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

The Best MacE-book Accessories (2023): Keyboards, External Monitors, and Sleeves

March 25, 2023 Gadgets

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The MacE-book is a strong machine. Whether you are utilizing a MacE-book Air for internet looking and sending emails or a MacE-book Pro for graphics-intensive initiatives like video modifying and 3D design, Apple’s laptops can deal with a variety of actions. But to boost your expertise, I recommend throwing some equipment into the combination.

Regardless of your MacE-book of selection or the work you are utilizing it for, a slew of peripherals can pair together with your pc, like laptop computer stands, keyboards, charging bricks, and exterior shows. We’ve examined dozens over the previous 12 months, and these are the very best MacE-book equipment to streamline your workflow and unlock your machine’s full potential. This is certainly not 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. Check out our Best Work-From-Home Gear information for different suggestions.

Table of Contents

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Charging Adapters

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

Best Overall

This is among the slimmest and most compact 65-watt chargers we have ever examined. It dished out almost 60 watts to the 2020 MacE-book Pro with M1 and totally recharged it in an hour and a half (from 0 to one hundred pc!). 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 quite a lot of retailers and, for the reason that USB-C port is on the backside, it by no means fell off the wall, in contrast to sure chunky chargers. Best of all, you get a braided, 6-foot, 100-watt cable within the field.

Runner-Up

I’m always on the go, and I tend to overlook to pack both my iPhone charger or MacE-book charger. Apple’s dual-port USB-C energy adapter has saved me many late-night journeys to Best Buy. It comes with two USB-C ports, which lets me recharge my MacE-book Air and iPhone concurrently. It’s fairly compact, so I toss it into my duffle bag or tote. It’s rated at 35 watts, so it is highly effective sufficient to recharge an iPad Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, and extra. It will recharge a MacE-book Air simply tremendous, although extra power-hungry MacE-book Pro fashions would require one thing extra highly effective.

For Power-Hungry Machines

If you may have a MacE-book Pro, go for Satechi’s 108-watt wall charger. It’s on the bigger facet, nevertheless it’s not as large 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 linked—excellent for the 16-inch MacE-book Pro. However, if you wish to cost three devices directly, it will 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 Powerful Portable Battery Pack

An outlet may not at all times be inside arm’s attain, so it is value protecting a transportable charger helpful. You can discover plenty of nice, compact, and low cost moveable chargers in our Best Portable Battery Packs information, however this one from Zendure has a 26,800-mAh capability (the utmost you possibly can 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 possible be capable to get shut to 2 full fees out of it), along with iPhones and different smartphones. A small OLED show reveals the remaining energy as a proportion and in watt-hours.

Other Great Chargers

Nomad 65-Watt Dual-Port Charger for $70: Want 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 tremendous modern.
Satechi 165-Watt GaN Four-Port Charger for $120: If you may have lots of units round your desk, it is a handy-dandy charger. It has a bit of stand to prop it up and a brief twine that goes out to an outlet. The 4 USB-C ports output 100 watts every, however you may get sufficient energy to juice up two MacE-book Pro fashions concurrently.

Laptop Cases and Sleeves

It does not take a lot to scratch or ding the aluminum on a MacE-book. It’s sensible to get a laptop computer case or sleeve to maintain it secure.

Best Overall

This case is offered for a number of MacE-book fashions, however I’ve been utilizing it with the 16-inch MacE-book Pro (2021). It has exact cutouts for all of the ports, rubberized toes that forestall it from sliding, and air flow to maintain the MacE-book 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 MacE-book Pro—which is already a heavy laptop computer. You can discover these hardshell circumstances for totally different MacE-book fashions right here.

Runner-Up

I’ve at all times favored Speck’s iPhone circumstances for his or her sturdiness, and I really feel the identical in regards to the firm’s laptop computer circumstances. I’ve been utilizing this one with the 14-inch MacE-book Pro and, much like Incase, the hardshell case has the correct cutouts for ports, together with rubberized toes to maintain your machine in place. Both items clip in securely. It’s out there for a variety of MacE-book fashions. I’ve carried it in backpacks, duffle baggage, and totes, and up to now it has managed to guard my machine. However, the scratch-resistant hardshell is not as resistant as Speck claims. The case has a number of scrapes right here and there, although it isn’t too noticeable.

A Leather Sleeve

Prefer a mushy sleeve or a extra luxe expertise? WIRED critiques editor Julian Chokkattu has had an excellent expertise with Harber London’s full-grain leather-based sleeve. The inside is lined with wool felt to maintain your machine scratch-free, and the black or tan leather-based exudes luxurious. It suits quite a lot of MacE-book fashions, together with the 16-inch M2-powered model. The flap stays shut due to magnets, so your MacE-book will not simply slip out. You may even cost the laptop computer whereas it is within the sleeve.

Hubs and Docks

If the restricted port choice in your MacE-book Air or older MacE-book Pro frustrates you, put money into a USB hub or dock. Hubs are inexpensive 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 better selection (like Ethernet), and they sometimes include their very own energy provide. Check out our Best USB Hubs and Docks information for extra.

Best Overall

The StayGo Mini from Twelve South is our favourite hub for iPads, however we have had no bother utilizing it with MacBooks. Plug it in through 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’s pretty skinny and compact, so it will not add an excessive amount of bulk to your laptop computer or if you’re touring.

Runner-Up

Plugable’s USB-C Triple Display Docking Station is a good selection, particularly for anybody utilizing a couple of monitor. It helps as much as three shows directly (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. Whenever you come again to your workstation together with your MacE-book, all it’s important to do is plug it in and you immediately have a multi-monitor setup. With an output of as much as 60 watts, you should use the dock to cost your laptop computer too.

If You Have an iPhone

Looking to do away with the facility strip at your desk? Look no additional than Anker’s MagGo 637. You can use the entrance MagSafe wi-fi charger to recharge your iPhone whereas the again is residence to quite a lot of ports together with two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and three AC retailers. One of these USB-C ports has an output of 65 watts, which is lots to cost a MacE-book—supplying you with an all-in-one charging station in a compact orb.

Keyboards

If you are regularly at a desk, it is good, although not obligatory, to put money into a greater keyboard. Especially for those who’re in search of a extra tactile sensation with a mechanical keyboard. Be certain to take a look at our Best Keyboards information for extra.

Best Overall

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 related (if not precisely the identical). This is remedied with Apple’s very-own exterior keyboard. It’s costly, nevertheless it’s a pleasant strategy to totally replicate the MacE-book setup. It comes geared up with a Touch ID button, which you should use to log in, pay for purchases, and obtain apps, in addition to a quantity pad. It has the identical very same perform row keys as M-series MacBooks—full with playback buttons, a Mission Control key, plus a devoted Do Not Disturb button.

If you 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 MacE-book keyboard a bit of higher. There’s a Do Not Disturb key and the power to program the perform row key with Apple’s personal apps like Final Cut Pro, Keynote, Photos, Safari, and extra, utilizing the Logi Options+ app—along with different Mac-specific shortcuts. Unlike the unique MX mechanical keyboard, you do not have a selection between Clicky, Linear, or Tactile switches. It’s solely out there with Tactile Quiet switches, that are perfect for those who sometimes work round different individuals because it’s quieter. The low-profile keys are nonetheless satisfying to kind on all day. It’s slim and light-weight so it is a good choice to journey with as effectively.

Other Great Keyboards

The Das Keyboard MacTigr for $219: Steep worth apart, this keyboard (9/10, WIRED Recommends) has a devoted Mac format, Cherry MX Red 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 Pro is WIRED critiques editor Julian Chokkattu’s present every day driver. You can use it wired or wirelessly through Bluetooth, and there are a number of colours and switches to select from (it is RGB-backlit too). The purple switches aren’t too loud however are nonetheless clicky, and there is a pretty knob for quantity management. It’s hot-swappable, so you possibly can 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 nevertheless it’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 (that you may cost through the USB-C charging port). You’ll additionally get help for Via in order for you extra software program customization.

Mice

A good mouse is vital for essentially the most snug expertise. We’ve bought you coated 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 MacE-book. We’ve bought tons extra suggestions in our Best Gaming Mice information.

Best Overall

This ergonomic wi-fi mouse from Logitech is nice for those who spend lots of time at your desk and undergo from some wrist ache. The Lift, because the identify suggests, robotically 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 12 months with no need new batteries. You can 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 Control, the Emojis menu, and Screen seize with a click on of a button. You can even customise the buttons to open Apple’s apps like Final Cut Pro, Keynote, Photos, Safari, and extra.

Runner-Up

If you are already used to the trackpad in your MacE-book, then you possibly can’t go fallacious with the exterior Magic Trackpad. It has the identical Multi-Touch gestures and Force Touch expertise, so there isn’t any studying curve concerned. It robotically pairs together with your MacE-book for seamless connectivity. While the battery ought to final you a couple of month, the trackpad comes with a woven USB-C to Lightning cable to cost it.

Laptop Stands

Propping your MacE-book up on a laptop computer stand can ensure you’re not craning your neck to stare on the display screen. We’ve bought lots extra in our Best Laptop Stands information.

Best Overall

WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano says irrespective of what number of laptop computer stands she tries, she retains coming again to this one from ObVus to make use of along with her MacE-book. In truth, she’s been utilizing it since 2020. It’s sturdy, gentle, and might be raised to totally different heights and positions—together with a standing possibility (no standing desk required). Although it does take some power to vary the peak and angle, you possibly can relaxation assured it will not collapse when you’re utilizing it.

Runner-Up

For anybody who prefers working from a sofa or mattress, the Nnewvante Laptop Stand is a good possibility. The top is not adjustable, however you possibly can increase the bottom to position it at the very best angle for typing in your MacE-book. 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 possibly can place your espresso mug or a drink, and a small drawer for storing little trinkets. You can fold the legs and retailer the entire thing away when it isn’t in use.

Other Great Laptop Stands

Flexispot Adjustable Table With Wheels for $130: WIRED critiques editor Julian Chokkattu has been utilizing this rollable desk in several spots in his condo. You can alter the peak and as a result of the stand is not centered, you possibly can pull it below a mattress or sofa to convey the desktop near you.
Rain Design mBar Pro+ Foldable Laptop Stand for $58: Frequently transferring from the workplace and your private home? Carry this one round with you. It folds right down to a slim sufficient bundle and weighs lower than a pound. It can increase your MacE-book up about 5 inches and rests it at an angle.

Desk Mats

A desk mat is not obligatory in your workspace, nevertheless it provides a pleasant contact. It can even make every part look a bit extra organized and simply plain fairly. They can double as a mousepad for anybody utilizing an exterior mouse.

Best Overall

I’ve been utilizing the medium model ($70) at my desk, which provides me sufficient room to position my keyboard, mouse, pocket book, and espresso mug. It feels good, appears modern, and is straightforward to wash (I’ve managed to wipe up unintended spills with no bother). This desk mat is available in quite a lot of enjoyable colours together with darkish orange, gentle inexperienced, and magenta. Since it is felt, it slides round barely—however I’ve been utilizing it on a glass desk. If you are frightened about this, get the Grovemade Matte Desk Pad as a substitute. It’s pricier, however the cork backside retains it from transferring round.

Runner-Up

This desk mat options one shade on either side—that method, you possibly can flip between colours everytime you’d like to vary issues up. It’s product of polyurethane leather-based, nevertheless it appears fairly and my mouse glides easily excessive. Like Grovemade’s desk mat, it is easy to wash too.

External Monitors

Using an exterior monitor helps me get extra work completed. So a lot in order that I now have bother working with out one. It offers your apps extra respiratory room so nothing feels too cramped, particularly on a 13-inch MacE-book. Head over to our Best Monitors information for different picks.

Best Overall

This 4K monitor from Monnoprice provides a excessive decision with out breaking the financial institution. With first rate help for HDR and punchy colours, it is a satisfying display screen to stare at. You can hook it as much as your MacE-book utilizing the USB-C port on the again as a substitute of counting on the DisplayPort or HDMI. With help for the VESA mounting normal, you do not have to accept the included stand; mount it to your desk as a substitute and avoid wasting house. If you determine to mount it, WIRED critiques editor Julian Chokkattu suggests utilizing longer M3 screws for the reason that mounting holes are recessed. One downside? It’s out of inventory usually.

Runner-Up

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

A Portable Monitor

Mostly spend time working in espresso outlets? A conveyable monitor is a good companion for a MacE-book, 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. Just plug it into your machine utilizing the USB-C cable. Just keep in mind that it’s going to drain your MacE-book’s battery sooner, so it is smart to plug it into an influence supply when you possibly can (the display screen will then be capable to get brighter too).

An Integrated Portable Monitor

This moveable show sticks to the again of your MacE-book through magnets. If you 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 screen to your setup, and it does not take any desk house because it hangs off the again of your display screen. Just slide out the 13-inch show if you want it and join the USB-C cable. It provides some bulk and thickness however you possibly can simply take away the show each time you do not want it.

Backpacks

There’s truthfully no “best” backpack as a result of has totally different preferences and types. Browse our Best Laptop Backpacks information for extra suggestions, however these are a number of standouts.

Best Overall

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’s a zippered water bottle pocket in the midst of the backpack (as a substitute of the facet), pen pockets in flaps on the facet for simple entry as a substitute of within the center, and an exterior constructed from Bluesign-certified 400-denier ballistic nylon. Each bag additionally has a lifetime assure. The dense material and {hardware} (zippers, buckles, and O-rings) do make it a bit of heavy although. We suggest going with the 22-liter possibility. This bag will solely match a 13-inch MacE-book Pro and MacE-book Air (2018 and later).

Runner-Up

The Herschel Heritage is a extra inexpensive possibility and our favourite funds bag. On the within, you will discover a 15-inch laptop computer sleeve to suit a 13-inch MacE-book or 14-inch MacE-book Pro, with loads of room to pack in additional provides. It’s tremendous sturdy too. WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano says it solely began to point out indicators of damage after a number of years of use. Our solely gripe is the dearth of a water bottle compartment.

Other Great Backpacks

Rains Backpack Mini for $95: The Rains AgainPack Mini is essentially the most fashionable choose in our Best Laptop Backpacks information. It’s engaging, useful, and suits a 13-inch MacE-book together with a number of different equipment. If you are frightened it is too small, we additionally just like the bigger 13-liter model for $110.
JanSport Pro Pack System for $150: JanSport’s backpacks have at all times been dependable, and the Pro Pack System isn’t any totally different. It has a 15-inch laptop computer plush laptop computer compartment, together with loads of pockets to suit extra equipment like notebooks, water bottles, and pens. The entrance pack can be removable, which you should use as a cross-body bag.
Harber London Leather City Backpack for $560: It’s costly, however this all-leather bag is at the moment WIRED critiques editor Julian Chokkattu’s favourite. It can match as much as a 16-inch MacE-book in a devoted sleeve, has house for a spare pill or a Nintendo Switch, and features a few pouches in the principle compartment and within the entrance zippered pocket for group. It’s comfortable to put on, and he is acquired loads of compliments on it.

Totes

Not a fan of backpacks? Totes are a extra trendy various. They’re simply as able to carrying your MacE-book and different provides chances are you’ll want. We’ve listed a number of of our favorites under, however we have a ton extra in our Best Laptop Totes and Purses information.

Best Overall

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

Runner-Up

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

Other Great Totes

L.L. Bean Hunter’s Tote Bag for $50: This is our favourite funds 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 every part—together with grocery retailer runs, tenting journeys, seaside days, and on flights. It might be helpful for work too, however we do suggest buying a laptop computer sleeve or case.
Fjallraven Kånken Totepack for $70: This tote backpack mixture might be worn in your again or your shoulder. It additionally has a pocket for a 13-inch MacE-book, a smaller pocket for a pocket book or pill, and a big primary compartment. You’ll even have two facet pockets for water bottles or a small umbrella.

Headphones and Earbuds

Owning the suitable noise-canceling headphones is usually a game-changer for productiveness. But with so many on the market, it may be robust to slim down which one to pair together with your MacE-book. For extra choices, learn our Best Wireless Headphones and Best Wireless Earbuds guides.

Best Overall

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 laborious to not love. When paired together with your MacE-book, they will robotically connect with the laptop computer everytime you take them out of the case. If you personal different Apple units like an iPhone, you possibly can simply change again and forth 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 provides a extra absorbing and energetic sound high quality than its predecessors. You’ll get wonderful noise cancellation and nice battery life as effectively. If you need to avoid wasting money, we nonetheless suggest final 12 months’s WH-1000XM4 which additionally provides nice noise-cancellation, 30-hour battery life, and a clear sound signature.

Other Great Headphones

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd-generation) for $200: These are the very best earbuds for iPhones, however they’re additionally an awesome possibility for MacBooks. The newest technology AirPods Pro (9/10, WIRED Recommends) has improved noise canceling, longer battery life (as much as six hours of playtime), and higher sound high quality.
Beats Fit Pro for $200: We want these (9/10, WIRED Recommends) over the older first-gen AirPods Pro as a result of they’ve higher sound high quality, bodily buttons on the surface of every bud, longer battery life (six hours, particularly), and help for spatial audio.
Google Pixel Buds A-Series for $100: The Pixel Buds A-Series (8/10, WIRED Recommends) maintain the primary spot in our Best Wireless Earbuds information. They pack 5 hours of listening time with an extra 19 hours inside the charging case. They really feel steady in your ears and pack higher sound high quality than Apple’s entry-level AirPods.