As a student or video editor, you know the value of a high-performance laptop like the MacBook Pro. However, the premium design and components of a MacBook also mean a premium price tag, often putting the latest models out of reach for those on a tight budget. If you're determined to get your hands on a new MacBook without breaking the bank, you'll need to employ some savvy shopping strategies. With the right approach, you can uncover little-known deals and discounts to save hundreds of dollars on your new MacBook. In this guide, you'll discover insider tips to help you find the lowest price on a MacBook Pro or Air in the USA, whether you're shopping online, in-store at major retailers, or exploring alternative options like refurbished models. By the end of this article, you'll have the knowledge you need to become an expert deal hunter and score the best price on a MacBook for your needs.
Check Apple’s Refurbished and Clearance Store
As a student or video editor on a budget, you'll want to explore all options to find the best price on a MacBook. One of the first places you should check is Apple's Refurbished and Clearance store.
Apple's refurbished products go through a rigorous reconditioning process to meet the company's high standards before being offered for resale. Refurbished MacBooks often provide substantial savings of up to 15% off the original price. The inventory is frequently updated, so check back regularly to find the specific model you need.
Once a refurbished MacBook has been purchased, it is eligible for the same 1-year limited warranty and 90 days of complimentary technical support as a new MacBook. You can also purchase AppleCare+ for extended coverage. For many buyers, the warranty and support, combined with the lower price, make a refurbished MacBook an attractive option.
Students and those in education can receive additional discounts on refurbished MacBooks through the Apple Education Store or at their campus store. It is worth checking if you qualify for the education pricing, which can offer up to $200 off select refurbished models.
While a refurbished MacBook may have minor cosmetic blemishes, it undergoes testing to ensure it meets Apple’s quality standards before being sold. For budget-conscious buyers, a refurbished MacBook from Apple’s trusted refurbished store is an excellent way to get a fully functional laptop at a lower cost. With multiple avenues for extra savings, students and video editors can find an affordable MacBook to meet their needs.
Look for Education Discounts and Student Deals
As a student or video editor, you want the best tech at the lowest price. One way to save big on a new MacBook is to look for education discounts and student deals.
Many retailers like Apple, Best Buy, and B&H Photo Video offer student discounts on MacBooks and other Apple products. To qualify, you typically need to provide proof of current student status like an ID card. Discounts can range from $50 to $200 off depending on the model. Some stores also offer additional perks like free AirPods or an Apple Music subscription with purchase.
Apple's own Education Store provides discounts for students, teachers, and faculty. Students can save up to $200 on a new MacBook and also get 20% off AppleCare+ coverage. Apple frequently offers additional promotions like free Beats headphones or an Apple Music subscription for students. They also provide education financing so you can pay over time with no interest.
Students should also check with their university or college technology store. Many schools offer educational discounts on MacBooks and software for students, faculty, and staff. Some may even provide financing or payment plans to help make a MacBook more affordable.
Buying a refurbished MacBook from Apple's Certified Refurbished store is another way for students and video editors to save money. Refurbished models provide the same 1-year warranty as new MacBooks but at a lower cost. You can often find the latest models for 10-15% off retail pricing.
With some research, students and video editors can find significant discounts on a MacBook. Be sure to check all options to get the best tech at the lowest student-friendly price. Saving money on a powerful tool for your education or work is worth the effort.
Search for Coupon Codes and Promo Offers
To find the lowest price on a MacBook, searching for available coupon codes and promo offers is key. Many retailers frequently run sales and discounts on Apple products, especially for students and educators.
Check Retailer Websites
Visit the websites of major MacBook retailers like Best Buy, B&H Photo, and Adorama regularly to look for current coupon codes and promo offers. These retailers often have student discounts for those with a valid .edu email address. They also frequently offer bundle deals when you purchase a MacBook with other products like an AppleCare+ protection plan, wireless mouse or external storage drive.
Search Online for Coupon Codes
Use websites like RetailMeNot, Coupons.com, and Bargainist to find coupon codes for many MacBook retailers. These sites allow you to enter the store name and search for both online and in-store coupon codes to save on your purchase. Some codes may take 10-15% off your order or provide free shipping. Be sure to check that the codes are still valid before making your purchase.
Look for Refurbished or Open-Box Deals
Buying a refurbished or open-box MacBook from the Apple Store or a third-party retailer like Best Buy is a great way to score a deal. Refurbished MacBooks go through Apple’s stringent quality testing and come with the same one-year warranty as new models. Open-box units were simply returned by a previous owner and should still work like new. You can often find refurbished or open-box MacBooks for $100-$500 less than the retail price of a new model.
Don't Forget About Seasonal Sales
Retailers frequently discount MacBooks and offer the lowest prices during major seasonal sales events. The best times to find deals are during Black Friday and Cyber Monday in November, holiday sales in December, and Back to School sales in August and September. If you can wait to purchase until one of these major sale periods, you're likely to find the most aggressive discounts and hottest deals on a new MacBook.
Buy a Used or Refurbished Model
Consider a Refurbished or Used Model
Purchasing a refurbished or used MacBook is an excellent way to get a high-quality laptop at a significant discount. Apple thoroughly tests and repairs refurbished models before reselling them, and they come with the same 1-year warranty as new MacBooks. You can often find refurbished models on Apple's website for 10-15% off the original price.
Independent sellers on sites like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace frequently offer used MacBooks at even steeper discounts. When buying from a private seller, be sure to thoroughly test the laptop to ensure it's in good working condition before purchasing. Check that the screen, keyboard, trackpad, and all ports are functioning properly. Examine the physical condition closely for any major dents, scratches or other damage.
Ask the seller for the laptop's serial number so you can check that it's not stolen and still eligible for AppleCare coverage or warranty. If everything checks out, you can get a used MacBook for hundreds less than a new model. For students and video editors on a budget, purchasing a refurbished or used MacBook is a smart way to get a powerful machine at an affordable price.
Some other tips for finding the best deal on a used or refurbished MacBook:
Compare prices on multiple sites to find the lowest offer. Private sellers are often more flexible on price than major retailers.
Look for models that are 1-3 years old. They will still work great but at a steep discount. Newer models may not save you as much.
Consider less popular configurations like a 13-inch screen or smaller SSD to potentially save more. You can always add external storage if needed.
Be patient and check frequently for new listings. Good deals often don't last long. Act quickly when you find a model that meets your needs at the right price.
Don't be afraid to negotiate. Many sellers are willing to come down 10% or more from their asking price. Make a reasonable offer and provide evidence to support it.
Pay in cash if possible. This gives you more leverage to ask for a lower price since the seller won't have to pay any fees to process a credit card transaction.
Compare Prices at Different Retailers
To get the lowest price on a MacBook in the USA, comparing prices between major retailers is key. Check the latest deals and discounts on models you're interested in at stores like:
Apple Store
Apple offers student discounts on MacBooks, up to $200 off for college students and $100 off for K-12 students. They also regularly run back to school promotions with free Beats headphones or other gifts with purchase.
Best Buy
Best Buy price matches Apple and most major retailers. They frequently run sales on MacBooks, especially around holidays and during back to school season. Look for their weekly ad and sign up for their student deals newsletter to get the best offers.
B&H Photo
B&H Photo is a trusted Apple reseller that often has the lowest prices on MacBooks. They don’t charge sales tax outside of NY and NJ, which can save you hundreds of dollars. B&H runs limited time “Deal Zone” flash sales with steep discounts on MacBooks.
Amazon
Check Amazon for the latest MacBook listings from Apple and other authorized resellers. Look for “Renewed” or refurbished models to save up to 15% off the new price. Amazon also offers student discounts and financing options to make a MacBook more affordable.
• Compare prices for the specific MacBook model number you want. Prices can vary between retailers for the same product.
• Check for current coupon codes and promo offers to save even more. Retailers like Best Buy, B&H Photo and Amazon frequently run site-wide coupon codes for 10-15% off or more.
• Buy at the end of the product cycle when retailers are clearing out inventory for the latest models. You can find the biggest discounts on previous generation MacBooks this way.
• Consider buying a refurbished or “Renewed” MacBook from a trusted seller to pay significantly less than full retail price for a like-new product with a warranty.
By comparing prices across retailers and looking for the best available deals and discounts, you can get the lowest price on a MacBook for your needs. With some deal-hunting, you may be able to save $200 or more off the standard retail price.
Conclusion
In summary, with some patience and persistence, you can find significant savings on a new MacBook in the US. Check all the major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H Photo Video for the latest deals and coupons. Look for student discounts and open-box options which often come with full warranties. If buying a previous generation model, compare specs to the newest release to ensure it will meet your needs for years to come. Refurbished direct from Apple is also worth considering for additional savings. While the initial cost of a MacBook may seem high, with the right deal-hunting techniques, you can get the machine you need at a price that won't break the bank. With a solid, well-built laptop, access to cutting-edge software, and a reputable brand, a MacBook can be a worthwhile investment for any student, video editor or creative professional.