Is the Mid 2015 MacBook Pro still good in 2021? 

What do you think? Is the mid 2015 still the king? Also check out TotalAV, today's video sponsor, at www.totalav.com/lukemiani to save 80% on their antivirus suite!

The 2015 MBP was also the end of the glowing  logo. 💡 RIP  logo. 🪦

When you said the “M1s are significantly over performing for their category” - it made perfect sense as to why I bought the 2015 mid year model in 2022. Apple likes to release future proof machines. Which is why the newer models are still ahead of its time and the older models are still relevant because of the intuitive technology..

Can’t wait til it’s 2023 so I can replace my 2013 MBP for the 2015 one 😂

I have done web development for the last 6 years with my 2015 MBP. It's an amazing computer even in 2022. It was my first macbook, it has 16gb ram (it was insane to me in 2016), an i7 and 256gb ssd. The only issue I had in these years was the battery, I had to replace it two years ago. But it has a really nice screen, a fit and solid design, a nice keyboard and a lot of useful ports. Even a really acceptable performance, I am able to work developing with javascript every day without any issue. But its hour has come, and today I bought a M1 Pro with 32gb ram and 1tb ssd. Thanks for all the adventures 2015 MBP, I'll never forget you.

Luke : This computer is 700$ Germany : 1500€ is the lowest i can go

Luke - your videos and your new set are getting better and better! You kept your word of producing content more regularly, and as a long time fan of the channel I definitely appreciate it =)

Its 2023 and I’m still using the 2015 Macbook Pro. A Beast! 😍 No Issues whatsoever.

Bought mine (mid 2015 15 inch) in early 2016 and I couldn’t be happier! Runs like a champ, love macOS, love the SD-Card reader, love literally everything. It even looks like a new device, despite the bezels...

Looks like you've finally got the lighting sorted Luke - well done!

This is the machine I still currently use right now. Almost 6 years strong.

Love the reviews of slightly older products in future years. Really puts product specs and value into a good prospective. Nice video!

I bought a mint condition with only 16 charges for $375 with case,,, absolutely happy 8/24/22

Bought a 2015 at the turn of the year to replace my 2012 retina. It’s phenomenal value. Only 200 battery count. I love it!

Own a Mid-2012 MacBook Pro - two new SSD’s, removed optical drive and updated memory to 16GB. Works like brand new. Apple soldering their SSD’s in the new MBP’s is just a disgrace - consumers should be allowed to make changes to their own device.

Luke, THANK YOU for this review❗️ It makes me REALLY APPRECIATE my 15” 2015 MBP👍 I actually bought it a little over a year ago for $400 on Craigslist. I got it for this price because the seller could not reinstall the OS after wiping the SSD. It took me a lot of deep diving to figure it out, but finally by resetting the clock to July 2017, I was able to install and update the OS and voila, I am now rocking a GREAT dream machine I longed for.

It always impresses me how many people I see using these regularly, plus I have a friend who's just picked up one of these to replace a troublesome 2017 'function keys' Pro. Whilst my 2015 13" doesn't quite have the performance of the quad-core 15" it still scoots along happily in light work. The 15" should still competently handle pretty decent workloads and the value is really good.

I was searching for this model, now that I have it I can say is the best deal I ever made

For me its the no branding on the screen, the glowing logo on the back, and the black hinge. Its the best looking MBP I've ever seen. The only thing that would make it better would be the old metal power button on the body of the computer and oof. chefs kiss.

My Mid 2012 is still the King for me 👍 Maybe I’ll “upgrade” to a used 2015 😃

That was probably the most solid Mac I have ever owned.

I have that exact same laptop. Bought it back in 2015 and it's kicking like it was new.

I got mine in Late-2015 and I love it to pieces.

Still using my mid 2015 macbook pro since october 2015, worth every €, since last year I had noticed it to overheat and the fans turning on constantly, since I replaced the battery last month it works like a charm again, pobably the best macbook pro ever.

Great perspective. My 2013 13” still serves me well ... I didn’t think about how old it was until hearing it repeated that a 2015 was 6 years old ... thanks for the link on the SSD adapter. A great thought for adding more life to the old girl!

This notification popped out exactly when i submitted my essay. 😂

This model Macbook Pro is the epitome of the best features Apple had - magsafe, hard function keys, keys on the keyboard that work consistently, plenty of USB ports, a Thunderbolt and HDMI port, and user-upgradeable components. I have one and it is a workhorse. Easy machine to love.

I bought this Mac when it first came out, I decided to get it for myself as a birthday present as it was in June. I still have it to this day and I love it because I take pictures as a hobby and I love having an SD Card slot. I don’t think I’ve ever actually had an issue with it. Holding on to it maybe we’ll get another MacBook with SD slot soon

Love my Mid-2015 15”, it’s the base model with the integrated graphics but in normal use I never hear the fans and it genuinely feels as lightning fast as the day I unboxed it in 2015, even running Big Sur! It just refuses to feel slow and give me any excuse to upgrade so it looks like I’m keeping it for a bit longer 😂

I’m using the 13” 2015 MPB, still loving it 🥰

Hey Luke love your channel I own a 2020 MacBook Pro 13 intel myself and I love it I decided to get because of your channel thanks 👍🏼

Honestly all 15” retina MacBook Pros between 2013 and 2015 are really good, still in 2021. Good battery life, and performance is great, especially if you get an eGPU too. But I’d say that the 750M dGPU isn’t too bad for gaming, and especially for streaming lighter games via Boot Camp

Im still on my mid 2015, today I changed thermal paste and removed dust inside it. Now it runs smoooth again with fans almost making no sound, but Im looking forward buying the M2 in the late 2021 =) But this is a real beast and so good with all the ports

I actually bought one of these 2 years ago to replace my GPU Failed 2011MBP. I love it, and there is a recall on them which replaces all the top case including keys and backlighting. If this one dies I'll go M1, but right now, editing 4K is fine on this!

I’d be interested in seeing an apartment tour video. You seem to have good taste. We’re redecorating our place in all mid-century modern and I’ve been admiring your backgrounds for a while.

I love my 2015 MacBook Pro! I finally retired it for video editing yesterday (needed to do this last year if I'm being honest(, but it handles light photo editing and light programming very well.

Yes, mine has been bulletproof ever since I bought it. I partitioned the drive to run windows throughout the pandemic to run software such as auto cad and revit, it worked without a hitch. Love the glowing logo too.

Thank you! This was very helpful. I'm a new photographer and I'm trying upgrade my equipment in a price friendly way!

I've had my early 2015 13" macbook pro since early 2016 and amazingly lasted me this long. I'm grateful its lasted me this long and it works like a charm still. Over the years I needed to update was the battery, upgrade the storage to 1tb from 256 gb, and replace a charger cause the cord was peeling. Worth every penny.

I bought a second hand early 2015 13” mbp off eBay for $500 with the intent to utilize the screen replacement program for the anti glare coating. I ended up having the entire display replaced which ultimately made the MacBook pay for itself. I’ve been using it for the past 3 years without any real issues. I had the charging port go bad but that’s $12 and 10 minutes of work to replace.

Found one of these that’s pretty much brand new, never used with a 1tb ssd & 16gb ram for $800. Can’t wait to grab it in a few weeks!

I just like the glowing Apple logo on the lid. This thing alone is already an ultimate selling point for me lol

Typing this from my mid 2015 right now! Will upgrade to M1 soon. Waiting to see what this year’s models bring.

For the MagSafe vs Type-C charging point: you can get dongles and cable to adapt a Type-C PD charger to MagSafe, often around $20-25. Just another dongle to toss in the bag of other dongles and you'll still only have to carry a single power brick around.

My 2015 MBP is still running great and is a good computer! I’m going to keep using it until it dies or gets so slow I can’t deal anymore

Awesome comparison. I’m upgrading from this model to a m1x this year. Until now, I didn’t see much of a reason. The 2015 models have been amazing.

Watching this on a slightly battered secondhand 2017 MacBook Air. Recently got into the whole ecosystem thing and Luke does great videos with sound advice. I enjoy Apple products but my budget always means that I am a few generations behind but they are quality built hardware and are usually supported for many years. Loving it.

I don't know why, but even though it has been a long time, I just can't help but see "lukemia" when I see your name.

I bought one a year ago. I love it for pro tools, and recording music..

I'm using one as I watch this. Next to no issues, and reliable. I have been offered another that is hardly used, and has a new battery, keyboard and screen by Apple for $1500AUD. Seriously thinking about it. As the new machines with M1 are through the roof here in Australia. Love your vids Luke.

Damn the keyboards on those things were amazing! Glad we've finally got something nearly as good on the new Macs with the Magic keyboards.

I watched your 2020 version of this video and bought a 15" mid 2015 (with Intel integrated GPU only) . For the few days that I used the machine, I can tell that it is a remarkable Mac still to this day.

The 2015 I7 MacBook Pro looks to be ideal for my new voiceover studio. As I need a quiet machine with the power to mix my audio work occasional video work and to crank out invoices. I believe what you’re saying is I can still get a number of good years out of one in good condition. Thanks for the review.

I'm still using my 2015 15" with AMD graphics today! I got it band new on release day and i've never even once considered upgrading it. The screen is fantastic, the keyboard and trackpad are the best i've ever used, speakers are great, battery is great, thermals great etc etc. Also one thing you forgot to mention, in 2015 when this was released, it was already using an 18 month old Haswell chip, because Intel didn't release their Broadwell HQ chips in time for this, so the 13" ran 5th gen, and the 15" ran 4th gen. I'm a software engineer so I use mine for all kinds of programming, compiling, but also consuming a lot of media, i've not once had a single issue with it, it's quite amazing how well its lasted

These laptops are still nice to use depending on your particular use case... as for the anti-glare coating coming off on the screens, if you're using the laptop exclusively in-doors then just remove the rest of the delaminating anti-glare coating (there are ways to do this posted online) and have a clean screen again. Yes, you get a little more glare but the screen looks brand new. Even today, I still prefer to use my 2015 MacBook Pros and they serve me well for my use case... great review Luke!

I have a Early 2015 MBP and I love it!

got it new in 2015. still works like a charm thanks for the info

Thanks for the vid. Had mine since 2015 and it's effectively the base model with a bit larger SSD. Struggles with Lightroom now and if I attach it to my monitor it becomes very frustrating, so the extra memory (if I can afford!!) plus the new chip will be major draws for me when they announce the new ones.

Up until recently, and having traded it in for an M1 Mac mini, I was using a mid-2014 MacBook Pro for my demanding motion graphics job. It was the last model to have dedicated nvidia graphics. I loved that machine. Totally was still usable for motion graphics and 3D work. I’d rather use a truly “Pro” machine from 2014 than use a newer machine with ZERO “Pro” I/O.

Luke you are amazing and I’ve been watching your channel for at least a year I was able to get a great deal for a 2015 2.8ghz MacBook Pro from Black Market and I’m waiting on my 2tb ssd this weekend then I will load her up and start a music production journey! Thank you for all the great information!

I had the 13inch model and i loved this laptop. Brilliant display, good keyboard and battery. Also i loved the variety of connection and of corse the glowing apple logo.

I just bought one from a local computer shop that deals in refurbished Apple products. Exact same specs except 512 GB SSD. I paid $599 and it looks and performs like a brand new one. I have had the M1 Air and also the M1 14" MacBook Pro. Honestly, this 2015 model specked out as described in this video...performs every bit as good for 90% of the stuff at nearly 25% of the cost of a new M1 14" MacBook Pro. I mostly use it for photo editing, and am very happy with it. I just cannot fathom spending $2000 on a laptop.

Basically, I don't want a computer where I have no HDMI port, on a portable laptop in 2021. This was the compelling reason for me to get this machine. I have it running Big Sur, flawlessly. 2.6Ghz 16GB RAM - got it for around £600 quid in 2020. A beast. Can handle anything I throw at it. I will keep it forever. Never going to update it beyond Big Sur though, as I just love the cleanliness and simplicity of the OS and I have no compatibility issues at all. New Macs with no ports doesn't interest me in the slightest - plus, I don't need insane performance, I am not a graphic designer. I'm a musician / teacher so it is more than good enough for me. :-) Honest review though, man.

I still have mine and as a software developer, this machine is still kicking with plenty of life left in it. Last year I cleaned out the machine and replaced all the thermal paste and it’s humming along just fine.

I recently bought one and love it very much. I don't really like the new ones being offered but love the new internal hardware.

Recently ordered a 2015 macbook pro and this makes me pretty confident in my decision since I'm on a budget at the moment.

I'm on my mid 2009 right now and still standing strong :)

I had a 2015 back when it came out and loved it. Was my last Apple laptop until I tried a 16" 2019 for a couple of weeks in November, then traded it in for a 14" M1 Pro. BUT I love these 2015s so much I just bought one for a friend for under $400 - has the 2.8GHz i7 with the R9 GPU. It is just as much fun to play around on as my 14". She hasn't had a laptop in years so she will be excited. Thanks as always for the great video.

I had Macbook Pro 13" 2015 and sold it a year and a half ago. It had 8GB RAM and at that time it was clear that for my workflow I need at least 16GB (using Adobe CC software and keeping multiple apps running together). It was great machine (I've replaced the top panel because of the well known retina screens anti-reflective layer issue).

I've had one of these since they came out in 2015, and continue to do most of my RU-vid video editing on this machine, 4k, effects, FCPX plugins, everything. I have a pretty heavy hitting Hackintosh with a 9700k and a Radeon VII, but even still this little MacBook continues to impress and keep up with that thing. Genuinely one of the best workhorse computers Apple has made in recent years. I'm looking forward to your impressions of the Apple Silicon 16" MBP when it releases, Luke! I think that will finally be a return to the true creative's tool that the Mid '15 was!

Do not always look at benchmarks. If you do not work as a pro in video editing, where time is money, this machine is fast enough for your work. It can handle heavy multitasking with various apps and 50+ tabs open in different browsers without any problem. With 2gb graphics even X-Plane 11 runs quite nice on mid settings. My 2.5 i7 with 16gb and 1tb is running perfect since 2015.

I love your video thank you so much.

I have my 15 retina 2015 still in use. I upgrade to 2tb ssd and now it’s perfect, I change cpu cooling pad, now it’s cooler and one is really good SD slot, usb and hdmi. All of them without an adapter

This was my 1st MBP I bought last August. I wanted a solid entry point model to see if I'd enjoy using Apple laptops. It's still brilliant. I have the same spec as one in this vid, but with half the GB's of storage, and it was in near-mint condition with not even a scratch on the screen or body anywhere! I use it to watch vids, write, and do my remote work for my job. I'm not a gamer or editor, so it does all the things I need with no fuss. It's still running like a dream for everything else. It runs Big Sur fine, and I'll prob still get at least one more Mac OS update before I need to buy the latest MBP at that time. I'm hoping that one will have more ports and a design revamp. If anyone is thinking of buying one, my advice is you could do no wrong. Good laptop👌

I love my 2015 Mac Book Pro, and won’t getting rid of it, even when I do get an M1 and I did the 1TB Nvme upgrade and that great too

Been using mine for going on 7 years. I've never had a laptop like this one. Not a problem in all the years I've had it, still runs just as quick too! I will be a macbook user for live because of my experience with this thing!

Still deeply happy with my 2015 15" MacBook Pro Retina. Upgraded the SSD and changed the battery twice. Whilst physically showing its age, it's still working really well. Have stuck with Big Sur too.

I'm still using this for my programming. Absolutely love them ❤️

Wanted one of these for years and finally pulled the trigger on a used deal locally for $675. Using it for music production and I couldn't be happier. Don't hear the fans and its basically mint :)

My first new MBP was one of those, only had it for a year before I had to sell it. Really great machine! :)

I got the same exact model you have 6 months ago, they're good for the price only con I have is that they're loud! I might look into changing the thermal paste. Will probably buy the M1x a year from now.

I still use this macbook pro mid 2015 beauty even though it's old but it will still have space in my heart when I'll get a new one

Bought it in 2018 just before they discontinued, has never failed me once... still a beast in 2021 imo

Yep, watching on mid 2015 15" MBP. Still good. Had to replace swollen batteries last year. Still going strong. But fans go crazy easily, even after cleaning them. Can't wait for gen 2 M1 Mac Mini.

Finally, a video on something I was recently wondering about. The only MacBook Pro compatible with PCIe 3.0 and last with properly replaceable storage.

This was my first mac, the 2015 Mid Macbook Pro 15 inch, I love it. I replaced its battery in Apple store last week and it's just like a new machine. But as I got my m1 air early this year, I finally decided to retire it... because the m1 Macbook Air is just too good.

I paid $1000 for one of those a year ago. Ouch. I love it though.

Love this thing. Just got the battery replaced which meant replacing the entire keyboard face and runs like new! :)

I passed this computer to my mom! The mid 2015 15inch, and I switched to a new M1 Pro 16 inch! That computer has lasted, even after a drop once. I put so much love into that machine, makes me happy it still works for my mother!

Still rocking the mid 2012 MBP 13in. But the M1 got me saving for an upgrade

Him 1 year ago: It’s no longer the king, Me 1 year later: When you say Huh?! I just ordered a 2015 from my 2011 (i5 13” 12 gb ram), it’s an i7 13” 16gb ram, It

My dad has a Late 2013 MacBook Pro that is working well to this day. He got it in Aug. or Oct. of 2016 and he has had a few glitches on it, but a restart once in a while and a software update to Big Sur helped get rid of the glitches. Edit: These old MacBooks are made to last.

Worked in a shop and bought my Mid 2015 when Apple stopped selling them in 2018 including four additional years of warranty (starting at purchase date) by my store. So it is still under warranty. It was the one that was on our display for three years already. It was literally running 24/7 for three years und is still doing great. I got my display changed in an Apple Store because of delimitation right after I bought it. Besides that 2020 the battery swell and the left speaker started to crackle. Both parts were replaced as well under warranty. One time I spilled water over the keyboard and the keys stopped working for some days, but it recovered by itself. 10/10 would buy again

Now apple started reselling it in 2021 with edge to edge display ,ports and powerful M1 pro and M1 max chips

I love my 15" mid-2015 Macbook Pro! 💖 No problems with it, other than the fact the bottom case is warped and it doesn't sit flat on a table anymore (I now use paper shimming!).

Imagine upgrading from a 2009 macbook to this 15 inch 2015 macbook in 2022…you can call me the FLASH⚡️.😎

My mid 2015 MB Pro has served me well. I still use it everyday as a designer. Cant wait to get hold of the new M1X MB Pro now though

I sold mine and got a M1 Air, I miss the sd card slot sometimes, but the M1 performance without a fan is just insane.

Just got this with i7, 16gb and 512gb.... for £200... such a bargain

I got my mid 2015 15" MBP refurbished from Apple in 2016. Upgraded the NVME 1TB and replaced battery, other than that, it still does everything I need to do. Solid like a tank baby. And my 2010 MBA is going strong after 11 years.