I'm a clumsy MacBook Pro owner — here are the best MacBook Pro cases I personally recommend
We've found the best MacBook Pro cases featuring a variety of designs
I've used MacBook Pros for the better part of 10 years now, and one thing is for certain — they are expensive and delicate in their aluminum construction. It's what makes them look sexy, but it also makes buying a protective case such an essential purchase.
Not only do we review every new MacBook when it comes out to help you choose the best MacBook for you, we also check out covers and cases too. That way, you can keep that shiny new Apple laptop free of any dents of scratches.
My go-to case at the moment is the sleek Inateck laptop case — its plush inside lining and rugged water-resistant fabric around the outside keeps it protected from any sudden bag drops while on-the-go. Plus, it helps that you can find it for just $25 on Amazon!
But the truth is there's a case type for everyone. Whether you want something cheap and capable for that commute to the office, a stylish choice if you're meeting clients, or a super rugged shell for those outdoor shoots, lock-in as I go through the best covers to fit your needs.
Oh, and we're focussing on the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros. Some of these cases will fit earlier models, but with their noticeably different designs, these aging laptops may not be supported by my picks.
Using MacBook Pros for a decade, I've become used to the heart-in-mouth moments of someone tripping over the cable and watching the laptop fly off my lap (this was back in the USB-C days). But now, even with MagSafe, these devices are sensitive and you absolutely need a case. Luckily, I can help with that.
The best 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro cases you can buy today
Why you can trust Tom's Guide
Inateck's 360° is the perfect low-cost all rounder of a laptop case for any MacBook Pro user. The secure zip opens up to reveal the plush cushioned interior with a soft microfibre-esque fabric — armed with patented EdgeKeeper padding for drop protection. Plus the minimal stylings of the bag are lovely from every angle (and that complimentary accessory bag is great for a charger and external SSD).
If you prioritize protecting your investment and don't care if your case looks a little drab, the Thule Gauntlet sleeve is a good pick. Its dual-zipper design means it covers all of your MacBook Pro while you've got it closed, but it's also made so that you can keep the MacBook Pro inside the case when you're using it as a laptop. It uses straps to keep the MacBook and case in place, so remember to take the straps off when you close the Gauntlet completely!
Mosiso's hardcover is one of the most affordable options on this best MacBook Pro cases list, while also including a keyboard cover and screen protector — two huge perks if you're clumsy like us. This is an all-round protective shell with a bottom cover that's designed to ventilate and distribute heat. And at only half a pound, it barely adds any weight to your already-light MacBook Pro.
Available in Terracotta or Black vegan leather, this is a lot more than just a stylish laptop sleeve. The Orbitkey Hybrid Laptop Sleeve also gave me an opportunity to setup a remote working station wherever I was, and it comes down to how it all folds out origami style to a full desk mat with mouse pad. Plus, the magnetic clasp is strong to keep it all together when protecting your precious MacBook Pro.
If you want impeccable MacBook Pro protection in a backpack, the Troubadour Apex 3.0 is a fantastic option with sleek, premium styling, a plush padded pocket for your laptop and waterproof zippers to keep the moisture out. And let's not forget about that durable FortiWeave fabric with NanoCushion that keeps not just your MacBook safe, but everything in its 25-liter capacity secure.
I usually prefer a case that has a neutral, but still stylish, look. A lot of folks these days have no interest in the above colorful and eye-catching designs, but still want something more than a basic black case. Bellroy's Basalt-grey laptop sleeve is ideal for those with a minimalist aesthetic, with its magnetic enclosure, water-resistant materials, and three-year warranty.
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Jason brings a decade of tech and gaming journalism experience to his role as a Managing Editor of Computing at Tom's Guide. He has previously written for Laptop Mag, Tom's Hardware, Kotaku, Stuff and BBC Science Focus. In his spare time, you'll find Jason looking for good dogs to pet or thinking about eating pizza if he isn't already.
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jack60911 Incredibly lazy and should be titled “best MacBook Pro cases for 2020” there are no cases that support the new 14/16 inch MacBook pro’s.Reply
Also not necessarily your problem, but this website has become incredibly cluttered, annoying and difficult to navigate. Figuring out how to comment was a ridiculous maze of redirections, signing in and more redirections before I could comment. Maybe that’s how you guys like it if this article is standard. Don’t want to get ripped apart in the comments section by people who read real reviews. -
Yug1849 jack60911 said:Incredibly lazy and should be titled “best MacBook Pro cases for 2020” there are no cases that support the new 14/16 inch MacBook pro’s.
Also not necessarily your problem, but this website has become incredibly cluttered, annoying and difficult to navigate. Figuring out how to comment was a ridiculous maze of redirections, signing in and more redirections before I could comment. Maybe that’s how you guys like it if this article is standard. Don’t want to get ripped apart in the comments section by people who read real reviews.
Please note: I registered to echo the above comment. The Macbook Pro 16" changed its form factor in 2021. Do NOT assume that any review here is true about the current Macbook. Time to care more about your viewership and less about your ads.