In a tech landscape obsessed with the newest and most powerful devices, choosing a five-year-old laptop might seem like a step backward. But for many, including myself, buying a 2020 M1 MacBook Air in 2025 has proven to be one of the smartest tech decisions—combining affordability, performance, and practicality in a way few modern devices can.
The Backup Plan Becomes the Main Act
I’ve always kept a secondary computer for emergencies—a reliable companion tucked away in a drawer, ready when my primary machine gave me trouble. For years, this role was filled by an 11-inch Intel-based MacBook Air. It was light, compact, and got the job done for basic tasks. But as apps became more demanding and macOS updates outpaced its capabilities, it was clear the device had reached its sunset phase.
When it came time to replace it, I had two clear requirements: it had to be light enough for casual travel and powerful enough to handle real work. The solution? A secondhand 2020 MacBook Air with Apple’s first-generation M1 chip.
Portability Meets Power: Why the M1 Model Shines
In my primary workflow, I use a 16-inch MacBook Pro—powerful, but heavy. When you’re hopping on the London Underground, heading to a quick coffee shop meeting, or traveling light, lugging around a full-size Pro model can be impractical.
That’s where I’d been relying on an iPad Pro with a Magic Keyboard. It was ultra-portable, had a great screen, and ran most apps I needed. But the experience was often fragmented. iPadOS, while robust, still can’t match the fluidity, flexibility, and application power of macOS. I found myself frustrated by browser limitations, inconsistent keyboard shortcuts, and missing apps like full-featured desktop-class photo editors or terminal tools for development.
The M1 MacBook Air, by contrast, brings that full desktop experience—without the bulk.
Weighing just 2.8 pounds and with no fan, it’s silent, lightweight, and incredibly fast even by 2025 standards. The battery life? Outstanding. Easily 12+ hours of real-world usage, rivaling or even exceeding that of the iPad Pro in many workflows.
The Real Value of Apple Silicon
The Apple Silicon transition, starting with the M1 chip in late 2020, was a game-changer. Not only did the M1 bring dramatic performance improvements over Intel, but it also vastly increased energy efficiency. That meant longer battery life, minimal heat generation, and no need for active cooling in the MacBook Air.
Fast forward to 2025, and Apple is now shipping M3 chips with even more cores and capabilities—but for the average user, the M1 is still *plenty*. Browsing, writing, photo editing, even some light video work—it handles all of it without a hiccup.
And because of the tight integration of hardware and software, the M1 Air will likely continue receiving macOS updates for years to come, ensuring it stays secure and feature-complete.
Design That Still Holds Up
Another reason the M1 Air continues to shine is its iconic wedge-shaped design. Though Apple has since moved on to a flatter, more industrial design in its newer MacBooks, there’s something about the tapering body of the 2020 Air that feels uniquely Apple.
It’s sleek, fits perfectly in a small bag, and the keyboard, trackpad, and Retina display remain top-tier—even when compared to newer models.
For those who value aesthetic and functional minimalism, the M1 Air continues to deliver a near-perfect balance.
Affordability Meets Reliability
Cost was a major factor in this decision. With the M3 Air starting at $1,099 (and often much more depending on configuration), buying a brand-new MacBook felt excessive for a backup or travel machine.
Meanwhile, the 2020 M1 MacBook Air is widely available refurbished or lightly used for under $600—sometimes as low as $400. For that price, you’re getting a machine that still performs like a champ, has a premium build, and offers better value than many current mid-range Windows laptops.
And because of Apple’s support ecosystem, even a secondhand MacBook feels new. The build quality is pristine, the resale value holds strong, and replacement parts (should you ever need them) are widely available.
A Practical Philosophy in an Overkill World
The truth is, most users don’t need cutting-edge specs. We live in an era where tech companies try to sell us more performance, more features, and more expense than we actually use.
Do you really need 96GB of RAM, 18-core CPUs, or AI-driven optimization for browsing the web and writing emails? Probably not.
That’s why the M1 MacBook Air represents a turning point—it’s a “good enough” device that actually *exceeds* expectations.
It reminds us that buying a great machine from a few years ago can be smarter than blindly chasing the latest upgrade.
Bottom Line: A Smart Long-Term Investment
In the end, buying a five-year-old MacBook Air wasn’t a compromise—it was a strategic choice. One that saved money, added flexibility, and redefined what I considered essential in a portable device.
For anyone looking for a secondary laptop, a student machine, a travel companion, or even a primary workhorse for general productivity, the M1 MacBook Air still makes a compelling case.
In 2025, the best computer might not be the newest—it might just be the one that still does everything you need, without the extra weight (or cost).
