Designed for the most recent 13-inch MacBook Pro models, without or without TouchBar, the Fintie case is rugged enough to protect your valuable laptop from knocks, scratches, and minor drops without being overly heavy or bulky. Installation is a straightforward two-step process, clicking the base and lid of the laptop into the separate case sections. Generous cutouts ensure access is retained to all of the MacBook’s ports, even when connecting accessories with bulky plugs. Unlike some competing cases, there’s full ventilation cut into the bottom of the case to maintain airflow. The style, utility, and sharp pricing of this Fintie case make it our top case pick for recent MacBook Pro models. The company also makes versions for a range of older models. Urban Armor Gear’s (UAG) version certainly looks the part, with its strong protective shell and impact-resistant rubber bumpers on each corner. A non-slip grip helps your laptop stay in your hands even in damp conditions, and the top and bottom solidly lock together to prevent it from opening in transit or when dropped. The durable appearance is backed up by a military drop test rating, providing confidence your MacBook will survive even fairly major impacts. Even with the extra protection there’s plenty of ventilation on the bottom of the laptop, and good access to all of the ports. The case provides a very snug fit, which can be a double-edged sword—it helps keep the laptop safe, but can be difficult to remove. If you don’t plan to take your MacBook in and out of its case very often, however, and want maximum protection, this is a great option. An unusual mixture of laptop case and sleeve, made from waxed, full-grain New Zealand leather, the Journal looks like a standard high-end leather portfolio while being carried. Once unzipped, you have the option of keeping the laptop inside the case while in use or removing it entirely. Soft microfiber material on the inside helps avoid minor scratches, while the reinforced corners and spine provide a degree of impact protection. A hidden interior pocket under the laptop, accessible via a convenient pull tab, provides a secure place to store documents. Available for the most recent versions of both 13" and 15" MacBook Pros, the Journal is the ideal high-end case to accompany Apple’s top of the line laptops. It will fit almost any model of the correct size, recent or otherwise. The rugged, rubberized two-piece shell easily clips onto the base and lid. Both sections are largely transparent, letting the original color and Apple logo show through. The base has dozens of ventilation slots to help prevent overheating, as well as a pair of flip-out plastic legs to significantly lift the back of the laptop and provide a better keyboard angle for extended typing sessions. If you prefer not to use them, large rubber feet on each corner still assist with airflow and prevent the laptop from moving around on the desk. Made from a mix of hard plastic and softer TPU, and available in several colors, the BRAECNstock Kickstand Case is an attractive and useful option. Each part of the two-piece case combines hard plastic (for durability) with a rubberized oil paint for a softer texture and better grip. Wide cutouts ensure there’s enough room to plug in chargers, headphones, and most accessories, while the base has both vented slots and feet on each corner to provide adequate airflow. The company also includes a similarly-patterned keyboard cover with each case purchase, a nice touch that helps prevent crumbs and liquid from getting inside. If you want to make sure your laptop stands out among the sea of identical MacBooks in Starbucks, one of these KEC cases is the way to do it. Where Se7enline stands out from the crowd, however, is the range of accessories it ships in the box. There’s a separate sleeve for extra protection and easy transportation, and a pair of keyboard covers, one each for models with and without a TouchBar. There’s also a keyboard cover for protection from dirt, water, and those inevitable toast crumbs, along with a clear screen protector, and several silicone dust plugs to keep dust out of the laptop ports when they’re not in use.
