How we find the best MacBook Air deals

Eugen Wegmann

When selecting the best MacBook Air deals, our editors combine their knowledge of Apple products new and old with year-round market monitoring of the best prices, so we know the best prices resellers have sold MacBook Air for – and we know if they have a really good deal and not just an ok deal.

In addition, because we have reviewed the full range of Apple MacBooks, and use them on a daily basis we also know which models represent the best value for money and can advise accordingly.

Here’s why you can trust the deals Macworld identifies:

1. We check top resellers in the U.S. and the U.K. for the best prices throughout the year, ensuring we always have a finger on the pulse of the best savings.
2. We use price comparison tools to watch resellers and compare their current discounts so we know who has the best deal right now.
3. We hand-pick deals based on the product’s long-term price history and our own in-depth reviews.
4. We consider the product’s release cycle and whether a significant update is due soon.
5. We compare like with like: so if the newest model offers more storage, or more RAM, we make this clear.
6. We also advise on whether a shopping event is likely to happen soon in which you might get an even better deal, or if you might be able to qualify for specific deals.

We regularly check prices, but it’s worth checking various retailers in the price comparison tables below, as prices do fluctuate. If you want to buy a particular model you will find the best prices right now in the tables below.

If you would consider buying a MacBook Pro then take a look at our round up of the Best MacBook Pro deals. We also list all the best Apple deals right now on all Apple products, including iMac, Mac mini, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. 

MacBook Air pricing: How the M5 compares to the M4 models

In June 2026, Apple inflated prices for Macs and iPads due to the global shortage of RAM driven by explosive demand for AI infrastructure. MacBook Air prices have increased by $200 in each instance.

Apple said it has “never seen a component price increase this much, this quickly”. This forced Apple to raise prices across its Mac and iPad lineups.

Comparing prices from before and after the price hikes is complicated by they way Apple’s online store showcases prices. At the beginning of February 2026, Apple changed the way the online Apple Store works. Previously, the store presented a clear selection of configurations and buying options, allowing shoppers to choose the model that best suited their needs and budget. Now, customers start with a base configuration and add options – such as more RAM or additional storage – until they reach the specification they want.

With this new approach, it is less obvious upfront how much an ideal configuration will cost, which we think is a disadvantage for buyers. Apple, however, is likely hoping the system will encourage customers to opt for higher-end configurations.

Another consequence of this change to how you buy a Mac is that it has become more difficult to compare pricing between generations. With the arrival of the M5 MacBook Air, prices and configurations shifted significantly. At first glance, it may appear that prices have increased, but in some cases you could actually get more for your money with this generation because the new models didn’t just include a new chip — they also doubled the storage. However, those savings are now lost thanks to the price hikes.

Is now a good time to buy a new MacBook Air?

Foundry

Prices are unlikely to come down significantly until Prime Day in October or Black Friday in November. If you can’t wait until then, now is a good time to buy a new MacBook Air if you’re looking for the latest model. The current MacBook Air lineup features the M5 chip and was just updated in March 2026, so an update isn’t expected until some time in 2027.

The March update wasn’t just a chip update, Apple also doubled the storage and added a new 32GB RAM option, so if you see a deal on an older model make sure that the price compares favourably to the new model.

The deals rarely come from Apple itself. While Apple will sometimes offer vouchers as an incentive to buy a new Mac (that’s Apple’s usual Black Friday giveaway), the company never discounts prices. Apple does sell refurbished Macs at a lower price though, so that might be something to consider, especially as Apple Certified Refurbished Store prices are based on the old, pre-hike prices. We expect that this stock will be sold quickly though, so act fast!

Students should check the Apple Education Store, where they will be able to pick up a discount (as long as they qualify for one). Read more: How to get a student discount from Apple. Also note that Apple holds a “Back To Uni” event which runs in the US usually from June to September, in the UK from July to October, and in Australia between January and March. The Australian 2026 deal included free AirPods or Apple Pencils with select purchases, so Apple is likely to run that same deal in U.S., U.K. and elsewhere in 2026.

Which MacBook Air to buy

Foundry

The MacBook Air offers a great combination of performance, portability, and now features at a starting price of $1,099, making it an excellent choice for general consumers and students. The choice is mainly between the 13-inch and 15-inch models, with the selection depending on whether you would value the larger screen over the better portability of the smaller model.

Other factors to consider are:

Power & performance: Current MacBook Air models are powered by the M5 chip, which has a 10-core CPU and either an 8-core or 10-core GPU. This is more than enough power for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and light creative work. A few generations ago, MacBook Air models only offered 8GB RAM, so, if you are looking at refurbs, we recommend that you only consider models with 16GB RAM as a minimum. The MacBook Pro is better for professionals who need more power.

Storage: Base models used to start with 256GB of storage, but Apple has now increased this to 512GB. That’s a better storage capacity if you plan to store and work with large files. The internal storage cannot be upgraded later so make sure you get enough.

Design and Portability: The MacBook Air is light and thin, with the 13-inch model weighing less than three pounds (1.24kg/2.7lb), making it easy to carry around.

Display: There is a choice of 13-inch or 15-inch display: the 15-inch M5 model is a great value option if you want a larger screen without the higher cost of a MacBook Pro. It now starts at $1,499, which is a relatively small price increase over the 13-inch model. The M5 MacBook Air can support two external displays, thanks to its Thunderbolt 4 ports. Previous models – M3 and older – were more limited when it came to supporting external displays.

Budget: The best choice depends on your budget and performance needs, as there can be compelling deals on older MacBook Air models. If you are looking at an older model, just be sure to check that you are comparing like with like, especially when it comes to storage.

For more help choosing read Which MacBook is best?