Menu
 

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details

Best MacBook Pro Cases

Updated July 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Native Union Stow Slim for MacBook Pro
Native Union
Stow Slim for MacBook Pro
Check Price
Most Stylish
Bottom Line

As versatile as it is sturdy, this premium sleeve is a top pick for people who travel with their MacBook Pro.

Pros

Durable. Sleek. Exact fit for your MacBook. Side pocket for documents. Available in slate and indigo. Tough outside, cushioned inside. Secure magnetic closure. Stylish.

Cons

This tight-fitting case is difficult to remove.

Best Bang for the Buck
Incase Designs Hardshell Case for MacBook Pro
Incase Designs
Hardshell Case for MacBook Pro
Check Price
Best for Everyday Use
Bottom Line

The initial investment for this lightweight case is worth the impressive protection it provides for a MacBook Pro.

Pros

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.

Cons

Its looser fit may allow dust into this case.

Moshi iGlaze Hardshell Case for MacBook Pro
Moshi
iGlaze Hardshell Case for MacBook Pro
Check Price
Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

This surprisingly rugged MacBook case is a great option for anyone who dislikes bulky and hefty cases.

Pros

Non-slip rubberized feet. Allows proper airflow from the MacBook Pro. Smudge- and scratch-resistant. Featherweight. Extremely sturdy. Available in clear and tinted black.

Cons

Best for shielding against minor bumps or drops.

MOSISO 13 inch MacBook Pro Retina Case
MOSISO
13 inch MacBook Pro Retina Case
Check Price
Most Comprehensive
Bottom Line

A superb MacBook Pro case that delivers an unmatched blend of style and function.

Pros

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.

Cons

Tends to wear down quickly. Keyboard cover is flimsy and low-quality.

KECC Hard Shell Case
KECC
Hard Shell Case
Check Price
Unique Design
Bottom Line

A dazzling MacBook Pro case that features a distinct cut-out design.

Pros

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.

Cons

May fall off your MacBook Pro easily. Less durable than many similar options.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

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.

30
Models
Considered
208
Consumers
Consulted
26
Hours
Researched
Category cover

Buying guide for Best MacBook Pro cases

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.

Content Image
Some manufacturers have a serial-number-lookup feature. Enter your computer’s serial number to see a list of all their cases designed for your MacBook Pro.

Key considerations

Protection

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.

Appearance

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.

Fit

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.

Customization

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.

Features

Snap-on

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.

Sleeve

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.

MacBook Pro case prices

Prices for MacBook Pro cases vary almost as much as the cases themselves, depending on materials, design and extras included.

Inexpensive

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.

Mid-range

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.

Expensive

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.

Tips

  • 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.

Content Image
Be careful to select a case that is easy to open and close while still offering the protection you need. Some rugged cases have been known to cause MacBook Pro screens to crack over time because of the pressure required to open them.

FAQ

Q. Do snap-on cases add weight that could damage the operation of my laptop’s hinge?

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.

Q. Will a snap-on case show messy fingerprints?

A. Most snap-on cases have a matte finish that won’t attract fingerprints and are very easy to keep clean.

Q. Will I still be able to access all the ports on the side of my MacBook Pro?

A. Yes, if you get a case specifically designed for your MacBook Pro model.

BestReviews wants to be better. Please take our 3-minute survey,
and give us feedback about your visit today.

Take Survey