Best MacBook bags, cases and sleeves 2024

Macworld

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, roll-tops, shells and totes 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









Price When Reviewed:

€59




Best Prices Today:


€20.27 at Fnac FR






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.




Bellroy

Apple sells only one MacBook sleeve in its online store: the leather-free Bellroy Caddy for Mac Laptops, which is available in two sizes for 13-14-inch MacBooks and the 15- and 16-inch MacBooks.

There’s fold-down, front-pocket access and a foam-padded laptop sleeve, as well as two stretch mesh pockets and mesh pen slips.






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.

Read our full

Journey NEXA 4-in-1 Laptop Sleeve with Wireless Charging review





STM Myth Laptop Brief – Best MacBook shoulder bag














Pros

Slim 7L storage bag with pockets

Handle and detachable shoulder strap









Price When Reviewed:

€79,95




Best Prices Today:


$79.95 at STM






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.

if you fancy something more business-like check out the Troubadour Apex Briefcase, reviewed further down, which is smarter but costs a fair amount more than the STM Myth.






Incase Edge Hardshell for MacBook – Best MacBook hard shell














Pros

Protects in use

















Fits: 13-inch, 14-inch, 15-inch, 16-inch

Choose a hard shell if you want to wrap your precious MacBook in robust scratch and bump protection but still be able to use it in action. The minimalist and lightweight Incase Edge Hardshell MacBook Case comes in clear and see-through black versions for all of the current MacBooks in Apple’s laptop range.

It protects with raised edge bumpers in its high-impact resistant polycarbonate shell. All ports and buttons remain fully accessible. Rubberized feet keep the MacBook securely in place and less likely to slip off its surface.

Available from Apple, Amazon and direct from Incase.






Troubadour Apex 3.0 Backpack – Best premium MacBook backpack














Pros

Super stylish

Plenty of storage

Smart organizer sections

Hidden iPhone pocket

AirTag pocket


Cons

Premium price









Price When Reviewed:

€316




Best Prices Today:


€316 at Troubadour






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.

It is available in Black, Navy, Air Force Blue and Obsidian Green.

Troubadour also sells a sling version, the Apex Sling. While not large enough to fit even a 13-inch MacBook, it does have a padded pocket for an iPad mini. It features many of the larger backpack benefits, such as the quality build, good looks, sustainable materials, hidden iPhone pocket and AirTag pocket. Further down we review the Apex Tote and Apex Briefcase for flexibility in the. smart range.

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


















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.






Stubble & Co The Roll Top 20L – Best MacBook roll-top backpack














Pros

Premium look and feel

Plenty of accessible pockets

Striking range of colors


















Fits: 13-inch (15L bag) and 13-16-inch (20L) versions

A roll top bag is simple to use as they have fewer straps and zips than a traditional backpack. They feature a wide top opening so you can quickly see what’s inside and make it easier to reach in and pull out your belongings. It is adjustable in volume as unused space can saved and bulking reduced by rolling up the top flap as you close it. Tighten the strap to condense the loa or loosen when more space is required.

Previously we have championed the Ogio Alpha Convoy 525r Rolltop Backpack, which I have used happily for several years. However, our heads and minds have been turned by Stubble & Co’s The Roll Top, available in either 15L or 20L capacities. We tested the spacier 20L model.

Its more waterproof than the Ogio and has smarter colour accents as well as eight overall color options: Black, Yellow, Urban Green, Arctic White, Tasmin Blue, Concrete, Sand and Ember Orange.

The padded laptop compartment is easily accessed at the side of the bag. The 20L version fits up to a 16-inch MacBook; the 15L allows for a 13-inch laptop. Inside the laptop compartment and also lining inside the main bag are contrasting colours: inside the black, white, concrete and green bags, it’s a striking orange.

The main compartment has a reinforced, magnetised roll top closure. I’m used to a more click-tight buckle fastening but am getting the hang of the G-hook fastener. There are five internal organiser pockets, including two with mesh.

On each side are generous elasticated side pockets for your water bottle, umbrella or bike lock. And, an essential if carrying the bag off your back, there’s a top grab handle. Roll-tops are often used by cycle couriers for their fast, easy access, and the Stubble & Co Roll Top features a bike light anchor and reflective trim for enhanced visibility and road safety.






Troubadour Apex Briefcase – Best MacBook briefcase














Pros

Can hold MacBook and iPad

Pockets for tech organization

Premium build

Handle and detachable shoulder strap


Cons

Premium price

















Fits: up to 16-inch

If you desire the convenience of a shoulder or messenger bag with the smartness of a modern briefcase, another part of the stylish if pricey Apex line of laptop bags is the Apex Briefcase—in black only.

Made from a fabric that’s spun from recycled plastic bottles, the 15L Apex Briefcase features fluorocarbon-free waterproofing plus a eaterproof, tear-resistant lining. The leather trim is vegan.

To protect your MacBook and tablet there are padded, suspended pockets with a neoprene hood and magnetic closure to secures the laptop. Also inside there are seven individual pockets, including a mesh pocket for faster visual accessibility.

On the outside there are three pockets, including at the front a hidden slip-pocket for your phone and a large zipped pocket with a key leash, elasticated pockets and an AirTag pocket. On the rear, a magnetically closing pocket can be unzipped at the bottom to create a luggage sleeve.

Transform the briefcase into a hands-free shoulder bag with a robust strap.






Troubadour Apex Everyday Tote – Best MacBook luxury tote bag














Pros

Super stylish

Plenty of storage

Smart organizer sections

AirTag pocket


Cons

Premium price


















Fits: 13-inch, 14-inch, 15-inch, 16-inch

Bags come in all shapes, sizes and styles, and our favorite laptop tote bag is the from the same range as the Troubadour Apex Backpack reviewed above.

There isn’t much “everyday” about the Apex Everyday Tote. It is most definitely a special tote, with zipped inside storage and nine interior mesh, zipped or open pockets and compartment, plus two on the exterior. You can pack a lot of gear in the 16.5L bag, including organized spaces for cables and chargers, power banks and passport.

You can keep a water bottle tightly upright inside, and still feel confident that your laptop is safe from spills with the padded laptop pocket boasting a neoprene hood.

There’s a zipped front exterior pocket that offers plenty of storage space, including a pocket for your AirPods case and a special AirTag pocket. The back exterior pocket can be unzipped at the bottom to create a luggage sleeve, allowing you to slip it over the handles of your suitcase.

The waterproof FortiWeave fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles, and the zip pulls are also recycled. A vegan leather trim keep the tote looking smart.

When you tire of carrying the bag by its handles, you can turn it into a shoulder bag with the non-slip detachable strap.






Harber London Rugged Laptop Briefcase – 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


Cons

Expensive


















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.






Grams (28) Leather Folio – Best luxury sleeve with storage














Pros

Premium look and feel

Neat accessory pockets


Cons

Expensive


















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


Cons

No sealed pockets









Price When Reviewed:

95 €




Best Prices Today:


€95 at Mujjo






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 London Nomad Organiser – Best Premium Organizer 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









Price When Reviewed:

€395,95




Best Prices Today:


€395.95 at Harber London






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 Br