Protect your MacBook Pro on the go with one of these cases
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The MacBook Pro is a heck of a machine, with slick internals and four very recent updates (a new one every year since 2016). If you've just picked up a new laptop, then you'll want to protect it or maybe even just dress it up a bit. Here are the best cases for your MacBook Pro.
Note: Always remember to select the right size and model before you check out. Also, remember that any case for the 2016 MacBook Pro will fit the 2017, 2018, and 2019 models too.
Best Overall: Mosiso plastic hard case
Mosiso's plastic hard case even comes with a screen protector and a keyboard cover so that your MacBook Pro is covered through and through. It matches whichever exterior color you choose, and just like most MacBook cases, these are made from hard plastic and feature an anti-slip rubberized coating.
Pros:
- Great value
- Great color selection
- Keyboard case included
- Screen protector included
Cons:
- None
Best Overall
Mosiso plastic hard case
Three in one
Choose from more than two dozen colors, and get a screen protector and matching keyboard cover included as well.
Most Popular: Incipio Hardshell case
Incipio makes fantastic backpacks, and that craftsmanship translates to its MacBook Pro cases, which have a dot texture look and repel water. The Bayer Makrolon polycarbonate material is also abrasion-resistant, meaning extra scratch protection for your laptop.
Pros:
- Sharp-looking
- Good quality
- Scratch protection
Cons:
- Pricey
Most Popular
Incipio Hardshell case
The in crowd
This is a great case that just about anyone will appreciate for its quality protection. It's popular amongst iMore staff.
Best Value: TopCase 2-in-1 ultra slim hard cover
This is the perfect basic case for your MacBook Pro, and it comes in 13-inch, 15-inch, and 16-inch versions, so it's great for everybody. It's made from hard plastic but features a softer rubberized coating, which provides excellent grip, especially when it's sitting on your lap.
Pros:
- Colorful options
- Keyboard cover included
Cons:
- None
Best Value
TopCase 2-in-1 ultra slim hard cover
Two for one
This great basic case includes a keyboard cover as well to keep dust and grime from gumming up your keys.
Best Heavy-Duty Case: i-Blason dual layer cover
If you're looking for some rugged protection, then i-Blason's heavy-duty dual layer cover is the way to go. It's made from hard plastic and features a softer, more flexible TPU bumper around the edges for shock absorption. You have the option of black with blue, black with green, all black, or white. You can also get a 15-inch or 16-inch version.
Pros:
- Rugged protection
- Bumper around edges
Cons:
- Bulkier than some
Best Heavy-Duty Case
i-Blason dual layer cover
Tough
If your MacBook Pro is subjected to more than the average bumps, you might consider a heavy-duty case like this one.
Most Modern: KECC hard shell cover
If you're looking something with a nice design but aren't partial to cats with glasses or mandalas, then check out KECC's "out of this world" cases. They feature space scenes, as well as abstract, wavy paint designs. If you're a stargazer or just like a celestial scene, then these are the cases for you. Both the 13-inch and 15-inch are available in this listing.
Pros:
- Cool, modern designs
- Apple logo cutout
Cons:
- None
Most Modern
KECC hard shell cover
Stunning designs
Take your MacBook Pro's looks out of this world when you protect it with this beautiful cover.
Most Luxurious: Pad & Quill Cartella Slim case
These cases are super thin and feature a wrapped spine, which buckles at a corner to allow your MacBook Pro to open fully. The cover is made from soft linen, and your MacBook sturdily stays put thanks to 3M "secure locking adhesive," which leaves no residue on your laptop. It's also available in a 15-inch version and a 16-inch version.
Pros:
- Handmade
- Archival quality linen cover
- Stunning looks
Cons:
- Expensive
Most Luxurious
Pad & Quill Cartella Slim case
Upscale
When you need to make an elegant impression, look no further than Pad & Quill.
Most Reliable: Speck SmartShell
The SmartShell is a two-piece case with rubber feet on the bottom to stop your laptop sliding about. It's somewhat similar to other cases on this list, but it's a bit thicker, helping it stand up to bumps and travel a little bit better. There are plenty of color options to choose from, and it's available for just about every MacBook Pro under the sun including the 15-inch version. Cella has had one for eight years, and it's still as great as ever.
Pros:
- Quality case
- Thicker than some
- Time-tested
Cons:
- None
Most Reliable
Speck SmartShell
iMore fave
Speck is a popular and trusted brand among the iMore staff.
Most Colors and Patterns: ProCase hard shell cover
This case is a lot like others on this list, with a matte-finished, hard plastic top and bottom. It comes in many colors, and each case comes with a black keyboard cover. The bottom is vented, so your MacBook Pro doesn't overheat, and the covers snap on and off if you ever want to just admire your laptop on its own. There is also a 15-inch version and a 16-inch version.
Pros:
- Two dozen colors and patterns
- Keyboard cover included
Cons:
- Included keyboard cover doesn't match case
Most Colors and Patterns
ProCase hard shell cover
Super selection
Great color and pattern choices here, but note that the included keyboard cover will be either black or clear.
Apple-Recommended: Tech21 Evo Gem case
The Tech21 Evo Gem case features a "BulletShield" material, which is textured to add a bit of shock absorption. The "gem" design has a cool effect on the MacBook's look when light hits it, and you can find it in either pink or gray. It's also available in the 15-inch version. Apple trusts this brand enough to sell it in Apple retail stores.
Pros:
- Very cool-looking
- Protective
- Endorsed by Apple
Cons:
- Pricey
Apple-Recommended
Tech21 Evo Gem case
Apple's pick
You can buy this gem of a case online, or you can buy a Tech21 case at your local brick-and-mortar Apple Store.
Best Faux Leather: Fintie PU leather case
If you can have a leather case for your iPhone, then why not for your 13-inch MacBook Pro? This synthetic leather case boasts the elegant and sophisticated look and feel of leather, but with an easy-to-swallow price tag. The bottom is fully vented, so there's no leather holding in heat, and the inner hard plastic shell helps protect against scratches and bumps.
Pros:
- Unusual look and feel
- Nice color and pattern selection
Cons:
- Pleather isn't for everyone
Best Faux Leather
Fintie PU leather cases
Leather look
This fun faux-leather case certainly stands out from the plastic crowd.
Best Bargain: GMYLE Macbook Pro Case
This case has been protecting Karen's MacBook Pro for about a year now, and both the laptop and the case are still in perfect condition. It comes tons of pretty floral patterns, as well as other fun patterns and solids. The bottom is vented to prevent overheating. Choose from either the 13-inch or 15-inch size in this listing.
Pros:
- Great selection of gorgeous patterns
- High-quality
Cons:
- None
Best Bargain
GMYLE Macbook Pro Case
Karen's case
Karen loves her pretty floral GMYLE case, it's protected her MacBook Pro on her travels over the past year.
Bottom line
Yeah, the MacBook Pro is a nice-looking machine, but if you want to keep it looking gorgeous, then you'll want a quality case for it. For just about anyone, the Mosiso Plastic Hard case is a great pick. It's sturdy and well-fit. The bottom piece is ventilated so your MacBook Pro won't overheat. Rubber "feet" ensure your laptop won't slip around on your desk. You can choose from 25 beautiful colors. If you can't pick just one, well, the price is so reasonable that you can pick up a couple of different colors to suit your mood or the season. Note that some colors are more translucent than others; this is important if you want your Apple logo to show through. There is no cutout for the logo.
Each Mosiso Plastic Hard case comes with a keyboard cover that matches the case. Give your MacBook screen a little extra protection with the included screen protector. Mosiso offers a one-year warranty on the case and the keyboard cover. This is a precision-fit case, so be sure to check the model number of your MacBook Pro before you purchase the case so it will fit.
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Karen S. Freeman is a teacher, writer, social media person, and family woman. She loves to travel, play with tech stuff, drink coffee, discover amazing new restaurants, and experience new things.
Cella Lao rousseau is a writer, true crime enthusiast, bestselling horror author, lipstick collector, buzzkill, Sicilian, gamer.