Best MacBook case: Protect your MacBook with a stylish case, sleeve or bag

An Apple MacBook makes for a fine travelling companion, but since they aren’t drop-proof, investing in the best MacBook case you can afford will bring some peace of mind. While their metal exteriors are tougher than most, even an unprotected MacBook on the move is destined to pick up dents and scratches along the way – or potentially take a more serious tumble. So, if you want to keep your premium Apple possession in pristine condition, there’s only one course of action: investing in a case or sleeve.

Even if you have shelled out for AppleCare, purchasing some third-party protection for your MacBook is worthwhile. It helps protect the delicate components from accidental drops and knocks, and also makes sure that you can maximise your MacBook’s resale value when you come to upgrade. Protection doesn’t have to be boring, either, with a wide variety of cases, sleeves and minimalist bags in a huge range of designs.

With that in mind, we’ve researched the best cases for MacBooks of all shapes and sizes. Read on and we’ll help you find the one that’s right for you.

READ NEXT: These are the best laptop bags you can buy

Best MacBook case: At a glance

• Best budget sleeve: Tomtoc Versatile-22 | Buy now
• Best ergonomic option: ProCase for MacBook Pro | Buy now
• Most fashionable option: Fjällräven Kanken 13 Backpack | Buy now
• Best clear case: Belk Crystal PC hard case | Buy now
• Most stylish clip-on case: Mosiso Shell Cover | Buy now

How to choose the best MacBook case for you

Do I need a case for my MacBook?

As mentioned above, MacBooks aren’t infallible, despite their solid metal exteriors. After spending hundreds of pounds to get exactly the right laptop for you, it’s definitely worth paying out just a little more to ensure that it’s protected. What’s more, certain cases offer more features than simply safeguarding the MacBook within them, such as a stand or a hidden pocket for storing papers, so the additional expense is easier to justify.

And then there’s the double-edged sword of the Apple logo. Iconic and identifiable, it’s a badge of quality on your MacBook, but also a target for theft. While some cases make sure to keep the Apple logo clearly visible (and this is fine, as long as you’re careful to store it out of sight when unattended), a lot of them fully cover your MacBook, making it less of a target if you’ve left it in the back seat of your car.

What different kinds of cases are there?

Broadly speaking, MacBook cases can be sorted into three groups: Covers, sleeves and bags. Each has their own set of pros and cons, so which you decide to go with will depend on your exact needs.

• Covers attach directly to your MacBook, so here it’s more important than ever to ensure that you’ve got one that is compatible with the size of MacBook you own – don’t worry, we’ve detailed for each entry below the models that they fit. Covers provide all-round protection, and allow you to just open your MacBook and get on with things, quick and easy.
• Sleeves provide 360° protection, fully enveloping your MacBook in a padded lining, which can be zipped closed for maximum security. Being separate from your MacBook, sleeves do add a few seconds to your routine – taking the MacBook out and putting it away after – but they’re low-key and usually come with an additional pocket.
• Bags are the best way to hide your MacBook while protecting it, as they look like any other backpack. They come with plenty of additional storage space – perfect for taking to work or university – and usually close with a zip, which can be padlocked for extra security. Bags are the most expensive options on this list, but also come with the most features.

How much should I be spending?

Covers and sleeves generally run in the same price bracket, anything between £15 and £25, so choosing between them is more about your specific needs than their cost. Bags, as mentioned above, are more expensive, but bring more to the table than their cheaper counterparts. For a decent bag, expect to spend anywhere from £30 to £100.

READ NEXT: The best gaming laptops you can buy right now

The best MacBook cases to buy

1. Tomtoc Versatile-22 Laptop Handle Sleeve: The best budget MacBook sleeve

Price: £24 | Buy now from Amazon

For less than £25, Tomtoc’s sleeve does everything you could ask of it. It comes equipped with corner protection to safeguard against damage from drops, has 360-degree protective padding and includes three layers of protection consisting of shockproof and spill-resistant material. The thick, fluffy interior also ensures that your laptop will be thoroughly protected from every angle.

Key specs – Compatible with: MacBook Air 13in and MacBook Pro 13in, versions available for MacBook Pro 14in and 15in; Dimensions (HWD): 21.2 x 30.4 x 1.5cm; Weight: 260g

2. Fjällräven Kanken 13 Backpack: Casual, fashionable and versatile

Price: £48 | Buy now from Amazon

It’s definitely a tad on the pricey side, but the Kanken 13 is a good alternative to a basic case or sleeve. There’s a padded laptop compartment that offers a decent amount of protection for anything up to 13in MacBooks – the larger Kanken 15 and Kanken 17 models are a better option if you have one of the larger models. The bag is comfortable to wear and the front-loading main pocket and simple, boxy design provide plenty of storage for everyday items.

Key specs – Compatible with: All 12in and 13in MacBook models; Dimensions (HWD): 38 x 27 x 13cm; Weight: 301g

3. Belk Crystal PC Hard Case: Light, all-over protection

Price: £17 | Buy now from Amazon

If you’re looking for something to keep your MacBook Air looking its best, Belk’s simple all-over plastic cover will get the job done. It’s available in a minimalist clear finish – our favourite – but you can add a dash of personality with one of the several printed designs, which add pink sparkles, palm leaves or wood-grain effects to your MacBook. As it covers the keyboard, it also gives some protection against accidental spills, but as this changes the feel of the keyboard it may not be to everyone’s tastes.

Key specs – Compatible with: MacBook Air 13in; Dimensions (HWD): 24.4 x 37 x 1.6cm; Weight: 300g

4. Mosiso Plastic Hard Case Shell Cover: The most stylish clip-on MacBook case

Price: £15 | Buy now from Amazon

Mosiso’s two-piece cover simply clips to the lid and base of your MacBook Pro. It’s available in a wide range of different colours and designs, and there are compatible versions for almost every type of recent MacBook. It doesn’t give quite as much all-round protection as some rival cases, but the rubberised plastic should help fend off knocks and scratches.

Key specs – Compatible with: MacBook Pro 13in; Dimensions (HWD): 21 x 30.4 x 1.4cm; Weight: 230g

5. ProCase for MacBook Pro 13: Best for posture and comfort

Price: £22 | Buy now from Amazon

When typing for long periods of time, it’s very important to ensure that your posture and wrist positions are correct, in order to avoid back pain and repetitive strain injuries. ProCase’s protective cover comes with a handy kickstand that will hold your MacBook at a slightly elevated angle, allowing for more ergonomic typing, and a more relaxed posture. The difference is minor, but the strain it takes off your wrists and neck cannot be understated.

As well as protecting your health, ProCase’s cover also brings plenty of protection to your MacBook, with the heavy duty shell and rubber bumpers reducing the risk of damage from scuffs, drops and scratches. The shell has precision cutouts, allowing easy access to all ports, and the bottom is fully vented, ensuring that your MacBook won’t overheat when your sessions run long.

Key specs – Compatible with: MacBook Pro 13in, versions available for MacBook Pro 16in and MacBook Air 13in; Dimensions (HWD): 21.3 x 30.5 x 1.1cm; Weight: 147g