The MacBook is a robust machine. Whether or not you are utilizing a MacBook Air for net searching and sending emails or a MacBook Professional for graphics-intensive initiatives like video enhancing and 3D design, Apple’s laptops can deal with a variety of actions. However to reinforce your expertise, I counsel throwing some equipment into the combination.

No matter your MacBook of selection or the work you are utilizing it for, a slew of peripherals can pair together with your laptop, like laptop computer stands, keyboards, charging bricks, and exterior shows. We have examined dozens over the previous yr, and these are one of the best MacBook equipment to streamline your workflow and unlock your machine’s full potential. That is not at all an exhaustive listing, as there are an innumerable variety of equipment, so we’ll at all times be on the hunt for extra to check. Try our Finest Work-From-House Gear information for different suggestions.

Desk of Contents

Particular provide for Gear readers: Get a 1-Yr Subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off). This consists of limitless entry to WIRED.com and our print journal (if you would like). Subscriptions assist fund the work we do day-after-day.

In the event you purchase one thing utilizing hyperlinks in our tales, we could earn a fee. This helps assist our journalism. Be taught extra.

Charging Adapters

MacBooks have turn into extra battery environment friendly, however you must nonetheless carry a spare charger once you head out the door. The default one within the field is cumbersome and may recharge just one system at a time, so strive these options. For extra charging picks, take a look at our Finest Work-From-House Gear and Finest Transportable Battery Packs guides. 

Finest Total

This is likely one of the slimmest and most compact 65-watt chargers we have ever examined. It dished out almost 60 watts to the 2020 MacBook Professional with M1 and absolutely recharged it in an hour and a half (from 0 to 100%!). 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 shops and, for the reason that USB-C port is on the backside, it by no means fell off the wall, not like sure chunky chargers. Better of all, you get a braided, 6-foot, 100-watt cable within the field. 

Runner-Up

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

For Energy-Hungry Machines

When you’ve got a MacBook Professional, go for Satechi’s 108-watt wall charger. It is on the bigger aspect, but it surely’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—good for the 16-inch MacBook Professional. Nevertheless, if you wish to cost three devices directly, it’s going to 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 Highly effective Transportable Battery Pack

An outlet won’t at all times be inside arm’s attain, so it is value maintaining a transportable charger helpful. You will discover numerous nice, compact, and low cost moveable chargers in our Finest Transportable 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 seemingly be capable to get shut to 2 full costs out of it), along with iPhones and different smartphones. A small OLED show exhibits the remaining energy as a share and in watt-hours.

Different Nice Chargers

• Nomad 65-Watt Twin-Port Charger for $70: Need 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 gadgets in and the highest will ship 45 watts and the underside can do 20 watts. The plugs fold up, and it appears tremendous glossy. 
• Satechi 165-Watt GaN 4-Port Charger for $120: When you’ve got a variety of gadgets round your desk, this can be a handy-dandy charger. It has just a little stand to prop it up and a brief wire that goes out to an outlet. The 4 USB-C ports output 100 watts every, however you will get sufficient energy to juice up two MacBook Professional fashions concurrently.

Laptop computer Instances and Sleeves

It would not take a lot to scratch or ding the aluminum on a MacBook. It is sensible to get a laptop computer case or sleeve to maintain it secure. 

Finest Total

This case is offered for a couple of MacBook fashions, however I have been utilizing it with the 16-inch MacBook Professional (2021). It has exact cutouts for all of the ports, rubberized ft that forestall it from sliding, and air flow to maintain the MacBook 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 MacBook Professional—which is already a heavy laptop computer. You will discover these hardshell instances for completely different MacBook fashions right here.

Runner-Up

I’ve at all times appreciated Speck’s iPhone instances for his or her sturdiness, and I really feel the identical concerning the firm’s laptop computer instances. I have been utilizing this one with the 14-inch MacBook Professional and, much like Incase, the hardshell case has the right cutouts for ports, together with rubberized ft to maintain your machine in place. Each items clip in securely. It is out there for a variety of MacBook fashions. I’ve carried it in backpacks, duffle luggage, and totes, and to date it has managed to guard my machine. Nevertheless, the scratch-resistant hardshell is not as resistant as Speck claims. The case has a couple of scrapes right here and there, although it is not too noticeable. 

A Leather-based Sleeve

Favor a delicate sleeve or a extra luxe expertise? WIRED opinions editor Julian Chokkattu has had an excellent expertise with Harber London’s full-grain leather-based sleeve. The within 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 MacBook fashions, together with the 16-inch M2-powered model. The flap stays shut because of magnets, so your MacBook will not simply slip out. You possibly can even cost the laptop computer whereas it is within the sleeve.

Hubs and Docks

If the restricted port choice in your MacBook Air or older MacBook Professional frustrates you, spend money on a USB hub or dock. Hubs are reasonably priced 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, provide much more ports in larger selection (like Ethernet), and so they usually include their very own energy provide. Try our Finest USB Hubs and Docks information for extra.

Finest Total

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 by way of 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 is pretty skinny and compact, so it will not add an excessive amount of bulk to your laptop computer or once you’re touring.

Runner-Up

Plugable’s USB-C Triple Show Docking Station is a good selection, particularly for anybody utilizing multiple 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. Everytime you come again to your workstation together with your MacBook, all it’s important to do is plug it in and also you immediately have a multi-monitor setup. With an output of as much as 60 watts, you need to use the dock to cost your laptop computer too.

If You Have an iPhone

Seeking to do away with the ability strip at your desk? Look no additional than Anker’s MagGo 637. You should utilize 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 shops. A kind of USB-C ports has an output of 65 watts, which is loads to cost a MacBook—providing you with an all-in-one charging station in a compact orb.

Keyboards

In the event you’re often at a desk, it is good, although not obligatory, to spend money on a greater keyboard. Particularly in the event you’re on the lookout for a extra tactile sensation with a mechanical keyboard. Be sure you take a look at our Finest Keyboards information for extra.

Finest Total

Ever since Apple debuted the brand new Magic Keyboard on its MacBooks in 2021, it has been tough for me to discover a third-party keyboard that feels comparable (if not precisely the identical). That is remedied with Apple’s very-own exterior keyboard. It is costly, but it surely’s a pleasant technique to absolutely replicate the MacBook setup. It comes outfitted with a Contact ID button, which you need to use to log in, pay for purchases, and obtain apps, in addition to a quantity pad. It has the identical very same operate row keys as M-series MacBooks—full with playback buttons, a Mission Management key, plus a devoted Do Not Disturb button. 

In the event you do not want this full-size model, there’s additionally the Magic Keyboard with Contact ID ($149), and the fundamental Magic Keyboard ($99).

Runner-Up

We had been already followers of Logitech’s MX mechanical keyboard line previous to making an attempt the Mac model, however this mimics the expertise of your MacBook keyboard just a little higher. There is a Do Not Disturb key and the power to program the operate row key with Apple’s personal apps like Remaining Lower Professional, Keynote, Pictures, Safari, and extra, utilizing the Logi Choices+ app—along with different Mac-specific shortcuts. In contrast to the unique MX mechanical keyboard, you do not have a selection between Clicky, Linear, or Tactile switches. It is solely out there with Tactile Quiet switches, that are supreme in the event you usually work round different individuals because it’s quieter. The low-profile keys are nonetheless satisfying to kind on all day. It is slim and light-weight so it is a good choice to journey with as effectively. 

Different Nice Keyboards

• The Das Keyboard MacTigr for $219: Steep value apart, this keyboard (9/10, WIRED Recommends) has a devoted Mac structure, Cherry MX Purple switches (that do not get too loud), a high-quality all-metal construct, and a two-port USB-C hub. 
• Keychron Q1 Professional Mechanical Keyboard for $199: The Q1 Professional is WIRED opinions editor Julian Chokkattu’s present day by day driver. You should utilize it wired or wirelessly by way of 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 is 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 Professional Extremely-Slim Wi-fi Mechanical Keyboard for $94: The K3 is one other good wi-fi keyboard but it surely’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 could cost by way of the USB-C charging port). You will additionally get assist for Through if you’d like further software program customization.

Mice

A good mouse is vital for probably the most snug expertise. We have got you lined with each an ergonomic choice (to maintain wrist ache at bay) and an exterior trackpad in the event you genuinely benefit from the one in your MacBook. We have got tons extra suggestions in our Finest Gaming Mice information.

Finest Total

This ergonomic wi-fi mouse from Logitech is nice in the event you spend a variety of time at your desk and undergo from some wrist ache. The Elevate, because the identify suggests, mechanically 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 yr without having new batteries. You possibly 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 Management, the Emojis menu, and Display seize with a click on of a button. You too can customise the buttons to open Apple’s apps like Remaining Lower Professional, Keynote, Pictures, Safari, and extra.

Runner-Up

In the event you’re already used to the trackpad in your MacBook, then you possibly can’t go mistaken with the exterior Magic Trackpad. It has the identical Multi-Contact gestures and Drive Contact expertise, so there is no studying curve concerned. It mechanically pairs together with your MacBook for seamless connectivity. Whereas 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 computer Stands

Propping your MacBook up on a laptop computer stand can ensure you’re not craning your neck to stare on the display screen. We have got loads extra in our Finest Laptop computer Stands information.

Finest Total

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 together with her MacBook. In actual fact, she’s been utilizing it since 2020. It is sturdy, mild, and could be raised to completely different heights and positions—together with a standing choice (no standing desk required). Though it does take some power to alter 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 computer Stand is a good choice. The peak is not adjustable, however you possibly can increase the bottom to put it at one of the best angle for typing in your MacBook. 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 possibly can fold the legs and retailer the entire thing away when it is not in use.

Different Nice Laptop computer Stands

• Flexispot Adjustable Desk With Wheels for $130: WIRED opinions editor Julian Chokkattu has been utilizing this rollable desk in numerous spots in his condominium. You possibly can regulate the peak and since the stand is not centered, you possibly can pull it below a mattress or sofa to deliver the desktop near you.
• Rain Design mBar Professional+ Foldable Laptop computer Stand for $58: Often transferring from the workplace and your private home? Carry this one round with you. It folds right down to a slim sufficient package deal and weighs lower than a pound. It might increase your MacBook up about 5 inches and rests it at an angle.

Desk Mats

A desk mat is not obligatory to your workspace, but it surely provides a pleasant contact. It might additionally make every thing look a bit extra organized and simply plain fairly. They’ll double as a mousepad for anybody utilizing an exterior mouse. 

Finest Total

I have been utilizing the medium model ($70) at my desk, which supplies me sufficient room to put my keyboard, mouse, pocket book, and occasional mug. It feels good, appears glossy, and is simple to wash (I’ve managed to wipe up unintentional spills with no bother). This desk mat is available in quite a lot of enjoyable colours together with darkish orange, mild inexperienced, and magenta. Because it’s felt, it slides round barely—however I have been utilizing it on a glass desk. In the event you’re fearful about this, get the Grovemade Matte Desk Pad as a substitute. It is pricier, however the cork backside retains it from transferring round.

Runner-Up

This desk mat options one coloration on either side—that manner, you possibly can flip between colours everytime you’d like to alter issues up. It is manufactured from polyurethane leather-based, but it surely appears fairly and my mouse glides easily excessive. Like Grovemade’s desk mat, it is easy to wash too.

Exterior Displays

Utilizing an exterior monitor helps me get extra work performed. A lot in order that I now have bother working with out one. It provides your apps extra respiration room so nothing feels too cramped, particularly on a 13-inch MacBook. Head over to our Finest Displays information for different picks.

Finest Total

This 4K monitor from Monnoprice presents a excessive decision with out breaking the financial institution. With respectable assist for HDR and punchy colours, it is a satisfying display screen to stare at. You possibly can hook it as much as your MacBook utilizing the USB-C port on the again as a substitute of counting on the DisplayPort or HDMI. With assist for the VESA mounting commonplace, you do not have to accept the included stand; mount it to your desk as a substitute and avoid wasting house. In the event you determine to mount it, WIRED opinions editor Julian Chokkattu suggests utilizing longer M3 screws for the reason that mounting holes are recessed. One drawback? It is out of inventory usually. 

Runner-Up

This Asus 24-inch Full HD monitor is a pleasant, cheap manner so as to add a second display screen to your workstation. The 1080p-pixel decision is sharp, although colours can look barely oversaturated. You possibly 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 commonplace so you possibly can put it on an arm mount. 

A Transportable Monitor

Principally spend time working in espresso retailers? A conveyable monitor is a good companion for a MacBook, making it a lot simpler to multitask and get extra performed. 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. Simply plug it into your machine utilizing the USB-C cable. Simply keep in mind that it’s going to drain your MacBook’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 Built-in Transportable Monitor

This moveable show sticks to the again of your MacBook by way of magnets. In the event you do not thoughts completely leaving 4 magnets on the corners of your machine, then this is likely one of the best methods so as to add a second display screen to your setup, and it would not take any desk house because it hangs off the again of your display screen. Simply slide out the 13-inch show once you want it and join the USB-C cable. It provides some bulk and thickness however you possibly can simply take away the show every time you do not want it.

Backpacks 

There’s actually no “greatest” backpack as a result of has completely different preferences and types. Browse our Finest Laptop computer Backpacks information for extra suggestions, however these are a couple of standouts.

Finest Total

This Tom Bihn bag is dear however WIRED senior affiliate opinions editor Adrienne So says it is her favourite, primarily for its considerate design. There is a zippered water bottle pocket in the course of the backpack (as a substitute of the aspect), pen pockets in flaps on the aspect for simple entry as a substitute of within the center, and an exterior comprised of Bluesign-certified 400-denier ballistic nylon. Every bag additionally has a lifetime assure. The dense cloth and {hardware} (zippers, buckles, and O-rings) do make it just a little heavy although. We suggest going with the 22-liter choice. This bag will solely match a 13-inch MacBook Professional and MacBook Air (2018 and later). 

Runner-Up

The Herschel Heritage is a extra reasonably priced choice and our favourite price range bag. On the within, you will discover a 15-inch laptop computer sleeve to suit a 13-inch MacBook or 14-inch MacBook Professional, with loads of room to pack in additional provides. It is tremendous sturdy too. WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano says it solely began to indicate indicators of wear and tear after a number of years of use. Our solely gripe is the dearth of a water bottle compartment.

Different Nice Backpacks

• Rains Backpack Mini for $95: The Rains BackPack Mini is probably the most fashionable decide in our Finest Laptop computer Backpacks information. It is engaging, purposeful, and suits a 13-inch MacBook together with a couple of different equipment. In the event you’re fearful it is too small, we additionally just like the bigger 13-liter model for $110.
• JanSport Professional Pack System for $150: JanSport’s backpacks have at all times been dependable, and the Professional Pack System isn’t any completely different. It has a 15-inch laptop computer plush laptop computer compartment, together with loads of pockets to suit further equipment like notebooks, water bottles, and pens. The entrance pack can also be removable, which you need to use as a cross-body bag.
• Harber London Leather-based Metropolis Backpack for $560: It is costly, however this all-leather bag is at the moment WIRED opinions editor Julian Chokkattu’s favourite. It might match as much as a 16-inch MacBook in a devoted sleeve, has house for a spare pill or a Nintendo Change, and features a few pouches in the primary compartment and within the entrance zippered pocket for group. It is comfortable to put on, and he is obtained 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 MacBook and different provides it’s possible you’ll want. We have listed a couple of of our favorites beneath, however we have got a ton extra in our Finest Laptop computer Totes and Purses information.

Finest Total

This tote from Second is WIRED author Jaina Gray’s favourite. It has pockets for days (and pockets inside pockets) permitting you to retailer a 16-inch MacBook, a number of water bottles, and cables. Since Second is a pictures model, the bag comes with padding to guard your gear together with a full-zip closure and weatherproof recycled nylon as effectively. Since it might probably 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 lovely, timeless design and it is manufactured from sturdy leather-based. You will have the choice between a 13-inch or 16-inch measurement, relying in your MacBook, and a number of colours to choose from. You too can buy add-ons like an organizational insert that has a pocket to your laptop computer and water bottle, a flap bag to make use of as an interior compartment contained in the bag or a stand-alone clutch, and an adjustable strap to put on the bag as a cross-body.

Different Nice Totes

• L.L. Bean Hunter’s Tote Bag for $50: That is our favourite price range 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 thing—together with grocery retailer runs, tenting journeys, seaside days, and on flights. It may 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 could be worn in your again or your shoulder. It additionally has a pocket for a 13-inch MacBook, a smaller pocket for a pocket book or pill, and a big most important compartment. You will even have two aspect pockets for water bottles or a small umbrella.

Headphones and Earbuds

Proudly owning the appropriate noise-canceling headphones could be a game-changer for productiveness. However with so many on the market, it may be robust to slim down which one to pair together with your MacBook. For extra choices, learn our Finest Wi-fi Headphones and Finest Wi-fi Earbuds guides.

Finest Total

Apple’s AirPods Max (8/10, WIRED Recommends) are costly however they reign as the best possible noise-canceling headphones in our ebook. With wonderful sound high quality, sensible noise discount, stellar construct high quality, and seamless connectivity, they’re onerous to not love. When paired together with your MacBook, they will mechanically connect with the laptop computer everytime you take them out of the case. In the event you personal different Apple gadgets like an iPhone, you possibly can simply change forwards and backwards between gadgets with out having to manually dig by way of 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 presents a extra absorbing and energetic sound high quality than its predecessors. You will get wonderful noise cancellation and nice battery life as effectively. If you wish to avoid wasting money, we nonetheless suggest final yr’s WH-1000XM4 which additionally presents nice noise-cancellation, 30-hour battery life, and a clear sound signature. 

Different Nice Headphones

• Apple AirPods Professional (2nd-generation) for $200: These are one of the best earbuds for iPhones, however they’re additionally an ideal choice for MacBooks. The most recent era AirPods Professional (9/10, WIRED Recommends) has improved noise canceling, longer battery life (as much as six hours of playtime), and higher sound high quality. 
• Beats Match Professional for $200: We choose these (9/10, WIRED Recommends) over the older first-gen AirPods Professional 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 assist for spatial audio. 
• Google Pixel Buds A-Sequence for $100: The Pixel Buds A-Sequence (8/10, WIRED Recommends) maintain the primary spot in our Finest Wi-fi Earbuds information. They pack 5 hours of listening time with a further 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.