The Best Renewed Laptops
We compared 8 renewed laptops on owner ratings, expert reviews, and specs. The Apple MacBook Air M1 (B09WQ36NF1) is our top pick for its performance and value.
Updated
The bottom line
The Apple MacBook Air M1 (B09WQ36NF1) is our top pick for a renewed laptop. It has the Apple M1 chip, a Retina display, and good battery life for $367.49. The Dell Latitude 5420 (B0BZ1KTW4F) is a strong runner-up with its fast processor and ample storage, but it costs more at $316.30. For a budget option, the Dell Chromebook 11 3100 (B08SHN3TZP) is a compact and affordable choice at $104.99, though with lower specs and performance. Note that the Apple MacBook Air M1 (B09V5PPWRH) and (B09WJHLWHG) are essentially the same product with different storage capacities, and the Apple MacBook Air (B07NPTCNSG) is an older model with an Intel processor.
Apple MacBook Air M1 $367.49
Best balance of performance and value
The Apple MacBook Air M1 (B09WQ36NF1) has the Apple M1 chip, a Retina display, and good battery life for $367.49. It's the best choice for most users looking for a renewed laptop. Those needing more storage or RAM may prefer the higher-specced model (B09RQ8T428).
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Dell Latitude 5420 $316.30
High-performance Windows laptop
The Dell Latitude 5420 (B0BZ1KTW4F) has a fast Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD for $316.30. It's a strong choice for Windows users who need high performance and storage, though at a higher price point than the top pick.
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Dell Chromebook 11 3100 $104.99
Affordable and compact Chromebook
The Dell Chromebook 11 3100 (B08SHN3TZP) is a compact and affordable option at $104.99. It's best for users who need a simple, lightweight laptop for basic tasks and web browsing, though with lower specs and performance than the top picks.
Check price on AmazonThe field, ranked
- Apple MacBook Air M1 Best balance of performance and value 9.0/10 $367.49 Amazon
- Dell Latitude 5420 High-performance Windows laptop 8.0/10 $316.30 Amazon
- Dell Chromebook 11 3100 Affordable and compact Chromebook 7.0/10 $104.99 Amazon
- Apple MacBook Air M1 High-spec Apple MacBook Air M1 8.0/10 $668.48 Amazon
- Apple MacBook Air M1 Higher-priced Apple MacBook Air M1 7.0/10 $790.00 Amazon
- Apple MacBook Air M1 Mid-spec Apple MacBook Air M1 7.0/10 $419.88 Amazon
- Dell Latitude 5420 Mixed reviews Dell Latitude 5420 6.0/10 $285.00 Amazon
- Apple MacBook Air Older model Apple MacBook Air 6.0/10 $318.50 Amazon
Where the differences show up in daily use
The Apple MacBook Air M1 (B09WQ36NF1) and (B09RQ8T428) offer smooth performance and long battery life, making them great for everyday tasks and productivity. The Dell Latitude 5420 (B0BZ1KTW4F) provides similar performance but with a Windows operating system, which some users may prefer. The Dell Chromebook 11 3100 (B08SHN3TZP) is best for simple tasks and web browsing, but its lower specs mean it may struggle with more demanding applications.
What owners complain about after buying
Common complaints across the set include battery life issues, cosmetic wear and tear, and minor functional problems like screen backlight issues or overheating. The Dell Latitude 5420 (B0F53SQRH4) in particular has received mixed reviews for its battery life and cosmetic condition. The Apple MacBook Air models have generally positive feedback, though some users have reported minor cosmetic imperfections or screen pixelation.
The also-rans
The Dell Latitude 5420 (B0F53SQRH4) didn't make the cut due to its mixed reviews and battery life issues. The Apple MacBook Air (B07NPTCNSG) is an older model with an Intel processor, which makes it less future-proof compared to the M1-powered models.