Congratulations, you’ve just gotten your hands on a brand-new MacBook Pro. But how are you going to maintain it looking new and preventing it from getting dings, scratches, or worse? It’s always a good idea to invest in a protective bag, sleeve, or snap-on case for your (very costly) equipment.
There is no shortage of MacBook Pro cases on the market, but with so many options, finding one that looks well, protects well, and fits within your budget can be difficult. There are two types of MacBook cases: those that are permanently attached and those that are not. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and the optimal case for you will be determined by how and where you use your laptop.
A sleeve, padded case, or backpack with a padded laptop compartment is the way to choose if you’re solely seeking for protection in transit. It’ll protect your Macbook when it’s most vulnerable, without adding bulk or weight the rest of the time. Look for a hard-shell case that stays firmly attached at all times if you’re concerned about drops and spills around the house, office, or neighbourhood coffee shop.
To help you avoid decision fatigue and squandering your money, we’ve compiled a list of the finest MacBook Pro cases from a variety of brands, styles, and price points.
Whatever level of protection your Macbook demands, you should be able to find something suitable here.
1. Best Macbook Pro Case Overall: Fintie Protective
Look no further than this Fintie Protective model for strong protection for your MacBook Pro 13” without adding too much bulk. The case has a strong synthetic leather outer with a polycarbonate shell interior that simply attaches to the laptop for a fantastic balance of elegance and protection.
Cutouts allowing easy access to all of your MacBook’s ports, as well as full airflow on the bottom to minimise overheating, are among the other features. That second point is especially significant in a circumstance like this, where the attachment is only semi-permanent.
If you want, you can pick from a variety of colours and designs, ranging from conventional solids to more ethereal heavenly motifs. Whatever version you choose, don’t expect to pay a fortune for it: the Fintie case proves that high-quality protection for valuable electronics doesn’t have to be pricey.
One thing to keep in mind: the case is only compatible with MacBook Pro 13” models released between 2016 and 2019. Fintie offers this transparent snap-on cover as an alternative because the dimensions of the most recent MacBook Pro 13” have altered somewhat. Do you have a larger laptop with you?
Fintie’s MacBook Pro 15″ Retina Cover has similar functions and costs less, however the book cover style falls between between a sleeve and a hardshell case. Because of some unattractive corner padding, the design isn’t as elegant as it may be, but if protection is more important than slender lines, it’s an excellent option.
Pros
- Protection without adding too much bulk
- Cutouts for ports and ventilation
- Variety of styles available
- Reasonably-priced
Cons
- Only fits 2016-2019 MacBook Pro 13”
- The corners can be subject to wear and tear
2. Best Sleeve Case: Mosiso MacBook Pro Sleeve
The Mosiso MacBook Pro Sleeve is an excellent value for money for individuals searching for additional laptop protection while on the go. To protect your MacBook Pro from minor bumps and scratches, this sleeve includes three layers of protection: a spill-resistant polyester exterior, a fleece-lined interior, and shock-absorbent foam between them.
There’s also an additional pocket for smaller goods and accessories like phones, tablets, cables, and pencils, in addition to the main container. The Mosiso MacBook Pro Sleeve’s large range of colours and sizes is particularly striking. Over 20 distinct hues and tones are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate all current and prior MacBook Pro models.
You’ll have to be careful with the sizing, though. On larger laptops, the sleeve can be extremely tight, so be careful when opening and closing the zipper. The 13-inch models, on the other hand, have far less of a problem. The Mosiso MacBook Pro Sleeve is an excellent alternative if you want a simple, stylish way to protect your Macbook Pro from minor damage at a low price.
Pros
- Exterior accessory pocket
- Wide variety of sizes and colors
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Fit may be too snug for larger laptop models
- Only provides protection for minor drops or falls
3. Best Budget Snap-On Case: Ibenzer Hard Shell for MacBook Pro
Want to keep your MacBook Pro safe even when it’s in use? Snap-on cases are designed specifically for this purpose. While the Fintie case is our top recommendation in this category, if you’re on a budget, we also recommend Ibenzer’s Hard Shell MacBook Pro case. This case is made of lightweight plastic and weighs only 10 ounces, adding minimal added bulk to your laptop.
The accompanying micro clips make installation and removal a breeze, protecting MacBook Pros from scratches, dents, dust, and more. When it comes to overheating prevention, the Ibenzer case goes above and beyond. It has four rubber feet on the bottom to lift the laptop off the desk and maximise air circulation, in addition to the typical bottom cutouts for ventilation.
There are three distinct case sizes to choose from. Over 30 patterns, including flower themes and cityscapes, are available on the 13-inch variant. The 15-inch case has about half as many colour options, and the larger 16-inch casing has even fewer. Of course, if matching a case design to your personality isn’t important to you, this isn’t a deal breaker.
A matching keyboard cover is included with the 13′′ and 15′′ cases, although it tends to expand over time and doesn’t fit as well. If you need keyboard protection, the popular Uppercase GhostCover is a better option. This Ibenzer Hard Shell Snap-On case is well worth a look for budget-conscious shoppers thanks to its simple installation, ample ventilation, and low pricing.
Pros
- Easy to install and remove via micro clips
- Good airflow
- Plenty of color and design choices for 13″ and 15″ models
Cons
- Bundled keyboard cover tends to stretch over time
4. Best for Protection: Pelican 1085 Laptop Case
Pelican is a trusted brand with a lengthy history when it comes to protecting electronics. If you plan on travelling with your MacBook Pro in tow, or simply want to give it more protection than a basic case can offer, the Pelican 1085 is the case for you. This crushproof case fits a 13-inch MacBook Pro (including the most recent model), and the IP67 designation means it’s dustproof and watertight up to three feet.
Given the case’s weight of almost three pounds, a shoulder strap is supplied to make it easier to carry. An automatic purge valve equalises the air pressure so you can effortlessly open the case at any altitude, and the anti-scratch “pick and pluck” foam interior can be moulded to comfortably embrace your device.
This Pelican case isn’t exactly sleek, light, or attractive. You’re not looking for style points here; instead, you want a high level of protection from a brand that is trusted by professional photographers, military personnel, and emergency services all around the world.
Pros
- High-grade protection
- Removable shoulder strap
- Customizable foam interior
Cons
- Only fits 13” MacBook Pro models
- No room for accessories
5. Best Premium Case: Twelve South BookBook V2
The Twelve South BookBook V2 is likely to attract attention and spark a few conversations. But don’t be deceived by its attractive looks: this high-end case has enough of substance to match its beauty. The BookBook V2 gives your MacBook Pro the look of an antique book, as the name suggests, with a full-grain hand-finished patina leather exterior.
The laptop is protected by a microfiber inside, a crush-resistant spine, and reinforced corners. There’s also a concealed document pocket with up to 20 pages of storage, but there’s very little room for accessories. If you don’t need the larger BookBook CaddySack for chargers and cords, you can get the smaller BookBook CaddySack to give you the illusion of being well-read.
If you want to utilise your MacBook Pro within the case, the BookBook V2 won’t restrict your ports. It does not, however, have cutouts for air in order to keep the vintage book appearance. It’s preferable to remove the BookBook before using your laptop for extended periods of time or in hot environments.
Twelve South’s premium case is one of the most innovative and attractive ideas we’ve seen, and it’s available for 13″, 15″, and 16″ MacBook Pros. Sure, it’s pricey, but you’ll get outstanding craftsmanship, reliable protection, and plenty of style points in exchange.
Pros
- Well-made
- Access to ports for use inside the case
- Space for documents
- Available for all Macbook Pro models
Cons
- No room for accessories
- Lacks ventilation cutouts
- You’re paying extra for style
6. Best Macbook-Friendly Backpack: SwissGear ScanSmart
Do you believe backpacks are only for students, commuters, hikers, or frequent flyers?
Even if you don’t fit neatly into those categories, carrying and protecting your Macbook in a backpack makes a lot of sense. When compared to a shoulder bag or briefcase, the weight is spread more evenly, making big weights simpler to carry.
You might be shocked (or not!) by how much a laptop and all of its chargers and accessories can weigh. A backpack’s increased size allows for safety measures like extra padding, water-resistant materials, and “floating” pockets that prevent your Macbook from hitting the ground if you drop your bag.
Obviously, this is only useful during travel; however, you can always apply one of the hard shells mentioned above for additional protection. The SwissGear ScanSmart bag is our top option for transporting and protecting your Macbook Pro. This high-end model is built for air travel, but it’s still adaptable enough for everyday usage and big enough to handle even the heaviest MacBook Pro.
When you’re ready to take to the skies again, the ScanSmart laptop compartment makes airport security a breeze. The fold-down design keeps your device in plain view for TSA scanners so you don’t have to unpack and repack your bag at the checkpoint. Padded adjustable straps firmly hold laptops up to 15 inches.
With a front pocket, various inner slots in the main compartment, and exterior mesh pockets on the sides, the pack provides enough of storage. From the shoulder straps to the laptop and tablet pockets, there’s lots of extra padding.
The SwissGear ScanSmart is comparable in price to comparable daypacks, but if you don’t want to spend that much and still want an airport-ready bag, this Solo Metropolitan Laptop Backpack offers a removable laptop sleeve and plenty of room for a lesser price. You’ll have to take your laptop out for the airport scanners, but it’s a simple process.
Looking to save even more money and don’t plan on spending much time in airports?
Instead of TSA-friendly features, choose this Deep Storage bag. This basic, low-cost variant comes with a padded laptop cover for enhanced protection, a USB charging connector on the outside, and can accommodate any Macbook Pro size.
Pros
- TSA-friendly fold-down design
- Adjustable for anything up to a 15” laptop
- Plenty of internal and external storage
Cons
- You’re paying extra for the TSA-friendliness
As you can see, getting a reliable MacBook Pro case does not need spending a lot of money. If you want your device to have some flair, you can get a quality sleeve or plastic snap-on case for the price of a fancy cocktail, and they come in a variety of colours and designs.
Premium cases, which emphasise heavy-duty protection, sophisticated aesthetics, and extra convenience, are available for people with less restricted budgets and more specialised needs.
Whatever case you choose, all of the cases on our list will help protect your MacBook Pro from the effects of everyday use, travel calamities, and plain clumsiness.They’re all a lot less expensive than buying a new laptop!
