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.

1

A Sturdy Case

I’ve never 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 can find something that resonates with your style and protects your MacBook’s exterior from nicks and scratches.

For instance, there is a $10 hard plastic case available on Amazon in both transparent and solid finishes (with the latter costing around $20). If you’re feeling too paranoid about your MacBook accidentally falling off the table, you can also invest in $30 bumper hard cases with additional padding on the edges.

Apart from generic recommendations, there’s a $62 Spigen case for the 13-inch MacBook Air M4 that 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.

2

Protect Against Scratches With a Skin

If you want to preserve the clean, textured finish of your MacBook’s exterior without changing its appearance or adding weight, applying a transparent skin could be one of the best options.

Such skins can protect your MacBook’s casing against accidental scratches when 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 skin is 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 $32 Area 51 skin or the Teardown skin.

3

Use a Sleeve to Travel Safely

If your work requires you to carry your MacBook every day, and you prefer not to use bulky backpacks, consider investing 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 as this one on Amazon, featuring a plain and simple design. You can also purchase one in various solid colors, which will cost approximately $20.

Personally, I use a MacBook sleeve with pockets and a handle for the ease of carrying it around, like this particular $20 sleeve or the $30 laptop carrying case. Some sleeves, like the Inatech laptop sleeve come in a range of sizes and colors to suit.

4

Reduce 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 can adversely affect your posture. More often than not, the desk you’re working on doesn’t really place the MacBook’s screen at eye level, which could lead to a forward head posture and neck strain.

I’ve had the M1 MacBook Air for 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 helps free up some valuable space on the desk.

I have a non-foldable stand similar to this $15 aluminum laptop stand on Amazon. However, you can also invest in an adjustable 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.

5

Expand 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 the M2 MacBook Air come with a dedicated MagSafe 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 my DSLR camera), which is something that annoys me to the core.

Related

The Best USB-C Hubs of 2025

Need more ports for your laptop, PC, or gaming rig? Check out these USB-C hubs.

If you find yourself in similar situations, consider investing in a USB hub, a must-have accessory for your MacBook. I’d recommend the Anker 8-in-1 USB-C Hub, which provides two HDMI ports (up to 4K 60Hz), one USB-C PD port (with 85W output), an SD 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, the UGREEN Revodok 5-in-1 USB-C Hub could 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.

6

External SSD for Backups and Storage

While you may not need it immediately after getting a baseline MacBook 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 an external SSD makes more sense than 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 1TB external SSD at roughly one-quarter of that price.

Related

The Best External Solid State Drives (SSDs) of 2025

Fast, reliable, and compact.

It was roughly six months after I purchased my M1 MacBook Air (256GB) that I invested in the $100 Samsung 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 the storage hub for all my devices.

7

Wireless Keyboard and Mouse for Enhanced Comfort

For someone with a workstation at home or in the office, a wireless keyboard and mouse can 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 from Logitech for $55, another $70 combo offers a full-sized keyboard with a wireless mouse. If you’re looking for a mechanical keyboard that offers an elevated experience (and your colleagues don’t mind its sound), consider the $64 Keychron K8 or the $130 Logitech MX Mini.

A basic wireless mouse from Logitech, featuring 1000 DPI optical tracking, will cost $15. I have personally been using a variant of the $18 Lenovo Silent Bluetooth mouse for years without any issues.

Related

The Best Mice of 2024

From productivity to gaming, there’s a mouse that’s right for anyone and everyone.

8

Level-Up Productivity With an External Monitor

For those who work with intricate 3D designs, elaborate CAD files, or high-resolution sketches, getting an external monitor can provide a serious boost to your productivity.

Depending on the specifications you’re looking for, you can either pick up an affordable monitor, like the $240 Gigabyte M27Q with 1440p resolution, 165Hz refresh rate, 92% coverage of the DCI-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 can 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 a USB-C to DisplayPort cable or a USB-C to HDMI converter.

9

An All-in-One Fast Charger

If you’re someone who travels frequently with your MacBook, getting a multi-port GaN charger can 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 $60 Anker 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 charger with 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.

10

Microfiber Cloth

A microfiber cloth is 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 get Apple’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 of six microfiber cleaning cloths for $10. On the other hand, you can also purchase a cleaner spray and microfiber cloth combo, such as this one for $12 or this particular bundle for $20.

If you’re looking for the best iPad accessories, check out this article. We also have articles on the best iPhone accessories and the iPhone accessories for recording videos.