If you’re hunting for a deal on a used laptop, you’ve probably seen the 2020 13 inch MacBook Pro pop up everywhere. It’s a weird machine. Honestly, it represents one of the most chaotic transition periods in Apple’s history. You have two completely different versions of this laptop sharing the same name, released just months apart, and one of them is significantly better than the other.
It’s confusing.
In early 2020, Apple refreshed the 13-inch Pro with Intel chips. Then, in November, they blew the doors off the industry by dropping the M1 version. If you buy the wrong one today, you’re basically buying a space heater with a screen. If you buy the right one, you’re getting a workhorse that still keeps up with modern tasks. Let's get into the weeds of why this specific year matters so much and how to avoid getting ripped off.
The Butterfly Keyboard is Finally Dead
We have to talk about the keyboard first because, for about four years, buying a MacBook was a gamble. The "Butterfly" switches were a disaster. They broke if a piece of dust looked at them the wrong way.
The 2020 13 inch MacBook Pro was the relief everyone wanted. Apple finally switched back to the "Magic Keyboard," which uses traditional scissor switches. It's clicky. It has 1mm of travel. It actually works. If you are looking at a 2019 model to save fifty bucks, don't. The peace of mind you get with the 2020 keyboard is worth the extra cash alone. You also get a physical Escape key. It sounds small, but if you're a developer or someone who uses shortcuts, having that physical key instead of a digital one on the Touch Bar is a massive quality-of-life upgrade.
Intel vs. M1: The Great Divide
This is where things get tricky. You'll see listings for the 2020 13 inch MacBook Pro with a 10th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7. You'll also see listings with the M1 chip.
Don't buy the Intel version. Just don't.
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The Intel models were dated the second they hit the shelves. They run hot. Like, "don't put this on your lap if you're wearing shorts" hot. The fans kick in if you open more than three Chrome tabs, and the battery life is mediocre at best. You might get five or six hours of real-world use if you're lucky.
The M1 version, however, was a revolution. It’s silent. There is a fan inside, but you will almost never hear it unless you’re rendering 4K video or doing heavy 3D work. The battery life on the M1 2020 13 inch MacBook Pro is legendary—easily hitting 15 to 17 hours of web browsing. In 2026, the gap between these two has only widened. macOS Sequoia and future updates are optimized for Apple Silicon. Intel Macs are being left in the rearview mirror, losing features like on-device AI processing and specialized graphical effects.
The Touch Bar: A Polarizing Legacy
The 2020 13 inch MacBook Pro was one of the last "Pro" machines to feature the Touch Bar. Some people love it; most people hate it. It’s that thin OLED strip above the keyboard that changes buttons based on what app you’re using.
If you’re a video editor in Final Cut Pro, the Touch Bar is actually kinda useful for scrubbing through a timeline. If you’re a writer or a student, it’s mostly just a distraction that makes it harder to change the volume without looking down.
There's a catch, though. Because it's an OLED screen, these can occasionally fail or develop "ghost" touches after five or six years. If you're buying used, check that the bar is responsive from end to end. If it flickers, walk away. It's a notoriously expensive repair because it's integrated into the top case.
Screen Quality and Port Situations
Apple has always been good at displays, and this one is no exception. It’s a Retina display with P3 wide color gamut and 500 nits of brightness. For context, most mid-range Windows laptops even now struggle to hit 300 nits. It looks great.
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But there’s a massive difference in ports depending on which 2020 model you grab.
- The "Budget" Intel 2020 model only has two Thunderbolt 3 ports. Both are on the left side. It's annoying.
- The "High-end" Intel 2020 model has four ports.
- The M1 2020 model—despite being more powerful—only has two ports.
This is the biggest headache with the M1 2020 13 inch MacBook Pro. You have two ports on the left, and that’s it. If you’re charging the laptop, you only have one port left for an external drive, a monitor, or a mouse. You’re going to live the "dongle life." It’s basically mandatory to buy a USB-C hub if you plan on using this at a desk.
Performance Reality Check in 2026
Can this laptop still handle 2026 workflows?
If you get the M1 version with at least 16GB of RAM, yes. Absolutely. Even with 8GB, it’s snappy for everyday tasks like emails, streaming, and heavy docs. But if you’re a creative professional, you need to be aware of the limitations. The M1 chip is great, but it only supports one external display natively. If you want to run a dual-monitor setup at your desk, you’ll have to mess around with DisplayLink adapters, which are a pain.
The Intel version is a different story. It’s struggling. Modern web pages are heavier, and the Intel integrated graphics (Iris Plus) are showing their age. Zoom calls will make the machine scream.
What Most People Get Wrong About Storage
Apple soldered the SSD to the motherboard in 2020. You cannot upgrade it later.
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A lot of people think, "Oh, I'll just use an external drive." That works for files, but your system library and apps will fill up 256GB faster than you think. If you find a 256GB M1 model, it’s fine for a student, but if you’re doing any photography or video work, you really want to hunt for the 512GB or 1TB versions.
Also, check the battery cycle count. These machines are roughly six years old now. A battery is generally rated for 1,000 cycles. If the one you're looking at is at 800+, factor in the cost of a $200 battery replacement at an Apple Store or a reputable shop.
Final Verdict on the 2020 13 inch MacBook Pro
Is it a buy?
It depends entirely on the price and the chip. In 2026, the 2020 13 inch MacBook Pro with an M1 chip is a fantastic "entry-level" Pro machine for someone who wants better cooling and a slightly better battery than the MacBook Air of the same era. It feels more substantial. It has the active cooling fan that lets it handle longer sustained workloads.
But if it has an Intel chip? Skip it. You're better off buying a newer iPad or a base-model M2 Air.
Next Steps for Buyers:
- Verify the Processor: Go to the "About This Mac" menu. If it says "Intel," the value should be significantly lower (under $350). If it says "Apple M1," it's the one you want.
- Check the RAM: Avoid 8GB if you can. macOS has become more memory-intensive over the last few years, and 16GB is the "sweet spot" for longevity.
- Inspect the Screen Coating: Look for "Staingate" issues or keyboard imprints on the glass. The 2020 models are better than older ones, but the anti-reflective coating can still wear off if the previous owner used harsh cleaners.
- Test the Touch Bar: Ensure there are no dead spots or flickering, as this is a common failure point as these units age.