Roger Fingas
If you're actually using a MacBook Pro for what it's built for — portability — you're going to need a way of toting it around, whether in its own bag or protected in a sleeve. These are some of the best options on the market.
Peak Design Everyday Messenger
The Everyday Messenger is sold in 13- and 15-inch sizes ($219.95/$249.95), and equipped with a number of niceties such as a weatherproof shell, clip attachments, and a magnetic latch. Perhaps its most distinguishing trait though is its "origami-inspired" dividers, which create new ways to divvy up space. Photographers in particular might appreciate this.
Mujjo Sleeve
Mujjo's leather and felt sleeves ($67.59 for 13-inch, $72.42 for 15-inch) also include compartments for thin objects like documents, cards, and earbuds. Black and tan versions are available, though color choice only affects the flap.
Picaso Lab Classic
The stitched leather Classic comes in several different color variations: brown, tan, black and red, and brown and red. Prices range from $96 to $119. The premium sleeve can also be engraved with your name or initials for a personalized feel that looks great in a corporate setting.
Booq Mamba Sleeve
The Mamba ($40) is a simple sleeve that uses a waterproof "jute" exterior matched with a soft interior lining. There aren't any special pockets, but you can get it tailored to any Pro, with or without a Touch Bar. We'd recommend this for most people who don't need a full-size bag.
Booq Saddle Pro
Meant to be a do-it-all work and travel bag, the Saddle Pro (reg. $295) can fit any laptop up to 16.4 inches, and many other items including your iPhone, documents, a water bottle, and even a change of clothes. A removable accessory pouch can hold objects like charging cables and SD cards, and you can even mount a trolley (of your own) for rolling through airport terminals.
Apple Leather Sleeve
For a slim sleeve that is designed specifically for the 2018 MacBook Pro, Apple sells 13- ($179) and 15-inch ($199) covers in black, "Midnight Blue," and "Saddle Brown." Made of European leather with a soft microfiber lining, our team found them to be well made in our recent hands-on review.
AppleInsider Staff
Malcolm Owen
Oliver Haslam
Andrew O'Hara
Wesley Hilliard
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
5 Comments
Interesting....I just removed the clear plastic, snap-on protector for my 2017 rose gold MacBook. I found myself only using it at home, library, etc.
The Apple rose gold finish is exquisite and the cover detracted from the look and feel of the laptop.
Going to the sleeve for protecting it while out-and-about.
Thanks for the reviews. :)
I own the Booq Saddle Pro. I really like the conservative ballistic nylon material and the expandable size that allows me to use it for daily light duty as well as travel.
Unfortunately I can’t recommend the bag due to it’s build quality and less than desirable durability. The stitching at the seams started coming apart within 2 months and the material on the front pocket started to fray within 3 months. I really wish it would hold up to regular use like a $300 bag should, but unfortunately that isn’t the case.
Best bags, if you're 200lbs and 6'5".
Those bags are 4lbs empty. Put a MacBook pro, charger etc in it and it's 15% of my body weight. For the rest of us, something like the timbuk2 prospector and prospector mini is a better option.
Apple’s sleeve is priced like an April fools joke.
I bought this one in the Apple Store, and have been very pleased: https://www.apple.com/shop/product/HLKY2ZM/A/incase-13-icon-sleeve-with-woolenex-for-macbook-pro-thunderbolt-3-port-usb-c?fnode=fca9407885c5d8dfaff66bd467668f5adc6bc1dde290831bfb4b2f8c591863808c2ea8328f0018f6491c1888f1e43d6198772665cfeb62ae747327347c6edb225e6fad91645a5ebcdff3d0579f14b5dbb8e1429b07280f49272a187a5d8d4f45
This was one month before Apple released their letter sleeve. Glad I didn't get to choose since they are booth really nice looking and really expensive!