Black Friday can be a good time to buy a MacBook, but the biggest advertised discount isn’t automatically the best deal.
The first decision is whether you need a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro.
For most students, travelers, office users, and everyday buyers, the MacBook Air provides plenty of performance in a thinner and lighter design. MacBook Pro makes more sense when your work benefits from additional performance, a more advanced display, more connectivity, or higher-end chip options.
Apple’s current MacBook lineup is built around the M5 generation. That gives shoppers several choices across the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro families.
This guide compares the MacBooks worth checking during Black Friday 2026, explains who should buy each one, and shows when a previous-generation model may offer better value.
If you’re still deciding between Apple, Windows, and ChromeOS, start with our Black Friday laptop deals guide for a broader comparison.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Table of Contents
Best MacBooks to Check This Black Friday
You don’t need the most expensive MacBook Apple sells.
A better approach is choosing the MacBook that fits your workload and then checking whether Black Friday brings that configuration into a price range you’re comfortable with.
| MacBook | Best For | Why Consider It |
|---|---|---|
| 13-inch MacBook Air M5 | Most buyers | Portable, capable, and less expensive than Pro |
| 15-inch MacBook Air M5 | Larger everyday laptop | More screen space without moving to Pro |
| 14-inch MacBook Pro M5 | Step up from Air | Pro features in a portable size |
| 14-inch MacBook Pro M5 Pro | Demanding work | More performance for professional workloads |
| 16-inch MacBook Pro | Large-screen professionals | Bigger display and high-end configurations |
Exact memory, storage, processor, and GPU configurations can vary. Always check the complete specifications before ordering.
13-Inch MacBook Air M5: Best MacBook for Most Buyers
The 13-inch MacBook Air M5 is where we’d start for most Black Friday MacBook shoppers.
Its smaller design makes it especially appealing to students, commuters, travelers, and anyone who regularly carries a laptop.
More importantly, you don’t have to move to the Pro line just to get a capable Mac.
Why We Picked the 13-Inch MacBook Air
Most buyers don’t need MacBook Pro-level hardware.
The MacBook Air can handle browsing, office work, school, streaming, video calls, photo editing, and a wide range of general productivity tasks.
Its lighter design also makes it easier to carry than a larger laptop.
Best for: Students, everyday computing, travel, office work, and general productivity.
Consider another MacBook if: You want a larger display or regularly perform demanding professional workloads.
Who Should Buy the 13-Inch MacBook Air?
This is the MacBook we’d compare first if you’re replacing an older laptop and don’t have a specialized professional workload.
It’s also worth watching previous-generation inventory during Black Friday.
An older MacBook Air isn’t automatically a bad purchase simply because a newer model exists. The price difference matters.
If the older model receives a substantial discount while still providing enough memory and storage for your needs, it may be the better value.
Check 13-Inch MacBook Air at Amazon
15-Inch MacBook Air M5: Best Larger MacBook Air
The 15-inch MacBook Air M5 solves one of the biggest limitations of the smaller Air: screen space.
You get a larger display without moving all the way into MacBook Pro territory.
That can be useful if your laptop spends most of its time on a desk, but you still want something relatively thin and portable.
Why We Picked the 15-Inch MacBook Air
Not everyone who wants a larger MacBook needs a MacBook Pro.
That’s the main appeal.
The 15-inch Air gives you more room for documents, spreadsheets, browser windows, streaming, and everyday multitasking while keeping you within the Air family.
Best for: Everyday buyers who want a larger display without paying for Pro hardware.
Consider another MacBook if: Maximum portability is your priority or your workload requires higher-end performance.
13-Inch vs. 15-Inch MacBook Air
Choose the 13-inch Air if portability and a smaller footprint matter most.
Choose the 15-inch Air if you’d rather have additional screen space.
For similarly configured models, performance shouldn’t be the main reason to choose one size over the other.
Think about where you’ll actually use the computer.
Someone carrying a laptop every day may appreciate the smaller Air. Someone working primarily at a desk may prefer the extra room provided by the 15-inch model.
View 15-Inch MacBook Air at Amazon
Best MacBook Pro Black Friday Deals
MacBook Pro targets a different buyer.
If your workload includes demanding video editing, software development, large creative projects, intensive multitasking, or other professional applications, paying more for a Pro can make sense.
But don’t buy a MacBook Pro simply because the word “Pro” sounds better.
The MacBook Air is enough of a computer for many people.
14-Inch MacBook Pro M5: Best Step Up From MacBook Air
The 14-inch MacBook Pro M5 occupies an interesting middle ground.
It gives you the MacBook Pro design, display, connectivity, and other Pro features without immediately requiring one of Apple’s highest-end processor configurations.
That makes it worth comparing with a well-equipped MacBook Air.
Why We Picked the 14-Inch MacBook Pro M5
This model makes sense for someone who wants features associated with the Pro line but doesn’t necessarily need the highest level of performance available.
The 14-inch size also keeps it relatively portable.
Best for: Power users, creative work, and buyers who specifically want MacBook Pro features.
Consider another MacBook if: Your workload is relatively light. A MacBook Air could save you money.
Who Should Buy the 14-Inch MacBook Pro?
Consider it if you’ve already ruled out the Air because you specifically value what the Pro provides.
Otherwise, compare it closely with a MacBook Air before spending more.
The extra money should buy something you’ll actually use.
Check 14-Inch MacBook Pro M5 at Amazon
14-Inch MacBook Pro M5 Pro: Best for Demanding Work
Moving to the M5 Pro version changes the buying decision.
This is where the MacBook Pro starts making considerably more sense for demanding professional workloads.
If your applications can take advantage of additional processing and graphics performance, the upgrade may save time and make heavier projects easier to manage.
Why We Picked the M5 Pro MacBook Pro
The M5 Pro configuration creates a clearer separation between MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.
It’s designed for people whose workloads go beyond ordinary browsing, streaming, documents, and basic photo editing.
Best for: Video editing, development, demanding creative applications, and professional workflows.
Consider another MacBook if: You mainly browse, stream, write documents, and perform ordinary office or school work.
Who Should Buy M5 Pro?
Someone who can explain why their workload needs it.
That’s a useful rule when shopping for an expensive laptop.
If you can’t identify what you’re doing that requires the additional performance, start by comparing the regular M5 MacBook Pro or MacBook Air.
View MacBook Pro M5 Pro at Amazon
16-Inch MacBook Pro: Best for a Large Professional Workspace
The 16-inch MacBook Pro sits near the top of Apple’s laptop lineup.
Its biggest immediate advantage is obvious: screen size.
For someone editing video, working with large timelines, coding across several windows, or using the MacBook as a primary professional workstation, the additional display space can be valuable.
The trade-offs are portability and price.
Why We Picked the 16-Inch MacBook Pro
This isn’t the MacBook we’d recommend to the average shopper.
It’s a specialized option for someone who knows that a larger display and high-end performance will improve their workflow.
Best for: Professional creative work and shoppers who prioritize screen space and performance.
Consider another MacBook if: You carry your computer frequently or don’t need high-end hardware.
If you spend most of your time connected to an external monitor, think carefully about whether paying more for the larger built-in screen makes sense.
Check 16-Inch MacBook Pro at Amazon
MacBook Air Black Friday Deals
MacBook Air should be one of the most relevant Black Friday MacBook categories for ordinary shoppers.
That’s because the Air covers a wide range of uses without requiring Pro pricing.
The key is comparing equivalent configurations.
Pay attention to:
- Screen size
- Current versus previous-generation chips
- Unified memory
- SSD storage
- Exact model generation
Don’t assume two listings are equivalent simply because both say MacBook Air.
A cheaper model may have less storage, belong to an older generation, or use a different configuration.
MacBook Pro Sale Black Friday: What Should You Look For?
Black Friday MacBook Pro shopping gets more complicated because configurations can vary substantially in price.
A standard MacBook Pro and a high-end professional configuration aren’t competing for the same buyer.
Start with your workload.
Then compare the processor, memory, storage, and screen size.
For most people considering Pro, the 14-inch model is where we’d start.
Move to the 16-inch version when the larger display or higher-end configuration genuinely benefits your work.
MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro for Black Friday
This is the decision most shoppers should make before looking at sale prices.
Choose MacBook Air If:
You primarily browse, stream, work with documents, attend school, handle office tasks, edit photos casually, or want a lightweight everyday Mac.
Choose MacBook Pro If:
You regularly perform demanding creative or professional work and can benefit from its display, connectivity, or higher-performance hardware.
There’s also a middle ground.
A standard MacBook Pro may appeal to someone who wants Pro features without moving into an expensive high-end configuration.
Don’t start with price.
Start with what you need the laptop to do.
Do MacBooks Go on Sale for Black Friday?
Yes, MacBooks can be discounted around Black Friday, but the exact models and configurations included vary.
That’s why we’d avoid deciding that you’ll buy a particular MacBook only if it reaches an arbitrary discount percentage.
Look at the actual selling price and configuration instead.
Retailers may also discount previous-generation inventory while newer models remain closer to their regular prices.
That can create some of the more interesting MacBook deals of the shopping season.
Should You Buy an M4 MacBook on Black Friday 2026?
Potentially.
This is especially relevant because shoppers may encounter previous-generation M4 MacBooks alongside current M5 models.
Don’t reject an M4 MacBook simply because M5 exists.
Instead, ask one question:
How much cheaper is it?
If the previous-generation model has enough memory and storage for your needs and receives a meaningful discount, it may offer better value than paying substantially more for the latest generation.
But the difference needs to justify buying older hardware.
If prices are close, we’d generally lean toward the newer machine.
M5 vs. M4 MacBook: Which Should You Buy?
At similar prices, we’d favor the M5 MacBook.
You get newer hardware and avoid starting your ownership cycle one generation behind.
The decision becomes more interesting when an M4 model is substantially cheaper.
At that point, compare the specific computers rather than the chip names alone.
For example, an older model with more memory or storage may be more useful to you than a newer base configuration.
Price, memory, storage, screen size, and workload all matter.
How Much MacBook Memory Do You Need?
Memory is one specification worth considering carefully because you can’t treat a MacBook like a traditional upgradeable desktop computer later.
16GB
A good starting point for many everyday users, students, and general productivity workloads.
It provides room for ordinary multitasking without automatically paying for memory you may never use.
24GB or 32GB
Worth considering for heavier multitasking, development, creative work, or applications that regularly use substantial memory.
Don’t upgrade simply because a larger number sounds better.
Higher Pro Configurations
Higher memory configurations become more relevant for demanding professional workloads.
If you’re working with large video projects, complex development environments, professional creative applications, or other memory-heavy tasks, additional capacity may make sense.
For ordinary browsing and office work, it can be unnecessary.
How Much MacBook Storage Do You Need?
Storage can have a major effect on the final price.
Think about how much data you actually keep locally before upgrading.
512GB
Enough for many everyday users, particularly if you rely on cloud storage and don’t keep large media libraries on the laptop.
1TB
A comfortable upgrade for people storing large photo libraries, applications, games, work projects, or other files locally.
2TB and Above
More relevant for professional media work and buyers who know they need substantial local storage.
Don’t spend hundreds more on capacity you aren’t likely to use.
External and cloud storage can sometimes be a more economical solution.
13-Inch vs. 14-Inch vs. 15-Inch vs. 16-Inch MacBook
Screen size affects more than what you see.
It also changes portability.
13-inch MacBook Air: A strong choice for portability and everyday use.
14-inch MacBook Pro: Balances Pro capability with a more portable design.
15-inch MacBook Air: Provides more workspace without requiring a MacBook Pro.
16-inch MacBook Pro: Offers the largest built-in workspace but is less convenient to carry.
Bigger isn’t automatically better.
If your MacBook spends every day in a backpack, the difference becomes much more noticeable than it may seem while shopping online.
Should You Buy a MacBook From Apple or Amazon on Black Friday?
Compare the same MacBook configuration rather than choosing based solely on the retailer.
Apple gives shoppers direct access to its current lineup and configuration options. Amazon and other retailers may offer different promotions or carry previous-generation inventory.
Before buying, verify:
- Exact model
- Chip generation
- Memory
- Storage
- Screen size
- Seller
For our recommendations, we link to Amazon product pages so you can check current pricing and availability rather than relying on a price published here that could quickly become outdated.
You can also check our Black Friday deals guide before shopping other categories during the holiday sales.
Don’t Buy a MacBook Based on the Discount Percentage
This matters especially during Black Friday.
A previous-generation MacBook advertised with a large percentage discount isn’t necessarily a better purchase than a newer model with a smaller discount.
The original price can distract from what actually matters.
Ask yourself:
What am I paying today for this exact MacBook?
Then compare that price with similar configurations.
A good deal is a good combination of hardware, usefulness, and price, not simply the largest percentage printed beside the product.
Who Should Buy Each MacBook?
If you’re still unsure, simplify the decision.
Student: Start with the 13-inch MacBook Air.
Everyday home user: Start with the 13-inch MacBook Air.
Want a larger screen without Pro pricing: Look at the 15-inch MacBook Air.
Want MacBook Pro features without going all-in: Compare the 14-inch MacBook Pro M5.
Creative or professional workload: Compare the 14-inch MacBook Pro M5 Pro.
Need maximum screen space: Consider the 16-inch MacBook Pro.
Need extreme performance: Only then start looking seriously at the highest-end Pro configurations.
That progression can keep you from paying for hardware you don’t need.
MacBook Black Friday Deals FAQ
Are MacBooks Cheaper on Black Friday?
MacBooks can receive Black Friday discounts, but the amount varies by retailer, model, and configuration. Previous-generation models may also receive larger discounts than current hardware.
Which MacBook Should Most People Buy?
For general use, we’d start with the 13-inch MacBook Air M5.
It’s the most logical starting point for buyers who want a portable Mac for everyday computing without paying for professional hardware they may not use.
Is the MacBook Air Good Enough for College?
For many students, yes.
The Air is well suited to browsing, research, documents, presentations, video calls, and other common college workloads.
Students using specialized engineering, design, development, or other professional software should check their program’s requirements before choosing a laptop.
Is MacBook Pro Worth the Extra Money?
It can be if your workload benefits from the Pro’s additional features and performance options.
For ordinary everyday computing, MacBook Air may provide better value.
Should I Buy an M4 MacBook on Black Friday 2026?
Don’t rule it out.
If an M4 configuration receives a strong discount and meets your needs, it can still be a good purchase.
Compare its actual selling price, memory, and storage with an equivalent M5 MacBook before deciding.
Is 16GB of Memory Enough for a MacBook?
For many everyday users, yes.
Demanding creative, development, and professional workloads may benefit from 24GB, 32GB, or higher configurations.
Is a 13-Inch or 15-Inch MacBook Air Better?
Neither size is universally better.
The 13-inch Air is easier to carry. The 15-inch Air provides more screen space.
If performance and configuration are otherwise similar, choose based primarily on portability and how much display space you prefer.
Should I Wait Until Cyber Monday to Buy a MacBook?
We wouldn’t pass on the exact MacBook you want at a price you’re happy with solely because Cyber Monday is approaching.
Inventory and promotions can change, and there’s no guarantee the same configuration will become cheaper.
Compare More Black Friday Laptop Deals
MacBooks aren’t automatically the best choice for every buyer.
Windows laptops provide a much wider selection of designs, gaming hardware, touchscreen models, and price points. Chromebooks can also make sense for shoppers with simpler web-based needs.
Before deciding, compare your Apple options with our Black Friday laptop buying guide to see which type of computer fits you best.