As versatile as it is sturdy, this premium sleeve is a top pick for people who travel with their MacBook Pro.
As versatile as it is sturdy, this premium sleeve is a top pick for people who travel with their MacBook Pro.
Durable. Sleek. Exact fit for your MacBook. Side pocket for documents. Available in slate and indigo. Tough outside, cushioned inside. Secure magnetic closure. Stylish.
This tight-fitting case is difficult to remove.
The initial investment for this lightweight case is worth the impressive protection it provides for a MacBook Pro.
The initial investment for this lightweight case is worth the impressive protection it provides for a MacBook Pro.
Featherweight. Perfectly formed to fit a MacBook Pro’s vents, keys, and ports. Far more rugged than it looks. Modern dot pattern. Rubberized feet. Available in clear and black.
Its looser fit may allow dust into this case.
This surprisingly rugged MacBook case is a great option for anyone who dislikes bulky and hefty cases.
This surprisingly rugged MacBook case is a great option for anyone who dislikes bulky and hefty cases.
Non-slip rubberized feet. Allows proper airflow from the MacBook Pro. Smudge- and scratch-resistant. Featherweight. Extremely sturdy. Available in clear and tinted black.
Best for shielding against minor bumps or drops.
A superb MacBook Pro case that delivers an unmatched blend of style and function.
A superb MacBook Pro case that delivers an unmatched blend of style and function.
Case is fully vented. Delivers seamless access to all MacBook Pro buttons and ports. Snap-on design. Sold in a broad range of eye-catching colors. Comes with a keyboard cover and screen protector.
Tends to wear down quickly. Keyboard cover is flimsy and low-quality.
A dazzling MacBook Pro case that features a distinct cut-out design.
A dazzling MacBook Pro case that features a distinct cut-out design.
Unique design ensures you can quickly and effortlessly open your MacBook Pro and gain full access to all ports. Serves as a hard shell cover with a rubber oil paint coating that protects your MacBook Pro against damage and fingerprints. Includes vents for efficient heat dispersal.
May fall off your MacBook Pro easily. Less durable than many similar options.
We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.
Apple’s MacBook Pro revolutionized mobile-computer design. With a sleek, anodized aluminum body, MacBook Pros are as much a statement of form as function. But while aluminum is more durable than plastic, that doesn’t mean it’s immune from getting scratched, dented, cracked, or bent.
If you’re worried about protecting your investment and keeping your MacBook Pro looking as pristine as possible, you may want to invest in a case. A high-quality case can not only help protect your computer but can accentuate its looks, as well.
If you only occasionally take your MacBook Pro outside the home or office, the risk of something happening is probably fairly low — although it only takes one incident to damage a machine that can cost thousands of dollars. If your MacBook Pro is your constant road warrior companion, it’s probably more a matter of when something happens rather than if. Either way, there are numerous case styles and designs available.
When choosing a case for your MacBook Pro, the biggest factor to consider is the level of protection the case will provide. Some offer a bare minimum of protection, mainly from cosmetic scratches and light dents. Heavy-duty cases can protect your MacBook Pro from everything from scratches and dents to spills and even drops.
Another factor to consider when making your choice is how the case impacts your MacBook Pro’s look and feel. Some cases, especially those that offer minimal protection, are designed to preserve your machine’s aesthetics as much as possible. Others, while offering far more protection, are bulkier and turn your sleek MacBook Pro into the computer equivalent of a tank.
When looking for a case, you should try to find one designed specifically for the MacBook Pro rather than a generic case designed for use with any computer within a size range. A case designed specifically for your model will fit snugly and offer better protection.
A third consideration is the level of personalization a case offers. Some cases are made so you can decorate them, draw on them and use them as an expression of your individuality and creativity.
One of the most common types of cases designed for your MacBook Pro is the snap-on style case. This kind of case is usually made from rigid plastic, rubber, or polycarbonate, and it grips onto the edges of your computer. The first piece will snap onto the top half of your MacBook Pro — the side with the Apple logo — while the second piece snaps on the bottom half. Because it’s a two-piece system, it doesn’t interfere with the opening and closing of the laptop. Some cases in this category also come with a plastic keyboard cover as well as a screen protector.
Another popular style of case is a sleeve. Sleeve cases offer protection but at the cost of convenience since a sleeve only protects your MacBook Pro when the computer is inside it and not in use. To use the computer, you have to take it out of the sleeve. Sleeves come in a variety of styles, including slim portfolio sleeves that look professional and are designed to be used alone. Others are designed to be slipped inside a computer bag, such as a backpack or messenger bag, offering an additional layer of protection. This is a good option for when you want maximum protection while in transit but will be using your computer in a relatively safe environment.
Prices for MacBook Pro cases vary almost as much as the cases themselves, depending on materials, design and extras included.
Entry-level cases will range in price from $10 to $20. These cases will be basic snap-on or sleeve-style cases. With a little effort, you can find a snap-on case in this price range that includes the keyboard and screen protectors.
In mid-range cases, you’ll start seeing improved materials, construction and protection. Sleeves may incorporate leather rather than cloth or neoprene, and snap-on cases will be made from higher-end materials that offer better protection and shock absorption. Cases in this class range from $20 to $75.
Cases in this class are made from premium materials and offer the very best in looks and function. Stylish cases in this category are made from the finest leather, fit for any boardroom or professional environment. Cases designed primarily for protection take it to the next level, offering military-grade drop and impact protection. Expect to pay anywhere from $75 to $200 for cases in this group.
There are small differences from one generation of MacBook Pro to another that can affect whether a case will fit. Many case manufacturers will list the model number the case is designed for. You can find this model number on the bottom of your MacBook Pro’s enclosure, near the hinge.
If you want a case that protects your computer when you’re using it, such as a snap-on, try to find one that has plenty of ventilation slots. If your MacBook gets too hot, it will throttle, or slow down, the central processing unit (CPU). Over time, excessive heat can damage your battery and other internal components. A case with ventilation slots will help dissipate heat rather than trap it.
If you’re worried about someone stealing your MacBook Pro, consider a snap-on case that is opaque and hides the Apple logo. While there are plenty of other ways to tell if a computer is a Mac, hiding the Apple logo will at least make it harder to discern for a passerby.
Some cases have a built-in stand that elevates the back of the MacBook Pro by an inch or two. This helps with ventilation, and it also improves ergonomics by giving you additional viewing angles.
If you like the protection and style of a sleeve, some manufacturers offer extra features with their designs, including carrying straps and compartments for your smartphone and other items.
A. Probably not, especially if you go with a minimalist design. Snap-on cases often weigh only a few ounces and should not have much of an effect.
A. Most snap-on cases have a matte finish that won’t attract fingerprints and are very easy to keep clean.
A. Yes, if you get a case specifically designed for your MacBook Pro model.
Get emails you’ll love.
Learn about the products you’re wondering if you should buy and get advice on using your latest purchases.