Pondering of shopping for a Mac or MacBook for college, faculty or college? Right here, in our greatest Mac for college students information, Macworld’s consultants check out Apple’s present line-up and consider which Mac is finest for college students. We examine the MacBook Air vs MacBook Professional for school and study whether or not a desktop Mac may truly be a more sensible choice. And we’ll suggest which Mac to decide on primarily based in your wants as a scholar and the course you take.
Selecting the perfect Mac for school or college is dependent upon what you will be finding out in addition to how a lot you need to spend. Fortunately registered college students can get monetary savings on a brand new Mac by buying at Apple’s Training Retailer.
College students can sometimes save $100 to $200 within the U.S., within the U.Okay. the financial savings are from £100 to £200, Australian college students can save between $150 and $330 and Canadian college students can sometimes save from $130 to $270. Plus, in the course of the summer time months college students can even get a free pair of AirPods or an Apple Pencil with a purchase order of a brand new Mac (or iPad) in Apple’s Greater Training supply.
Regardless of Apple’s Pupil Low cost and summer time supply, our recommendation is to buy round for offers which may be even higher. You could possibly get much more cash off your Mac buy should you go straight to a reseller and you may see the perfect affords proper now beneath.
Easy methods to discover Apple’s Training Retailer
Click on on the hyperlinks beneath to go straight to Apple’s Training Shops within the nations the place most of our readers reside.
Simply word that some resellers might supply a greater low cost than the one Apple affords college students, so examine the perfect costs proper now proven beneath earlier than deciding the place to purchase your new Mac.
Is MacBook Air or MacBook Professional higher for college students?
That is seemingly the query you’re hoping to get a solution to: ought to I purchase a MacBook Air or a MacBook Professional for school? As you will notice from the summaries beneath, the MacBook Air is the mannequin we might suggest for many college students, it’s gentle, has nice battery life, and comes at a fantastic worth.
However there are causes to decide on the MacBook Professional, with its superior display, additional ports, and 24-hour battery life presumably being necessities to your wants.
We even have a devoted article the place we examine the MacBook Air vs MacBook Professional intimately that you simply may discover helpful.
Finest MacBook for college students
Beneath we’ll consider the totally different MacBooks from the attitude of a typical scholar within the order that we suggest them for college students.
1. MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 2025): Preferrred scholar laptop computer
Worth When Reviewed:
$999
Should you’re in search of a MacBook that doesn’t break the financial institution and affords the final word in portability and nice battery life, then the MacBook Air is the proper match.
You may assume that the MacBook Air is low-powered compared to the MacBook Professional, however the MacBook Air and entry-level 14-inch MacBook Professional each share the identical M4 chip and each include 16GB RAM as commonplace. On paper they appear the identical, however the MacBook Air prices a lot much less. It seems to be like a simple determination.
There are some variations to the specs should you look nearer, although. The entry-level MacBook Air prices $999, but it surely has an 8-core GPU somewhat than a 10-core GPU (which might be higher suited to extra demanding purposes, like high-end video games and graphics). It additionally solely affords 256GB storage.
However, for an additional $200 you will get a MacBook Air with 10-core GPU and 512GB storage. It could definitely be value the additional cash should you can afford the mid-range $1,199 MacBook Air mannequin. In case your price range doesn’t stretch to that then we suggest that you simply consider some iCloud storage so that you could keep away from filling your Mac with photographs and music).
The MacBook Professional with an analogous spec to that mid-range MacBook Air prices $1,599, which is an enormous soar in worth. For some individuals the additional $400 might be value paying (as we are going to talk about beneath), however for almost all of scholars we expect the MacBook Air might be greater than appropriate to your wants.
There are a number of different issues to think about. The 13-inch MacBook Air affords 18 hours of battery life, in response to Apple. That is lower than the 14-inch MacBook Professional’s 24 hours, however greater than sufficient should you overlook to convey your charging cable to the library.
The opposite distinction is that there are fewer ports on the MacBook Air in comparison with the MacBook Professional, however the two USB-C ports and separate MagSafe port for charging must be ample.
How a lot can college students save on the 13-inch MacBook Air, M4?
MSRP: $999 / £999 / AU$1,699 / CA$1,399
Pupil: $899 / £899 / AU$1,549 / CA$1,249
College students save: $100 / £100 / AU$150 / CA$150
You’ll see the perfect costs proper now within the block above, which can be even higher than Apple’s training pricing.
2. MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 2025): Finest worth huge display laptop computer
Worth When Reviewed:
$1,199
Finest Costs In the present day:
$1,049
$1049
$1099
$1167.48
There is just one cause to not purchase the 13-inch MacBook Air with M4: the 15-inch MacBook Air with M4.
The 15-inch MacBook Air prices $200 greater than the entry-level 13-inch mannequin, but it surely affords a greater M4 chip as commonplace with the 10-core GPU, somewhat than an 8-core GPU. And there’s additionally an even bigger display.
One other profit pertains to the audio system, that are higher than the smaller MacBook Air’s. Right here you get a six-speaker sound system with force-canceling woofers somewhat than the four-speaker sound system of the 13-inch MacBook Air.
Clearly, the 15-inch MacBook Air weighs a bit extra and can take up extra space in your bag, however in order for you an even bigger display then that’s a good worth to pay.
Battery life is similar 18-hours because the 13-inch MacBook Air.
How a lot can college students save on the 15-inch MacBook Air, M4?
MSRP: $1,199 / £1,199 / AU$2,099 / CA$1,699
Pupil: $1,099 / £1,099 / AU$1,949 / CA$1,549
College students save: $100 / £110 / AU$150 / CA$150
You’ll see the perfect costs proper now within the block above, which can be even higher than Apple’s training pricing.
Learn our full
Apple 15-inch MacBook Air (M4, 2025) evaluation
3. Apple 14-inch MacBook Professional (M4, 2024): Premium display
Worth When Reviewed:
$1,599 | $1,799 | $1,999
Finest Costs In the present day:
$1,449
$1449
$1453.5
$1499
$1599
The 14-inch MacBook Professional with M4 is sort of a leap up from the MacBook Air by way of worth, so it’s possible you’ll be questioning why anybody would need to pay extra for the MacBook Professional.
There are 4 fundamental causes to purchase the MacBook Professional somewhat than the MacBook Air although. One is that if the MacBook Air received’t be highly effective sufficient to your wants. The factor in regards to the MacBook Air is that it lacks a fan, which implies that should you actually push it then the Mac may decelerate to keep away from overheating. For that reason, if you wish to use your Mac for heavy processing then you definately is perhaps higher off with a MacBook Professional. Though, on this case, when you’ve got the price range, you may truly need to contemplate the M4 Professional possibility (mentioned subsequent).
Another excuse to decide on the MacBook Professional over the MacBook Air is the show. The MacBook Professional affords a 120Hz Professional Movement mini-LED show with as much as 1,600 nits brightness in HDR, whereas the MacBook Air show is a regular 60HZ LED show and 500 nits. As a result of higher-quality show, you’ll be able to anticipate smoother visuals, higher visibility in brilliant environments, and higher distinction from the MacBook Professional.
One different advantage of the MacBook Professional is the broader collection of ports than on the MacBook Air. The MacBook Air consists of two Thunderbolt/USB C ports whereas the MacBook Professional fashions characteristic three Thunderbolt/USB C ports together with HDMI and an SDXC card reader, which might be handy for individuals who need to join exterior shows or switch recordsdata instantly from units like cameras.
Lastly the MacBook Professional battery life is a formidable 24 hours. Greater than sufficient to get you thru a day and an all-nighter at college.
Are these additional options value the additional cash? The reply is dependent upon what you want from the laptop computer. It affords higher efficiency for CPU-intensive duties, like video rendering, and the upper refresh charges will lead to smoother visuals and be higher suited to high-end video games.
How a lot can college students save on the 14-inch MacBook Professional, M4?
MSRP: $1,599 / £1,599 / AU$2,499 / CA$2,099
Pupil: $1,499 / £1,499 / AU$2,349 / CA$1,969
College students save: $100 / £100 / AU$150 / CA$130
Learn our full
Apple 14-inch MacBook Professional (M4, 2024) evaluation
4. MacBook Professional 14-inch (M4 Professional, 2024): Final MacBook
Worth When Reviewed:
$1,999 | $2,399
Finest Costs In the present day:
$1,779
$1779
$1808.5
$1899
It’s unlikely that college students want the facility of the M4 Professional within the 14-inch MacBook Professional (or 16-inch MacBook Professional for that matter) and the value is prone to be prohibitive anyway. However we do see some good MacBook Professional offers, so if you will get a discount then these extra highly effective MacBook Professional fashions are value contemplating.
Should you want a extra highly effective Mac as a result of your course requires it, or maybe as a result of you’re a gamer in search of a machine that may meet these calls for, then it can save you a bit of cash by selecting the 14-inch MacBook Professional over the 16-inch mannequin. Each fashions supply the identical specs, so that you aren’t forfeiting any high-power choices. Learn: 14-inch vs 16-inch MacBook Professional.
How a lot can college students save on the 14-inch MacBook Professional, M4 Professional?
MSRP: $1,999 / £1,999 / AU$3,299 / CA$2,699
Pupil: $1,849 / £1,849 / AU$3,069 / CA$2,509
College students save: $150 / £150 / AU$230 / CA$190
MacBook vs Mac desktop for college students?
Pupil life usually includes a good quantity of mobility – touring to lectures, libraries, the occasional espresso store, after which presumably dwelling for weekends and time period breaks–so it is sensible to think about a laptop computer somewhat than a desktop Mac.
Whereas the display sizes in MacBooks are smaller than iMacs, you’ll be able to at all times purchase an inexpensive display and use that along with your laptop computer if you end up dwelling. Or, should you even have an iPad, you may be capable to hyperlink your iPad to your MacBook and use the iPad display too (right here’s use your iPad as a second display to your Mac). You may additionally use that iPad for taking notes if you end up at lectures (learn our information to the finest iPad for college students).
Nonetheless, there are some advantages to purchasing a Mac desktop. Usually, it’s the case that you simply pay extra for a Mac laptop computer, in comparison with the identical specs on a desktop. The Mac mini, for instance, is Apple’s most cost-effective Mac regardless of having some fairly spectacular specs. Nonetheless, should you examine the 24-inch iMac with a equally speced Mac laptop computer the iMac is significantly dearer.
Finest Mac desktops for college students
Whereas we recognize that there are many advantages related to selecting a laptop computer for college, it’s possible you’ll be higher off with a desktop.
1. Mac mini (M4, 2024): Least expensive Mac
Worth When Reviewed:
$599 | $799 | $999
The Mac mini was upgraded in October 2024 when it gained the M4 chip (and the M4 Professional chip possibility mentioned beneath). It additionally received a model new, a lot smaller, design. It now measures a diminutive 5-inches by 5-inches (12.7cm x 12.7cm). So yow will discover room for it in your desk, or in your bag when heading dwelling for the vacations.
Within the U.Okay. Apple additionally lowered the value, so it’s now $599/£599 (the value hasn’t modified within the U.S.). Relying on the place you’re primarily based, the most cost effective Mac going is now even cheaper! The one actual compromise is the shortage of monitor and keyboard.
In case you are on a price range the Mac mini is the best way to go. Get an entry-level Mac mini and ask round for an outdated keyboard, mouse and monitor.
How a lot can college students save on the Mac mini, M4?
MSRP: $599 / £599 / AU$999 / CA$799
Pupil: $499 / £499 / AU$829 / CA$669
College students save: $100 / £110 / AU$170 / CA$130
2. Apple Mac mini (M4 Professional, 2024): Extra energy for much less
Worth When Reviewed:
$1,399
Finest Costs In the present day:
$1279
$1286.99
$1399
$1399
$1399
The M4 Professional Mac mini affords all the advantages of the Mac mini mentioned above together with the extra highly effective M4 Professional chip which brings extra GPUs and assist for extra RAM (unified reminiscence).
Should you want an M4 Professional chip the Mac mini with M4 Professional is loads cheaper, at $1,299 (scholar worth) than a 14-inch MacBook Professional, which begins at $1,849 for college students. Positive, it’s worthwhile to purchase a monitor, mouse and keyboard, however you’ll be able to in all probability discover whole lot on these equipment.
How a lot can college students save on the Mac mini, M4 Professional?
MSRP: $1,999 / £1,999 / AU$3,299 / CA$2,699
Pupil: $1,849 / £1,849 / AU$3,069 / CA$2,509
College students save: $150 / £150 / AU$230 / CA$190
Learn our full
Apple Mac mini (M4 Professional, 2024) evaluation
3. Mac Studio (M4 Max, 2025): Final energy, low worth
Worth When Reviewed:
$1,999
Finest Costs In the present day:
$1999
The M4 Max Mac Studio affords extra GPU cores and assist for extra RAM, at a a lot lower cost than equally specced Mac laptops.
Should you want a strong Mac, both as a result of your course calls for it, or since you need to spend your free time gaming, the Mac Studio is value consideration, and the coed low cost is fairly good. We’d await the brand new mannequin to launch although.
As with the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Professional fashions although, we’d recommend that you simply in all probability don’t want this a lot energy and will in all probability use the cash for one thing extra essential, like lodging or meals.
How a lot can college students save on the Mac Studio?
MSRP: $1,999 / £2,099 / AU$3,499 / CA$2,699
Pupil: $1,799 / £1,899 / AU$3,199 / CA$2,399
College students save: $200 / £210 / AU$330 / CA$270
Learn our full
Apple Mac Studio (M4 Max, 2025) evaluation
Which Mac do you have to get for college?
Our choose of your complete Mac vary, should you’re a scholar, is the M4 MacBook Air. It’s gentle, quick, and with scholar pricing beginning at $899/£899 it’s excellent worth. Our recommendation can be to spend a bit extra to get the $1,199 MacBook Air with 10-core GPU and 512GB storage, we expect the additional $200 is nicely value it.
In case you are in search of the most cost effective Mac you will get, the M4 Mac mini is an excellent possibility. It’s highly effective and with Apple’s training low cost, it’s simply $499/£499. You simply want a monitor, mouse and keyboard.
How a lot can college students save on a Mac?
It can save you a whole lot on a MacBook Air, MacBook Professional, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio and even a Mac Professional at Apple’s Training Retailer all 12 months spherical.
College students can sometimes save $100 to $200 within the U.S., within the U.Okay. the financial savings are from £100 to £200, Australian college students can save between $150 and $330 and Canadian college students can sometimes save from $130 to $270. Financial savings are even greater on high-end merchandise just like the Mac Professional, though we aren’t certain that many college students want a type of.
Right here’s how the Mac and MacBook MSRP compares to the coed worth:
| Product | U.S. | U.Okay. | Australia | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13.6-inch MacBook Air, M4, MSRP | $999 | £999 | $1,699 | $1,399 |
| 13.6-inch MacBook Air, M4, Pupil low cost | $899 | £899 | $1,549 | $1,249 |
| 15-inch MacBook Air, M4, MSRP | $1,199 | £1,199 | $2,099 | $1,699 |
| 15-inch MacBook Air, M4, Pupil low cost | $1,099 | £1,099 | $1,949 | $1,549 |
| 14-inch MacBook Professional M4 MSRP | $1,599 | £1,599 | $2,499 | $2,099 |
| 14-inch MacBook Professional M4 Pupil low cost | $1,499 | £1,499 | $2,349 | $1,969 |
| 14-inch MacBook Professional, M4 Professional MSRP | $1,999 | £1,999 | $3,299 | $2,699 |
| 14-inch MacBook Professional, M4 Professional Pupil low cost | $1,849 | £1,849 | $3,069 | $2,509 |
| 16-inch MacBook Professional, M4 Professional MSRP | $2,499 | £2,499 | $3,999 | $3,299 |
| 16-inch MacBook Professional, M4 Professional Pupil low cost | $2,299 | £2,299 | $3,699 | $3,049 |
| iMac M4 MSRP | $1,299 | £1,299 | $1,999 | $1,699 |
| iMac M4 Pupil low cost | $1,249 | £1,249 | $1,919 | $1,629 |
| Mac mini M4 MSRP | $599 | £599 | $999 | $799 |
| Mac mini M4 Pupil low cost | $499 | £499 | $849 | $669 |
| Mac Studio M4 Max MSRP | $1,999 | £2,099 | $3,499 | $2,699 |
| Mac Studio M4 Max Pupil low cost | $1,799 | £1,899 | $3,199 | $2,399 |
| Mac Professional M2 Extremely MSRP | $6,999 | £7,199 | $11,999 | $8,999 |
| Mac Professional M2 Extremely Pupil low cost | $6,599 | £6,789 | $11,309 | $8,479 |
Should you’re a scholar, you can too get Apple Music for half worth with free Apple TV+ included.
Easy methods to get a scholar low cost on a Mac
You may get a scholar low cost at Apple’s training shops, however you need to qualify as a scholar in increased training, be a instructor, somebody shopping for for an training establishment, or a house educator.
Faculty-age kids can solely take benefit if the gear is being bought by their faculty or if their mother or father is home-educating them.
In case you are a registered scholar you’ll be capable to get a reduction on a brand new Mac should you store in Apple’s numerous Training Shops (beneath). You could find out all about it in additional element in our Apple Training Retailer explainer.
Getting a scholar low cost from Apple’s training retailer isn’t the one strategy to get a less expensive Mac as a scholar although. There are numerous methods to get a discount:
Look out for reseller reductions: One other strategy to get a discount is to look out for offers at Apple resellers and Amazon, the place now we have see Macs with as a lot as $500 off the value. Check out our spherical ups of the perfect Mac offers to get the perfect costs proper now:
Purchase a refurbished Mac: Benefit from Apple’s refurbished retailer the place the corporate sells ex-display, returned, and previous-generation Macs at a reduction. The advantage of shopping for refurbished from Apple is that the merchandise are totally checked and include a one-year guarantee. You can too get a refurbished Mac elsewhere with many resellers providing the identical service, however beware that not all refurbished Macs are equal. Often refurbished implies that the Mac is assured to be in full working order, however do examine with the reseller. Right here’s a information to purchase a refurbished Mac. We additionally take a look at why you can purchase a refurbished Mac. One factor to notice: should you discover what you assume is an efficient deal on an older Intel Mac we don’t suggest that you simply purchase one. Intel Macs will seemingly solely be supported with safety updates for a pair extra years, so it’s possible you’ll end up needing to improve earlier than the top of your course.
Purchase second-hand/used: One benefit of shopping for refurbished is that it must be assured to work and you shouldn’t have any drawback returning it if there’s a drawback. These are the explanation why we don’t suggest shopping for a secondhand Mac. Should you do see a deal on a secondhand or used Mac simply be particularly cautious.
The most effective Mac bargains are normally on older fashions, though we do see reductions on present Macs as nicely. Should you see a great low cost on an older Mac it’s essential to concentrate on what the newer fashions affords in order that you understand what you’re lacking out on and might choose whether or not the deal is pretty much as good because it seems to be. For one factor, older Macs are prone to characteristic Intel processors somewhat than Apple’s M1, M2, M3 or their variants, which might put you at a drawback sooner or later (and will definitely imply your Mac depreciates in worth in a short time). Contemplating an Intel Mac? Our recommendation is: keep away from, Apple will cease assist for Intel Macs in September 2026. See: How lengthy does Apple assist Macs for.
For getting recommendation on the finest Home windows laptops, see our sister website PCWorld.
Should you’re doing a level in movie and video, or music, or graphic design then it’d make sense to additionally take a look at one in all our different Finest Mac For… guides for that topic space:
We even have a information that will help you get the finest MacBook offers for college students. We additionally supply recommendation about how a lot storage, RAM
