Does your MacBook need a case?

MacBooks are a big investment, which is why many owners consider getting a MacBook case, sleeve, or skin to protect them from scratches and other damage. Being an Apple device means endless accessory options, but do you even need a MacBook case?

While a case and screen protector are a good idea for something like an iPad where you’re constantly using it on the go and touching the display, things are a little different with laptops. Ultimately, however, it all comes down to how and where you use the MacBook, and here’s why.

MacBooks are pretty durable

Apple designs its laptops with a single unibody aluminum frame that’s quite resilient to daily wear and tear. All ports are solid and sturdy, meaning the most vulnerable parts are the screen and keyboard. However, every MacBook screen has a durable, scratch-resistant glass panel that covers the display. Apple’s MacBooks are pretty durable.

While your Macbook can last for years with a little care and attention, it only takes one accident to turn it into a paperweight necessitating an expensive screen repair.

It depends on how you use it

Honestly, how many of you use your MacBook on your lap? Most laptops end up on a desk or table, which means they’re relatively safe when it comes to life’s day-to-day hazards.

Then again, it all depends on how you use yours. If it’s always on the couch or dining table, there’s certainly a higher risk of it being bumped, dropped, or damaged. Many business people take their MacBook everywhere like a photographer, which means it is more prone to accidents.

TIED TOGETHEREverything you really need in your first home office

If you’re constantly on the go, a mobile professional, a street warrior, or often take your MacBook out of the house, you may benefit from a case or sleeve. Of course, water can quickly damage your laptop, but a case can help with small bumps in everyday life.

For those with a MacBook that never leaves their home office, you probably don’t need a case.

Can a MacBook case affect performance?

When you buy a MacBook, you know you’re getting a computer that runs like a well-oiled machine. Apple builds each one to work out of the box, accept various accessories, and draw heat away from specific areas as needed. For most, air flows through vents on the bottom or the gap between the display hinge and the case.

TIED TOGETHERSatechi Pro Hub Max Review: This dongle does it all

Getting a case for your MacBook can no doubt help keep it safe, but buying a cheap and poorly designed case can hamper performance or limit accessories. For example, I love my Satechi Pro Hub Max dongle, but it didn’t work with my MacBook Pro 16-inch case. And it’s not the only accessory with this problem.

Another thing to consider is heat. Apple’s MacBook dissipates heat when you need it, and the aluminum design helps with that. Some poorly designed cases (or hard covers) could prevent the machine from working as expected. We’ve seen some cheap cases on Amazon that cover the vents on the bottom, and technically a case could limit heat dissipation by trapping it inside.

Some hard cases might even scratch the corners of your MacBook over time, potentially reducing resale value, but I’ve never experienced that with any of the cases I’ve owned.

Most cases from well-known manufacturers should hold it securely without sacrificing ventilation or performance. MacBook skins, like a dBrand skin, are a popular option that usually only cover the top, which doesn’t cause any problems.

MacBook cases are stylish and help you stand out

Perhaps the number one reason most people get a MacBook case or skin is to stand out, be fashionable, or add a bit of style. You can get a MacBook Pro case to change color, hide the Apple logo, or be a fashion statement. Or skins can also protect the top from scratches and dents.

If you’re constantly on the go and want your MacBook to stand out from the crowd, you should get a quality case. Or, if you work in an office with multiple MacBook users, one case or cover will make it easier to differentiate yourself from all the rest.

Still want a sleeve for your MacBook?

MacBook cases are a great way to make your device stand out or protect it from life’s daily hazards if you’re always on the go. Most of them are inexpensive, especially considering the high price of the laptop itself. MacBook cases are easy to install, give you a little security, keep them scratch-free longer, and make selling easier when you upgrade in a few years .

When you’re ready to buy a case for your MacBook, here are a few great options worth considering: