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We tested different types of MacBook Pro cases to find which models offer the best protection
Credit: Laura Casner
By Ross Patton ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ Jul 27, 2023
The Best Macbook Pro Cases
We researched hundreds of models of MacBook Pro cases in order to determine which are the best. We then narrowed it down to the 7 most promising ones to be purchased for a hands-on, side-by-side comparison. Our expert analysts diligently weighed and measured each case, tallied the included accessories with each bundle, and judged how difficult these products are to install and remove. Read below to see the results of our comprehensive assessment.
The KECC Leather is one of our top picks for a MacBook Pro case. It is easy to install and remove, and it stays reliably attached until you need to remove it for periodic cleaning. It is a good-looking case, with this particular KECC line sporting a top shell made of premium Italian pebbled leather, available in various shades, and an attractive Apple logo cutout. The bottom half of the case includes slotted vents for cooling and rubber feet to prevent sliding on low-friction surfaces. This case is an all-around simple, affordable, easy to use, and stylish option.
The KECC Leather has a few downsides. For instance, it adds 4.5 mm of thickness to your MacBook and 258 grams of weight, making your laptop less slim and lightweight than its original design. Moreover, this case lacks additional accessories such as a keyboard cover, screen protector, or touchpad protector.
If class and style are the goals, then the Fintie Leather is the case for you. It transforms a MacBook Pro into a dapper accessory that would look at home in the most opulent office settings. Despite its thick construction, the Fintie Leather has vented slots on the lower cover plate for optimal cooling.
The Fintie does possess a few downsides along with its snazzy look. It is one of the heaviest cases in our tests — even compared to rugged, military drop-tested models. Unfortunately, this model is a bit of a pain to install and is quite difficult to remove. If you plan on taking your case off regularly, we'd recommend purchasing a different model.
If you want to add a luxurious look to your MacBook Pro, check out the Fintie.
Credit: Ross Patton
3
Great Option for Cool Graphics
Case Star MacBook Pro Case
Weight: 233 g | Added Thickness: 3 mm
REASONS TO BUY
Easy to install
Thin profile
REASONS TO AVOID
Slippery
If you want a case with some clever graphics, check out the Case Star. This MacBook Pro case is among the thinnest and lightest that we've tested. This model offers options in dozens of different designs and patterns, and as a bonus, the kit includes a keyboard brush and cover.
One issue we encountered with the Case Star is that the bottom shell cover is so easy to install that it can also pop loose with minimal force, and sometimes it falls off. We also found the top shell to be particularly slick, so keep a good grip on your laptop if you decide to go with the Case Star.
Case Star offers an array of neat designs such as this lab-themed composition book.
If you're looking for a bare-bones clear case for your MacBook Pro, the MOSISO Clear might be the right choice. It snaps on in seconds, barely alters the look of your laptop, and at a mere 215 grams, it is one of the lightest models that we tested.
We were a bit disappointed that the MOSISO only includes a screen protector and a wipe. We would have appreciated a keyboard cover or touchpad protector.
We like that this case is simple and doesn't affect the look of your MacBook by much.
If you don't have any interest in being flashy or don't want to flaunt your fancy new laptop around, the Kuzy Black MacBook Pro Case is a solid choice. Not only does the Kuzy have a slim profile, but it's also very lightweight. This MacBook Pro case is a no-brainer to install and remove, and it's paper-thin.
We noticed that this model's top shell case easily gets smudged with fingerprints and is prone to light scratching. While the top case does a good job of protecting your laptop and keeping it clean, be prepared to spend a little extra time wiping and buffing the case if you purchase this model.
If all you're looking for is a basic black MacBook Pro case, the Kuzy is precisely that.
Another MacBook Pro case manufacturer that offers an array of graphics is iLeadon. If you've looked through the graphics from other manufacturers and haven't found something you fancy, give the iLeadon lineup a look. Each of these cases also includes a keyboard cover.
We found this case a little more difficult to snap into place than other models we tested. With that said, it still can be removed fairly easily.
The IBENZER is a generic, black MacBook Pro case. It comes with a very low price tag, and it's a breeze to install.
Unfortunately, the designers of the IBENZER missed a crucial detail — the bottom half of this model barely snaps onto the bottom of the laptop with two tiny tabs. Even the slightest bump in the wrong direction will cause the lower part of the case to pop right off.
The IBENZER looks great, but easily falls off when you pick up your computer.
Credit: Ross Patton
Why Trust GearLab
We tested MacBook Pro covers at the GearLab headquarters — a facility where nearly every one of our team members uses a 13" MacBook Pro daily. We took careful notes on how specific cases stand out for different applications, which models are sleek or particularly gaudy, and which ones are the easiest (or the most frustrating) to install and remove.
Our research analyst and review editor, Ross Patton, has been working in product research and development for over ten years. Ross has tested a wide range of products, from outdoor gear like backcountry snowboard equipment and rooftop tents to cutting-edge devices such as the top-ranked cordless electric tools, the best Bluetooth trackers, and everything in between.
When testing products, we find that it's important to give them a true side by side comparison.
Credit: Ross Patton
Analysis and Test Results
To determine which MacBook Pro case is the best, we ran an in-depth, side-by-side analysis for the key metrics listed below.
Ease of Installation and Removal
To attach a numeric valuation to each MacBook case for this metric, we used our team of MacBook-toting research analysts, editors, and writers to judge the level of difficulty in installing each model.
Some models are so easy to install that they essentially just drop into place.
Credit: Ross Patton
We found the amount of effort necessary to install these covers was moderately variable. Some snap into place with very minimal force, while others require firm pressing to snap into place. We found the Case Star, iLeadon, KECC, Kuzy, and MOSISO models all decently easy to install.
The AKIT is a no-brainer to set up.
The top half of the AKIT is a cinch to install as well.
When it came time to remove the covers, the inconsistency between models concerning ease of use became much more apparent. Some models nearly fell off the MacBook with just a tiny bit of force, while others require a serious amount of prying and pulling to be removed. A few of the models had us concerned that we might even damage the laptop in the process of removing the case.
One of our favorite parts of the KECC is the ease of installation.
Removing the KECC is a simple task.
Both the Case Star and the IBENZER models were very easy to remove, so much so that we were concerned that they might not stay put after a bit more wear and tear. The models that were slightly more challenging to take off were the iLeadon, Kuzy, and MOSISO cases. However, these cases all felt very secure when installed.
We are impressed with how easy the Urban Armor Gear model is to install considering its overall functionality.
Credit: Ross Patton
Additional Size and Weight
For this assessment, we employed a digital caliper to measure the exact thickness that each case adds to a MacBook. We also used a laboratory-grade digital scale to weigh each case to the tenth of a gram.
The tale of the scale.
Credit: Ross Patton
At 215 grams, the MOSISO was the lightest weight. Slightly behind was the Kuzy, weighing 218 grams. The IBENZER and the Case Star tipped the scales at just a bit more, both at 233 grams.
A digital caliper is a proper tool for attaining accurate measurements of these products.
Credit: Ross Patton
When it comes to added thickness, many models are impressively thin. We measured the Kuzy and the Case Star and found that both add only 3 mm to the laptop's overall vertical size while closed. Close behind these models during our measuring assessment were the iLeadon and IBENZER, with a thickness of 3.3 mm.
Keyboard covers are a good idea for protecting your laptop from dust and grime.
Credit: Ross Patton
Accessories and features
Many of the MacBook Pro cases in our review included added accessories. Several models come with keyboard covers, including the iLeadon, Case Star, IBENZER, and MOSISO.
It's great that the AKIT comes standard with a method of keyboard protection.
If you're looking for a comprehensive safeguard, check out the AKIT package.
To ensure the maximum amount of armor against wear and tear, consider a model with a touchpad guard.
Conclusion
We know that searching for your next MacBook Pro case will yield a lot of information. Our objective is to provide you with the most accurate information possible so you can make the right purchase that best fits your application. We hope that you can use our guidance in this review to buy the MacBook Pro Case that is most suited to your individual needs.
