Introduction
The MacBook Pro 2019 might seem like a steal in 2025—especially with Certified Used and Refurbished models dropping as low as $270, according to UpTrade’s Price Tracker. At first glance, it's tempting: you're getting a MacBook Pro for less than the cost of a new Chromebook. But before you rush to buy, there’s something important you need to know.
Despite the low price, the 2019 MacBook Pro comes with some serious trade-offs—most notably its unreliable butterfly keyboard, older Intel chip, and nearing end-of-support status. While it can still run macOS in 2025, it’s not a long-term investment. In this blog, we’ll break down the pros and cons of buying the 2019 model today and suggest smarter alternatives, like the MacBook Pro 2020 (M1) or MacBook Pro 2020 (Intel)—both far more futureproof and still affordably priced.
MacBook Pro 2019 in 2025: Pros and Cons
If you're looking at the 2019 MacBook Pro strictly from a budget perspective, there are a few upsides—but they come with major limitations.
✅ Pros:
- Price: Available from just $270+ Certified Used on UpTrade.
- Retina Display: Bright and sharp screen with good color accuracy.
- macOS Compatibility: Still supports macOS 15 in 2025.
- Portable Design: Lightweight and compact form factor.
❌ Cons:
- Butterfly Keyboard: Known for sticky keys, double-typing, and failure issues—even after repairs.
- Intel Chipset: Older architecture that runs hotter, slower, and less efficiently than Apple Silicon.
- Battery Life: Weaker than M1 models due to Intel thermal inefficiencies.
- macOS Support Ending Soon: Ending in 2025 and will not support macOS 26 Tahoe launching in late 2025 (except the 16-inch version).
- Poor Resale Value: Demand is low due to keyboard problems and aging hardware.
In short: while the price is appealing, the MacBook Pro 2019 is quickly aging out of Apple’s ecosystem—and may not be worth the long-term hassle.
Keyboard Warning: The Butterfly Problem
One of the biggest reasons to avoid the MacBook Pro 2019 in 2025 is the keyboard. Apple used a “butterfly” keyboard mechanism between 2015 and 2019 that became infamous for failure. Keys would stick, double-type, or stop working entirely due to dust or debris. Even after multiple redesigns and repair programs, the problem persisted.
While Apple did eventually replace faulty keyboards for free under its extended keyboard service program, the root problem never went away. That’s why Apple abandoned the butterfly design entirely starting with late-2019 models, switching to the more reliable Magic Keyboard with a scissor-switch mechanism.
Bottom line: If your MacBook is going to be used for school, work, or productivity, the last thing you want is a flaky keyboard. And if it fails after Apple’s coverage ends, the repair could cost more than the laptop itself.
Performance and Software Support in 2025
The 2019 MacBook Pro uses Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, which were top-of-the-line at the time but now lag behind Apple’s M1 and newer chips in performance, efficiency, and compatibility.
Performance Gaps:
- The M1 chip introduced in late 2020 offers 2x faster CPU and 3x faster GPU in many tasks compared to Intel i5/i7.
- M1-based Macs also have better thermal management, thanks to lower power consumption and smarter architecture.
macOS Support:
- The 2019 MacBook Pro still supports macOS 15 Sequoia.
- However, it will not support macOS 26 Tahoe launching late 2025, except for the 16-inch MacBook Pro 2019.
Conclusion: You’re buying into a machine that is not only slower and hotter than newer models, but also has limited time left for software updates—not ideal for a long-term device.
Better Alternatives to MacBook Pro 2019
If you’re considering a refurbished MacBook Pro under $600 in 2025, there are two much better choices than the 2019 model:
✅ MacBook Pro 2020 (M1) — Starts at $510+ Certified Used
- Apple’s first Apple Silicon MacBook Pro
- Delivers massive gains in performance, battery life, and efficiency
- Fan-cooled for sustained power, ideal for heavier workloads
- Supports the latest macOS and likely will for years (through 2028+)
- Uses the reliable Magic Keyboard
✅ MacBook Pro 2020 (Intel) — Starts at $330+ Certified Used
- Still has the Magic Keyboard, unlike the 2019 version
- Performance is nearly identical to the 2019 model (since it uses similar 10th-gen Intel chips)
- Longer support than 2019 models—at least 2026
- A better “budget Intel Mac” if M1 is out of reach
Specs Comparison Table: MacBook Pro 2019 vs 2020 (Intel) vs 2020 (M1)
| Feature |
MacBook Pro 2019 |
MacBook Pro 2020 (Intel) |
MacBook Pro 2020 (M1) |
| CPU |
Intel Core i5/i7 (8th Gen) |
Intel Core i5/i7 (10th Gen) |
Apple M1, 8-core |
| GPU |
Intel Iris Plus Graphics |
Intel Iris Plus Graphics |
Apple M1, 8-core GPU |
| RAM Options |
8GB / 16GB |
8GB / 16GB |
8GB / 16GB |
| Storage Options |
128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB |
256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB |
| Keyboard |
Butterfly Keyboard |
Magic Keyboard |
Magic Keyboard |
| Touch Bar |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Battery Life |
Up to 10 hours |
Up to 10 hours |
Up to 20 hours |
| Ports |
2x Thunderbolt 3 |
2x Thunderbolt 3 |
2x Thunderbolt / USB 4 |
| Weight |
3.02 lbs |
3.02 lbs |
3.0 lbs |
| macOS Support |
Likely ends by 2026 |
Through 2027 |
Through 2028+ |
| Price (2025) |
~$270+ |
~$330+ |
~$510+ |
What Makes the M1 Version Stand Out?
The MacBook Pro 2020 (M1) is the clear winner in this comparison. While it looks nearly identical to the Intel versions on the outside, the inside is a completely different story. Apple’s M1 chip delivers dramatically better performance, faster app launches, and double the battery life—up to 20 hours on a single charge. It’s also the most futureproof option here, with macOS updates likely through 2028 or beyond.
Because the M1 is built on Apple’s unified architecture, you also get faster wake times, better thermal efficiency (thanks to the fan-cooled design), and the ability to run iPhone and iPad apps natively on macOS.
The 2020 Intel Model: A Minor Upgrade—But Safer Than 2019
If your budget is tight and you can’t stretch to the M1 version, the MacBook Pro 2020 (Intel) is a reasonable alternative. It features newer 10th-gen Intel processors that offer slight performance gains over the 2019 model. Most importantly, it comes with the Magic Keyboard, which eliminates the keyboard problems that plagued older models.
While it doesn’t offer the speed or battery improvements of M1, it will still get macOS support through at least 2026, making it a safer choice than the 2019 Pro.
✅ Conclusion: Is MacBook Pro 2019 Worth It in 2025?
While the MacBook Pro 2019 may seem appealing at $270+, it's no longer a smart buy in 2025. Most 2019 models do not support macOS 26, meaning they’re already being phased out of Apple’s long-term software ecosystem. Add to that the notorious Butterfly Keyboard, and you're looking at a laptop that’s cheap upfront but costly in the long run.
Instead, consider these better alternatives:
- ✅ MacBook Pro 2020 (M1) — Starting around $510+, it offers top-tier performance, up to 20 hours battery life, and support through macOS 29+.
- ✅ MacBook Pro 2020 (Intel) — Starting around $330+, it retains the Magic Keyboard and supports macOS 26 (at least through 2027).
Unless you’re buying the rare 16-inch 2019 model, which is still supported by macOS 26, it's best to skip the 2019 lineup entirely. You’ll get better speed, longer lifespan, and fewer headaches by spending just a bit more.
1. How much does the MacBook Pro 2019 cost in 2025?
Certified Used MacBook Pro 2019 models start around $270+ as of 2025, depending on size, condition, and configuration.
2. Does the MacBook Pro 2019 support macOS 26?
Most MacBook Pro 2019 models do NOT support macOS 26, with the exception of the 16-inch version. The 13-inch variants have been dropped from Apple’s OS support in 2025.
3. Why is the Butterfly Keyboard a problem?
The 2019 MacBook Pro uses Apple’s now-retired Butterfly Keyboard, which is known for reliability issues such as sticky keys, repeated key presses, and frequent malfunctions.
4. Is the MacBook Pro 2020 Intel version better than 2019?
Yes. The Intel 2020 model includes the Magic Keyboard (replacing the Butterfly version), 10th-gen Intel chips, and support for macOS 26, making it a safer low-cost alternative.
5. What’s the best alternative to MacBook Pro 2019?
The MacBook Pro 2020 (M1) is the top choice. It starts around $510 Certified Used, supports macOS 26 and beyond, and offers significantly better performance and battery life.
6. Is the 2019 MacBook Pro still usable in 2025?
Yes—for basic tasks like web browsing, email, and document editing. However, it lacks long-term OS support and uses an outdated keyboard, making it a risky long-term investment.
7. Can I still get keyboard repairs on a 2019 MacBook Pro?
Possibly. Apple’s Keyboard Service Program still covers many 2015–2019 models, but warranty coverage may be limited in 2025. It’s best to check with Apple using the serial number before purchasing.
