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The MacBook is a sleek yet powerful device. While the notebook is quite capable on its own, there are a few must-have accessories that can complement and safeguard its design, enhance its connectivity, provide additional storage for creative workflows, or let you charge the device at a faster rate than the stock charger.
Here are some of the best accessories a MacBook owner can own.
1A Sturdy Case
I’venever used a smartphone without a case, so it was only natural for me to search for a protective case for my MacBook. From the transparent hard plastic cases to solid colors, you may find something that resonates with your style and protects your MacBook’s exterior from nicks and scratches.
For instance, there is a $10hard plastic caseavailable on Amazon in both transparent and solid finishes (with the latter costing around $20). If you’re feeling too paranoid about yourMacBook accidentally falling off the table, you’re able to also invest in $30bumper hard caseswith additional padding on the edges.
Apart from generic recommendations, there’s a$62 Spigen casefor the13-inch MacBook Air M4that features a premium knit fabric design for those who are into it. When ordering a case for your MacBook, be careful to select the correct model and size, as this is the most common mistake made.
2Protect Against Scratches With a Skin
If you want to preserve the clean,textured finish of your MacBook’s exteriorwithout changing its appearance or adding weight, applying a transparent skin could be one of the best options.
Such skins can protect yourMacBook’s casing against accidental scratcheswhen you place it on rough surfaces, carry it in a bag with other items, or use it in a dusty environment (keep in mind that I’m referring to scratches, not dents).
For instance, a$25 transparent matte skinis available on Amazon for the top, bottom, and palm rest areas. However, if you wish to add some personality to your MacBook, you can also choose from the vibrant collection of stylized skins available on dbrand, such as the $32Area 51 skinor theTeardown skin.
dbrand MacBook Skins
dbrand’s MacBook skins come in a slew of colors, materials, and textures perfect for any style or occasion, starting at $24.95.
3Use a Sleeve to Travel Safely
If your work requires you to carry your MacBook every day, and you prefer not to use bulky backpacks, considerinvesting in a good-quality laptop sleeve. This affordable MacBook accessory provides the necessary protection as you carry the device with you.
Laptop sleeves come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and depending on your budget and preference, you can get one for as low as $12, such asthis one on Amazon, featuring a plain and simple design. You can also purchase one invarious solid colors, which will cost approximately $20.
Personally, I use aMacBook sleeve with pocketsand a handle for the ease of carrying it around, like this particular$20 sleeveor the$30 laptop carrying case. Some sleeves, like theInatech laptop sleevecome in a range of sizes and colors to suit.
Inateck Laptop Sleeve for 13 inch MacBook Air
A MacBook sleeve is a great way to keep it safe in your travels, but worry-free during daily use.
4Reduce Neck Pain by Using a Stand
If you’re someone like me who has to work on a laptop all day long (or perhaps even more), your daily routine must include hours of sitting, which canadversely affect your posture. More often than not, the desk you’re working on doesn’t really placethe MacBook’s screen at eye level, which could lead to a forward head posture and neck strain.
I’ve had theM1 MacBook Airfor about two years now, and unless it’s traveling with me in my backpack, it sits permanently on a laptop stand on my desk. In addition to helping with my posture, the accessory also helpsfree up some valuable space on the desk.
I have a non-foldable stand similar to this$15 aluminum laptop standon Amazon. However, you’re able to also invest in anadjustable stand, which allows you to set the height and angle according to your sitting position and is much more portable. Depending on the finish of your MacBook or desk,you can also experiment with the stand’s colors.
Lamicall adjustable laptop stand
The Lamicall Adjustable Laptop Stand is a sleek and sturdy accessory designed to enhance your workspace. It features adjustable height and angle settings for optimal viewing and typing comfort, promoting better posture and reducing neck and back strain.
5Expand Port Options With a USB-C Hub
Apple’s notebooks, whether the Air or Pro, are highly portable, thanks to their lightweight yet durable build. However, to keep the MacBook’s thickness in check (and to save some money),Apple doesn’t provide many ports, especially on the MacBook Air.
Even though the models after theM2 MacBook Aircome with a dedicatedMagSafe 3 charging port, my M1 MacBook Air has only two USB-C ports. So, I can either connect my SSD or the external monitor while charging the MacBook (let alone the SD card from myDSLR camera), which is something that annoys me to the core.
If you find yourself in similar situations, considerinvesting in a USB hub, a must-have accessory for your MacBook. I’d recommend theAnker 8-in-1 USB-C Hub, which provides twoHDMIports (up to 4K 60Hz), oneUSB-C PD port(with 85W output), anSD and microSD card reader, two USB-A ports for flash drives or wireless peripherals, and one Ethernet port.
If you’re looking for something more affordable, theUGREEN Revodok 5-in-1 USB-C Hubcould be the perfect choice for you. The hub offers five ports: three USB-C ports, one HDMI port (limited to 4K 30Hz), and a 100W USB-C PD port for charging.
Ugreen Revodok 5-in-1 USB-C Hub
The UGREEN Revodok 105 comes with five useful ports that allow you to expand your laptop’s connectivity without stretching your budget.
6External SSD for Backups and Storage
While you may not need it immediately after getting a baselineMacBook Air (256GB) or MacBook Pro (512GB), an external SSD is one of the most crucial accessories for your MacBook. While regular usage fills up the device’s storage, creative tasks such as photo and video editing, music production, or software development require copious amounts of storage.
Purchasing anexternal SSD makes more sensethan upgrading a MacBook’s internal storage, especially if you’re on a tight budget. For instance, upgrading the M4 MacBook Air’s storage from 256GB to 1TB costs $400, whereas you can get a high-speed 1TBexternal SSD at roughly one-quarter of that price.
It was roughly six months after I purchased my M1 MacBook Air (256GB) that I invested in the $100Samsung T7 1TB portable SSD. Initially, I used it to store all the pictures, documents, and other files that were occupying the storage space on my MacBook. However, in due course, the SSD became thestorage hubfor all my devices.
Crucial X9 Pro for Mac
Pre-formatted for seamless Mac usage, the Crucial X9 Pro for Mac SSD delivers fast data transfer rates. It’s also reasonably durable and comes with a lanyard loop.
7Wireless Keyboard and Mouse for Enhanced Comfort
For someone with aworkstation at homeor in the office, awireless keyboardandmousecan help increase the distance between the eyes and the MacBook’s screen while simultaneously providing a more comfortable and ergonomic experience.
While you can get a compact keyboard and mouse combo fromLogitech for $55, another$70 combooffers a full-sized keyboard with a wireless mouse. If you’re looking for amechanical keyboardthat offers an elevated experience (and your colleagues don’t mind its sound), consider the$64 Keychron K8or the$130 Logitech MX Mini.
Keychron K8 TKL
Keychron’s K8 mechanical keyboard can connect to up to three devices via Bluetooth, offers multiple switch options, and most importantly, has an attractive tenkeyless layout with 87 keys.
A basic wireless mouse fromLogitech, featuring 1000 DPI optical tracking, will cost $15. I have personally been using a variant of the$18 Lenovo Silent Bluetooth mousefor years without any issues.
8Level-Up Productivity With an External Monitor
For those who work with intricate 3D designs, elaborate CAD files, or high-resolution sketches,getting an external monitorcan provide a serious boost to your productivity.
Depending on the specifications you’re looking for, you’re able to either pick up an affordable monitor, like the$240 Gigabyte M27Qwith 1440p resolution, 165Hzrefresh rate, 92% coverage of theDCI-P3 color space, and input via DisplayPort 1.2.
If you’re looking for an external monitor for professional use, where color calibration is a top priority, you’re able to opt for the$660 BenQ PD2706UA, which provides 95% P3, 100%Rec. 709, and 100% sRGB coverage.
Depending on the monitor you purchase, you may need to buy the required cable, such as aUSB-C to DisplayPort cableor aUSB-C to HDMI converter.
Dell UltraSharp 32 6K Monitor U3224KB
The Dell UltraSharp U3224KB is a premium monitor designed to meet the demands of creatives. It delivers the exceptional visual quality and versatility needed for professional workflows.
BenQ PD3420Q
The BenQ PD3420Q is an excellent ultrawide monitor. It has a 34-inch screen, super color accuracy, and Thunderbolt 3 support.
9An All-in-One Fast Charger
If you’re someone who travels frequently with your MacBook, getting amulti-port GaN chargercan help you reduce the number of adapters you’ve to carry by simultaneously charging up both your MacBook and iPhone at the same time.
You can choose the $60Anker Prime 100W USB-C GaN charger, which offers two USB-C ports and one USB-A port for charging a total of three devices simultaneously, or the$47 Belkin 112W GaN wall chargerwith three USB-C ports and one USB-A port, allowing you to charge four devices.
So, instead of carrying three or four adapters with four cables, all you need are the required cables and one multi-port GaN charger, and that’s it. Just remember that if you have a thirsty 16-inch MacBook Pro with a Pro or Max chip, you’ll likely need at least 140W of power output.
Anker 100W GaN Wall Charger
This capable charger can power just about any USB-C device at the highest supported speeds, including Galaxy phones, MacBooks, and iPhones.
10Microfiber Cloth
Amicrofiber clothis perhaps the most overlooked MacBook accessory, as it helps wipe off dust particles from the device’s screen. No, I won’t ask you to getApple’s polishing cloth for $20, but there are several options available on Amazon at around half the price.
For instance, you can get a pack ofsix microfiber cleaning clothsfor $10. On the other hand, you can also purchase a cleaner spray and microfiber cloth combo, such asthis one for $12or thisparticular bundle for $20.
MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloths (6-Pack)
MagicFiber’s six-pack of microfiber cleaning cloths let you clean lenses of all kinds without fear of scratching.
If you’re looking forthe best iPad accessories, check out this article. We also have articles on thebest iPhone accessoriesand theiPhone accessories for recording videos.
