More Good MacBook Accessories
We’ve tested a lot of MacBook accessories. Here are 10 more solid options if you’re hunting for something more specific.
Harbor London Sleeve for $159: Prefer a more luxe laptop sleeve? WIRED editor Julian Chokkattu has had a good experience with Harber London’s full-grain leather sleeve. The inside is lined with wool felt to keep your machine scratch-free, and the black or tan leather exudes luxury. It fits a variety of MacBook models, including the largest 16-inch model. The flap stays shut thanks to magnets, so your MacBook won’t easily slip out. You can even charge the laptop while it’s in the sleeve.—Brenda Stoylar
CalDigit TS5 Plus for $500: Many of the accessories on this list appeal to the average MacBook user, who probably uses a MacBook Air or Neo. But there are people out there who are looking to base an entire workstation setup around their MacBook Pro, and that’s who the CalDigit TS5 Plus is for. This is an absolutely decked-out Thunderbolt 5 dock, and when you pair it with an M5 MacBook Pro, the possibilities are nearly endless. I’m still waiting for more Thunderbolt 5 accessories to show up in the wild, but for those that really need it, there’s no reason not to futureproof your setup with the latest and greatest.
WD My Passport Ultra for $139: Apple charges a ton for extra storage when you configure your MacBook, and you can’t upgrade it afterward. That means you’ll likely need a large, fast, and hopefully somewhat portable storage solution, which is exactly what the WD My Passport Ultra is. It’s not an SSD, so you don’t want to toss it in your bag or use it for on-the-job file transfers, but WIRED reviewer Scott Gilbertson says it balances the portability of hyper-portable SSDs with the long-term stability (and affordability) of mechanical hard drives. You can always pair it with a smaller and faster SSD like the Crucial X9 to take on the go with you. Check out our Best External Storage Drives guide for other options.—Brenda Stoylar
Oripura Laptop Stand for $55: Your posture doesn’t need to suffer just because you don’t work at an office every day. A portable laptop stand can do wonders in this regard, saving your neck and back. Many portable laptop stands I’ve tested are junky and flimsy, but this Herman-Miller model is surprisingly robust. My favorite aspect, though, is the way it so easily folds flat, making it easy to throw in a laptop bag next to your MacBook. Just remember to pair it with a mouse and keyboard to complete your portable ergonomic work setup.
Grovemade Desk Mat for $70: I’ve been using this one at my desk, which gives me enough room to place my keyboard, mouse, notebook, and coffee mug. It feels nice, looks sleek, and is easy to clean (I’ve managed to wipe up accidental spills with no trouble). This desk mat comes in a variety of fun colors including dark orange, light green, and blue. Since it’s felt, it slides around slightly—but I’ve been using it on a glass desk. If you’re worried about this, get the Grovemade Matte Desk Pad instead. It’s pricier, but the cork bottom keeps it from moving around.—Brenda Stolyar
Harber London Leather City Backpack for $729: Time to class up your MacBook. Bring this all-leather bag to the office, and you’ll demand some respect. It’s currently the daily carry of WIRED editor Julian Chokkattu, who says he’s received lots of compliments on it. There’s tons of space inside, including a dedicated sleeve for you MacBook, a front zipper, and lots of spare space.
Apple 35W Dual USB-C Port Compact Power Adapter for $39: Apple’s dual power adapter comes with two USB-C ports, which lets me recharge my MacBook Air and iPhone simultaneously. It’s rated at 35 watts, so it’s powerful enough to recharge an iPad Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, and more. It will recharge a MacBook Air just fine, though more power-hungry MacBook Pro models will require something more powerful.—Brenda Stolyar
Bellroy Laptop Caddy for $49: If you’re going to opt for a thicker laptop sleeve, I like the approach of this laptop caddy, which adds extra room for cables and other peripherals. There’s entire second pouch, as well as some designated areas with a stretchier fabric. It feels bit more like a miniature briefcase.
Casetify I’m Busy MacBook Case by Tabetaaii for $66: I’ve been using this adorable case I’m Busy MacBook case by tabetaaii for the 13-inch MacBook Air (2022). It’s durable, the cutouts are accurate for all the ports, and the rubberized feet at the bottom keep it in place. As with most cases, it does add some weight to it. If you choose one of the clear cases (like the ones I’ve been testing) the matte finish can be a fingerprint magnet, but it’s easy to wipe off. I tested the standard versions, but Casetify discontinued those. You will, however, have the choice between its Impact and Bounce cases which come equipped with bumpers on the sides for extra protection.—Brenda Stoylar
Logitech MX Mechanical Mini for Mac for $139: This Mac version of the Logitech’s MX keyboard mimics the experience of your MacBook keyboard a little better. There’s a Do Not Disturb key and the ability to program the function row key with Apple’s apps like Final Cut Pro, Keynote, Photos, Safari, and more, using the Logi Options+ app—in addition to other Mac-specific shortcuts. It’s only available with tactile quiet switches, which are ideal if you typically work around other people. The low-profile keys are still satisfying to type on all day. It’s slim and lightweight so it’s a nice option to travel with too.
Avoid These Accessories
We’re constantly testing a ton of accessories. Unfortunately, they’re not all worth buying. Below, we’ve listed the ones we suggest avoiding altogether.
Twelve South BookArc Flex: Twelve South’s BookArc Flex (3/10, WIRED Review) is a beautiful vertical laptop stand. Unfortunately, it fails at its one job: holding the laptop in place. It’s too fragile. The slightest movement around the stand causes it to topple, forcing you to be super careful. It’s not worth it.—Brenda Stolyer
Tonmom Laptop Stand: Despite its Amazon Choice badge and thousands of good reviews, I found myself very frustrated by this portable laptop stand. It’s finicky to setup and way too flimsy. For something you’re taking on the go, that’s a shame. It’s only $9, yes, but unfortunately, not even worth that.
Casetify Magnetic Privacy MacBook Screen Protector: It pains me to put this screen protector under “Do Not Recommend” because it does its job very well. When I used it at an event last year, multiple people commented on how well it blocked what was on my MacBook Air’s screen from multiple angles. It’s also magnetic, which means you don’t have to worry about applying it crookedly by accident. But regardless of how many times I reinstalled it, I couldn’t fully shut my laptop with it on—there was always a slight gap between the lid and the bottom half of the computer. I ended up having to remove it whenever I wanted to shut my laptop and reapply it when I needed it again.—Brenda Stolyer
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