What is the Best Year of MacBook Pro to Buy Used in 2025
Introduction — Why Choosing the Right Year Matters
When buying a MacBook Pro in 2025, the year you choose makes a huge difference in performance, reliability, and long-term value. Not all MacBook Pros age equally — some models have hardware issues, others lose macOS support sooner, and certain years introduced major upgrades like the Apple Silicon chip. Picking the right year ensures you get a machine that runs smoothly, lasts longer, and provides the best return on your investment. In the following paragraphs, we have listed the key factors to consider when choosing a used MacBook Pro.
1. Certified Used vs. Used — Why Refurbished Is Better
The first decision is whether to buy Used or Certified Used / Refurbished. A Certified Used or Refurbished MacBook Pro has been inspected, tested, and restored to meet strict quality standards, often backed by warranty. In contrast, buying a regular used laptop from an individual seller can be risky — you don’t know how it was treated, if it has hidden damage, or how much life is left in the battery. Choosing Certified Refurbished means you get a like-new experience at a fraction of the original price, with peace of mind that it will perform reliably.
2. macOS Compatibility — Stick with the Latest Updates
Software support is one of the most important factors when buying a MacBook Pro. Apple typically supports macOS updates for about 7 years from a model’s release. A MacBook stuck on an older macOS may miss out on critical security patches, performance improvements, and compatibility with new apps. To future-proof your purchase, always choose a model that supports the latest macOS 26, which is supported by all models of 2020 and after. This ensures your MacBook remains secure, fast, and usable for years to come.
3. The Keyboard Issue — Avoid the Butterfly Keyboard
Between 2016 and 2019, Apple’s MacBook Pros came with the infamous Butterfly Keyboard. While sleek in design, it quickly became known for reliability issues — sticky keys, double typing, or complete key failure due to dust or debris. Apple eventually admitted the flaw and replaced it with the far superior Magic Keyboard starting in 2020. If you’re shopping in 2025, it’s best to avoid any MacBook Pro released before 2020. Not only will you sidestep the keyboard headaches, but you’ll also get a laptop with better durability and typing comfort.
4. Apple Silicon Advantage — Why Intel Models Are Outdated
Another major turning point for the MacBook Pro came with the introduction of Apple Silicon in 2020. The M1 and later M1 Pro, M1 Max, and M2 chips brought massive improvements in speed, efficiency, and battery life compared to Intel-based models. In fact, Intel MacBooks now feel outdated because they run hotter, drain faster, and will lose macOS support sooner than their Apple Silicon counterparts. If you’re investing in a MacBook Pro today, sticking with Apple Silicon ensures better performance and longer usability.
5. Price and Value — Using UpTrade’s Price Tracker
Price always matters, and that’s where UpTrade’s Price Tracker comes in. Instead of hunting across multiple sites, UpTrade lets you compare real-time listings for Certified Used and Refurbished MacBook Pros from trusted sellers like Apple, Amazon, and Best Buy. As of 2025, here’s what you can expect to pay:
- MacBook Pro 2020 (M1) — starts around $500+, making it the best all-around value.
- MacBook Pro 2021 (M1 Pro / M1 Max) — starts at $730+, great for those who want a bigger screen and more power.
- MacBook Pro 2022 (M2) — starts at $750+, ideal for those who prefer the newer generation.
Using UpTrade helps you stretch your budget while ensuring you get the right balance of price, performance, and long-term support.
Our Top Recommendation: MacBook Pro 2020 (M1)
If you’re looking for the best balance of price, performance, and longevity, the MacBook Pro 2020 (M1) is the top pick in 2025. It was the first MacBook Pro with Apple Silicon, delivering outstanding speed, battery life, and efficiency compared to Intel models.
Specs Table — MacBook Pro 2020 (M1)
| Feature | MacBook Pro 2020 (M1) |
| Launch Date | November 2020 |
| Display | 13.3" Retina Display (2560 × 1600) |
| Processor | Apple M1 (8-core CPU, 8-core GPU) |
| RAM Options | 8GB, 16GB |
| Storage Options | 256GB – 2TB SSD |
| Battery Life | Up to 20 hours |
| Keyboard | Magic Keyboard |
| macOS Support | macOS Sequoia (and beyond) |
| Current Price (2025) | $500+ (Certified Refurbished) |
Key Highlights:
- First MacBook Pro with Apple Silicon — huge leap in performance and battery efficiency.
- Still receives full macOS updates and likely will for 4–5 more years.
- Excellent value at $500+, making it the most affordable long-term choice.
⚠️ Friendly Reminder: In 2020, Apple launched two versions of MacBook Pro, Intel and M1. When you are shopping for the Certified Used / Refurbished 2020 MacBook Pro, please make sure to select the M1 version.
Alternatives to Consider
MacBook Pro 2021 (M1 Pro / M1 Max)
For those who need more power for video editing, coding, or design, the MacBook Pro 2021 is a fantastic step up. It introduced new screen sizes (14" and 16"), a redesigned chassis, and the more powerful M1 Pro and M1 Max chips.
Specs Table — MacBook Pro 2021 (M1 Pro / M1 Max)
| Feature | MacBook Pro 2021 |
| Launch Date | October 2021 |
| Display | 14.2" or 16.2" Liquid Retina XDR (mini-LED, 120Hz ProMotion) |
| Processor Options | M1 Pro (up to 10-core CPU, 16-core GPU) / M1 Max (up to 32-core GPU) |
| RAM Options | 16GB – 64GB |
| Storage Options | 512GB – 8TB SSD |
| Battery Life | Up to 21 hours |
| Keyboard | Magic Keyboard |
| macOS Support | macOS Sequoia (and beyond) |
| Current Price (2025) | $730+ (Certified Refurbished) |
Key Highlights:
- Stunning mini-LED display with ProMotion (120Hz).
- Huge leap in graphics performance with M1 Pro / M1 Max.
- Excellent choice for creatives and professionals who need more than the M1.
MacBook Pro 2022 (M2)
If you prefer something newer but don’t need the Pro/Max power, the MacBook Pro 2022 (M2) is a strong option. It’s very similar to the 2020 M1 model but with improved speed and efficiency thanks to the M2 chip.
Specs Table — MacBook Pro 2022 (M2)
| Feature | MacBook Pro 2022 (M2) |
| Launch Date | June 2022 |
| Display | 13.3" Retina Display (2560 × 1600) |
| Processor | Apple M2 (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU) |
| RAM Options | 8GB, 16GB, 24GB |
| Storage Options | 256GB – 2TB SSD |
| Battery Life | Up to 20 hours |
| Keyboard | Magic Keyboard |
| macOS Support | macOS Sequoia (and beyond) |
| Current Price (2025) | $750+ (Certified Refurbished) |
Key Highlights:
- M2 chip offers faster CPU and GPU performance than the M1.
- Extra RAM option (24GB) makes it better for multitasking.
- Great option if you want something newer but still affordable.
Conclusion – The Best Year of MacBook Pro to Buy Used in 2025
When it comes to buying a MacBook Pro in 2025, the MacBook Pro 2020 (M1) stands out as the best option. It’s affordable at around $500+, runs on Apple Silicon for excellent performance, and still has years of macOS updates ahead. For most users, this is the sweet spot between price, power, and longevity. (BTW, I also bought one for myself. It has been working exceptionally well!)
If you need more performance for creative or professional work, the MacBook Pro 2021 (M1 Pro) offers a larger display and much stronger processing power, while the MacBook Pro 2022 (M2) gives you newer hardware with improved efficiency and performance.
No matter which model you choose, buying Certified Used or Refurbished ensures you get a high-quality device with warranty support at a fraction of the cost of buying new. By using UpTrade’s Price Tracker, you’ll find the best deals from trusted sellers without wasting hours searching.
FAQ: Buying a Used MacBook Pro in 2025
1. What is the best year of MacBook Pro to buy in 2025?
The MacBook Pro 2020 (M1) is the best year to buy, thanks to Apple Silicon performance, long macOS support, and affordable pricing at $500+.
2. Why should I avoid older Intel MacBook Pro models?
Intel MacBooks suffer from shorter battery life, overheating, and are already losing software support. Apple Silicon models (M1, M1 Pro, M2) are far more efficient and future-proof.
3. What is wrong with the Butterfly Keyboard?
The Butterfly Keyboard (used in 2016–2019 MacBook Pros) was unreliable, prone to sticking keys, and widely criticized. The Magic Keyboard (2020 and newer) fixed these issues and is much more reliable.
4. Should I buy a brand-new MacBook Pro instead?
If budget is no concern, a new MacBook Pro is excellent. But Certified Refurbished or Used models save you hundreds of dollars while still offering the same performance, warranty, and software support.
5. How long will the MacBook Pro 2020 (M1) be supported?
It should receive macOS updates for at least 4–5 more years, making it a safe long-term investment in 2025.
6. What’s the difference between the M1, M1 Pro, and M2?
- M1 (2020): Excellent balance of performance and efficiency, best for everyday users.
- M1 Pro / M1 Max (2021): More CPU/GPU power, better for creatives and professionals.
- M2 (2022): Faster and newer than M1, with better multitasking options.
7. Where can I find the best prices on MacBook Pro models?
Use UpTrade’s Price Tracker to compare prices of Certified Used and Refurbished MacBook Pros across Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, and other trusted sellers.
