The main places to buy a Mac are Apple's own stores and website, Best Buy, Amazon, and authorized resellers like B&H Photo and Micro Center
You can walk into an Apple Store to see and touch the machines before you buy, get setup help on the spot, and use their trade-in program if you have an old computer. You can also order from Apple's website and pick up in-store the same day, or have it shipped to your home. Best Buy carries most current Mac models in stock, offers their own trade-in program, and often runs sales that Apple does not. Amazon stocks current Macs at list price with fast shipping, though you lose the in-person support. Authorized resellers like B&H Photo, Micro Center, and Adorama typically match Apple's prices but may have older stock or limited selection depending on your location.
The choice between them comes down to what matters to you: hands-on help before purchase, speed of delivery, price matching, or the ability to see multiple brands side by side. Each route has real trade-offs, and none is universally cheapest or fastest.
Key Takeaways
- Apple Stores and Apple.com let you configure a Mac to your exact specs, see it in person, and get same-day pickup or home delivery.
- Best Buy stocks current models in most locations, runs sales Apple does not offer, and has a trade-in program separate from Apple's.
- Amazon ships quickly at list price but offers no in-store support or hands-on testing before purchase.
- Authorized resellers like B&H Photo and Micro Center match Apple's prices and may have older or refurbished models at a discount.
- Refurbished Macs sold directly by Apple come with the same warranty as new ones and cost 15 percent less on average.
Apple Stores and Apple.com
Apple Stores are staffed with product specialists who can walk you through the differences between MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac, and Mac Studio models. You can sit down with a machine, open your own files, test the trackpad and keyboard, and ask about software you plan to use. If you know what you want, you can buy it on the spot and leave with it the same day. If you need time to think, you can order online and pick up within a few hours.
Apple.com lets you build a Mac to order — choosing processor speed, memory, storage, and color — and see the price update as you go. Shipping takes three to five business days for standard delivery, or you can choose overnight for an extra charge. Apple also runs a trade-in program where you enter your old Mac's model and condition, get an when ready estimate, and either mail it in or bring it to a store. The credit applies to your purchase when ready, even if Apple has not yet received the machine.
The downside: Apple's prices are fixed. You will not find sales on current models at Apple Stores or Apple.com, though refurbished machines (certified by Apple, with full warranty) cost about 15 percent less and ship within a week.
Best Buy
Best Buy stocks current MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini models in most stores. You can see them on display, ask questions, and buy one to take home the same day. Best Buy's return window is 15 days, compared to Apple's 14 days, and they offer a Geek Squad setup service if you want help transferring files or installing software.
Best Buy runs sales on Macs several times a year, especially around Black Friday, back-to-school season, and holiday weekends. These discounts are typically $100 to $300 off list price on current models — not huge, but real. Best Buy also has its own trade-in program separate from Apple's; the value may differ, and you can explore the credit to any purchase, not just a Mac.
The trade-off is selection. Best Buy carries the popular configurations but not every option Apple offers. If you need a specific processor, memory, or storage combination, you may have to order it online and wait for delivery, or go to Apple instead.
Amazon
Amazon stocks current Mac models at Apple's list price with two-day or next-day delivery if you have Prime membership. You can read customer reviews, compare specs side by side, and order without leaving home. Returns are handled through Amazon's standard 30-day window, which is longer than Apple's or Best Buy's.
The catch is that Amazon does not offer in-person support, trade-in programs, or setup help. You unbox the Mac yourself, and if something is wrong, you go through Amazon's return process rather than walking into a store. Amazon also does not sell refurbished Macs directly, so you cannot get the 15 percent discount that Apple offers on certified used machines.
Amazon works best if you already know exactly which Mac you want, have no questions about setup, and value fast delivery over everything else.
Authorized Resellers: B&H Photo, Micro Center, and Adorama
Authorized resellers are allowed to sell new Macs at Apple's list price. B&H Photo and Adorama ship nationwide and often stock older models or refurbished units at a discount. Micro Center has physical stores in select cities and carries current stock. All three match Apple's prices on new machines, so there is no price advantage unless you are buying refurbished or clearance inventory.
The real reason to use a reseller is selection of older models or refurbished stock. If you want a 2021 MacBook Air at a lower price, or a refurbished iMac from a year ago, resellers often have it when Apple has moved on. They also sometimes run their own sales or bundle deals — for example, B&H occasionally discounts AppleCare+ or includes a free case with purchase.
Shipping times vary. B&H and Adorama typically ship within one to three business days. Micro Center offers same-day pickup at their physical locations. Return policies differ by reseller, so check before you buy.
Refurbished Macs and When They Make Sense
A refurbished Mac is a machine that was returned, had a defect fixed, or was used as a display unit, then cleaned and tested by the manufacturer. Apple's refurbished Macs come with the same one-year warranty as new ones, and you can add AppleCare+ for the same price as on a new machine. They cost about 15 percent less than new — a MacBook Air that lists for $1,199 might be $999 refurbished.
Refurbished machines are sold through Apple.com in a separate section, and stock varies by model and configuration. They sell quickly, especially popular models like the MacBook Air. You can also find refurbished Macs through authorized resellers, though the warranty and return policy depend on the seller, not Apple.
Refurbished makes sense if you want to save money, do not need the latest processor, and are comfortable with a machine that may have minor cosmetic marks. If you need a specific configuration or color, refurbished stock may not have it.
Comparing Price, Speed, and Support
| Retailer | Price | Delivery | In-Person Support | Trade-In Program |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Store / Apple.com | List price; refurbished 15% off | Same-day pickup or 3–5 days | Yes, specialists on staff | Yes, when ready credit |
| Best Buy | List price; sales $100–$300 off | Same-day pickup or 1–2 days | Yes, limited informed | Yes, separate program |
| Amazon | List price only | 2 days (Prime) or standard | No | No |
| B&H Photo / Adorama | List price; refurbished discounted | 1–3 days shipping | Phone support, no stores | No |
| Micro Center | List price; occasional sales | Same-day pickup (in-store) | Yes, in-store only | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to buy a Mac at Best Buy or Apple?
Best Buy runs sales a few times a year that Apple does not, typically $100 to $300 off. Outside of those sales, both charge the same price. If you are not in a hurry, waiting for a Best Buy sale can save money. If you need the Mac now, price is the same either way.
Can I buy a Mac and return it if I change my mind?
Yes. Apple and Best Buy both allow returns within 14 to 15 days if the machine is unopened or in original condition. Amazon allows 30 days. Resellers vary, so check their policy before you buy. Once you have opened and used the Mac, return options narrow.
Should I buy refurbished or new?
Refurbished Macs from Apple come with the full one-year warranty and cost about 15 percent less. They are a good choice if you want to save money and do not need the latest processor. If you plan to keep the Mac for five years or more, the savings may not be worth the smaller selection and older hardware.
Do I need AppleCare+ when I buy a Mac?
AppleCare+ is optional and costs $99 to $379 depending on the Mac model. It extends your warranty to three years and covers accidental damage. You can buy it when you purchase the Mac or within 60 days after. Most people do not need it if they are careful, but it is worth considering if you travel with your Mac or have a history of accidents.
What is the difference between buying at an Apple Store and ordering from Apple.com?
Both offer the same prices and warranty. Apple Stores let you see the Mac in person and get when ready help. Apple.com lets you configure a custom Mac and have it shipped or picked up. If you know what you want, Apple.com is faster. If you are unsure, the Apple Store is better.