4 Best Second-Hand MacBook Options for Students in the Philippines: MacBook Pro vs MacBook Air

Apple laptops are known for their seamless performance, build quality, and long-lasting value—but they come with a premium price tag. So, if you're a student looking to buy a MacBook without spending a fortune, a second-hand MacBook might be your best solution.

Thanks to CompAsia Philippines, students can now access a wide range of certified pre-owned Apple MacBooks at a fraction of the original retail price. These devices are fully tested, graded, and come with a warranty of up to 12 months, offering not only affordability but also peace of mind.

Why Buy a Second-Hand MacBook?

Before we dive into the best options, let’s understand why second-hand laptops are gaining popularity in the Philippines:

• ✅ Affordability: Second-hand MacBooks are significantly cheaper than new units, with prices slashed by 30–60%. This makes high-end Apple laptops accessible to more.
  

• ✅ Quality Assurance: Every MacBook sold through CompAsia undergoes a strict 32-step quality check, ensuring it's fully functional and ready to use.
  

• ✅ Sustainability: Buying second-hand supports electronic waste reduction by extending the lifespan of perfectly usable devices.
  

• ✅ Flexible Payment Options: With flexible installment plans through GCash GGives, BillEase, and Metrobank, you can spread the cost over 3 to 24 months.
  

• ✅ Free Nationwide Delivery: Whether you’re in Metro Manila or a remote province, CompAsia delivers right to your doorstep—for free.
  

Now, let’s break down the top second-hand MacBook choices for students.

1. MacBook Air M3 – Light, Powerful & Student-Friendly

Image: MacBook Air M3 (2024)

• Price: ₱66,000

• Display: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina

• Chip: Apple M3

• Use Case: Ideal for daily tasks, writing papers, web browsing, and attending Zoom classes.

The MacBook Air M3 is the perfect mix of portability and performance. With the advanced M3 chip, this device offers enhanced processing speed while maintaining long battery life. Its fanless design ensures silent operation—great to be used at libraries or classrooms.

Students will also love its lightweight design and ultra-clear display, which is perfect for reading and online research. If you’re asking, “Which MacBook is best for students?”—this is definitely a top contender.

🔎 Looking for an affordable price MacBook with student discount? CompAsia offers markdowns on second-hand units that accommodate to students’ budget. 

2. MacBook Pro M3 Max – Built for Power Users and Creatives

Image: MacBook Pro M3 Max (2023) 

• Price: ₱149,999 (original ₱219,990)

• Display: 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR

• Chip: M3 Max

• Use Case: Great for multimedia design, 4K video editing, and high-performance coding.

If you're studying film, animation, or software engineering, the MacBook Pro M3 Max is one of the most powerful machines you can get. It delivers insane processing power, smooth rendering, and supports multiple external monitors.

Buying this model second-hand makes sense, especially when you can save up to ₱70,000 through CompAsia’s listings. For students looking for professional-grade tools without the professional-level price, this model is a no-brainer.

💡 Want to know how much is a MacBook Pro M3 in the Philippines? Check it out here.

3. MacBook Pro i9 2.3GHz 16" – Budget Beast for Academic Warriors

Image: MacBook Pro i9 (2019)

• Price: ₱40,000 (original ₱79,999)

• Chip: Intel Core i9

• Use Case: Best for engineering students, multitaskers, and those running intensive academic apps.

Eventhough this model of MacBook was launched a few years back in 2019, the MacBook Pro i9 offers strong CPU performance and a large Retina display, making it perfect for students using resource-heavy apps like MATLAB, AutoCAD, or Adobe Creative Cloud.

At just ₱40,000, it's one of the best second-hand MacBook price deals in the Philippines you’ll find. If your budget is tight but you still need serious power, this machine delivers exceptional value.

4. MacBook Pro M1 16" – Balanced Performance at Mid-Range Pricing

Image: MacBook Pro M1 16" (2021)

• Price: ₱93,990

• Chip: Apple M1 Pro

• Use Case: For students who want long battery life, premium screen quality, and all-day reliability.

The MacBook Pro M1 has aged like fine wine. Its M1 Pro chip still outperforms many Windows laptops in 2025, especially in energy efficiency and stability. The massive Retina display is a bonus for visual work, while the speakers and camera make it perfect for online learning and presentations.

This is ideal if you need something more powerful than a MacBook Air, but don’t want to go all-out on the M3 Max model.

Quick Comparison: Used MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro

Final Thoughts: MacBooks Made Affordable for Students

Buying a second-hand MacBook from CompAsia Philippines is one of the smartest moves a student can make. You get the Apple ecosystem, powerful performance, and reliable build quality—at a price that doesn’t empty your wallet.

Explore all available deals now at CompAsia’s MacBook Collection and start your academic journey with confidence.

FAQs for Students Buying a MacBook in the Philippines

1. Is a 256 GB MacBook enough?

Yes, 256 GB is enough for most students. If you mainly use cloud-based apps like Google Docs, Zoom, and Spotify, this storage level should be sufficient. For creatives, a 512 GB or external drive may be more practical.

2. Is a MacBook good for students?

Absolutely. MacBooks are fast, reliable, and have great battery life. Their seamless integration with iPhones and iPads makes them ideal for taking notes, managing files, and staying organized.

3. How much is a MacBook Pro M3 in the Philippines?

Prices vary based on condition and specs, but used MacBook Pro M3 units on CompAsia currently range from ₱93,990 to ₱149,999.

4. Which MacBook is best for budget?

If you're tight on budget, the MacBook Pro i9 (2019) and used MacBook Air models offer the best price-to-performance ratio.

Read Next: 5 Budget-Friendly iPhone Options for Students in the Philippines