In Nigeria, purchasing a laptop is beyond technological preference; it is an investment in a person’s professional development and earning potential. The persistent infrastructural challenges and geographical restraints elevate the stakes of making a choice between a Mac and a Windows laptop.
How much does it cost to buy a new Windows and Mac in Nigeria in 2025?
Windows laptops remain the most affordable option for Nigerians looking to buy a laptop. Entry-level business models, such as a Dell Latitude or Lenovo ThinkPad, can be found for roughly ₦200,000.00 to ₦350,000.00 (often refurbished). However, for brand new budget laptops with modern processors, like a Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3, users should expect starting prices around ₦550,000.00 or higher. However, they should be cautious while buying to avoid buying a bad refurbished device.
On the other hand, Apple’s entry-level M-series laptops, like the MacBook Air M2, start around ₦1,450,000.00. Newer models like the M4, or more powerful M4 Pro machines, will cost significantly more, making it unaffordable for low-income users. For many, the cost is up to seven times higher than a basic Windows laptop.
The UK-used option and how it compares to buying a brand-new windows or Mac
First off, most UK used laptops are not from the UK; they’re mostly from the USA, Dubai, and Europe. UK-used phones go for a cheaper price; therefore, they’re more affordable for Nigerians who can’t afford brand new options.
Prices for UK-used laptops are determined by several variables, including the device’s condition, battery health, physical wear and tear, and current market value. Prices from both online vendors and physical stores put entry-level UK-used Windows laptops between ₦150,000.00 and ₦250,000.00, while high-end models can cost up to ₦800,000.00, depending on their features. UK-used MacBooks generally start at a higher price point, often costing between ₦800,000.00 and ₦1,000,000.00 or more. Always check the battery cycle count and lock status before buying a used MacBook.
Long-term use: resale value and depreciation
Due to the Naira depreciation and market value, Apple products hold value better. General analysis of asset value confirms that most Windows PCs retain only 20% to 30% of their original purchase price after three years. They are consumables that rapidly lose worth. In contrast, Apple computers generally depreciate at a slower rate, retaining approximately 40% to 50% of their value over the same three-year period.
| Metric | Entry-level Windows | MacBook Air M 2 |
| Initial cost (₦) | ₦200,000.00 to ₦550,000.00 | ₦1,450,000.00 to 2,050,000.00 |
| 3-year value retention (avg) | 20% to 30% | 40% to 50% |
| Primary advantage in Nigeria | Very affordable and easy to replace | Long lasting, high resale value |
We asked users how much they resold their Windows or Mac laptop
We asked Nigerians who have sold either a Windows or a Mac PC to confirm resale value and how easy it was to get a buyer.
Tobi* recounted how he sold a HP Elite Book 830 G9 he bought in 2022 at a really cheap price in 2024 when he was in dire need of money.
“I bought the Elite Book in 2023. I can’t remember the exact amount I paid for it, but it’s close to ₦1,500,000.00(add in the dollar equivalent at the time). When I hit a rough patch and needed quick cash last year, I could not get an offer up to a million for the laptop, and I had to sell it for ₦650,000.00. That’s less than 50% of the amount I paid for it.”
Bayo* also recounted how he sold his Dell Latitude 7490 for a “cheaper” price.
“The PC was a birthday gift from my elder brother, he bought it for me when I was in 400-level for my projects.
I tried selling the laptop for ₦200,000.00 after 3 years, and no one would pay that much for the laptop. I later settled on selling it for ₦100,000. I didn’t ask my brother how much he paid for it, but I’m sure it should be around ₦400,000.00.”
On the other hand, Lateef* recounted selling his MacBook Pro M1 2020 at a “satisfactory price.”
“I bought my MacBook in 2021. I think I paid ₦1,200,000.00(dollar equivalent at the time) for the laptop at that time. I sold the Mac last year for ₦800,000.00 after 3 years of use. I think it’s a very good bargain.”
Battery life and power efficiency
Apple’s M1 and M2 chips are game-changers for Nigeria’s power-challenged economy. The MacBook Pro 14 and Air M1 easily provide 18 hours of battery life, maintaining top performance during blackouts.
Most Windows laptops, particularly Intel or AMD models, last up to 6 hours per charge. Though newer generations of Windows systems are improving— the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 12) and HP Spectre x360 16 (2024) could last up to 12 and 16 hours respectively.
Also, because MacBooks consume less power and generate less heat, users spend less on generator fuel and inverter maintenance. This can lower the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) despite the higher purchase price.
Windows and Mac repairs cost in Nigeria
From a careless drop, a sudden power surge, or spilling coffee on the keyboard, the possibility of hardware failure is a reality for every laptop owner. The ability to afford hardware components and secure quick localised repairs is a major factor in a laptop’s long-term viability.
The Windows ecosystem thrives well in Nigeria. Windows laptops are typically built with modular components (RAM, SSD, screen, ports) that can be easily replaced or repaired by local technicians.
Repair costs for standard Windows PCs are manageable and localised:
- Simple fixes, such as charging port or hinge repair, typically cost between ₦7,000 and ₦20,000.
- Standard laptop screen replacement can range from ₦15,000 to ₦50,000, depending on size and resolution
- Logic board and major failures repair are between ₦40,000.00 to ₦80,000.00
Modern MacBooks, particularly the M-series, employ a highly integrated design where core components like the CPU, GPU, RAM, and SSD are unified onto a single logic board. While this boosts performance, it renders the devices less repairable by traditional component replacement.
The financial risk associated with MacBook repair is not pocket-friendly. Simple component failure often necessitates expensive board-level or full assembly replacement.
- Screen replacement for M1 and M2 MacBook Air models is estimated to cost between ₦180,000 and ₦250,000 ($124.27 and $172.60).
- Charging port repairs cost between ₦40,000.00 and ₦80,000.00.
- Standard quotes for logic board repair range from $300 to $1500 USD (₦434,526.00 to ₦2,176,630.00). Local or third party technicians can come up with cheaper solutions.
| Repair issue | Average Windows (₦) | MacBook (M series)(₦) | Risk profile for Nigerians |
| Charging port | 7000-12000 | 40,000-80,000 | Windows: Low Mac: High |
| Screen replacement | 15,000-50,000 | 180,000-250,000 | Windows: Manageable cost Mac: Too high, equivalent to a Windows entry-level |
| Logic board/major failure | 40,000-80,000 | $300-$1500 | Windows: Modularand often repairableby component. Mac: High risk of devicereplacementexpense. |
Users recount their experience repairing Mac and Windows laptops
To gauge users’ experience with getting repairs, we interviewed four Nigerians.
“Using my Lenovo laptop has been okay, I’ve never spent up to ₦50,000.00 on a single repair. There was a time when some keypads stopped working, I spent around ₦15,000 on repairs, other minor repairs always ranged between ₦7,000 to ₦20,000.” Afeez*, student at university of Ibadan (23yrs).
“The only part of my HP I’ve ever repaired is the charging IC, and I’ve done that twice each time paying ₦17,000. I’m exceedingly annoyed having to repair the same thing twice, but the pricing is fine.” Joshua*, graphics designer (27yrs).
“I dropped my MacBook M4 three months ago and the screen got damaged. I was charged over ₦200,000 to get a new screen. I almost cried because I could not afford that much at this period. A friend lent me his ASUS laptop, I’ve been using that ever since.” Abigail*, social media manager (26yrs)
I’ve only had issues with my MacBook once, and it was with the charging port. I was charged ₦75,000, which really put a dent in my pocket. After that, I’ve been really careful about how I handle the laptop. “ Dotun*, software engineer (33yrs).
Which laptop suits your career in Nigeria: Mac or Windows?
The ultimate choice of a laptop is often dictated by professional requirements. Specific jobs place demands on operating systems and hardware compatibility.
For Creatives and Media Professionals
In the creative industry, including graphic design, video editing, and animation. The MacBook remains the preferred PC. Creatives require computers with robust processing power (Apple M4 Pro/Max chips are frequently recommended) and high RAM capacity (16GB minimum). Other features are:
- Superior display quality (Liquid Retina XDR).
- Optimized Adobe Creative Suite performance.
- Long battery life and smooth performance.
If your career depends on design accuracy or content creation, the MacBook’s price is justified.
For Software Developers and IT Experts
For software developers, the choice of OS is a strategic career decision dictated by the target
development stack:
- MacBooks are mandatory for iOS/macOS app developers and DevOps engineers who rely on UNIX-based systems.
- Windows PCs are better for .NET developers, game designers, and enterprise environments.
- Linux users can run it virtually on both, depending on the project’s needs.
For corporate and financial sector workers
Corporate Nigeria (banks, telecoms, oil firms) favors Windows for compatibility with enterprise tools like Active Directory, Microsoft Teams, and legacy financial applications.
Why choose Windows?
- Affordable for most Nigerians.
- Great choice for office, study, and enterprise work.
Why choose Mac?
- Perfect for creatives and iOS developers.
| Factor | Windows PC(Entry level-high end) | MacBook (M-series) | Implications for Nigerian users |
| Initial purchase cost | ₦140k to ₦2m | ₦1.2m to ₦4.1m | Windows dominate the affordability spectrum |
| Battery life | 4 to 16 hours | 9 to 18 hours | Mac is a good choice for continuity and reducing reliance on generators |
| Repair cost | ₦7k-₦50k | ₦40k to ₦250k | Windows offer a good safety net with cheap repair prices |
| Long-term financial value | Poor residual value(20-30% retention) | Excellent asset retention (40-50% retention) | Mac serves as a financial hedge against inflation |
Conclusion
In 2025, the best laptop in Nigeria to buy depends on your profession and risk tolerance.
- Choose Windows for affordability and easy repairs.
- Choose MacBook for battery reliability and long-term value.
The Windows ecosystem keeps both purchase costs and repair expenses low, making it the most practical and reliable choice for everyday Nigerian users and corporate organizations. Its wide availability of affordable parts and local technical support creates a crucial financial safety net, ensuring that hardware failures rarely lead to major or unexpected expenses.
In contrast, the M-series MacBook, despite its high upfront cost, significantly reduces day-to-day operational risks caused by Nigeria’s unstable power supply and offers strong protection against the effects of Naira depreciation. For high-earning specialists such as creatives, iOS developers, and entrepreneurs who cannot afford costly downtime, the MacBook’s exceptional battery life, performance stability, and long-term value retention make its price a strategic investment rather than a luxury purchase.
