The Best MacBook Accessories (2023): Keyboards, External Monitors, and Sleeves

The Best MacBook Accessories (2023): Keyboards, External Monitors, and Sleeves Leave a comment

Gadgets

The MacBook is a robust machine. Whether or not you are utilizing a MacBook Air for net searching and sending emails or a MacBook Professional for graphics-intensive tasks like video modifying and 3D design, Apple’s laptops can deal with a variety of actions. However to reinforce your expertise, I recommend throwing some equipment into the combo.

No matter your MacBook of choice or the work you are utilizing it for, a slew of peripherals can pair together with your laptop, like laptop computer stands, keyboards, charging bricks, and exterior shows. We have examined dozens over the previous yr, and these are the very best MacBook equipment to streamline your workflow and unlock your machine’s full potential. That is in no way an exhaustive checklist, as there are an innumerable variety of equipment, so we’ll at all times be on the hunt for extra to check. Try our Best Work-From-Home Gear guide for different suggestions.

Desk of Contents

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Charging Adapters

MacBooks have grow to be extra battery environment friendly, however it’s best to nonetheless carry a spare charger once you head out the door. The default one within the field is cumbersome and may recharge just one system at a time, so attempt these alternate options. For extra charging picks, take a look at our Best Work-From-Home Gear and Best Portable Battery Packs guides. 

Finest General

This is among the slimmest and most compact 65-watt chargers we have ever examined. It dished out practically 60 watts to the 2020 MacBook Pro with M1 and totally recharged it in an hour and a half (from 0 to 100%!). It has a soft-touch really feel that is a pleasant improve over most plasticky chargers, and the plugs fold in sideways so it maintains a slim profile. It stayed put in a wide range of retailers and, for the reason that USB-C port is on the backside, it by no means fell off the wall, not like sure chunky chargers. Better of all, you get a braided, 6-foot, 100-watt cable within the field. 

Runner-Up

I am consistently on the go, and I generally tend to neglect to pack both my iPhone charger or MacBook charger. Apple’s dual-port USB-C energy adapter has saved me many late-night journeys to Finest Purchase. It comes with two USB-C ports, which lets me recharge my MacBook Air and iPhone concurrently. It is fairly compact, so I toss it into my duffle bag or tote. It is rated at 35 watts, so it is highly effective sufficient to recharge an iPad Professional, iPhone 14 Professional Max, and extra. It is going to recharge a MacBook Air simply wonderful, although extra power-hungry MacBook Professional fashions would require one thing extra highly effective.

For Energy-Hungry Machines

When you have a MacBook Professional, go for Satechi’s 108-watt wall charger. It is on the bigger aspect, but it surely’s not as massive because the one from Apple. It comes with three USB-C ports, every with the power to cost at 100 watts if just one system is related—excellent for the 16-inch MacBook Pro. Nevertheless, if you wish to cost three devices without delay, it’s going to cost them at 45, 30, and 30 watts, respectively, 58, 30, and 20 watts, or 65, 20, and 20 watts, relying on what you are charging. The plug folds up too. 

A Highly effective Moveable Battery Pack

An outlet won’t at all times be inside arm’s attain, so it is price conserving a conveyable charger useful. Yow will discover plenty of nice, compact, and low-cost transportable chargers in our Best Portable Battery Packs information, however this one from Zendure has a 26,800-mAh capability (the utmost you may tackle a flight) and comes with 4 USB-C ports—two that may dish out 100 watts and two that output 20 watts every. We had no points fast-charging MacBooks (you will seemingly have the ability to get shut to 2 full costs out of it), along with iPhones and different smartphones. A small OLED show exhibits the remaining energy as a share and in watt-hours.

Different Nice Chargers

  • Nomad 65-Watt Dual-Port Charger for $70: Need two USB-C ports as a substitute of 1? This charger is not as compact or slim because the Sirius above, however you get two ports, every of which might output 65 watts when used alone. Plug two units in and the highest will ship 45 watts and the underside can do 20 watts. The plugs fold up, and it appears to be like tremendous smooth. 
  • Satechi 165-Watt GaN Four-Port Charger for $120: When you have a number of units round your desk, this can be a handy-dandy charger. It has slightly stand to prop it up and a brief wire that goes out to an outlet. The 4 USB-C ports output 100 watts every, however you will get sufficient energy to juice up two MacBook Professional fashions concurrently.

Laptop computer Instances and Sleeves

It would not take a lot to scratch or ding the aluminum on a MacBook. It is sensible to get a laptop computer case or sleeve to maintain it secure. 

Finest General

This case is on the market for a couple of MacBook fashions, however I have been utilizing it with the 16-inch MacBook Professional (2021). It has exact cutouts for all of the ports, rubberized ft that stop it from sliding, and air flow to maintain the MacBook from overheating. For this particular mannequin, the case is available in clear, pink, and black. It does add a noticeable heft to the 16-inch MacBook Professional—which is already a heavy laptop computer. Yow will discover these hardshell instances for different MacBook models here.

Runner-Up

I’ve at all times favored Speck’s iPhone cases for his or her sturdiness, and I really feel the identical concerning the firm’s laptop computer instances. I have been utilizing this one with the 14-inch MacBook Professional and, much like Incase, the hardshell case has the correct cutouts for ports, together with rubberized ft to maintain your machine in place. Each items clip in securely. It is accessible for a variety of MacBook fashions. I’ve carried it in backpacks, duffle luggage, and totes, and to date it has managed to guard my machine. Nevertheless, the scratch-resistant hardshell is not as resistant as Speck claims. The case has a couple of scrapes right here and there, although it is not too noticeable. 

A Leather-based Sleeve

Favor a delicate sleeve or a extra luxe expertise? WIRED critiques editor Julian Chokkattu has had a very good expertise with Harber London’s full-grain leather-based sleeve. The within is lined with wool felt to maintain your machine scratch-free, and the black or tan leather-based exudes luxurious. It matches a wide range of MacBook fashions, together with the 16-inch M2-powered version. The flap stays shut due to magnets, so your MacBook will not simply slip out. You’ll be able to even cost the laptop computer whereas it is within the sleeve.

Hubs and Docks

If the restricted port choice in your MacBook Air or older MacBook Professional frustrates you, put money into a USB hub or dock. Hubs are reasonably priced dongles that present additional USB ports, SD card readers, and a headphone jack. Docks are meant for use at your desk, as a result of they’re bigger, supply much more ports in higher selection (like Ethernet), they usually usually include their very own energy provide. Try our Best USB Hubs and Docks guide for extra.

Finest General

The StayGo Mini from Twelve South is our favorite hub for iPads, however we have had no bother utilizing it with MacBooks. Plug it in by way of the USB-C port in your laptop computer and you will have entry to a USB-A port, a headphone jack, an HDMI output, and one other USB-C port for passthrough charging. It is pretty skinny and compact, so it will not add an excessive amount of bulk to your laptop computer or once you’re touring.

Runner-Up

Plugable’s USB-C Triple Show Docking Station is a superb selection, particularly for anybody utilizing multiple monitor. It helps as much as three shows without delay (both HDMI or DisplayPort for every). The dock additionally packs six USB 3.0 ports (two on the entrance, 4 within the again) and a gigabit Ethernet port. Everytime you come again to your workstation together with your MacBook, all you need to do is plug it in and also you immediately have a multi-monitor setup. With an output of as much as 60 watts, you need to use the dock to cost your laptop computer too.

If You Have an iPhone

Trying to do away with the facility strip at your desk? Look no additional than Anker’s MagGo 637. You need to use the entrance MagSafe wireless charger to recharge your iPhone whereas the again is dwelling to a wide range of ports together with two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and three AC retailers. A type of USB-C ports has an output of 65 watts, which is loads to cost a MacBook—providing you with an all-in-one charging station in a compact orb.

Keyboards

For those who’re regularly at a desk, it is good, although not needed, to put money into a greater keyboard. Particularly for those who’re searching for a extra tactile sensation with a mechanical keyboard. Be sure you take a look at our Best Keyboards guide for extra.

Finest General

Ever since Apple debuted the brand new Magic Keyboard on its MacBooks in 2021, it has been troublesome for me to discover a third-party keyboard that feels comparable (if not precisely the identical). That is remedied with Apple’s very-own exterior keyboard. It is costly, but it surely’s a pleasant technique to totally replicate the MacBook setup. It comes geared up with a Contact ID button, which you need to use to log in, pay for purchases, and obtain apps, in addition to a quantity pad. It has the identical very same operate row keys as M-series MacBooks—full with playback buttons, a Mission Management key, plus a devoted Do Not Disturb button. 

For those who do not want this full-size model, there’s additionally the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID ($149), and the fundamental Magic Keyboard ($99).

Runner-Up

We had been already followers of Logitech’s MX mechanical keyboard line previous to attempting the Mac model, however this mimics the expertise of your MacBook keyboard slightly higher. There is a Do Not Disturb key and the power to program the operate row key with Apple’s personal apps like Ultimate Lower Professional, Keynote, Images, Safari, and extra, utilizing the Logi Choices+ app—along with different Mac-specific shortcuts. In contrast to the unique MX mechanical keyboard, you do not have a selection between Clicky, Linear, or Tactile switches. It is solely accessible with Tactile Quiet switches, that are supreme for those who usually work round different folks because it’s quieter. The low-profile keys are nonetheless satisfying to kind on all day. It is slim and light-weight so it is a good choice to journey with as nicely. 

Different Nice Keyboards

  • The Das Keyboard MacTigr for $219: Steep worth apart, this keyboard (9/10, WIRED Recommends) has a devoted Mac format, Cherry MX Crimson switches (that do not get too loud), a high-quality all-metal construct, and a two-port USB-C hub. 
  • Keychron Q1 Pro Mechanical Keyboard for $199: The Q1 Professional is WIRED critiques editor Julian Chokkattu’s present every day driver. You need to use it wired or wirelessly by way of Bluetooth, and there are a number of colours and switches to select from (it is RGB-backlit too). The pink switches aren’t too loud however are nonetheless clicky, and there is a pretty knob for quantity management. It is hot-swappable, so you may change the switches everytime you like, and the PBT keycaps have not proven any put on after 5 months of rigorous use. 
  • Keychron K3 Pro Ultra-Slim Wireless Mechanical Keyboard for $94: The K3 is one other good wi-fi keyboard but it surely’s slim and compact. It has low-profile keys with a tactile click on, RGB lighting, and round 4 to 5 days of battery life (you can cost by way of the USB-C charging port). You will additionally get support for Via in order for you further software program customization.

Mice

A good mouse is necessary for probably the most snug expertise. We have got you lined with each an ergonomic possibility (to maintain wrist ache at bay) and an exterior trackpad for those who genuinely benefit from the one in your MacBook. We have got tons extra suggestions in our Best Gaming Mice guide.

Finest General

This ergonomic wi-fi mouse from Logitech is nice for those who spend a number of time at your desk and endure from some wrist ache. The Elevate, because the title suggests, mechanically lifts your palm away from the desk—stopping your nerves from getting pinched. It has wonderful battery life too, our unit has gone for greater than a yr while not having new batteries. You’ll be able to program the buttons on the mouse to set off Mac-specific options utilizing Logitech’s companion app. For instance, I’ve programmed my mouse to allow Do Not Disturb, Mission Management, the Emojis menu, and Display seize with a click on of a button. You can even customise the buttons to open Apple’s apps like Ultimate Lower Professional, Keynote, Images, Safari, and extra.

Runner-Up

For those who’re already used to the trackpad in your MacBook, then you may’t go incorrect with the exterior Magic Trackpad. It has the identical Multi-Contact gestures and Pressure Contact know-how, so there is not any studying curve concerned. It mechanically pairs together with your MacBook for seamless connectivity. Whereas the battery ought to final you a few month, the trackpad comes with a woven USB-C to Lightning cable to cost it.

Laptop computer Stands

Propping your MacBook up on a laptop computer stand can be sure you’re not craning your neck to stare on the display. We have got loads extra in our Best Laptop Stands guide.

Finest General

WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano says irrespective of what number of laptop stands she tries, she retains coming again to this one from ObVus to make use of together with her MacBook. Actually, she’s been utilizing it since 2020. It is sturdy, mild, and may be raised to totally different heights and positions—together with a standing possibility (no standing desk required). Though it does take some power to alter the peak and angle, you may relaxation assured it will not collapse whilst you’re utilizing it.

Runner-Up

For anybody who prefers working from a sofa or mattress, the Nnewvante Laptop computer Stand is a superb possibility. The peak is not adjustable, however you may increase the bottom to position it at the very best angle for typing in your MacBook. With a stopper built-in, you will not have to fret about issues sliding off both. It additionally has additional house that stays flat so you may place your espresso mug or a drink, and a small drawer for storing little trinkets. You’ll be able to fold the legs and retailer the entire thing away when it is not in use.

Different Nice Laptop computer Stands

  • Flexispot Adjustable Table With Wheels for $130: WIRED critiques editor Julian Chokkattu has been utilizing this rollable desk in numerous spots in his condo. You’ll be able to modify the peak and since the stand is not centered, you may pull it beneath a mattress or sofa to deliver the desktop near you.
  • Rain Design mBar Pro+ Foldable Laptop Stand for $58: Regularly shifting from the workplace and your property? Carry this one round with you. It folds right down to a slim sufficient bundle and weighs lower than a pound. It could actually increase your MacBook up about 5 inches and rests it at an angle.

Desk Mats

A desk mat is not needed to your workspace, but it surely provides a pleasant contact. It could actually additionally make all the things look a bit extra organized and simply plain fairly. They will double as a mousepad for anybody utilizing an exterior mouse. 

Finest General

I have been utilizing the medium model ($70) at my desk, which supplies me sufficient room to position my keyboard, mouse, pocket book, and low mug. It feels good, appears to be like smooth, and is simple to scrub (I’ve managed to wipe up unintended spills with no bother). This desk mat is available in a wide range of enjoyable colours together with darkish orange, mild inexperienced, and magenta. Because it’s felt, it slides round barely—however I have been utilizing it on a glass desk. For those who’re anxious about this, get the Grovemade Matte Desk Pad instead. It is pricier, however the cork backside retains it from shifting round.

Runner-Up

This desk mat options one colour on both sides—that means, you may flip between colours everytime you’d like to alter issues up. It is fabricated from polyurethane leather-based, but it surely appears to be like fairly and my mouse glides easily excessive. Like Grovemade’s desk mat, it is easy to scrub too.

Exterior Displays

Utilizing an exterior monitor helps me get more work done. A lot in order that I now have bother working with out one. It provides your apps extra respiration room so nothing feels too cramped, particularly on a 13-inch MacBook. Head over to our Best Monitors guide for different picks.

Finest General

This 4K monitor from Monnoprice presents a excessive decision with out breaking the financial institution. With respectable help for HDR and punchy colours, it is a satisfying display to stare at. You’ll be able to hook it as much as your MacBook utilizing the USB-C port on the again as a substitute of counting on the DisplayPort or HDMI. With help for the VESA mounting commonplace, you do not have to accept the included stand; mount it to your desk as a substitute and avoid wasting house. For those who determine to mount it, WIRED critiques editor Julian Chokkattu suggests utilizing longer M3 screws for the reason that mounting holes are recessed. One drawback? It is out of inventory usually. 

Runner-Up

This Asus 24-inch Full HD monitor is a pleasant, cheap means so as to add a second display to your workstation. The 1080p-pixel decision is sharp, although colours can look barely oversaturated. You’ll be able to tweak this within the show’s settings. It comes with a tilt-adjustable stand that works nicely, but when your desk is already too cluttered, it helps the VESA mounting commonplace so you may put it on an arm mount. 

A Moveable Monitor

Largely spend time working in espresso retailers? A conveyable monitor is a superb companion for a MacBook, making it a lot simpler to multitask and get extra completed. This one has an OLED panel, so you will get some pretty deep blacks and vibrant colours. It comes with a canopy that doubles as a kickstand plus the important cables. Simply plug it into your machine utilizing the USB-C cable. Simply keep in mind that it’ll drain your MacBook’s battery quicker, so it is sensible to plug it into an influence supply when you may (the display will then have the ability to get brighter too).

An Built-in Moveable Monitor

This transportable show sticks to the again of your MacBook by way of magnets. For those who do not thoughts completely leaving 4 magnets on the corners of your machine, then this is among the best methods so as to add a second display to your setup, and it would not take any desk house because it hangs off the again of your display. Simply slide out the 13-inch show once you want it and join the USB-C cable. It provides some bulk and thickness however you may simply take away the show each time you do not want it.

Backpacks 

There’s truthfully no “greatest” backpack as a result of has totally different preferences and kinds. Browse our Best Laptop Backpacks guide for extra suggestions, however these are a couple of standouts.

Finest General

This Tom Bihn bag is dear however WIRED senior affiliate critiques editor Adrienne So says it is her favourite, primarily for its considerate design. There is a zippered water bottle pocket in the midst of the backpack (as a substitute of the aspect), pen pockets in flaps on the aspect for simple entry as a substitute of within the center, and an exterior created from Bluesign-certified 400-denier ballistic nylon. Every bag additionally has a lifetime assure. The dense cloth and {hardware} (zippers, buckles, and O-rings) do make it slightly heavy although. We advocate going with the 22-liter option. This bag will solely match a 13-inch MacBook Professional and MacBook Air (2018 and later). 

Runner-Up

The Herschel Heritage is a extra reasonably priced possibility and our favourite price range bag. On the within, you will discover a 15-inch laptop computer sleeve to suit a 13-inch MacBook or 14-inch MacBook Professional, with loads of room to pack in additional provides. It is tremendous sturdy too. WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano says it solely began to indicate indicators of wear and tear after a number of years of use. Our solely gripe is the shortage of a water bottle compartment.

Different Nice Backpacks

  • Rains Backpack Mini for $95: The Rains BackPack Mini is probably the most trendy choose in our Best Laptop Backpacks guide. It is engaging, practical, and matches a 13-inch MacBook together with a couple of different equipment. For those who’re anxious it is too small, we additionally just like the bigger 13-liter version for $110.
  • JanSport Pro Pack System for $150: JanSport’s backpacks have at all times been dependable, and the Professional Pack System is not any totally different. It has a 15-inch laptop computer plush laptop computer compartment, together with loads of pockets to suit further equipment like notebooks, water bottles, and pens. The entrance pack can be removable, which you need to use as a cross-body bag.
  • Harber London Leather City Backpack for $560: It is costly, however this all-leather bag is presently WIRED critiques editor Julian Chokkattu’s favourite. It could actually match as much as a 16-inch MacBook in a devoted sleeve, has house for a spare pill or a Nintendo Swap, and features a few pouches in the primary compartment and within the entrance zippered pocket for group. It is comfortable to put on, and he is acquired loads of compliments on it. 

Totes

Not a fan of backpacks? Totes are a extra trendy different. They’re simply as able to carrying your MacBook and different provides chances are you’ll want. We have listed a couple of of our favorites beneath, however we have got a ton extra in our Best Laptop Totes and Purses guide.

Finest General

This tote from Second is WIRED author Jaina Grey’s favorite. It has pockets for days (and pockets inside pockets) permitting you to retailer a 16-inch MacBook, a number of water bottles, and cables. Since Second is a pictures model, the bag comes with padding to guard your gear together with a full-zip closure and weatherproof recycled nylon as nicely. Since it will probably maintain a lot stuff, it additionally distributes weight evenly to keep away from inflicting shoulder ache.

Runner-Up

The Cuyana Tote is presently our favorite purse. It has a wonderful, timeless design and it is fabricated from sturdy leather-based. You will have the choice between a 13-inch or 16-inch dimension, relying in your MacBook, and a number of colours to select from. You can even buy add-ons like an organizational insert that has a pocket to your laptop computer and water bottle, a flap bag to make use of as an inside compartment contained in the bag or a stand-alone clutch, and an adjustable strap to put on the bag as a cross-body.

Different Nice Totes

  • L.L. Bean Hunter’s Tote Bag for $50: That is our favourite price range tote. It has a rugged construct full with double-stitched seams, a thick polyester shell, beefy handles, and a rubbery plastic lining. WIRED senior editor Michael Calore says he makes use of it for all the things—together with grocery retailer runs, tenting journeys, seashore days, and on flights. It may be helpful for work too, however we do advocate buying a laptop computer sleeve or case.
  • Fjallraven Kånken Totepack for $70: This tote backpack mixture may be worn in your again or your shoulder. It additionally has a pocket for a 13-inch MacBook, a smaller pocket for a pocket book or pill, and a big most important compartment. You will even have two aspect pockets for water bottles or a small umbrella.

Headphones and Earbuds

Proudly owning the proper noise-canceling headphones is usually a game-changer for productiveness. However with so many on the market, it may be powerful to slim down which one to pair together with your MacBook. For extra choices, learn our Best Wireless Headphones and Best Wireless Earbuds guides.

Finest General

Apple’s AirPods Max (8/10, WIRED Recommends) are costly however they reign as the best possible noise-canceling headphones in our guide. With wonderful sound high quality, sensible noise discount, stellar construct high quality, and seamless connectivity, they’re arduous to not love. When paired together with your MacBook, they’re going to mechanically connect with the laptop computer everytime you take them out of the case. For those who personal different Apple units like an iPhone, you may simply change backwards and forwards between units with out having to manually dig by the Bluetooth menu.

Runner-Up

Sony’s WX-1000XM5 headphones (9/10, WIRED Recommends) have a sleeker, extra discrete look than the AirPods Max. They’re pricier than earlier generations, however the newest model presents a extra absorbing and energetic sound high quality than its predecessors. You will get wonderful noise cancellation and nice battery life as nicely. If you wish to avoid wasting money, we nonetheless advocate last year’s WH-1000XM4 which additionally presents nice noise-cancellation, 30-hour battery life, and a clear sound signature. 

Different Nice Headphones

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