(Credit: René Ramos; Apple; Adobe Stock/Oleh)
Apple's MacBooks are designed to be thin, light, and durable, but just because they're encased in aluminum doesn't mean they're impervious to damage.
How you protect your MacBook Air or Pro depends on where you're taking it. A case, sleeve, or shell can offer plenty of protection if you're constantly jamming your computer into overhead bins on airplanes, but it's also a convenient way to tote your laptop back and forth from writing sessions at the coffee shop.
Whichever type of case you choose, you probably want it to show off your personal style and personality. There's also the price to consider, as the range of MacBook cases and sleeves goes from less than the taxes you paid on the laptop to more than its total cost, once you hit the designer stratosphere.
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We've put together some of our top choices in MacBook Air and Pro cases and sleeves, many of which will fit the latest M4-powered MacBooks, as well as older ones. There are no-nonsense slim cases, distinguished-looking leather pouches, and rugged carry-alls among them.
Aer Tech Folio
The Aer Tech Folio is made for 13-inch MacBooks but fits other form factors as well. It features zip compartments all around, including one in front that fits notebooks, pens, chargers, and more. The case is made of ballistic nylon and has a quick-grab handle tucked away in the back.
Baggu Puffy Laptop Sleeve
Yes, the Baggu Puffy Laptop Sleeve is a joy to carry because it comes in lots of fun patterns, but it's also super practical. The quilting does a fantastic job of protecting your MacBook while adding very little weight. It comes in 13- and 16-inch versions.
Bellroy Laptop Sleeve
Sometimes you can scratch up your laptop just by sliding it in and out of a zip-up case. That's why the Bellroy Laptop Sleeve uses a magnetic closure instead. The water-resistant case is also friendly to the environment, since it's made of recycled bottles. It comes in sizes that fit both 14-inch and 16-inch MacBooks.
Benfan Laptop Sleeve
You can carry your 13-inch MacBook Air or MacBook Pro along with a mouse, charger, and cables with the Benfan Laptop Sleeve: It comes with cases for all of them, along with a mousepad. The sleeve is made of faux leather and has a soft interior to protect your laptop and accessories.
Comfyable Slim Protective Laptop Sleeve
The Comfyable Slim Protective Laptop Sleeve has a sleek, professional look and comes in various sizes to fit every MacBook Air and Pro. You can choose from seven colors, and opt for either a tight fit or a slightly looser one.
Cuyana Tech Carryall
The Cuyana Tech Carryall has three compartments, so you can tote your MacBook, accessories, notepad, pens, and whatever else you need to work on the go. It has a double magnetic closure, and if you have a Cuyana System Tote, it snaps right in. The Carryall comes in 13-inch and 16-inch sizes.
Incase Textured Hardshell in Woolenex
If you want a well-tailored MacBook Air or Pro, the Incase Textured Hardshell in Woolenex fits the bill. It's made of a textured fabric that doesn't fray, and it comes in five colors for every size MacBook Air and Pro.
Moft Laptop Carry Sleeve and Invisible Stand
Versatility is Moft's thing, so it's no surprise that this Moft case both carries your MacBook and transforms into a stand with two available angles. The back is made of neoprene, so it stretches to fit any chargers or other accessories you need. The case comes in five colors and in 14-inch and 16-inch models.
Moleskine Laptop Case
This case for your older 15-inch MacBook Pro has all the simplicity of a Moleskine notebook because, well, it's from Moleskine. It has the same elastic closure and "in case of loss" label inside.
Moshi Muse 3-in-1 Slim Laptop Sleeve
The Moshi Muse is a multitasking master for 13-inch and 14-inch MacBooks. It acts as a laptop stand, and it has built-in security: Your laptop is not likely to slide out of the case thanks to a grippy interior.
Mosiso Hard Shell Case
The snap-on Mosiso Hard Shell Case can protect your MacBook from dings and scratches. It's the perfect choice for those who want a range of color options—it offers over 40 choices, and the price is low enough that you can probably buy more than one. You can find it in sizes to fit any MacBook.
Mosiso Laptop Sleeve
The Mosiso Laptop Sleeve is a solid, basic MacBook case. It's light to carry but is padded for protection, has an external zip compartment for accessories, and comes in dozens of colors. You can also find a fit for any size MacBook.
Speck SmartShell
If you want to give your 16-inch MacBook Pro a softer look, get this Speck SmartShell. It has a frosted matte finish that protects it all around, just leaving the ports open. The SmartShell comes in other colors and sizes.
Thule Gauntlet 3.0 Sleeve
If you're an accident-prone MacBook owner, the Thule Gauntlet might be right for you. It has a resilient exterior, a padded interior, and corner protection. You can even use your MacBook while it's still in the case to make sure it stays as safe as possible. The Gauntlet comes in 13-inch, 14-inch, and 16-inch sizes.
Tomtoc Defender-A13 Laptop Sleeve
The Tomtoc Defender-A13 Laptop Sleeve looks soft on the outside. But it's serious about protecting your 16-inch MacBook, with shock-absorbent edges all around, thick padding, and an interior that won't scratch your laptop.
UAG Plyo Series
The UAG Plyo Series can be ordered to fit any size MacBook and gives them all great protection. The cases offer impact resistance and grippiness to make them tough to drop.
Waterfield MacBook Sleevecase
The Waterfield MacBook Sleevecase has a rough-and-tumble look, and it can protect your MacBook during any adventure. Whether you choose a waxed canvas or ballistic nylon exterior, the interior is made of cushiony neoprene.
