How much storage do you really need on a MacBook?
128GB, 256GB, or maybe 512GB? When choosing a MacBook, you immediately grapple with that one key question: how much storage do I actually need? Too little, and you'll end up with a full drive. Too much, and you'll be paying through the nose for gigabytes you never use. But here's what no one tells you: most people completely overestimate their storage needs . They think in terms of "what if" instead of "what do I actually do?" This fear of a full drive drives them to more expensive models, while working smarter with cloud storage and a strategic choice for a refurbished MacBook with the right capacity can save you hundreds of euros. The secret to refurbished is that you often get more storage for less money—at least if you know what you really need.
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The reality of your digital space
Your MacBook's storage capacity largely determines how you use it daily. Too little space means constantly deleting files and juggling external drives. Too much means paying a premium for gigabytes that collect dust. The trick is to find that sweet spot where functionality and budget meet.
Let's be honest: Apple's prices for extra storage are steep. For every additional storage capacity, you'll pay hundreds of euros extra. A smart buyer will therefore critically evaluate their own usage before making this investment.
128GB: the minimalist
Who does this work for?
The 128GB version is perfect for users who primarily view their laptop as a gateway to the internet. Think of students who primarily work in Google Docs, professionals who store all their files in the cloud, or people who use the device as a second computer.
What can you do with it?
128GB comfortably fits:
- The operating system (about 15-20GB)
- Essential programs such as Microsoft Office, Spotify and a browser
- Several thousand photos in normal quality
- A handful of films for on the road
- Working documents from the past months
The pitfalls
The biggest problem with 128GB isn't so much the limited space, but the constant vigilance it requires. You have to regularly clean up, move downloads, and transfer large files directly to external storage. For creative work with video or photography, this model is simply too small.
256GB: the golden mean
The most chosen option
It's no coincidence that most MacBook users choose 256GB. This capacity offers plenty of room without breaking the bank. It's large enough to work seamlessly, yet small enough to remain affordable.
Practical use
With 256GB you can:
- Store an extensive photo library of 10,000+ photos
- Installing multiple large programs such as Adobe Creative Cloud
- Save project files locally without immediate stress
- Having a music collection available offline
- Work comfortably without having to tidy up every week
Perfect for hybrid workers
This storage size is ideal for people who use their laptops for both personal and professional purposes. You'll have plenty of room for your work files and personal photos, without having to choose what to store.
512GB: the professional
When is more really necessary?
The jump to 512GB is significant, both in terms of space and price. This size is intended for users who regularly work with large files. Photographers who shoot in RAW, video editors who process 4K footage, or developers with extensive projects will find it ideal.
The luxury of space
With half a terabyte of storage, the fear of a full disk disappears:
- Complete Adobe suite with all plugins and presets
- Dozens of hours of 4K video footage
- Complete backup of your phone and tablet
- Multiple virtual machines for development work
- Years of project archives directly accessible
1TB and higher: the power user
For the real professional
A terabyte or more is the domain of specialists. Video producers working with ProRes, 3D designers with massive render files, or music producers with extensive sample libraries truly need this space.
Worth the investment?
For most users, 1TB is overkill. Unless you rely on local storage professionally, you're better off investing this money in a faster processor or more RAM. Or consider a refurbished model with 512GB plus an external SSD for archiving.
Smart alternatives for more space
Making the most of cloud storage
iCloud, Google Drive, and Dropbox offer affordable expansions to your local storage. For a fraction of Apple's premium, you get access to terabytes of cloud storage. The downside: you're dependent on an internet connection.
External storage as a buffer
A 1TB external SSD costs less than upgrading from 256GB to 512GB at Apple. Perfect for archives, backups, and files you don't need daily. Modern SSDs are small, fast, and reliable.
The refurbished route
A worthwhile option is a refurbished MacBook with more storage. These devices have been professionally refurbished and often offer better specs for less money. A two-year-old model with 512GB can be cheaper than a new one with 256GB.
Practical tips for your choice
Analyze your current usage
Look at your current computer or phone. How much storage do you use there? This will give you a realistic idea of your needs. Remember that macOS requires about 20GB extra.
Think in years of life
A MacBook easily lasts five to seven years. Your storage needs will likely grow over that time. What seems spacious now might feel cramped in three years.
The 70% rule
Aim to use no more than 70% of your storage. This keeps your system fast and provides space for temporary files and updates.
The financial consideration
The price differences between storage configurations are significant. For the additional price of going from 128GB to 512GB, you can often:
- Pay for premium cloud storage for a year
- Buy two 1TB external SSDs
- Consider a refurbished model with better specifications
It's therefore wise to consider not just the purchase price, but the total cost over the life of the device. Sometimes it's more cost-effective to choose a smaller model and invest the difference in external or cloud storage.
Conclusion of your storage choice
The right storage capacity depends entirely on your personal workflow. For most users, 256GB is the safe choice, offering a good balance between price and functionality. Creative professionals are advised to consider at least 512GB, while minimalists can easily manage with 128GB if they use cloud services wisely.
Remember that storage is just one aspect of your MacBook choice. The processor, RAM, and screen quality are just as important for the daily experience. Invest your budget where you'll get the most value, and be creative with solutions for extra storage when needed.
Choose consciously what you really need
Choosing the right storage capacity ultimately comes down to an honest assessment of your own usage. For most people, 256GB seems to be the sweet spot between functionality and price. Don't give in to the fear of a full drive; instead, consciously choose what you truly need. A refurbished MacBook with the right capacity, supplemented with smart cloud solutions or an external drive, often offers more value than blindly upgrading to the maximum. This way, you'll have budget left over for the specifications that truly matter for your daily work enjoyment.
