The best MacBook Pro cases for 2021

If you try to travel without a case, bag, or sleeve, your MacBook Pro may be scratched — or even worse, splattered with liquid or strewn with crumbs. The best MacBook Pro cases are the only thing standing between you and a headache down the road. A case with enough sturdiness could even protect your Mac in the event of an unintentional drop.

As a result, we’ve done our best to compile a list of the top MacBook Pro cases for everyone. Some of the items on our list come with protective cases.

best MacBooks
of all sizes, including the current 13 and 16-inch models, as well as the 15-inch if you’re protecting an existing investment.

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We also recommend a variety of styles, ranging from protective snap-on shells to folios and sleeves for storing your MacBook. We know that the rigid “shell” design isn’t for everyone, so we’ve tried to find something for everyone when it comes to protecting their Mac.

Finally, because MacBook Pros from 2015 and earlier have such a different design, you shouldn’t expect one of the cases below (except the briefcase bag) to fit if your machine is 5 years or older.

The best MacBook Pro cases for the start of the new school year

If you or someone you care about is returning to school this year, the MacBook Pro is a popular laptop to bring. They have large screens, plenty of processing power for everything from statistics homework to video editing, and they’re also pretty sleek and portable.

Of course, if you’re going to have one bouncing around in your backpack, you’ll want to protect it with a case. Any of the cases on this list should do a decent job of protecting your MacBook Pro from the rigors of school life; however, we recommend the Mosiso Hard Shell Case for most MacBook Pro users because it is affordable, durable, colorful, and comes with a keyboard cover to keep spills at bay.

The best MacBook Pro cases on the market right now

When it comes to totalMosiso’s shells not only come in a wide range of colors (38 for 13-inch MacBook Pros and 24 for 16-inch MacBook Pros), but they also come with all of the extras. Mosiso has carved out a pretty compelling case for why it makes the best MacBook Pro case. Mosiso also includes a bag for your accessories, ensuring that your mouse and portable keyboard are kept clean. As a result, you’ll get a keyboard shield as well as a screen protector.

Just keep in mind that this only applies to MacBook Pros with USB-C ports that were manufactured after 2016. If you don’t want a bright color, choose frost, clear, or black from the minimalist options. Aqua Blue and Living Coral are two of our favorite colors, but there are so many options that you can match your MacBook Pro to the rest of your life.

• 13-inch, in 38 colors: $16
• 16-inch in 24 colors: $19

The Thule Gauntlet sleeve is a good choice if you prioritize protecting your investment and don’t mind if your case looks a little drab. It uses straps to keep the MacBook and case in place, so remember to remove them when closing the Gauntlet completely to avoid accidentally draining your battery. Its dual-zipper design ensures that it covers all of your MacBook Pro when closed, but it also allows you to use it as a laptop by keeping the MacBook Pro inside the case.

Expect nothing to fit, according to the Gauntlet’s Amazon reviews. butThis sleeve houses a MacBook Pro. Even so, the Gauntlet offers enough protection that you won’t have to worry about it colliding with other items in your bag. That means you’ll have to find a new home for your charging cable, USB-C cable, and other accessories.

• 15-inch: $40 
• 13-inch: $60 

The TopCase 2-in-1 hard cover 16-inch model is one of the most affordable options on this best MacBook Pro cases list, and it also comes with a keyboard cover, which is a huge plus if you spill your beverages frequently. The bottom half of the TopCase 2-in-1 is also designed to ventilate and distribute heat. Don’t be fooled by the brand name: And, at half a pound, it barely adds any weight to your MacBook Pro, which is already light.

Although Top Case doesn’t have as many color options as our top pick from Mosiso, it does have a good selection, including clear cases that don’t distract, a minty green that is neat, and bright yellow, blue, and pink colorways. While Top Case claims that the case is shatter-proof, some Amazon reviewers point out that it can crack.

• 13-inch: $19 
• 15-inch: $23 
• 16-inch: $17 

The KECC cases, on the other hand, allow you to go all out. Their lids also feature a cut-out hole for the Apple logo, which is ideal for those who want to flaunt their Apple fandom. This brand makes cases that appeal to a wide range of uses, from the Black Crocodile Leather design to the Cherry Blossoms case and the Colorful Triangles version. Many of the best MacBook Pro cases limit your ability to express yourself.

More importantly, make sure you know what year your Mac was made (you can find out by going to Apple Menu > About This Mac on your MacBook Pro), because KECC makes this case in a variety of fits that vary slightly depending on the model year. The keyboard cover has been criticized by users for not always fitting perfectly, so you’re primarily buying this case for the shell. But there are a couple of things to consider.

• 13-inch: $22.99
• 16-inch: $19.99 

When most MacBook Pro cases are either extremely minimalist or overly expressive, the Mujjo sleeve is one of the best because it falls right in the middle, with a design that goes with almost anything. Mujjo has you covered if you’re looking for a MacBook Pro case with just the right amount of visual flair. This sleeve, available in black-on-black or tan-on-black, successfully blends leather and wool felt.

You might think the price is a little high because it isn’t all-leather. When choosing your sleeve, make sure you choose the correct size, as some customers have reported receiving a model that is a little too big. Mujjo’s confidence in including a two-year warranty — something we don’t see very often in cases — gives us reason to believe this case will keep your MacBook Pro safe.

• 13-inch: $87
• 16-inch: $75

You may prefer a case that is more at home in a business meeting if you’re in an extremely professional setting. That’s why we suggest this well-reviewed briefcase messenger bag for laptops up to 15.6 inches. The Men’s Leather Briefcase, according to Estarer, will fit both the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, and it has enough compartments to fit both. and an iPad too.

However, we must award points for value when the briefcase remains largely unchanged at its $43 “sale” price (rarely exceeding its $86 MSRP). Just keep in mind that the polyurethane leather materials don’t have the same feel as real leather. The only problem? Because we couldn’t find a smaller model, your 13-inch MacBook Pro may move around inside the bag. However, at $43, we wouldn’t expect it to be genuine leather.

• 15.6-inch: $43 

To give its rigid case a texture that feels more natural than most cases, Incase uses Woolenex, an “abrasion-resistant fabric.” However, the hardshell case is still designed to dissipate and release heat, so don’t be concerned about how the material affects how your laptop handles heat. Incase’s excellent Textured Hardshell case has a unique tactile feel that goes a long way toward making your tech feel less sterile.

However, given Incase’s reputation for quality, this accessory is well worth the investment. The main issue is that Incase is charging $70 for this case, which does not include any of the extras that come with much less expensive cases (such as a keyboard cover).

• 13-inch: $70

It has a grippy design and big chunky bumpers that lock in the corners of your MacBook Pro. UAG also claims that its case has passed multiple drop tests under the MIL-SPEC 810G standard, which is used for military-grade goods. Because the MacBook Pro is always an investment in your future, you’ll want to make sure it’s well-protected. MacBook Pro Rugged Case by UAG And Urban Armor Gear has the perfect MacBook cCase for those who are concerned about dropping their laptop.

One issue we have with this model is that some users claim the locks are too tight and difficult to remove. “Whatever you do- open with equal pressure on both corners!” one customer warns, sharing photos of a cracked screen. If you have problems with your unit when you first use it, we recommend returning it for a refund.

• 13-inch: $60 
• 15-inch: $60 

Many people these days don’t care for the above bright and eye-catching designs, but they still want something more than a plain black case. Bellroy’s Basalt-grey laptop sleeve, which uses a magnetic closure rather than zippers, is ideal for those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic. When purchasing a case as a gift, I prefer a product that is neutral in appearance but still stylish. Bellroy’s other products are also fantastic, as they are well-made and attractive.

Sure, the water-resistant materials will help protect your MacBook Pro from spills, but if you move it around too quickly, your laptop could slide out. Of course, because of the magnetic enclosure, you’ll have to pay a little more attention to the case than usual. Bellroy should make a model for the larger 16-inch model as well.

• 13-inch: $55

He’s also interviewed athletes and other industry veterans for Cageside Seats, where he covered the wild world of professional wrestling. Prior to joining Tom’s Guide, he worked for TechRadar Pro, where he reviewed software and hardware, and for Patek Philippe International Magazine, where he interviewed artists. Henry has been reviewing devices and services for the past six years as a senior editor at Tom’s Guide, covering streaming media, laptops, and all things Apple.