Laptop work is all about portability. And moving your brand new MackBook Pro can be daunting – there’s no other example where people transport their livelihood with them on a daily basis! That’s why investing in a protective MacBook Pro case or sleeve is a clever idea.
I’ve researched a wide range of MacBook Pro cases, and used many of them for months at a time, to find the best of the best for you. I’ve considered materials, value, robustness, availability, and style to create a list of cases and sleeves that cover a wide range of needs and budgets.
The best MacBook Pro cases
Best overall
+ Stylish looks
+ Great protection
+ Good value
Sometimes, you don’t need to choose between style and practicality. The Textured Hardshell in Woolenex by Incase is a sleek, premium-looking case for your MacBook that offers serious protection. It’s light and thin, so you can still take it out and about.
Best budget
+ Great value
+ Several colours
– Non-rugged
At just 1.2mm thick and weighing practically nothing, this MacBook Pro case is great for scratch-protection and portability. Offering a good range of colour options and an easy-to-use snap-on design, the ProCase products also have a keyboard cover included, that helps prevent dust and liquids getting into your expensive Apple laptop.
Pockets
+ Stylish
+ Great pockets (including AirTag)
+ Waterproof
– Lightweight protection
I received this MacBook case/sleeve a few months ago, and love it. It’s roomy, stylish but practical too. The pockets are big enough to house chargers, there’s a dedicated AirTag pocket, and it’s waterproof, so your lappy will be safe and ready to use whenever you want.
Charging pads
+ Charging pads
+ Comes in black or white
+ Serves as mouse pad
Journey’s Nexa 4-in-1 offers not one but two magnetic wireless charging pads within the flap, perfect for an iPhone and, say AirPods. And the surface of the sleeve itself even doubles as a mouse pad. It’s a little heavier than other sleeves, but the extra functionality arguably more than makes up for it.
Best rugged
+ Excellent protection
+ Reliable brand
– No colour options
Urban Armor Gear is one of the best-known names in the biz. It offers solid all-over protection against bumps and bruises, and we like its impact-resistant corner protection for when your laptop takes a tumble. Yet it manages to do this without looking like a monstrosity.
Real leather
+ Fantastic fit
+ Quality materials
– Relatively expensive
If you want a refined look, the woolnut real leather sleeve or folio (with zip), is a fantastic choice. Having had time using the sleeve, I liked the snug fit and great quality of the materials. It comes in three colours (there are more in the folio model), and all are tailor-made for all MacBook models.
Faux leather
+ Built-in stand
+ Slim and sleek
– Not shockproof
We like the look of the TYTX MacBook Pro Leather Case, but we need to be straight: first, it’s actually faux leather, but that’s OK because that’s reflected in its modest price point. The next thing is that although it has great coverage of the MacBook Pro, it isn’t the most rugged.
Best hard shell
+ Good fit
+ Covers most models
– Not many colors
While we wish they’d included more colours, the Speck Smart Shell is an excellent hard shell case that will protect your laptop from bumps and scratches. It has secure clips and rubberised feet to prevent sliding.
UV resistant
+ Tough, UV-resistant
+ Can resist impacts
– Comparatively pricey
The Evo Hardshell Case from Tech21 made its debut in 2022. It comes in versions specifically for various 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, and is constructed from translucent polyurethanes, which means the sleek design of the MacBook Pro is still visible, but is also protected from bumps and scratches.