Best MacBook cases and sleeves for Air and Pro by budget

A MacBook case does one of two jobs. A hard shell clips onto the lid and base to stop scratches and scuffs while you use the laptop. A sleeve protects it inside a bag and comes off when you sit down to work. This guide groups popular shells and sleeves by tier, based on manufacturer list prices, and explains how to make sure one fits your Mac.

We write from manufacturer specifications, published reviews such as Wirecutter’s, and documentation. We have not hands-on tested the products mentioned. Sizes and colors vary by listing; check the model name before you buy.

Which MacBook do I have?

Hard shells are molded to one body shape, so the screen size alone is not enough. Click the Apple menu, then About This Mac to see the size and year, or read the A-number printed in small text on the bottom case. Then match it to the listing.

The 13-inch and 15-inch Air have kept the same body since the M2 and M3 generations, so shells for those often list several chips. Earlier 15-inch Air models use A2941 (M2), A3114 (M3) and A3241 (M4). Earlier 16-inch Pro models use A2485 (M1), A2780 (M2), A2991 (M3) and A3186 or A3403 (M4). Older Intel MacBooks use different bodies and need different shells. Sleeves are more forgiving: a sleeve sized for 13 to 13.6-inch laptops will usually fit a 13-inch Air, but check the inside dimensions on the listing.

Budget cases and sleeves

MOSISO Hard Shell Case for MacBook Air 13-inch. A snap-on plastic shell whose listing covers the 13.6-inch Air from M2 through M5, including model A3449. It is a low-cost way to keep the aluminum free of scratches. For a 15-inch Air or a Pro, look for the MOSISO listing that names your model.

BAGSMART 13 to 13.3-inch Laptop Sleeve. Wirecutter’s budget sleeve pick: a simple padded sleeve. Check that the inside dimensions suit a 13.6-inch Air before you buy.

Mid-range cases and sleeves

tomtoc 360 Protective Sleeve for MacBook Air 13-inch (Defender-A13). Wirecutter’s top sleeve pick. It has CornerArmor padded corners, a YKK zipper and a water-resistant shell, and its listing names the 13-inch MacBook Air M5 and the 13-inch MacBook Neo. For other MacBooks, check the size options on the listing.

Incase Edge Hardshell for MacBook Pro 14-inch. A clip-on shell made from Makrolon polycarbonate, with a listing that covers the 14-inch Pro from M1 through M5.

Incase Edge Hardshell for MacBook Air 13-inch. The same shell for the 13-inch Air. Its listing names M4 models, so confirm it lists your Mac before you buy.

Premium cases and sleeves

UAG Plyo for MacBook Pro 14-inch. A rugged, translucent shell from a brand known for protective cases. UAG lists it for the 14-inch Pro with M3, M4 and M5. It adds more bulk than a thin shell.

Incase ICON Sleeve with Woolenex for MacBook Pro 14-inch. A padded sleeve in Incase’s Woolenex fabric with a magnetic closure, named by Wirecutter as a more polished option. This listing is for the 14-inch Pro; check the size options for other models.

Hard shells by size

The picks above lean toward the 13-inch Air and the 14-inch Pro. If you have a bigger Mac, these shells name the larger body, so match the A-number on the bottom case to the listing before you buy.

MacBook Air 15-inch (M2 to M5)

These three list A2941, A3114, A3241 and A3448.

• Budget: MOSISO Hard Shell Case for MacBook Air 15-inch. A thin, clear snap-on polycarbonate shell. It stops scratches but adds little drop protection.
• Mid-range: Incase Edge Hardshell for MacBook Air 15-inch. A Makrolon polycarbonate shell with raised edge bumpers and rubberized feet. The Amazon listing names the M5 model, A3448.
• Premium: UAG Plyo for MacBook Air 15-inch. A one-piece hinged translucent shell with cushioned corners and a non-slip frame. UAG says it meets the MIL-STD-810G 516.6 drop test.

MacBook Pro 16-inch (M1 to M5)

These listings cover the 16-inch Pro from 2021 on. The MOSISO and UAG listings name A3186 and A3403 (M4) and A3428 and A3429 (M5).

• Budget: MOSISO Hard Shell Case for MacBook Pro 16-inch. A hard shell with a TPU bumper, sold as a kit with a keyboard cover.
• Mid-range: Incase Edge Hardshell for MacBook Pro 16-inch. The same Makrolon shell as the Air version, sized for the 16-inch Pro. Incase lists it for M1 through M5.
• Premium: UAG Plyo for MacBook Pro 16-inch. UAG’s rugged translucent shell with reinforced corners and four rubberized feet. It adds more bulk than the slimmer shells.

MacBook Pro 14-inch budget shell

• Budget: MOSISO Hard Shell Case for MacBook Pro 14-inch. A clear shell with a TPU bumper. The listing covers the 14-inch Pro from 2021 through the M5 generation, including A3434, A3426 and A3427. For mid-range and premium 14-inch shells, see the Incase Edge and UAG Plyo above.

Older MacBook Pro 15-inch (2016 to 2019, Intel)

These fit only A1707 and A1990, the Intel 15-inch Pro with the Touch Bar. They will not fit the 16-inch Pro, the 2015 or older 15-inch Pro, or any Air.

• Budget: MOSISO Hard Shell Case for MacBook Pro 15-inch (A1707, A1990). A clear snap-on shell with a screen protector in the box.
• Mid-range: Speck SmartShell for MacBook Pro 15-inch (A1707, A1990). A slim, clear shell from a long-running case brand.
• Premium: UAG Plasma for MacBook Pro 15-inch (A1707, A1990). UAG’s rugged translucent shell for the Touch Bar 15-inch Pro. It is an older model, so check stock and the seller on the listing.

Shell or sleeve?

• Choose a shell if the laptop lives on your desk and you want to prevent scratches, or if you share it with kids. Shells add a little weight and can trap grit underneath, so take yours off now and then to clean.
• Choose a sleeve if you carry the laptop in a bag that has no padded laptop compartment. A sleeve leaves the Mac bare while you use it.
• Use both if you want scratch protection at the desk and padding in transit.

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FAQ

Will a MacBook Air 13-inch shell fit the 15-inch Air? No. Each shell is molded for one size. Buy the version that names your size and model number.

Will a case for MacBook Pro 14-inch fit the 16-inch? No. Sleeves and shells are sized separately; choose the 16-inch version on the listing.

Will a 2016 to 2019 15-inch Pro shell fit the 16-inch Pro? No. The 16-inch Pro has a different body. Shells for A1707 and A1990 fit only those two models.

Can I use a shell and a sleeve together? Yes. Size the sleeve for the laptop with the shell on, since the shell adds a little thickness.

Verdict

For scratch protection on a budget, the MOSISO shell does the job, and MOSISO makes a version for every size here. The tomtoc 360 sleeve is the one to get if you carry your Mac in a bag every day. The Incase Edge is a sturdier shell, and the UAG Plyo and Incase ICON sleeve are the premium picks for heavy travel and a more polished look.