MacBook Air M1 stays a budget‑friendly laptop in 2026

Even six years after its 2020 launch, the Apple‑silicon MacBook Air M1 continues to attract buyers seeking an inexpensive, capable notebook. Refurbished units and third‑party reconditioned models are selling for under $650, offering solid performance for everyday tasks such as web browsing, document editing, video calls and streaming. Tests show the M1 can handle light gaming at 1080p, delivering 40–55 fps in titles like Death Stranding and Resident Evil 4.

The notebook retains its 15‑hour web‑browse and up to 18‑hour video‑play battery life, with refurbished devices typically guaranteeing at least 85 % of original capacity. Apple confirmed the Air M1 will receive the upcoming macOS 27 “Golden Gate” update. Limitations include a maximum of 8 GB RAM in the base model, a modest 256 GB storage option, a single USB‑C port and a 400‑nit display that may struggle in bright outdoor conditions.