More Good Accessories
We’ve tested a lot of accessories. Here are a few more solid options if you’re hunting for more.
Apple 35W Dual USB-C Port Compact Power Adapter for $50: Apple’s dual power adapter comes with two USB-C ports, which lets me recharge my MacBook Air and iPhone simultaneously. It’s rated at 35 watts, so it’s powerful enough to recharge an iPad Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, and more. It will recharge a MacBook Air just fine, though more power-hungry MacBook Pro models will require something more powerful.
Ugreen Revodok Pro 211 Docking Station for $56: This is more of a mix between a dock and hub, but it packs plenty of ports and power. You’ll get three USB ports (one USB-C and two USB-A) that, in testing, hit up to 900 MB/s of data transfer speeds. It’s also a great choice for anyone using more than one monitor at their desk. You can use it to connect a multimonitor setup, along with accessories like a keyboard, mouse, and headphones. It’s worth noting the docking station is slightly heavy but compact.
Casetify I’m Busy Macbook Case by Tabetaaii for $78: I’ve been using this adorable case I’m Busy MacBook case by tabetaaii for the 13-inch MacBook Air (2022). It’s durable, the cutouts are accurate for all the ports, and the rubberized feet at the bottom keep it in place. As with most cases, it does add some weight to it. If you choose one of the clear cases (like the ones I’ve been testing) the matte finish can be a fingerprint magnet, but it’s easy to wipe off. I tested the standard versions, but Casetify discontinued those. You will, however, have the choice between its Impact and Bounce cases which come equipped with bumpers on the sides for extra protection.
Moft Laptop Carry Sleeve for $60: This is a sleeve that doubles as a laptop stand, with the option to choose between two heights. You can also use the built-in pocket to store additional items like a charger or earbuds. The sleeve is on the larger side though (I used it with the 15-inch MacBook Air), so it’s not the easiest to fit into backpacks. But I would typically carry it or throw it into my tote bag.
Casetify Happy Doodles Laptop Sleeve for $46: As with its laptop cases, Casetify also offers a bunch of fun sleeves. I’ve been using this adorable one with the 15-inch MacBook Air. It’s not as cushiony and roomy as the Baggu version, but it still offers enough padding to protect your laptop. Plus, the cute print always brightens my day.
Logitech MX Mechanical Mini for Mac for $110: This Mac version of the Logitech’s MX keyboard mimics the experience of your MacBook keyboard a little better. There’s a Do Not Disturb key and the ability to program the function row key with Apple’s apps like Final Cut Pro, Keynote, Photos, Safari, and more, using the Logi Options+ app—in addition to other Mac-specific shortcuts. It’s only available with tactile quiet switches, which are ideal if you typically work around other people. The low-profile keys are still satisfying to type on all day. It’s slim and lightweight so it’s a nice option to travel with too.
The Das Keyboard MacTigr for $179: This keyboard (9/10, WIRED Recommends) has a dedicated Mac layout, Cherry MX Red switches (that don’t get too loud), a high-quality all-metal build, and a two-port USB-C hub.
Satechi Dual-Sided Eco-Leather Deskmate for $28: This desk mat features one color on each side—that way, you can flip between colors whenever you’d like to change things up. It’s made of polyurethane leather, but it looks pretty and my mouse glides smoothly over the top. Like Grovemade’s desk mat, it’s easy to clean too.
Apple Magic Trackpad 2 for $130: If you’re already used to the trackpad on your MacBook, then you can’t go wrong with the external Magic Trackpad. It has the same Multi-Touch gestures and Force Touch technology, so there’s no learning curve involved. It automatically pairs with your MacBook for seamless connectivity. The battery lasts about a month, and the trackpad comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable to recharge it.
Rains Backpack Mini for $95: The Rains BackPack Mini is the most stylish pick in our Best Laptop Backpacks guide. It’s attractive, functional, and fits a 13-inch MacBook along with a few other accessories. If you’re worried it’s too small, we also like the larger 13-liter version for $125.
Harber London Leather City Backpack for $608: It’s expensive, but this all-leather bag is currently WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu’s favorite. It can fit up to a 16-inch MacBook in a dedicated sleeve, has space for a spare tablet or a Nintendo Switch, and includes a few pouches in the main compartment and in the front zippered pocket for organization. It’s comfy to wear, and he’s received plenty of compliments on it.
Vera Bradley Original Tote Bag for $50: I bought this nylon tote a couple of months ago after being forced to retire the Longchamp bag I’ve had since high school because I noticed a hole in it. It’s roomy, easy to clean, and perfect for my 14-inch MacBook Pro—while still leaving plenty of room for my makeup bag, headphones, water bottle, and more. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a zipper or button enclosure, so you’ll have to be slightly conscious of anything falling out from the top.
Fjallraven Kånken Totepack for $59: This tote backpack combination can be worn on your back or your shoulder. It also has a pocket for a 13-inch MacBook, a smaller pocket for a notebook or tablet, and a large main compartment. You’ll also have two side pockets for water bottles or a small umbrella.
Avoid These Accessories
We’re constantly testing a ton of accessories. Unfortunately, they’re not all worth buying. Below, we’ve listed the ones we suggest avoiding altogether.
Twelve South BookArc Flex for $40: Twelve South’s BookArc Flex (3/10, WIRED Review) is a beautiful vertical laptop stand. Unfortunately, it fails at its one job: holding the laptop in place. It’s too fragile. The slightest movement around the stand causes it to topple, forcing you to be super careful. It’s not worth it.
Casetify Magnetic Privacy MacBook Screen Protector for $60: It pains me to put this screen protector under “Do Not Recommend” because it does its job very well. When I used it at an event last year, multiple people commented on how well it blocked what was on my MacBook Air’s screen from multiple angles. It’s also magnetic, which means you don’t have to worry about applying it crookedly by accident. But regardless of how many times I reinstalled it, I couldn’t fully shut my laptop with it on—there was always a slight gap between the lid and the bottom half of the computer. I ended up having to remove it whenever I wanted to shut my laptop and reapply it when I needed it again.
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