Which MacBook to Buy? Air or Pro, New or Refurbished

Since Apple started building MacBooks with its own M-chips, even models several years old are impressively fast in everyday use. That is exactly what makes the used market exciting: a refurbished MacBook often delivers the same perceived performance as a new device, for significantly less money. Which leaves the question: which one?

MacBook Air: the right choice for most people

The MacBook Air is light, silent (no fans) and powerful enough for everything most people do daily: web, office work, email, video calls, photos, even light image and video editing. From the M2 generation onwards you also get the more modern design with a brighter display. For studying, office work and everyday life, the Air is the clear recommendation.

MacBook Pro: for those who really need the power

The Pro is worth it if you regularly edit video, produce music, develop software or run many heavy programs in parallel. In return you get active cooling for sustained loads, the better display with 120 Hz, more ports (HDMI, SD card reader) and, if you want, the significantly more powerful Pro and Max chips. If you need the difference, you notice it immediately; if you don't, you only pay a premium and carry more weight.

Which M-chip is enough?

The honest answer: for everyday and office use, even an M1 is more than sufficient, and that is exactly why older M generations are an insider tip when refurbished. Every step up (M2, M3, M4) brings more speed and efficiency, but you mainly feel the difference in demanding work. Better to buy an older chip generation with a better configuration than the newest chip in the base version.

RAM and storage: don't skimp here

• RAM: 8 GB is enough for light use; 16 GB is the recommendation for anyone who wants to keep the device for five years or longer. RAM cannot be upgraded later on MacBooks.
• SSD: 256 GB is tight if you store photos and videos locally. 512 GB is the sweet spot.

Why refurbished pays off especially with MacBooks

MacBooks are durable, hold their value and receive macOS updates from Apple for many years. At the same time, the price discount on one to three year old devices is substantial. Every refurbished MacBook at remarket.ch is fully tested, the previous owner's data is erased with certified wiping, and you get a 1-year warranty plus a 14-day right of return. The risk compared to a private purchase disappears completely.

Conclusion

For most people: a MacBook Air from M2 with 16 GB RAM and a 512 GB SSD. For creatives and developers: a MacBook Pro with a Pro chip. In both cases: refurbished instead of new saves several hundred francs at practically the same everyday performance. Browse our MacBook range; all devices tested and ready to ship.