The main places to buy a Mac are Apple's own stores and website, major electronics retailers, and authorized resellers—each with different prices, return policies, and warranty coverage
You can walk into an Apple Store and buy a new Mac the same day, order one online from Apple.com with custom configurations, or find them at Best Buy, Amazon, B&H Photo, and other electronics retailers. You can also buy refurbished Macs directly from Apple at a discount, or used machines from private sellers and marketplaces. The choice depends on whether you want the newest model, a lower price, hands-on help before buying, or a specific configuration.
Each route has real differences in what you pay, how long you wait, what happens if something breaks, and who answers questions when you're stuck. Understanding those differences before you buy saves money and frustration later.
Key Takeaways
- Apple Stores and Apple.com offer the full range of current models, free setup help, and a 14-day return window, but prices are the same everywhere Apple sells directly.
- Best Buy, Amazon, and other major retailers sometimes run sales or bundle deals that Apple's own channels do not, and they handle returns through their own policies instead of Apple's.
- Refurbished Macs from Apple.com cost 15 percent less than new ones and come with the same one-year warranty, making them a real way to save on a reliable machine.
- Used Macs from Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay are cheapest but carry no warranty, and you cannot verify the machine's history or battery condition before you buy.
- Authorized Apple resellers like Micro Center and local computer shops can order custom configurations and sometimes match retailer sales, but their inventory and pricing vary by location.
Apple Stores and Apple.com: Direct from the manufacturer
Buying directly from Apple means you get the exact machine you want, configured the way you need it. You can choose your processor, memory, storage, and color at Apple.com before checkout. In an Apple Store, you can see and touch the models on display, ask questions to staff, and walk out with a machine the same day if they have it in stock.
Apple's return window is 14 days from purchase, and every new Mac comes with a one-year limited warranty that covers hardware defects but not accidental damage. AppleCare+ is available for an additional cost and extends coverage to three years, adds accidental damage protection, and includes 24-hour phone support. Prices are identical whether you buy in a store or online—Apple does not discount its own products.
The advantage of buying from Apple is certainty: you know the machine is genuine, you get the full warranty, and you can return it easily if it does not work for you. The disadvantage is that you will not find sales or bundle deals. If a lower price is your priority, other retailers sometimes offer discounts that Apple does not.
Best Buy, Amazon, and major electronics retailers: Sales and convenience
Best Buy and Amazon regularly run sales on current Mac models, especially during back-to-school season, Black Friday, and after new releases. These discounts can be 5 to 15 percent off the Apple Store price, depending on the model and timing. Both retailers ship quickly—Amazon offers same-day or next-day delivery in many areas, and Best Buy lets you pick up in-store or have it delivered.
Returns work through each retailer's own policy, not Apple's. Best Buy typically allows 15 days for returns on computers, and Amazon allows 30 days. If something breaks after the return window closes, you still have Apple's one-year warranty, but you will contact Apple directly rather than the retailer. Neither retailer can customize a Mac before shipping—you get the exact configuration they have in stock.
B&H Photo is another option if you want a wider range of configurations in stock. They ship quickly and have a 30-day return policy. Costco occasionally stocks Macs and offers their standard return policy, which is generous, but their selection is limited and changes frequently.
Refurbished Macs from Apple: Lower cost with full warranty
Apple sells refurbished Macs on Apple.com at roughly 15 percent below the new price. These are machines that were returned within the 14-day window, had a defect that Apple repaired, or were used as display units in stores. Apple tests every refurbished machine and replaces any worn parts before reselling it. They come in new packaging and are indistinguishable from new machines.
Refurbished Macs carry the same one-year limited warranty as new ones, and you can add AppleCare+ for the same price. The return policy is also 14 days. The catch is that refurbished inventory changes daily—you cannot order a specific configuration and wait for it. You buy what is available right now, and popular models sell out quickly.
This is a real way to save money if you are flexible about timing and configuration. A refurbished MacBook Air or Mac mini can cost $200 to $400 less than a new one, and you get the same warranty and support. Check Apple.com regularly if you are interested—new refurbished stock appears throughout the day.
Used Macs from private sellers: Lowest price, highest risk
Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, and local classified sites have used Macs at prices well below retail. A three-year-old MacBook Air might sell for half what a new one costs. If you find a good deal and the machine works, you save real money.
The risks are significant. You have no warranty—if the machine breaks the day after you buy it, you own the repair cost. You cannot verify the machine's history: you do not know if it was dropped, if the battery is worn out, or if it has been stolen. Some sellers are honest and some are not. You are responsible for checking the machine in person before handing over money, and even then, problems can emerge after you leave.
If you go this route, meet in a public place, ask to see the original receipt or proof of purchase, check the serial number on Apple's website to confirm it is not stolen or blacklisted, and test the keyboard, trackpad, screen, and ports thoroughly. Bring a laptop if you can, or at least ask the seller to open the System Information to show you the machine's age and storage capacity. Do not send money before seeing the machine in person.
Authorized Apple resellers: Local options and custom orders
Micro Center, Adorama, and local independent computer shops are authorized Apple resellers. They stock current models, can order custom configurations, and sometimes match sales from major retailers. Staff at local shops often have deeper technical knowledge than big-box retailers and can answer detailed questions about which Mac is right for your work.
Prices and return policies vary by reseller. Some match Amazon or Best Buy's sales; others stick to Apple's pricing. Return windows range from 15 to 30 days depending on the store. Warranty coverage is the same as buying from Apple—one year, with the option to add AppleCare+.
The advantage of a local reseller is personal service and the ability to see machines in person. The disadvantage is that selection and pricing vary by location, and you may not find the exact configuration you want without ordering and waiting. Call ahead to check what they have in stock and whether they can match a price you found elsewhere.
Comparing price, speed, and support across channels
The table below shows how each buying option stacks up on the factors that matter most: what you pay, how fast you get the machine, how long you have to return it, and what warranty protection comes with it. Use this to narrow down which channel fits your situation.
| Where to Buy | Price Range | Delivery Time | Return Window | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Store or Apple.com | Full price | Same day (store) or 1–3 days (online) | 14 days | 1 year, AppleCare+ available |
| Best Buy | 5–15% off | Same day or next day (varies by location) | 15 days | 1 year (Apple warranty) |
| Amazon | 5–15% off | 1–2 days (Prime) or standard shipping | 30 days | 1 year (Apple warranty) |
| Apple refurbished | 15% off | 1–3 days | 14 days | 1 year, AppleCare+ available |
| Used (private seller) | 40–60% off | In-person pickup | None | None |
| Authorized reseller | Full price or matched sale | 1–3 days or in-store | 15–30 days (varies) | 1 year (Apple warranty) |
If speed matters most, Apple Stores and Best Buy offer same-day pickup. If price is your main concern, refurbished Macs and used machines cost the least, but used machines come with no warranty. If you want a balance of price, warranty, and convenience, Amazon or Best Buy during a sale is often the best choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to buy a Mac at Best Buy than at Apple?
Best Buy sometimes runs sales that are 5 to 15 percent below Apple's price, especially during seasonal promotions. Apple.com does not discount, so if you see a sale at Best Buy or Amazon, that is genuinely cheaper. However, not all models are on sale at the same time, so compare the specific machine you want before deciding.
Should I buy refurbished or new?
Refurbished Macs from Apple are tested, repaired, and come with the same one-year warranty as new machines. The only real difference is that refurbished stock is limited and changes daily. If you are flexible about timing and want to save 15 percent, refurbished is a solid choice. If you need a specific configuration right now, buy new.
Can I return a Mac to Best Buy if I buy it at Apple?
No. You must return it to the place you bought it. If you bought it at Apple, return it to Apple within 14 days. If you bought it at Best Buy, return it to Best Buy within their return window. Each retailer handles its own returns.
What should I check before buying a used Mac in person?
Test the keyboard, trackpad, screen brightness, and all ports. Ask the seller to open System Information to show the machine's age, storage, and battery cycle count. Check the serial number on Apple's website to confirm it is not stolen. Meet in a public place and do not send money before inspecting the machine thoroughly.
Do I need AppleCare+ when I buy a Mac?
No. Every Mac comes with a one-year limited warranty that covers hardware defects. AppleCare+ is optional and adds accidental damage protection, extends coverage to three years, and includes 24-hour phone support. Whether it is worth the cost depends on how you use the machine and how long you plan to keep it.