MacBook Air or MacBook Pro 2020: Still a smart choice?
Every week in our workshop we get asked: can I still buy a 2020 MacBook in 2026? The short answer: yes — and it's often even a smarter choice than a newer model you don't actually need. But it all depends on what you want to do with it.
Why is a 2020 MacBook a better choice than a 2016–2019 model?
In 2020, Apple fixed a number of issues that had plagued the previous generations for years. We see that difference every day on our workbench: the 2020 models simply come back far less often with the same complaints. That makes them a much more reliable choice on the second-hand market than the 2016–2019 models.
The improved keyboard
The 2016–2019 models had the notorious butterfly keyboard. Crumbs, dust and sometimes even a single hair could jam a key. In 2020, Apple switched back to a scissor-switch keyboard. It's noticeably nicer to type on, has more key travel and is considerably less prone to faults. For anyone who types a lot — students, writers, developers — this alone is a good reason to choose a 2020 model.
No more Flexgate issue
On the 13-inch MacBook Pro models between 2016 and 2018, we regularly saw the so-called "Flexgate" problem: a display cable that was too short and tore over time, causing a stripe at the bottom of the screen or half the display cutting out. Apple lengthened the cable in later production runs, and this issue has practically disappeared on the 2020 models. We hardly ever see this complaint on 2020 models during our refurbishing process anymore.
Longer software support
The 2020 MacBook Air and Pro — especially the M1 variants — receive macOS updates for longer than their predecessors. That means longer access to new features, security updates and compatibility with the latest apps. For anyone planning to use the device for another four or five years, this counts for a lot.
Better battery performance
Especially on the M1 MacBook Air and Pro, battery life is a clear step forward. Where a 2017 or 2018 model might have you hunting for an outlet after half a working day, a MacBook Air M1 comfortably gets through a full day of light work on a single charge. Even the 2020 Intel variants perform noticeably better than earlier generations.
Choosing MacBook Air 2020 or MacBook Pro 2020?
The choice between an Air and a Pro from 2020 ultimately comes down to how you use it, not prestige. In practice, we see that most buyers get on perfectly well with an Air — and end up glad they didn't pay for the heavier Pro.
A MacBook Air 2020 is an excellent choice for browsing, study, email, video calls and office work. It's light, quiet (no fan on the M1) and lasts a long time on a single charge. For the average student or home worker, this is simply enough machine.
A MacBook Pro 2020 becomes more interesting once you run heavier workloads: photo and video editing, music production, virtual machines or longer code compilations. The active cooling lets the chip keep running at full power for longer without throttling.
Choose the Air 2020 if…
- you mainly study or do office work
- you want a light, silent laptop
- long battery life matters to you
Choose the Pro 2020 if…
- you regularly edit photos or video
- you want to work at full power for longer
- you simply need a bit more power
Conclusion
A MacBook Air or Pro from 2020 is still a smart choice in 2026, as long as you match it to how you'll use it. For everyday tasks, study and office work, the Air is more than enough. For heavier creative or technical work, the Pro delivers better performance. Thanks to the new keyboard, the fixed Flexgate cable, longer software support and better battery performance, the 2020 models are clearly the best starting point on the second-hand market — a much smarter move than saving money on a 2017 or 2018 model.
Want to know more about how we test our MacBooks and why buying refurbished from us carries no risk? Read more about iMac and More.
Browse our refurbished MacBook Air and Pro modelsFrequently asked questions
Does a 2020 MacBook still get software updates?+
Yes. The 2020 models — especially those with the M1 chip — still receive full macOS updates at the time of writing. The Intel variants from 2020 are also still supported, although they'll reach the end of their update cycle a little sooner than the M1 models. For most users, this means you can keep using a 2020 model for years to come without worry.
Is a 2020 MacBook better than a 2018 model?+
In practice, we notice clear differences. The 2020 models have the improved scissor-switch keyboard instead of the failure-prone butterfly keyboard. The display cable was redesigned, so Flexgate issues are now virtually unheard of. On top of that, they receive software updates for longer and the battery lasts longer on a single charge. For almost any use, a 2020 MacBook is a more pleasant and reliable choice than a 2018 model.
Is a refurbished 2020 MacBook still a good buy?+
Absolutely. A refurbished MacBook Air or Pro from 2020 offers excellent value for money. You get a device that's been professionally tested, fitted with genuine parts where needed, and comes with a warranty. For study, working from home or light creative tasks, it's often a smarter choice than the newest model — you pay considerably less and still get years of enjoyable use.