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What is the best used MacBook under $500?

Under $500, buy a 2020 MacBook Air M1 with 8GB and 256GB, if the battery is healthy and Find My is off. That is the Apple silicon Mac that regularly lands in this budget. Walk away from Intel machines and from anything listed as parts, locked, or as-is.

Asking ranges as of November 11, 2026. The eBay button is the live price.

  1. Our pick

    MacBook Air 13-inch (M1, 2020)

    The only model on this guide that routinely asks under $500.

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Questions

What is the best used MacBook under $500?
Under $500, buy a 2020 MacBook Air M1 with 8GB and 256GB, if the battery is healthy and Find My is off. That is the Apple silicon Mac that regularly lands in this budget. Walk away from Intel machines and from anything listed as parts, locked, or as-is.
Can I get a MacBook Pro under $500?
A clean 14-inch M1 Pro usually asks about $730. Listings far under that often have a worn battery, a cracked screen, or an iCloud lock.
Is 8GB enough for a student under $500?
It is enough for writing, browsing, and Zoom if you keep the tab count down. It is the compromise you accept to stay under $500.