Should I buy a used MacBook Pro 2018 or a new Chromebook Plus?

For most people in 2026, a new Chromebook Plus is the safer and more reliable buy than a used 2018 MacBook Pro.

The 2018 MacBook Pro is an older Intel-based machine, and it uses Apple’s butterfly keyboard design. That keyboard is a known weak point, and on a used unit you also need to watch battery wear, heat, and overall aging hardware. Depending on the exact model and condition, it may still run fine for basic tasks, but it’s much more of a risk than a new laptop.

A new Chromebook Plus gives you modern hardware, a fresh battery, and a warranty. Chromebook Plus models are built to meet Google’s current baseline standards, including at least 8GB of RAM and a 1080p webcam, and they’re designed for a solid everyday web-and-app experience. ChromeOS updates are supported for many years, which helps with security and longevity.

Choose the 2018 MacBook Pro only if you specifically need macOS apps or workflows that won’t work well on ChromeOS. If you do need a Mac, a used M1 MacBook Air is usually a much better value than a 2018 Intel MacBook Pro.

Important caveat: if your school or job requires full Mac or Windows desktop software, a Chromebook may not be the right fit, because it mainly relies on web apps, Android apps, and cloud tools. Also, exact update support and hardware features can vary by model, so check the specific Chromebook Plus model and its official support policy before buying.