offer, so set yourself a reminder and don't miss it. 

Remember: sustainable = smart 

Make the sensible, affordable choice by buying a refurbished MacBook for students. You'll be doing your wallet a big favour and helping the planet. Every refurbished MacBook keeps ~350g of e-waste out of landfill — that’s like skipping 700 plastic straws.