Is a refurbished MacBook as good as new?

Yes, in terms of performance. A refurbished MacBook Air M2 (2022) or MacBook Pro M3 (2023) runs the same software, delivers the same speed, and lasts just as long as a new one. The difference is cosmetic wear (depending on condition grade) and price. You're getting tested, warrantied Apple tech for up to 50% less.

How much can I save buying a refurbished MacBook?

Up to 50%, depending on the model, specs, and condition. On average, you'll save 30-40% compared to new. That's hundreds of pounds, sometimes over a thousand on higher-spec MacBook Pro models.

What warranty do I get with a refurbished MacBook?

Every Apple MacBook at Back Market comes with a minimum 12-month commercial warranty. Some sellers offer longer warranties. The commercial warranty covers defects and malfunctions.

Can I return my refurbished MacBook if I change my mind?

Yes. You have 30 days to return any MacBook purchased on Back Market, no questions asked. If it's not what you expected, send it back for a full refund.

What's included in the box with a refurbished MacBook?

A compatible charging cable is always included. Wall plugs aren't always provided (for environmental reasons), but check the product listing to see what's included with your specific model.

Are refurbished MacBooks updated to the latest macOS?

Yes, as long as the hardware supports it. Sellers install the latest compatible macOS version before shipping. Older models (pre-2018) may not support the very latest macOS, but they'll run the newest version they're designed for.

How long will a refurbished MacBook last?

With proper care, a MacBook can last 5-7 years or more. Battery health, software support, and how you use it all play a role, but buying refurbished doesn't shorten the lifespan. A refurbished MacBook Pro M1 (2020) will last just as long as a new one purchased in 2020.

Is buying a refurbished MacBook better for the environment?

Yes. Manufacturing a new MacBook requires mining rare earth metals, energy-intensive production, and global shipping. Buying refurbished extends the life of a device that's already been made, which reduces e-waste and avoids the carbon emissions of producing a new one.

Can I trade in my old MacBook ?

Yes, Back Market lets you trade in your old MacBook Pro or your old MacBook Air to reduce the cost of your next purchase. Get a free instant estimate online and, if you like the offer, ship your device for free. It's a practical way to fund an upgrade while keeping a perfectly usable used Mac out of landfill.

Refurbished MacBook

Name: Cheap Refurbished MacBook | Up to 50% Off vs New | Back Market
Brand: Back Market
Price: 369 GBP
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.16 (97798 reviews)

Buy a refurbished MacBook and save up to 50% on a professionally restored laptop that works like new. Rigorously tested, 12-month warranty, from £350. Free UK delivery and 30-day returns. That's not a loophole. That's just smarter shopping....

Compare devices

26 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 Air (M1 series)

(7,653)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£369.00

Versus £999.00 new

MacBook Neo (A18 series)

(80)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£599.00

Versus £699.00 new

MacBook Pro (M1 series)

(7,209)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£509.00

Versus £1,299.00 new

MacBook Air (M2 series)

(3,359)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£559.00

Versus £1,249.00 new

MacBook Pro (M2 series)

(1,330)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£603.00

Versus £1,349.00 new

MacBook Pro (M3 series)

(772)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£950.00

Versus £1,699.00 new

MacBook Air (M3 series)

(1,184)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£729.00

Versus £1,099.00 new

Going fast

MacBook Pro (M4 series)

(360)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£1,125.00

Versus £1,599.00 new

Going fast

MacBook Air (M4 series)

(507)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£949.00

Versus £999.00 new

"Obsolete" MacBook Pro (2019,Intel)

(6,819)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£243.99

Versus £1,900.00 new

"Obsolete" MacBook Air (2020,Intel)

(3,496)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£272.00

Versus £999.00 new

MacBook Pro (2020, Intel)

(2,255)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£319.00

Versus £1,299.00 new

"Obsolete" MacBook Air (2019,Intel)

(2,176)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£221.00

Versus £1,449.00 new

"Obsolete" MacBook Air (2018,Intel)

(1,700)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£218.00

Versus £1,589.00 new

"Obsolete" MacBook Air (2017,Intel)

(4,747)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£156.00

Versus £999.00 new

"Obsolete" MacBook Air (2015,Intel)

(5,263)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£155.00

Versus £999.00 new

"Obsolete" MacBook Pro (2015,Intel)

(4,256)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£168.00

Versus £1,439.00 new

"Obsolete" MacBook Pro (2017,Intel)

(2,798)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£199.00

Versus £1,299.00 new

"Obsolete" MacBook Pro (2018,Intel)

(2,053)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£217.00

Versus £999.00 new

"Obsolete" MacBook Pro (2016,Intel)

(325)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£227.00

Versus £1,808.00 new

"Obsolete" MacBook (2015,Intel)

(43)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£249.00

Versus £1,799.00 new

"Obsolete" MacBook (2017,Intel)

(63)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£260.00

Versus £1,299.00 new

"Obsolete" MacBook (2016,Intel)

(54)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£280.00

Versus £1,619.00 new

MacBook Pro (M5 series)

(57)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£1,320.00

Versus £1,599.00 new

MacBook Air (M5 series)

(34)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£1,199.00

Versus £1,299.00 new

MacBook Pro (2019)

Starting at

Refurbished price:£340.00

Macbook deals

Price drop
MacBook Pro (M1 series)Excellent • QWERTY - English • 14" • Apple M1 Pro 8-core - 14-core GPU • 512 GB • RAM 32GB • Space Gray
(7,202)
Refurbished price:£1,060.00
Save £129.00
Last lowest price : £1,189.00
The lowest price for this product in this exact configuration on Back Market in the 30 days prior to 24/08/2026. This reference will update on 31/08/2026.
Price drop
MacBook Air (M3 series)Good • QWERTY - English • 15" • Apple M3 8-core - 10-core GPU • 512 GB • RAM 8GB • Space Gray
(1,295)
Refurbished price:£869.00
Save £130.00
Last lowest price : £999.00
The lowest price for this product in this exact configuration on Back Market in the 30 days prior to 24/08/2026. This reference will update on 31/08/2026.
Price drop
MacBook Pro (M2 series)Fair • QWERTY - English • 16" • Apple M2 Pro 12-core - 19-core GPU • 512 GB • RAM 16GB • Space Gray
(1,339)
Refurbished price:£964.00
Save £186.00
Last lowest price : £1,150.00
The lowest price for this product in this exact configuration on Back Market in the 30 days prior to 24/08/2026. This reference will update on 31/08/2026.
Price drop
MacBook Pro (M2 series)Fair • QWERTY - English • 16" • Apple M2 Max 12-core - 38-core GPU • 2000 GB • RAM 64GB • Space Gray
(29)
Refurbished price:£1,799.00
Save £327.88
Last lowest price : £2,126.88
The lowest price for this product in this exact configuration on Back Market in the 30 days prior to 24/08/2026. This reference will update on 31/08/2026.

MacBooks

The best MacBook for students | Back Market

Need advice on the best refurbished MacBook for students in 2025? We select the top choices for budget-conscious individuals, those who multitask, and those with highly demanding coursework.

Customer reviews for Refurbished MacBook

Overall rating

97,798 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

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Refurbished MacBook FAQs

Yes, in terms of performance. A refurbished MacBook Air M2 (2022) or MacBook Pro M3 (2023) runs the same software, delivers the same speed, and lasts just as long as a new one. The difference is cosmetic wear (depending on condition grade) and price. You're getting tested, warrantied Apple tech for up to 50% less.
Up to 50%, depending on the model, specs, and condition. On average, you'll save 30-40% compared to new. That's hundreds of pounds, sometimes over a thousand on higher-spec MacBook Pro models.
Every Apple MacBook at Back Market comes with a minimum 12-month commercial warranty. Some sellers offer longer warranties. The commercial warranty covers defects and malfunctions.
Yes. You have 30 days to return any MacBook purchased on Back Market, no questions asked. If it's not what you expected, send it back for a full refund.
A compatible charging cable is always included. Wall plugs aren't always provided (for environmental reasons), but check the product listing to see what's included with your specific model.
Yes, as long as the hardware supports it. Sellers install the latest compatible macOS version before shipping. Older models (pre-2018) may not support the very latest macOS, but they'll run the newest version they're designed for.
With proper care, a MacBook can last 5-7 years or more. Battery health, software support, and how you use it all play a role, but buying refurbished doesn't shorten the lifespan. A refurbished MacBook Pro M1 (2020) will last just as long as a new one purchased in 2020.
Yes. Manufacturing a new MacBook requires mining rare earth metals, energy-intensive production, and global shipping. Buying refurbished extends the life of a device that's already been made, which reduces e-waste and avoids the carbon emissions of producing a new one.
Yes, Back Market lets you trade in your old MacBook Pro or your old MacBook Air to reduce the cost of your next purchase. Get a free instant estimate online and, if you like the offer, ship your device for free. It's a practical way to fund an upgrade while keeping a perfectly usable used Mac out of landfill.

Is this the most misunderstood MacBook in years?

Why Should I Choose a Refurbished MacBook?

A refurbished MacBook delivers the same performance as a new one, but costs significantly less. Here's what you get when you shop on Back Market UK.

Save up to 50% compared to new

A new MacBook Pro 14-inch (2023) with M3 chip costs over £1,700. Refurbished models on Back Market start from around £925, depending on specs and condition. That's hundreds of pounds back in your account, with no compromise on performance.

12-month commercial warranty from the seller

Every Apple MacBook sold on Back Market comes with a minimum 12-month commercial warranty from the seller. This covers malfunctions and defects, giving you the same peace of mind you'd expect from new. The commercial warranty doesn't replace your statutory rights under UK consumer law, those still apply.

Professionally tested before it reaches you

Before a MacBook reaches you, it's passed a multi-point inspection. That includes battery health checks, screen testing, keyboard and trackpad functionality, ports, WiFi, Bluetooth, and macOS compatibility. If it doesn't meet our sellers' standards, it doesn't go on sale. What that means for you: you're getting a device that's been verified to work properly, not just wiped clean and relisted.

Better for the planet

Buying refurbished extends the life of a device that's already been made. Manufacturing a new MacBook requires mining rare earth metals, energy-intensive production, and global shipping. One refurbished MacBook avoids the carbon emissions and e-waste of producing a new one, helping reduce the environmental impact of tech consumption.

Which Refurbished MacBook Model Is Right for Me?

MacBook Air (M1, M2, M3, M4) — From £350
Light, portable, and perfect for students, everyday browsing, and light creative work. The MacBook Air M1 (2020) with 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD is still an excellent buy if you want performance on a budget. The MacBook Air M2 (2022), MacBook Air M3 (2024), and MacBook Air M4 (2025) add more power and battery life, ideal if you need a bit more headroom.

MacBook Pro 13-inch (M1, M2) — From £396
A step up in processing power, with better thermal management and longer battery life. The MacBook Pro 13-inch M1 (2020) and M2 (2022) models are solid middle ground if the Air feels too light but the 14-inch feels too large.

MacBook Pro 14-inch (M1 Pro/Max, M2 Pro/Max, M3 Pro/Max, M4 Pro/Max) — From £925
The workhorse. Built for video editing, music production, software development, and anything else that pushes a laptop hard. ProMotion display, better speakers, more ports. The MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 (2023) delivers pro-level performance without the 16-inch price tag.

MacBook Pro 16-inch (M1 Pro/Max, M2 Pro/Max, M3 Pro/Max, M4 Pro/Max) — From £1,240
The biggest screen, the longest battery life, the most thermal headroom. If your MacBook is your primary workstation and you rarely close the lid, the MacBook Pro 16-inch is the one.

Can't decide? Read our MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro comparison.

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	MacBook Air	MacBook Pro 13"	MacBook Pro 14"	MacBook Pro 16"
Starting price (refurbished)	£350	£396	£925	£1,240
Chips available	M1, M2, M3, M4	M1, M2	M1 Pro/Max, M2 Pro/Max, M3 Pro/Max, M4 Pro/Max	M1 Pro/Max, M2 Pro/Max, M3 Pro/Max, M4 Pro/Max
Best for	Everyday tasks, students, light creative work	Step-up performance, longer battery	Video editing, music production, software development	Maximum power, longest battery, primary workstation
Weight	1.24 kg (13"), 1.51 kg (15")	1.4 kg	1.6 kg	2.15 kg
Screen size	13" or 15"	13"	14"	16"

What Should I Look for When Buying a Refurbished MacBook?

Battery health and cycle count

A battery's cycle count tells you how many full charge-discharge cycles it's been through. Apple rates MacBook batteries for around 1,000 cycles before capacity drops to 80%. What that means for you: a MacBook with 300 cycles still has roughly 70% of its battery lifespan ahead of it. Most refurbished models on Back Market have batteries well within healthy range, and sellers often replace batteries as part of the refurbishment process. Check the product listing for details.

Cosmetic condition grading

We use a transparent grading system so you know exactly what to expect:

Excellent: Minimal signs of use, nearly flawless
Very Good: Light wear, invisible at arm's length
Good: Moderate wear, fully functional
Fair: Visible scratches or dents, but doesn't affect performance

The grade affects the price, not the warranty. A Fair-condition MacBook Air M1 (2020) works just as well as an Excellent one, it just looks more lived-in. That's how you save more.

Commercial warranty coverage

All Apple MacBooks come with at least 12 months of commercial warranty from the seller. This covers defects and malfunctions. What that means for you: if your MacBook develops a fault, the seller will repair or replace it. Beyond that, UK consumer law gives you additional protection. If a product develops a fault within the first six months, it's presumed to have been there when you bought it, and the seller must fix or replace it.

Included accessories

Every refurbished MacBook includes a compatible charging cable. For environmental reasons, we don't always include a wall plug (most people already have several), but check the listing to confirm what's in the box.

macOS compatibility

Refurbished MacBooks run the latest macOS version supported by their hardware. Older models (pre-2018) may not support the very latest macOS, but they'll still run perfectly well on their supported version. What that means for you: a MacBook Pro 2017 can't run macOS Sonoma, but it runs High Sierra or Mojave flawlessly. If macOS version matters to you, check the specs before buying.

Want to understand the chip generations? We've broken down all Apple MacBook chips so you can shop with confidence.

How Does Back Market Refurbish MacBooks?

Every MacBook sold on Back Market goes through a rigorous refurbishment process before it reaches you.

1. Multi-point inspection

Every MacBook is tested across multiple individual checks. That includes booting, battery diagnostics, screen calibration, keyboard response, trackpad accuracy, port functionality, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, camera, microphone, and speakers. What that means for you: the MacBook you receive has been verified to work properly in every key area.

2. Component testing and replacement

If a component doesn't meet spec, it's replaced. Common replacements include batteries, SSDs, and occasionally displays. Every replacement part is high-quality and compatible with the original design.

3. Professional cleaning

MacBooks are cleaned inside and out. Dust and debris are removed from vents and fans, keyboards are sanitized, and casings are wiped down. You get a device that feels fresh, not second-hand.

4. Quality guarantee

Once refurbishment is complete, the MacBook goes through final QA. If it doesn't pass, it doesn't ship. Every device sold on Back Market meets our quality standards, and your commercial warranty backs that up.

Ready to Find Your Refurbished MacBook?

Choose from MacBook Air M1 (2020), M2 (2022), M3 (2024), and M4 (2025) models starting at £350, or MacBook Pro 14-inch and 16-inch with M-series Pro and Max chips from £925. Every Apple MacBook includes a 12-month commercial warranty, free UK delivery, and a 30-day return policy. Filter by chip, storage, and condition to find the one that fits. Shop now and save up to 50% vs new.

Still deciding? These guides can help:

Best refurbished MacBook — Compare models and find the right one for you
Apple M-series chips explained — M1 vs M2 vs M3 vs M4, decoded
Best MacBook for students — Budget-friendly picks for uni
Understanding the Apple ecosystem — How MacBooks work with your iPhone and iPad

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