Now that the M5 MacBook Pro is here, chances are a lot of you are buying it and on the lookout for a case to protect that aluminum construction — keeping your shiny new Apple laptop scratch and dent free.
There are different cases to satisfy different use cases. My go-to at the moment is the sleek Inateck laptop case, which packs plush inside lining and rugged water-resistant fabric around the outside. Plus, it helps that you can find it for just $25 on Amazon!
If you're looking more towards a backpack, that's where the Troubadour Apex 3.0 comes in — a seriously sleek premium day pack with a protected sleeve that can withstand all the knocks and drops of your day-to-day.
Using MacBook Pros for a decade, I've become used to the heart-in-mouth moments of someone tripping over the cable and watching the laptop fly off my lap (this was back in the USB-C days). But now, even with MagSafe, these devices are sensitive and you absolutely need a case. Luckily, I can help with that.
The best 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro cases you can buy today
Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.
Inateck's 360° is the perfect low-cost all rounder of a laptop case for any MacBook Pro user. The secure zip opens up to reveal the plush cushioned interior with a soft microfibre-esque fabric — armed with patented EdgeKeeper padding for drop protection. Plus the minimal stylings of the bag are lovely from every angle (and that complimentary accessory bag is great for a charger and external SSD).
If you prioritize protecting your investment and don't care if your case looks a little drab, the Thule Gauntlet sleeve is a good pick. Its dual-zipper design means it covers all of your MacBook Pro while you've got it closed, but it's also made so that you can keep the MacBook Pro inside the case when you're using it as a laptop. It uses straps to keep the MacBook and case in place, so remember to take the straps off when you close the Gauntlet completely!
Mosiso's hardcover is one of the most affordable options on this best MacBook Pro cases list, while also including a keyboard cover and screen protector — two huge perks if you're clumsy like us. This is an all-round protective shell with a bottom cover that's designed to ventilate and distribute heat. And at only half a pound, it barely adds any weight to your already-light MacBook Pro.
Available in Terracotta or Black vegan leather, this is a lot more than just a stylish laptop sleeve. The Orbitkey Hybrid Laptop Sleeve also gave me an opportunity to setup a remote working station wherever I was, and it comes down to how it all folds out origami style to a full desk mat with mouse pad. Plus, the magnetic clasp is strong to keep it all together when protecting your precious MacBook Pro.
If you want impeccable MacBook Pro protection in a backpack, the Troubadour Apex 3.0 is a fantastic option with sleek, premium styling, a plush padded pocket for your laptop and waterproof zippers to keep the moisture out. And let's not forget about that durable FortiWeave fabric with NanoCushion that keeps not just your MacBook safe, but everything in its 25-liter capacity secure.
I usually prefer a case that has a neutral, but still stylish, look. A lot of folks these days have no interest in the above colorful and eye-catching designs, but still want something more than a basic black case. Bellroy's Basalt-grey laptop sleeve is ideal for those with a minimalist aesthetic, with its magnetic enclosure, water-resistant materials, and three-year warranty.
