Buy directly from Apple or through authorized retailers
You can buy a Mac from Apple's official website (apple.com), at an Apple Store, or from authorized Apple retailers like Best Buy, B&H Photo, and Adorama. Buying directly from Apple gives you the full warranty, the ability to configure custom specs before purchase, and access to Apple's return policy — typically 14 days. Authorized retailers often match Apple's prices and sometimes run sales, though their return windows vary by store.
Best Buy carries most current Mac models in stock and offers its own return window (usually 15 days) plus the option to add Geek Squad protection plans. B&H Photo and Adorama cater to creative professionals and often stock higher-end configurations; both ship nationwide and have straightforward return policies. If you need a Mac quickly and want to see it in person before buying, Apple Stores and Best Buy locations let you handle the machine and ask questions on the spot.
Key Takeaways
- Apple's website and Apple Stores offer the full range of current models with Apple's standard warranty and return policy.
- Best Buy, B&H Photo, and Adorama are authorized retailers that often stock the same models and sometimes offer sales or bundle deals.
- Refurbished Macs from Apple's official refurbished store come with a one-year warranty and cost 15 percent less than new models.
- Used and third-party refurbished Macs from eBay, Amazon Marketplace, and local sellers are cheaper but carry no manufacturer warranty unless stated.
- Costco and Sam's Club occasionally stock Macs at a discount if you have a membership, though selection is limited and changes by location.
Apple's refurbished store for certified discounted machines
Apple sells refurbished Macs through its official refurbished store (apple.com/refurbished). These are machines that were returned within the return window, had minor defects, or were used as display units. Apple restores them, replaces worn parts, and tests them to the same standard as new machines. A refurbished Mac comes with a one-year warranty and the same return policy as a new one.
Refurbished Macs typically cost 15 percent less than the new price for the same configuration. Inventory changes daily and popular models sell out quickly, so if you see the exact model you want, buying soon is worth considering. The trade-off is that you cannot customize specs on a refurbished machine — you buy what Apple has in stock.
Used Macs from eBay, Amazon Marketplace, and local sellers
You can find used Macs on eBay, Amazon Marketplace (sold by third-party sellers, not Amazon itself), Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local classified sites. Prices are often lower than refurbished models, especially for older machines. The catch is that used Macs from private sellers come with no warranty unless the seller explicitly states otherwise, and you have no recourse if the machine fails after purchase.
When buying used, ask the seller for the machine's age, battery cycle count (on laptops), whether it has been repaired, and what macOS version it runs. Request photos of the screen, keyboard, and any visible damage. On eBay and Amazon Marketplace, buyer protection policies cover you if the item does not match the description or does not arrive, but they do not cover hardware failure after you receive it. Meeting a local seller in person lets you test the machine before handing over money.
Costco and Sam's Club for occasional discounts with membership
Costco and Sam's Club stock a limited selection of Macs — usually the most popular MacBook Air and Mac mini models — at prices slightly below Apple's standard retail price. Selection and pricing vary by location and change throughout the year. Both warehouses require a membership to purchase, and their return policies are generous (Costco allows returns for up to 90 days on electronics; Sam's Club allows 90 days as well).
These are good options if you already have a membership and want to avoid shipping, but do not expect a wide range of configurations. Call your local warehouse to confirm they have the model you want in stock before making a trip.
Comparing price, warranty, and return options
| Source | Price Range | Warranty | Return Window | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple.com or Apple Store | Full retail | One year (AppleCare+ optional) | 14 days | Custom configs, in-person support |
| Best Buy | Full retail or sale | One year (Geek Squad plans optional) | 15 days | Quick pickup, in-store returns |
| B&H Photo, Adorama | Full retail or sale | One year | 30 days | Creative professionals, extended returns |
| Apple refurbished store | 15% below retail | One year | 14 days | Budget-conscious buyers, certified quality |
| Used (eBay, Marketplace, local) | Varies widely | None unless stated | Varies by platform | Older models, lowest price |
| Costco, Sam's Club | Slight discount | One year | 90 days | Members seeking convenience |
What to check before you buy
Before purchasing, confirm the Mac model meets your needs — MacBook Air for everyday work and school, MacBook Pro for video editing or software development, Mac mini for a desktop, iMac for a larger all-in-one screen, or Mac Studio for professional creative work. Check the processor generation (newer is faster), RAM (8GB is minimum; 16GB is standard for most work), and storage size (256GB is tight; 512GB is safer).
If you are buying used or refurbished, verify the machine can run the macOS version you need. Older Macs cannot run the latest operating system, which can matter if you use software that requires a recent version. Ask the seller or check Apple's specs page to confirm compatibility. Also check whether the machine is locked to an Apple ID — a used Mac with an active lock cannot be set up by a new owner without the original account holder's password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to buy a Mac from Best Buy than from Apple?
Prices are usually the same, but Best Buy occasionally runs sales or bundles Macs with accessories at a discount. Check both sites before buying. Best Buy's return window is 15 days versus Apple's 14 days, a minor advantage.
Should I buy AppleCare+ when I buy my Mac?
AppleCare+ extends your warranty to three years and covers accidental damage for a fee per incident. It costs $99 to $379 depending on the Mac model. If you keep your Mac for three years and are accident-prone, it may be worth it; otherwise, the standard one-year warranty covers manufacturing defects.
Can I return a Mac if I change my mind?
Yes. Apple allows 14-day returns from the date of purchase. Best Buy allows 15 days. B&H Photo allows 30 days. The machine must be in resalable condition. Used machines sold by private sellers have no return may provide unless the seller agrees in writing.
What is the difference between a refurbished Mac and a used Mac?
A refurbished Mac has been tested, cleaned, and had worn parts replaced by the manufacturer or a certified refurbisher. A used Mac is sold as-is by a previous owner with no may provide of testing or repair. Refurbished Macs come with a warranty; used Macs typically do not.
Where can I find the best deal on a Mac?
Apple's refurbished store offers the best discount (15 percent off) with a warranty. Used Macs are cheaper but carry risk. Best Buy and B&H Photo occasionally run sales. Costco and Sam's Club offer small discounts if you have a membership. Check multiple sites and compare the total cost including any extended warranty or protection plan.