A good MacBook bag shares many qualities with a MacBook. We want it to be tough, so it needs to be made from good materials. We want to use it for multiple tasks, so it needs to have plenty of pockets and compartments. (And let’s admit it, with the diminishing number of ports on the MacBook, the bags often have the edge.) And since we all admire good design here, we certainly don’t mind if the bag looks fantastic.
Plus, whatever MacBook you’ve got, Air or Pro, you’ve probably spent enough on it that you don’t want to risk it breaking–and don’t mind spending just a little more to keep it safe.
There’s no shortage of companies out there that make protective accessories for MacBooks, from laptop bags and rucksacks to sleeves, covers, and cases that clip on directly, and plenty of them do their best to be just as stylish as the Mac they’re protecting.
We’ve rounded up a selection of our favorite cases, sleeves, backpacks and bags for the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, whether you have a 13-, 14- or 16-inch model, to keep your Mac safe.
All of the bags below fit those criteria, but we’ve been careful to choose bags that meet specific needs. Keep in mind that every bag here won’t fit every MacBook, but if a bag can’t handle the 16-inch MacBook Pro, we’ve been sure to make a note of it.
Case Logic Laptop Sleeve – most colorful sleeve
Fits: 13-inch
Case Logic makes lots and lots of laptop sleeves that are suitable for various sizes of MacBook and come in all number of colors. The Case Logic Laptop Sleeve fits a 13.3in MacBook, such as the M1 MacBook Air or M2 MacBook Pro.
It’s form-fitting, so the MacBook shouldn’t slip about inside, and it features padding for extra protection. There is woven webbing along the sides to further protect the laptop and strengthen the case. It’s a slim case that should fit nicely inside your bag.
Available in a range of strong colors, including pink, dark blue, lime green and teal.
Mujjo Envoy Laptop Sleeve – smart sleeve with storage
Fits: 14-inch, 16-inch
Made from top-quality waterproof vegan leather, the Envoy Laptop Sleeve from Dutch design brand Mujjo offers portable storage not just for the MacBook but your favored accessories, too. There are tight outside pockets to store your charger and cables plus phone and other essentials.
The laptop is secured by the classy sleeve’s magnetic opening that combines fast access with a firm close. Handily, there’s a generous side opening that allows for easy in-sleeve charging.
At the back there’s an easy-access slip pocket for a notebook or passport. You can carry just about anything slim in this sleeve so don’t leave it unattended at the café!
The Mujjo Envoy is available in Black or Blue and for both the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro, although 13-inch and 15-inch MacBooks are comfortably (if slightly loosely) held, too.
Speck SmartShell – simple, colorful shell
Fits: 13-inch
If you want to protect your laptop while you are using it you can pop a clear or tinted case on it. The Speck SmartShell case comes in various sizes to suit different MacBooks. There’s clear cases as well as different colored options, including cosy pink, obsidian and clear variant for the M2 MacBook Air, shown here, so you can pick one to suit your personality.
UAG Plyo Case – extra robust laptop shell
Some shell cases are built to do more than give your MacBook a bit of color. A number of manufacturers build hard shell cases that will add an extra layer of protection to your MacBook Pro or Air.
UAG (Urban Armor Gear) makes impact resistant armour for your MacBook. The Plyo series has extra strength built into the cushioning corners and cooling vents to ensure that there is adequate airflow (to stop your laptop from overheating).
Case Logic Bryker Backpack Roller – laptop bag with telescope handle
Fits: up to 15.6-inch and a 10-inch tablet
If you’d prefer not to carry your laptop in a bag on your back all the time then this is a great solution that offers a telescoping handle that retracts into zippered compartment and padded storage for a laptop up to 15.6-inches and an iPad. It even has wheels (that can be covered when the bag is worn as a backpack) so you can drag it like a suitcase.
A lower storage pocket provides space for bulky accessories, and there’s a side pocket for a water bottle.
Timbuck2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe – padded laptop bag
Fits: 13-inch
If you have an Apple laptop and intend to take it outside the house or office from time to time, it goes without saying that you will need a good sturdy bag to carry it in. We recommend getting a well padded backpack that is designed for carrying a laptop.
A well designed back pack will include lots of areas insider the bag to store things in: such as a front pocket, a large main compartment and a large side pocket. Quilted shoulder straps and a padded back should ensure the back pack is comfortable to wear. It’s pricy, but the Timbuck2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe is a good option.
Thule Gauntlet Attaché – laptop briefcase
Fits: 13-inch
If you are looking for a briefcase style bag with a solid construction, a good option is the Thule Gauntlet attaché. It’s a slim and rugged case with enhanced corner and edge protection. There is a single, removable shoulder strap as well as handles. You don’t even need to remove the Mac from the case to work.
Twelve South SuitCase for MacBook – hard shell, carry-on fabric hybrid
Fits: 13-inch, 14-inch, 16-inch
Laptop backpack and bags can be bulky, expecting you constantly to be travelling to airports or on trains, when sometimes you just need the convenience of a slim briefcase with the protection of a hard shell. SuitCase from Twelve South is an odd name for what is effectively a briefcase with a recessed handle, but it’s a great hybrid of sleeve, shell and carry on.
There are three layers of protection: a water-resistant, quilted gray fabric exterior; underneath the twill textile is a layer of hard plastic to protect your MacBook from impacts; and inside is a soft layer of microfiber to protect the surface of your Mac.
You don’t even have to remove your MacBook from the case to get working, and, when closed, dual zippers keep it securely closed, even when charging.
STM Judge Shoulder Bag – laptop shoulder bag
Fits: up to 16-inch
STM’s Judge laptop bag will fit up to 15-inch MacBooks. It comes in brown, blue, green or gray.
The bag is designed to protect your laptop by suspending it, so that it doesn’t touch the bottom of the bag. It’s also encased in foam. The shoulder strap is easy to adjust and has a pad to make it more comfortable. Inside there are sections to help with organisation and there’s also a small bag inside that STM call the Stash which is a bit like a pencil case.
Author: Karen Haslam, Editor
Macworld editor since 2008, Karen has worked on both sides of the Apple divide, clocking up a number of years at Apple's PR agency prior to joining Macworld almost two decades ago.
Karen's career highlights include interviewing Apple's Steve Wozniak and discussing Steve Jobs’ legacy on the BBC. Her focus is Mac, but she lives and breathes Apple.