# Snag a Deal: The Best MacBook and Mac Mini Prices Right Now
Apple’s ecosystem of MacBooks and Mac Minis offers a powerful and versatile computing experience. However, the initial investment can be significant. Thankfully, finding discounts on these coveted devices is more attainable than you might think. With Apple frequently updating its lineup, older models often see price drops, creating opportunities to snag a bargain. Whether you’re eyeing a sleek MacBook Air, a robust MacBook Pro, or a compact Mac Mini, here’s a breakdown of the best deals currently available.
## Why Now is a Good Time to Buy
Apple’s strategy of shaking up RAM configurations in its newer models has a knock-on effect, driving down prices on older, but still highly capable, machines. While perpetual discounts on Macs are rare, it’s not uncommon to see savings of up to $400 on various models. Another avenue for savings is Apple’s Refurbished Store, offering discounts of 15-20% with a one-year warranty. This is particularly useful for finding specific configurations of older models no longer sold new.
## MacBook Air Deals: Light, Powerful, and Affordable
The MacBook Air is the perfect blend of portability and performance. Here’s a look at the best deals across different generations:
### M1 MacBook Air: The Budget Champion
While discontinued by Apple, the M1 MacBook Air remains a solid choice for everyday productivity. Its fanless design ensures silent operation, and its performance is more than sufficient for most users.
* **Deal:** Walmart continues to offer the base model (8GB RAM, 256GB storage) for **$649**, a substantial $350 discount.
### M2 MacBook Air: Slim, Stylish, and Capable
The M2 MacBook Air features a refreshed design with a 1080p webcam and MagSafe charging. While the base model’s storage performance is slightly slower, it’s still a significant upgrade over the M1.
* **Deal:** Best Buy has the 13.6-inch M2 model with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage for **$749** (a $200 savings). Alternatively, the 8GB RAM / 512GB SSD version is available for **$799** (a $300 discount).
### M3 MacBook Air: The Current Generation
The M3 MacBook Air boasts faster performance, Wi-Fi 6E, and support for two external displays (when the lid is closed).
* **Deal:** B&H Photo offers the 13-inch M3 (8-core GPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) for **$999** ($100 off). Amazon has the 16GB RAM / 512GB SSD model with a 10-core GPU for **$1,099** ($200 off).
### M4 MacBook Air: The New Kid on the Block
Apple’s latest MacBook Air features the M4 processor, a minimum of 16GB of RAM, and the ability to connect to two external monitors with the lid open.
* **Deal:** Amazon and B&H Photo are offering the 13-inch base model (10-core CPU, eight-core GPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB storage) for **$949** and **$999** respectively (both around $50 off). The 15-inch model (10-core GPU, 10-core CPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB storage) is on sale for **$1,165** ($35 off) at Amazon.
## MacBook Pro Deals: Power and Performance on the Go
The MacBook Pro caters to professionals and power users who demand the most from their laptops.
### M3 and M3 Pro MacBook Pro: The Workhorses
The 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro offers a balance of performance and portability. Higher-end configurations include the M3 Pro or M3 Max chips, increased RAM, and additional ports.
* **Deal:** Best Buy has the base 14-inch M3 (8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) for **$1,199** ($200 off). The 8GB RAM / 1TB SSD is also at **$1,199**. Upgrading to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage costs **$1,499** ($200 off). The 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M3 Pro (11-core CPU / 14-core GPU), 18GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD is available at B&H Photo for **$1,699** ($300 off). The 16-inch M3 Pro (18GB RAM, 512GB SSD) starts at **$1,999** ($400 off) at Best Buy. Models with 36GB of RAM and 512GB of storage are also selling for **$2,399** ($400 off) at Best Buy.
### M4 and M4 Pro MacBook Pro: The Latest and Greatest
The M4-series MacBook Pro brings significant upgrades, including more RAM, faster Thunderbolt 5 ports (on higher-end models), and an improved webcam.
* **Deal:** Amazon has the base 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro (16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) for **$1,449** ($151 off). The 24GB / 512GB variant with an M4 Pro chip (12-core CPU / 16-core GPU) is down to **$1,829** ($171 off) at Amazon. The base 16-inch MacBook Pro with an M4 Pro chip, 24GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage is on sale for **$2,289** ($211 off) at Amazon.
## Mac Mini Deals: Compact Powerhouse
The Mac Mini is a versatile desktop computer ideal for home or office use.
### M4 and M4 Pro Mac Mini: Small Size, Big Performance
The M4 Mac Mini delivers impressive performance in a remarkably compact package.
* **Deal:** Amazon offers the base M4 Mac Mini (16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) for **$557** ($43 off). The version with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD is available for **$743** ($56 off) at Amazon. The base M4 Pro model with 24GB of RAM and 512GB of storage is on sale at Amazon starting at **$1,299** ($100 off).
## Final Thoughts
With Apple’s continuous product releases, there are plenty of opportunities to find a MacBook or Mac Mini that fits your needs and budget. Keep an eye on these deals and take advantage of the savings to join the Mac ecosystem. Remember to check retailer websites for the most up-to-date pricing and availability. Happy hunting!