Image: Monica Lee
A good MacBook bag shares many qualities with Apple’s laptops. 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. 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-, 15- 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.
Bellroy Laptop Sleeve – Best MacBook sleeve
Pros
Premium feel
Magnetic closure
Colors
Fits: 13-14-inch and 15-16-inch versions
Bellroy is a Australian accessory brand that makes premium bags, cases and wallets, and its laptop sleeves offer high-quality protection.
Outside, the woven, water-resistant material is eco-friendly—made from 100% recycled PET bottles. Inside, the quilted microfiber lining features a soft ridge that holds your laptop in place.
The sleeve snaps shut with a neat magnetic bumper.
Available in Black, Slate, Navy, Bronze and a leather-free Saltbush.
Case Logic Laptop Sleeve – Best budget MacBook sleeve
Pros
Tight fit
Padded
Color range
Fits: 13-inch
Case Logic makes many 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.
Journey NEXA 4-in-1 Laptop Sleeve – Best wireless charging sleeve
Pros
Luxury sleeve
Includes MagSafe wireless charger
Doubles as desk pad
Fits: 13-14-inch, and 15-16-inch versions
The Journey NEXA laptop sleeve bills itself as a 4-in-1, and it certainly is multi-functional.
As well as protecting your laptop during travel, it includes two wireless chargers (one MagSafe compatible) and can work as both a deskpad and mousepad to free your workspace of clutter.
Slide your MacBook into the soft but padded-for-protection vegan leather sleeve, and you’ll be impressed by the luxury feel of this premium laptop sleeve.
When you arrive at the office, hotel or just back home, it doubles up as a deskpad with chargers for your iPhone (7.5W MagSafe) and AirPods (5W). While it comes with a USB-C cable, you’ll need to add your own charger (check our roundup of the best iPhone chargers) to connect with the USB-C port in the sleeve. Alternatively you can charge the MacBook itself while it sits protected in the sleeve—for this you’ll need a more powerful MacBook charger.
The Journey NEXA 4-in1 Laptop Sleeve is available in Black or a fetching stone-like Dove Gray.
STM Myth Laptop Brief – Best MacBook shoulder bag
Pros
Slim 7L storage bag with pockets
Handle and detachable shoulder strap
Fits: up to 14-inch
STM’s Myth laptop bag will fit up to 14-inch MacBooks, although it officially stated up to 13-inch laptops. It comes in Black, Granite Black, and Slate Blue depending.
The slim shoulder bag protects 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 non-slip pad to make it more comfortable. With a subtle luggage trolley sleeve, it can slip onto the telescopic handle of a suitcase for easy of use when not on your back—handy for busy travel interchanges and crowded trains and buses.
It’s well-made, with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) coated webbing handles with rivets, reverse coil zippers, and water-repellent C6DWR coating applied to the fabric.
Inside there are plenty of sections and pockets (we counted 10 but there could be even more hidden away) to help with organization. Cable-routing means you can charge your laptop or other devices while still in the bag.
Harber Rugged Laptop Briefcase – Best luxury MacBook briefcase
Pros
Can hold MacBook and iPad
Pockets for tech organization
Premium build
Made from 100% Recycled Plastic Bottles
Handle and detachable shoulder strap
Price When Reviewed:
€499,95
Fits: up to 16-inch
If carrying a briefcase just reminds you of your schooldays or executives on Mad Men, think again as today’s stylish briefcases are less boxy and make a far better impression than dropping a boring backpack on the boardroom floor.
While this smart and stylish, without being too formal, laptop briefcase is called Rugged, its looks and build quality are at the luxury end of the laptop bag scale—and it’s priced accordingly, although it’s not over the top for a premium business briefcase that’s handmade by expert craftsmen in Spain.
And, yes, it is rugged with a water-resistant outer fabric shell made of recycled plastic bottles, so environmentally friendly too. That said, we wouldn’t take this laptop briefcase out hiking in the woods—it’s just too lovely to dump in some mud outside your tent.
Available in two sizes—5.6L capacity for 13/14-inch and 7.5L for 15/16-inch laptops, it can hold a MacBook and a large iPad in its padded laptop and tablet compartments. It’s got special pockets for notebooks and your passport, as well as two clever detachable magnetic pouches for your chargers or other tech essentials.
There are nine interior sections, holders for pens, and a row of card slots, as well as a dedicated integrated AirTag pocket.
It can be carried by its full-grain cowhide leather handle or the detachable leather carry strap, and is available in Mocha, Black or Olive.
Troubadour Apex 3.0 Backpack – Best premium MacBook backpack
Pros
Super stylish
Plenty of storage
Smart organizer sections
Hidden iPhone pocket
AirTag pocket
Price When Reviewed:
€316
Fits: up to 17-inch
Apple builds its MacBooks to a high spec and premium design, so if you are carrying yours around in a backpack maybe that should also be top-notch, too. And, like Apple’s products, the Troubadour Apex 3.0 comes with a premium price tag attached.
You do get your money’s worth, with chic styling and a generous selection of storage pockets, including one for your iPhone hidden in one of the straps, which means you can access it—or other valuable item such as your wallet—without having to remove the bag from your shoulders. And there’s even a special pocket for an Apple AirTag.
The laptop section is at the back and easy to access, with easily enough space for a 16-inch MacBook Pro. Altogether there are 14 sections or pockets, pen holders and zipped enclosures. It features a trolley sleeve on the back to attach to a suitcase handle, and a robust handle at the top for when you want to give your shoulders a rest or not bump into people in crowded spaces.
The Apex 3.0 is lightweight and comfortable but still generous, with a 25L capacity. There is also a Compact version, with a 16L capacity.
Available in Black, Navy, Air Force Blue and Obsidian Green.
Full Troubadour Apex 3.0 Backpack review.
Pakt Travel Backpack 2.0 – Best MacBook travel backpack
Pros
Premium build
Plenty of storage
Smart organizer sections
Multiple carry options
AirTag pocket
Sustainable materials
Price When Reviewed:
From €306,95
Fits: up to 16-inch
We haven’t found a laptop backpack that beats the Pakt Travel Backpack for storage smarts, comfort and versatility. There are many imitators but this remains our favorite, and there’s a recent version 2.0 that makes it even better and more environmentally friendly.
The 35L backpack model meets the carry-on criteria for most airlines. It weighs 4.1lbs, and measures 21.5 x 12.5 x 8 inches (55 x 32 x 21 cm). The 45L backpack, however, exceeds those limits so you’ll have to pray that you’re not pulled aside as you check-in or board the plane. It weighs 4.4lbs, and is sized 23 x 13 x 9 inches (60 x 33 x 24 cm).
You can use it as a backpack, but also hide away the straps and carry by the side handles as a duffle or via a top handle. This might make the 45L bag appears smaller than it looks strapped to your back, and you can get it through check-in with all that extra storage.
An expansion pocket adds additional packing space without adding to these dimensions. Check your favorite airline for carry-on limits.
It features a handy clamshell interior with two compartments, so you can pack the backpack like a suitcase. Spread out open, it should fit under a bed or couch, saving you from unpacking to a wardrobe for short stays. Between the compartments, a padded sleeve gives robust but luxury protection to your MacBook (up to 16 inches). You can access the laptop from the top, making a security check much less hassle.
There’s a multi-section front admin pocket that will handle a bunch of tech gear you might need close to hand, such as AirPods, chargers, power banks and cables, or even an iPad. There’s also a key leash in this part.
Pakt sells a 15L Everyday Bag that can fit inside the Travel Backpack. On the plane, you could remove this and store by your feet for easy access, and then slide it back in the pack when you take that out of the overhead when you disembark.
There are so many great extra features: the water-bottle holder is generous in size yet a tight elasticated hold; a zipped, hidden pocket at the back and bottom of the pack is handy for placing your phone, wallet and pocket fodder when you are passing through airport security; one of the pocket sections includes a deep AirTag holder; you can pull out hidden accessory straps on one side; and there’s roller-luggage passthrough to give your back a rest.
With this version 2.0 of its Travel Backpack, Pakt uses rNylon (recycled nylon), which it claims can be recycled indefinitely—making it a more sustainable material than even rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate). It is covered in a water-repelling, tear-resistant PFC-free DWR coating, and is available in either Black, Forest or Ocean colors.
Harber Nomad Organiser – Best Premium Organiser for MacBook
Pros
Pockets for tech organization
Premium luxury leather looks
Can hold MacBook and iPad
Handle and detachable shoulder strap
Cons
Bulks up quickly if over-stuffed
Expensive
Fits: 13-inch, 14-inch
While a laptop seems like a self-contained unit, with keboard, screen, trackpad, hard drive and everything all in one tidy package, it’s not quite as easy as that.
You need a charger and charging cable for starters, and when you’re on the move you have to carry around your AirPods, and maybe you prefer a proper mouse to the MacBook’s trackpad. And what if you have an iPad to work on, too? A simple sleeve can’t cope with all that lot, but the Nomad Organiser, from luxury bag maker Harber London, certainly can.
The Nomad has ten pockets: a padded one for your MacBook Pro, and another padded pocket that fits an iPad from 9.7 to 12.9 inches, and capacious enough to handle the tablet with a Smart Cover. Be warned, though, that holding both laptop and tablet, the sleeve can be tricky to close if you are stuffing in chargers and other tech too.
One lower pocket is big enough for your MacBook charger, but you’ll notice a bump in the fine lines when closed. I prefer to keep my bulky stuff in a wider-opening bag—check out our favorite tech organizer bags—and use this sleeve for the thinner essentials.
Two pockets are zipped for safe-keeping (for example, cash or memory cards) and there’s a handy key fob strap. There’s a couple of holders for pens or an Apple Pencil.
There’s a phone pocket, too, but I’m not sure I’d want all my devices in one place, and most of us prefer our phone at hand in a pocket or more-easy-to-dip-in bag. If you do, it’s large enough for a Pro Max iPhone.
Below that pocket are a couple of slots for credit or travel cards, and above it are five straps that will hold an AirPods case, cables and even an AirTag—after, all, at this price, even the sleeve on its own is definitely worth keeping tabs on at all times. I’d have preferred elasticated straps for a firmer hold but I can appreciate the all-leather design looks super lush.
You can carry the Nomad Organiser under your arm, via a subtle built-in handle, or you can attach a matching strap to sling it over your shoulder like a messenger bag.
It is a premium MacBook sleeve, handcrafted with full-grain Spanish leather, and really does shout cool luxury. Available in Tan, Dark Brown, Black and Navy.
Grams (28) Leather Folio – Best luxury sleeve with storage
Pros
Premium look and feel
Neat accessory pockets
Fits: 13-inch, 14-inch, 15-inch, 16-inch
This super-stylish MacBook sleeve doesn’t just keep your laptop safely protected in transit, it also includes exterior and interior pockets to allow you to ditch the backpack and just look the business carrying a sleek fine Italian leather sleeve.
The spacious interior has plenty of room for your MacBook Pro and is padded for extra care. Inside there are two pockets for your phone, a charger, cables, or other accessories such as a paper notebook, plus two pen holders and a card pocket. As a bonus there’s even a little pocket for an Apple AirTag.
An front exterior pocket gives quick access to paperwork or just the latest issue of a newspaper or style magazine.
You can personalize the Leather Folio with up to four letters, in white or colorless lettering.
It measures 14.3-x-0.2-x-1 inches (36.3-x-25.9-x-2.5-cm, and weighs 15.2oz (430g). It’s available in Black, Dark Blue, Olive or Fossil Gray.
For the 13-inch MacBook you’ll want the 114 Leather Folio, for 14-inch MacBook the 120, and 118 for a 15-inch or 16-inch MacBook.
Mujjo Envoy Laptop Sleeve – Smart sleeve with storage
Pros
Premium look and feel
Accessory pockets
In-sleeve charging
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.
Harber Classic Leather MacBook Sleeve
Pros
Premium look and feel
Accessory pockets
Wool felt interior
Price When Reviewed:
€89,95
Fits: 11-inch, 13-inch, 14-inch, 15-inch, 16-inch
Similar to the Mujjo Envoy Laptop Sleeve, reviewed above, the Harber Classic Leather MacBook Sleeve is made from premium full grain leather and features outside pockets to store your charger and cables.
It looks classy and is available in tan or black. There are versions for all recent models of MacBook.
It boasts a soft but protective dense 100% wool felt interior that will keep your MacBook cosy. However, there’s no magnetic closure or charging port like you’ll find on the Mujjo sleeve reviewed above.
Woolnut Leather Sleeve for MacBook – Luxury leather sleeve
Pros
Premium look and feel
In-sleeve charging
Cons
Lack of pockets
Expensive
Price When Reviewed:
€119
Fits: 12-inch, 13-inch, 14-inch, 15-inch, 16-inch
Available in four deeply stylish colors (Black, Cognac, Green and Gray), the Woolnut Leather Sleeve snugly fits every recent MacBook from the 12-inch original, the Air and all the Pro models. Each size is tailor-made for every model.
This minimalist sleeve might lack pockets but it is as luxe as you’ll find and will draw admiring looks and awed strokes from fellow MacBook owners. The exterior is made from full-grain Scandinavian leather, with the interior soft 100% natural wool felt from Germany.
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 a few different colored options, including Cosy Pink, Obsidian and Clear variant for the M2 MacBook Air, so you can pick one to suit your personality.
Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe – Padded laptop bag
Pros
Premium backpack
Plenty of pockets
Decent 28L capacity
Fits: 15-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 backpack 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 backpack is comfortable to wear. It’s pricy, but the Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe is a good option.
Cons
Particular about exact MacBook model
Fits: 13-inch
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).
Make sure you buy the exact shell for your model MacBook.
Thule Gauntlet Attaché – Laptop briefcase
Pros
In-use hard-shell case
Detachable shoulder strap
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
Pros
Slim but in-use hard shell
Handle
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.
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 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.
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