The best cheap MacBook deals in September 2018

If you're looking for the best cheap MacBook deals, you've come to the right place, as we've just updated our guide with the very latest 2018 models. The decision of whether or not you should pick up a new MacBook is an easy one: does it play to your strengths? Maybe you need the lightest and most portable macOS machine out there today, one with good battery life. Perhaps you want an iMac with a beautiful, vibrant display that’s or rendering your crisp documents and gorgeous media. Or, maybe you just don’t like Windows? Whatever your reason, there are plenty of deals out there to help you save on a Mac.

Our exclusive price comparison tool will check the price of every readily available model of MacBook on all major retail websites, so you can be sure you’re always getting the best MacBook deal. We've stopped comparing prices on some older models if they're not widely available or if they generally cost more than newer versions despite the dated tech inside. All you need to do now is work out whether it’s a MacBook, a MacBook Pro or a MacBook Air that you want. We'll help though.

If you're not quite set on a Macbook (they are rather pricey), then we have some alternative options for you, along with the best prices. Take a look at our selection of best laptops for other top performing machines or our cheap laptop deals for solid buys that won't break the bank as we search for great prices all year round. 

The 2018 version of the 13-inch Apple MacBook Pro is the best yet, comes with the Touch Bar as standard and features a range of improvements over the older models. The screen resolution may be the same with the excellent Retina display, but now there's True Tone technology inside that senses ambient lighting in the room or outdoors to adjust the brightness of the screen for the best possible picture. The keyboard is quieter and less 'clicky' too. You're getting the brand new 8th-gen Coffee Lake core processor and the quad-core CPUs have doubled the performance of the 2017 models. With more options for larger RAM too, options really open up for creatives and professionals with the MacBook Pro 2018.

The larger 15-inch version of the 2018 MacBook Pro with the Touch Bar is generally going to cost a fair bit more than the 13-inch model, but that's not just because of the larger screen. This model packs a lot more under the hood too, with Apple providing multiple options with increased RAM, extra processing power with a six core Coffee Lake processor and larger SSD storage options. Naturally, you're getting the same improvements over the 2017 version too like the True Tone screen technology and quieter keyboard. This really is a powerhouse laptop for designers and industry creatives. If you don't need all the power though, we'd consider the cheaper 13-inch model, or maybe even one of the older versions found below if the prices are right for you.

MacBook Air (2017) deals

The MacBook Air series is making a comeback

We have to admit, we thought Apple was done with the MacBook Air line after the new Pro lineup was just as compact and almost as light. Apple has given the 13-inch MacBook Air its first update since 2015 though. This means you can now get a much healthier 8GB of RAM instead of 4GB along with a processor upgrade to 1.8GHz (over 1.6GHz) making it much better at multi-tasking. Older MacBook Air stock is gradually disappearing from retailers now although prices have been stubbornly high even on refurbs. In all honesty, you're getting much better value by opting for this modern version instead.

Macbook (2017) deals

The Kaby Lake upgrade you've been waiting for?

The screen and compact dimensions on the 2017 MacBook are the same as the 2016 edition. But if you're weighing up the actual differences between the new 2017 and 2016 MacBooks, here are some key points to consider. You're now getting the 7th-gen Kaby Lake processors with i5 and i7 options now available. 2015 MacBook owners are more likely to appreciate the improvements really. The prices we're seeing lately though aren't that much more expensive than the 2016 models.

MacBook Pro (2017) 13 and 15-inch deals (with Touch Bar)  

A touch above the rest?

The 2017 updates to the MacBook Pro lineup didn't change an awful lot in all honesty. The main improvement was the upgrade to Kaby Lake processors. The 7th-gen chips offer increased performance for 4K streaming and media editing. Eventually the 2016 versions will disappear at most retailers, but it's worth keeping an eye on the comparison chart below to see if there any are discounted models lingering around.

MacBook Pro (2016) 13 and 15-inch deals (with Touch Bar) 

2016 was crying out for a refresh of the MacBook Pro and Apple once again came up with something rather special. In addition to the internal spec getting a long awaited upgrade and that gorgeous Retina display (available in 13-inch and 15-inch flavours), Apple introduced its long-rumoured Touch Bar technology. This mini-LED display replaces the Function keys and comes up with different touch display controls for loads of different programs. Uses so far include safari bookmarks, predictive text, search field, emojis, photo galleries or even more intensive actions like photo editing or mixing records. Simple, yet innovative.

2017/2016 MacBook Pro 13-inch deals (no Touch Bar)

The 2016 and 2017 models are MacBook Air rivals with Pro spec

The older 13-inch MacBook Pros are amongst the cheaper options if you want to go Pro. These versions don't come with a Touch Bar which is something to factor in when comparing how much you'll save versus the added functionality the new tech could add to your work and computing life in general.

These are incredibly light for MacBook Pros, but they still pack an incredible punch with 2.3GHz (2.0GHz on the 2016 model) and dual core processors ranging from i5 to i7. The trackpads are larger than older MacBook Pros too and you're getting fantastic Retina displays which still look stunning today.

Macbook (2016) deals

If you decide that Apple's mini marvel is for you, you're getting one of the best Macbooks Apple's ever made. With faster internals than the outdated 2015 model , it's capable of zipping through lesser-demanding tasks without complaining and leaves you with more confidence to get the job done. Plus, well, look at it.

MacBook Pro 13-inch with Retina display (2015) deals

The older and smaller MacBook Pro is still a force of nature

The 2015 MacBook Pro didn't undergo a dramatic reimagining, but then there wasn't anything particularly wrong with it in the first place. Improvements to its performance meant it was better value than before, and the noticeably improved battery life makes it even more of a mobile workhorse.

MacBook Pro 15-inch with Retina display (2015) deals

Looking for something a bit bigger?

If you're looking for the larger-sized laptop experience in the MacBook range, the 2015 model 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display is still an impressive piece of kit and arguably worth a shout even today if you can get a good price. The Intel Core i7 2.5 GHz processor combined with 16GB of RAM will make light work of anything you can throw at it. 512GB of super fast flash storage, a new Force Touch trackpad and that incredible four million pixel-packing display make this a fantastic laptop.

Why not upgrade your storage with a cheap hard drive or SSD? See the best hard drive and SSD deals.

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