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The best MacBook Pro cases and covers

macbook pro vs surface 7 2016 thin 1500x1000
Kelly Hodgkins/Digital Trends

Let’s be real: The MacBook Pro is not a cheap accessory. When you take the plunge to purchase one, you must purchase a case. Having the right case will guarantee the safety of your machine: no scratches, cracked screens, or busted hardware.

To help you choose the best one, we have done our own research for you. Below, you will find the best cases on the market.

Waterfield 16-inch MacBook Pro Sleevecase
WaterField 16-inch MacBook Pro Sleevecase
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von Holzhausen MacBook 14" Portfolio
Von Holzhausen 14-inch MacBook Portfolio
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Mosiso Macbook Pro 13 Case
Mosiso MacBook Pro 13 hardshell
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Mektron Shockproof Hard Case
Mektron Rubberized Hard Case Cover
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Fintie MacBook Pro 13 Retina Folio Case Sleeve
Fintie Sleeve Case
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Tomtoc 360 Protective Laptop Briefcase
Tomtoc 360 Protective Laptop Sleeve
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Incase Hardshell for 16-inch MacBook Pro
Incase Hardshell for 16-inch MacBook Pro
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Twelve South BookBook for MacBook Pros
Twelve South BookBook for MacBook Pros
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The WaterField 16-inch MacBook Pro Sleevecase.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

WaterField 16-inch MacBook Pro Sleevecase

Pros
  • Waxed canvas with leather highlights
  • Neoprene interior
  • Accessories available to bundle
Cons
  • Without accessories, it's more difficult to carry around

Many cases will make your laptop feel heavier, which is something you want to avoid if you’re transporting it. The WaterField Sleevecase is sleek so your laptop will still fit in your bag without adding unnecessary bulk. This case provides soft, form-fitting protection, plus a lot of customization perks. The interior of this WaterField MacBookPro Sleevecase is composed of neoprene for soft protection, and the outside can be either a waxed canvas with leather accents for style or a ballistic nylon shell for added protection, depending on your needs.

Either way, your MacBook Pro stays dry and protected, and the sleeve closes up with a simple Velcro tab that’s easy to unlatch for quick use. Note that prices can vary a little depending on whether or not you choose to add other accessories like a shoulder strap or D-rings.

Waterfield 16-inch MacBook Pro Sleevecase
WaterField 16-inch MacBook Pro Sleevecase
The von Holzhausen 14-inch MacBook Portfolio.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Von Holzhausen 14-inch MacBook Portfolio

Pros
  • Vegan leather, recycled microfiber design
  • Easy magnetic clasp
  • Easy to clean
Cons
  • No extra pockets

This slim Portfolio is made with the 14-inch MacBook Pro M1 in mind, sporting a luxury design made from 100% vegan leather, with an interior made of microfiber that’s manufactured from 100% recycled plastic water bottles. That combination makes the case easy to clean if it ever gets dirty, something that’s not true of many leather and faux-leather cases.

The top flap of the portfolio is connected with a magnetic clasp, but note that there aren’t really any side pockets, and not much room in the case except for your MacBook Pro and maybe a connecting cable. Make sure you have a place to store any other accessories you need.

von Holzhausen MacBook 14" Portfolio
Von Holzhausen 14-inch MacBook Portfolio
Mosiso laptop case.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Mosiso MacBook Pro 13 hardshell

Pros
  • Lightweight hardshell case
  • Easy to attach
  • Includes screen cover
Cons
  • Design may not be for everyone

Designed specifically with Apple’s 13-inch MacBook Pro models in mind, the Mosiso case is sleek, lightweight, and gorgeous to look at. It’s a hard-shell design, so it offers some protection against knocks and bangs, as well as scratches (even more important now that we have super-thin MacBook bezels), and it’s easy to attach with a simple clip mechanism. It’s also vented to help prevent heat buildup and even comes with a screen cover and color-coded keyboard cover to help prevent damage from spills and smears.

The Mosiso MacBook Pro 13 case is available in a variety of colors. It’s also affordable at under $20.

Mosiso Macbook Pro 13 Case
Mosiso MacBook Pro 13 hardshell
Mektron laptop case.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Mektron Rubberized Hard Case Cover

Pros
  • Shell with shock absorbing edges
  • Includes built-in stand
  • Rubberized feet
Cons
  • 15-inch MacBook Pros only

This shockproof hard case from Mektron takes protecting your MacBook Pro to a whole new level. It combines a hard shell with protective, shock-absorbing ridges on the front and back of every corner, ensuring that drops and bangs are warded off in equal measure. The protective casing on the rest of the MacBook means that it’s well-protected from scratches when in transit, too.

The rubberized feet offer additional functionality that lets you tilt the laptop for a better angle for on-desk typing, and there are vents on the underside to make sure that the MacBook gets enough airflow to remain cool.

Compatible with the 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display, the Mektron Rubberized Hard Case Cover is model-dependent, however, so make sure to order the right case for your particular notebook.

Mektron Shockproof Hard Case
Mektron Rubberized Hard Case Cover
Fintie MacBook Pro 13 Retina Folio Case Sleeve.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Fintie Sleeve Case

Pros
  • Affordable faux leather
  • Easy port access
  • Magnetic closure
Cons
  • Limited to older MacBook Pro 13 models

For a leather look at a fraction of the cost of Apple's vegan leather, Fintie’s Sleeve Case for MacBook Pro models is a great alternative. At $18, it still looks the part with a PU leather coating and a magnetic closure. Cutouts for all ports mean you retain easy access to everything you had without the case in place and there are tons of color options to pick from.

Designed with the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display in mind, the Fintie Sleeve Case is made primarily for older models that need some extra protection, and may not fit newer 13-inch MacBooks.

Fintie MacBook Pro 13 Retina Folio Case Sleeve
Fintie Sleeve Case

Tomtoc 360 Protective Laptop Sleeve

Pros
  • Can fit a variety of MacBook Pros
  • Spacious pockets and carrying handle
  • Fleece cushioning inside
Cons
  • More focused on utility than aesthetics

A more generic laptop carry case, the Tomtoc 360 Protective Sleeve combines a reinforced fabric shell with a soft, cushioned interior that wraps around all corners and sides. It’s compatible with 14- to 15-inch laptops, but there's a 13-inch version for smaller MacBook Pros as well

Each bottom corner of the case has specially designed CornerArmors to add additional protection to the overall structure of the bag, and there are two front pockets with space for accessories like chargers and other smart devices.

To top it all off, there is a carry handle for easy transportation — making the Tomtoc 360 Protective Laptop Sleeve a perfect companion to a sleeved or naked MacBook Pro.

Tomtoc 360 Protective Laptop Briefcase
Tomtoc 360 Protective Laptop Sleeve
The Incase Hardshell for 16-inch MacBook Pro.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Incase Hardshell for 16-inch MacBook Pro

Pros
  • Grippable surface
  • Recyclable polycarbonate
  • Ventilation included
Cons
  • 16-inch MacBook Pros only, please

Incase’s Hardshell Case provides the utmost protection to 2019 16-inch Macbook Pro models. Environmentally-conscious users will be drawn to this case because it’s made from a recyclable polycarbonate. The surface boasts a dot design that adds some style to the case while providing valuable friction for better gripping.

Ventilation opening on the Incase Hardshell for the 16-inch MacBook Pro case will keep your laptop from overheating while you use it, prolonging its battery life and protecting you from burns. Rubberized feet help it stay in place on the table. This case provides thorough protection and conscientious storage for your Macbook Pro in a tastefully understated case that you can depend on.

Incase Hardshell for 16-inch MacBook Pro
Incase Hardshell for 16-inch MacBook Pro
The Twelve South BookBook for MacBook.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Twelve South BookBook for MacBook Pros

Pros
  • Fun book-like leather design
  • Hidden pocket for documents
  • Fits a variety of MacBook Pros
Cons
  • Careful your MacBook doesn't overheat

Twelve South’s more whimsical take for a MacBook Pro case is an excellent pick for those who want something with a unique style: It’s a handmade leather case that’s designed to look like a book (especially when it’s closed), which not only gives your MacBook a distinctive look but makes it harder for thieves to notice if they’re rifling through your belongings looking for something valuable.

The case is available in multiple sizes, including models for the latest M1 MacBook Pros, has a crush-resistant spine, and includes an internal pocket to keep documents or things that you might need. When you’re ready to go, the case zips up for protection. Just don’t leave your MacBook out in the sun. Thick cases like this may contribute to overheating in the wrong circumstances.

Twelve South BookBook for MacBook Pros
Twelve South BookBook for MacBook Pros

If you're looking for more complete protection, take a look at some of the best laptop bags available right now, too.

Jon Martindale

Jon Martindale is the Evergreen Coordinator for Computing, overseeing a team of writers addressing all the latest how to guides, best-of lists, and explainers to help everyone understand the hottest new hardware and software in desktops, laptops, and on the web.

Jon also writes for Forbes, Lifewire, and Microcenter, has authored two novels, and provided back story and dialogue for a handful of games.

 

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