The best MacBook Pro cases: protect your Apple laptop for less
The best MacBook Pro cases and sleeves offer both protection and style for your MacBook. Okay, so it already has style, but some of the best MacBook Pro cases also look petty sharp, while protecting your laptop from scratches, bumps and spillages. MacBook Pros are powerful laptops and they’re very well built. But they certainly aren’t cheap, so it makes sense to treat them to some added precautions to avoid scratches and dents, especially if you need to carry your laptop around with you when you’re on the go.
Of course, you don’t want to put a beautifully designed laptop in an ugly case or sleeve, so we’ve sought out a mix of the best MacBook Pro cases that suit different tastes and styles while also providing good protection. In the guide below, we’ve included both clip-on cases and padded sleeves – you might even want both for added protection. We’ve chosen a range of designs from rugged all-terrain protection to more stylish minimalist options, picking those that have the best customer reviews.
We’ve been sure to include options that cater to different budgets without getting into the terrain of dubious quality, and we’ve also aimed to include options for the different recent MacBook models. However, many case makers are still playing catch up with the latest MacBook Pro 14 and 16, which came out towards the end of 2021. There are more options for MacBook Pro 13-inch cases, but we have included some options for the newer laptops too.
If you’re still looking to buy a MacBook Pro, take a look at our selection of the best MacBook Pro deals or our comparison of MacBook Pro 14 vs 16. And if you’re considering the lighter, more affordable MacBook Air, see our round-up of the best MacBook Air cases too. We also have a guide to the best laptop bags, sleeves and cases in general, and to the best MacBook Pro accessories.
The best MacBook Pro cases available now
Incase’s Hardshell in Woolenex case proves that getting premium looks doesn’t mean you have to miss out on protection. The woven top surface comes in four colours and looks wonderfully classy, but it’s also fray-resistant and can take a battering thanks to the hard plastic casing underneath. Yet despite the protection, this is not a bulky case, barely adding any extra heft to your MacBook. That helps keep it portable and easy to take on your travels. It’s a great option if you want to guard your laptop – but also want to be seen with it.
Protecting your MacBook Pro need not cost the earth, as ProCase’s range of MacBook covers goes to show. Its cases are 1.2mm thick and super lightweight, making them great if you want to add a splash of colour to your laptop and protect it from scratches at the same time, without weighing it down with a heavy duty shell. The snap-on design is easy to use and comes with a smooth, rubberised finish that looks as good as it feels. There’s even an included keyboard cover to keep out dust and liquids. The case above is a MacBook Pro 13-inch case, but ProCase produces similar cases for the new MacBook Pro 14 and 16.
When it comes to protecting your devices, Urban Armor Gear (otherwise known as UAG) is one of the best-known names in the biz. With its MacBook Pro case, it’s not hard to see why. It offers solid all-over protection against bumps and bruises, and we particularly like its impact-resistant corner protection for when your laptop takes a tumble. Yet it manages to do this without looking like an overdesigned monstrosity, as so many other rugged MacBook cases do. That’s a rare combination, and one that scores it plenty of points in our book.
If you have the latest 2021 release M1 Pro / M1 Max MacBook Pro 16, there still aren’t a huge number of cases on the market, but the ever-reliable MOSISO has put out this simple well-fitting case that does the job, and it comes in a wide variety of colours including transparent. It’s fully vented gives full access to all buttons and ports. You can also order it with a matching keyboard skin and a screen cover. While it’s not the toughest case in the world – and fingerprints can be an issue – it will protect your precious MacBook from bumps and scratches, and it can easily be fitted and removed as needed.
MOSISO’s offering something a bit different for the 2021 MacBook Pro 14. This case ads in shock-absorbent beveled ridges and bumper heavy duty hard shell for added protection without looking overly tank-like like some of the more rugged cases can. It also has a kickstand is designed to offer a more ergonomic typing angle, but that might depend on preference.
Sometimes, a simple MacBook sleeve is all you need. In times like that, the Native Union Stow is a superb choice for the 13in MacBook Pro or MacBook Air. Not only does it look fantastic with its canvas body and genuine leather highlights, but it’s packed with useful features that put it a step above the rest. Its magnetic closure keeps your laptop in place without risking zip-induced scratches, while there’s a pouch for files and documents to be securely stored as well. It’s perfect for slipping into a backpack and keeping your MacBook Pro safe on the go.
Moshi’s Muse sleeve is the perfect blend of form and function as a 13in MacBook Pro sleeve. It looks superb, with a vegan leather exterior that comes in three stylish colours. But it’s not just a pretty face – it’s also loaded with clever features that take your MacBook to the next level – literally. When unfolded, it props your MacBook up to a comfortable typing angle, saving you wrist ache. Its SlipGrip opening prevents your laptop from dropping onto the floor, while its zipless design makes scratches a thing of the past. And for £60, it’s reasonably priced for what it offers.
Pad & Quill’s Cartella Slim case is certainly eye-catching. Its appearance is modelled on classic hardback books, with a strengthened spine that protects your MacBook’s hinge. It’s sealed with a Moleskine-inspired elastic loop, while the linen cover looks sharp and helps keep scratches at bay. It’s all backed up by a massive 25-year warranty, so there’s no need to worry about it falling apart a few months after purchase. No, this is one MacBook Pro case that’s built to last.
This option from Mujjo is another very smart looking 13in MacBook Pro sleeve. It’s a little more expensive than the Moshi Muse option above, but it looks very sharp and offers quality materials – handcrafted premium wool felt and a vegetable-tanned asymmetrical leather flap with raw edges and a very satisfying snap button. The material is soft to the touch but offers protection against scratches and light spillages. There are storage pockets for daily essentials.
If you’ve ever wondered why so many MacBook Pro cases come in such muted colours, you’re not alone. Casetify has thought the same thing, which is why its range of laptop cases are the perfect antidote as more interesting MacBook Pro cases. The company offers a huge range of bright, interesting designs in both case and sleeve formats – there are hundreds to choose from, in fact, and Casetify regularly gets artists to add new designs. If you’re looking for something more creative, chances are you’ll find it in Casetify’s catalogue.
Should I choose a MacBook Pro sleeve or case?
There are two main types of protective cover you can get for your Mac: a sleeve and a case. A sleeve is essentially a soft pouch that protects your Mac from bumps and bruises. Like a bag, though, it doesn’t affix to your laptop, and is mainly used to protect it in transit. In contrast, MacBook cases clip onto your laptop and offer protection whether you’re using the device or not. Both sleeves and cases have their pros and cons, and you can use both at the same time if you like by stowing a MacBook Pro with a case inside a sleeve.
What material should is best for a MacBook Pro case?
Some companies use a form of plastic topped by a fabric layer that not only looks great but also resists scratches. Others use hard-shell plastic that can take a real battering. And some companies prefer clear plastic cases that let you see your device under its protection. Each material will suit different people and different tastes, but it’s good to know there is a lot of choice in this area.
How much should I pay for a MacBook Pro case?
Beware ultra-cheap cases and sleeves, as these are likely made from inferior materials that won’t keep much damage at bay. MacBooks are expensive devices, and you don’t want to find yourself lumped with a huge replacement bill because you opted for a poor-quality case. Reliable, affordable cases do exist, but just make sure you check the manufacturer’s reputation before going for one.
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