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MacBooks are premium Apple laptops that often form the hub of work, school, and creative life. Want to take your MacBook to the next level? Add missing features and improve productivity with the right accessories.
Expand Connectivity With USB-C Hubs
When Apple refreshed the MacBook Pro line in 2021, it added a few features that professionals and fans had talked about for years. On top of MagSafe, the “new” MacBook Pro now has a dedicatedHDMIoutput and an SD-card reader on top of its four built-inUSB-C(Thunderbolt 4) ports.
The revised 2022 MacBook Airis largely unchanged, providing just two USB-C ports for expansion (though MagSafe is now in use for power). For more connectivity, you need a USB-C hub, especially if you want to use older USB-A connections.
Anker 5-in-1 USB-C Hub
A compact, lightweight hub with a decent port selection, making it the perfect travel accessory.
For something lightweight that addsEthernet, USB-A, and HDMI support, check out theAnker 5-in-1 USB-C Hub. If you need better HDMI output at up to8K, theSatechi USB 4 Multiport Adapteris a good choice. For more recommendations, take a look atour best USB-C hub roundup.
Use a MacBook Stand for Better Ergonomics
If your MacBook is your primary computer,a laptop stand could change your life. These accessories make it more comfortable and convenient to use your computer at a desk, or anywhere you can comfortably sit. There’s alaptop stand out there for everyone, from heavy sturdy stands designed to stay on your desk at all times to lightweight folding variants that you can pack up and travel with.
If you’d like a portable stand that will match the aluminum aesthetic of your MacBook, consider theLIFELONG Upryze. If you want something for desk use only, the walnut finish and rounded shape of theHumanCentric Laptop Risermay appeal. And since standing desks are the next logical step in terms of ergonomics, theErgotron WorkFit-T Standing Desk Convertergives you the best of both worlds and is fully adjustable.
LIFELONG Uprize Ergonomic Laptop Stand
This tall laptop stand works for both sitting and standing, and it’ll stay sturdy no matter the position.
Buying a stand for your MacBook can help promote a better neck position while working but will also make your keyboard and trackpad impossible to use. They’re a must if you have additional displays since you can position your monitors at the same height.
Add Storage with SD Card Slot Adapters (MacBook Pro)
If you have a MacBook Pro with anM1 Proor later processor, you’ve also got anSD cardslot in your laptop. These expansion ports are useful to creative professionals who import video and photos from memory cards, but they have another purpose that just about anyone can take advantage of.
TheJetDrive Lite 330fits in your MacBook Pro SD card slot and adds up to 1TB of storage to your laptop. The design sits flush with your MacBook chassis so you don’t have to worry about the JetDrive falling out or getting snagged. TheBASEQI microSD Adapteris another option that allows you to use an existing microSD card to add storage.
JetDriveLite 330 512GB
Instantly add storage to your post-2021 MacBook Pro with this flush SD card adapter.
TheSD-card method of adding storage to a MacBook Proisn’t without its drawbacks. The card reader is slow at around 300MB/sec. Using an SD-card expansion asa Time Machine backupis one option, but don’t forget that if you lose your laptop (or it’s completely destroyed, for example in a fire) then you’ve lost your backup too.
Keep a Spare Charger for Travel
Did you knowyou can charge a MacBook with another MacBook? When that’s not an option, why not pack a spare travel charger? Even if your new MacBook has a MagSafe port, you can still charge it using USB-C as long as your adapter can deliver enough power. Even if it can’t, you should be able to trickle charge a MacBook when not in use.
For best results, you’ll want to match the output of your included Apple charger. You can find your exact model under Apple > About This Mac. From here, it’s a case of finding the technical specifications on Apple’s website. The easiest way of doing this is to use a standardsearch engine like DuckDuckGoor Google. For example, searching for “macbook pro mid 2021 tech specs” yields top results for the 14-inch and 16-inch versions.
For most, one ofour best USB-C chargersrated for 100w like theAmazon Basics 100w Four Port chargerwill be good enough. Thirstier chips like the M1 Max and M2 Max found in the 16-inch models will need something a little more capable like theUGREEN 200w Nexode.
Amazon Basics 100W Four-Port GaN Wall Charger
The Amazon Basics four-port wall charger can power a tremendous number of devices with up to 100W output on its most powerful USB-C port.
USB-C Adapters Let You Use Your Old Cables
One of the worst things about not having anyUSB-Aports on your new laptop is all of your old USB-A cables lying unused. Many will still have plenty of life in them and cost money to replace, not to mention the e-waste implications of throwing out cables. Fortunately, there’s a better way.
Save your old USB-A cables by buying cheap, snap-on USB-C adapters. Just ensure that the USB-C adapter is fast enough if you want to use the cable for data transfer purposes (and avoidUSB 2.0adapters, which are much cheaper). We recommend something like theSyntech USB-C to USB-A adapter.
Syntech USB-C to USB-A Adapter
This USB-C to USB-A adapter features USB 3.0 data transfer speed and surprisingly durable build quality.
Your MacBook’s built-in trackpad is one of the best ways of interfacing with your Mac. You get a tactile experience that can’t be beaten, plus access to tons of useful gestures (and the option of creating your own). Unfortunately, your trackpad isn’t always going to be accessible.
If you’re using a MacBook stand or closing the lid of your MacBook and using an external display, you’ll need another method of controlling your pointer. If you love the trackpad experience, we’d recommend buyingApple’s Magic Trackpadand not looking back.
Apple Magic Trackpad
Apple’s wireless, rechargeable trackpad for all Mac models lets you use macOS extensive number of gestures regardless of whether you have a MacBook or not.
If you’d rather be a little more daring with your pointer control, you might consider a mouse instead. For the money, theLogitech MX Master 3 Advancedis hard to top. It works with bothBluetoothand a dongle, has two silent electromagnetic wheels, features programmable buttons, and has a premium feel.
Logitech MX Master 3 Advanced
Treat yourself to one of the best mice money can buy with the Logitech MX Master 3. It looks and feels the part, with two silent electromagnetic scroll wheels, programmable buttons, ergonomic design, and build quality to match.
If you’re suffering from wrist problems or find a standard mouse uncomfortable, theLogitech MX Verticalis another ofthe best mice you can buy. It might take some getting used to, but the vertical design forces your wrist to use a more neutral position plus you get the same great Logitech build quality.
Protect Your MacBook With a Laptop Bag or Cover
If you’re traveling with your MacBook, a case or bag is essential. We’ve covered some ofour favorite laptop bags, including everything from standard backpacks to messenger bags for commuting and even tote bags that won’t cramp your style. Getting a snug fit is important, so make sure you choose a bag that fits your particular laptop.
TheTIMBUK2 Lane Commuterbackpack received our top recommendation for its water-resistant interior liner, reflectivity for safety, and lifetime warranty. If you already have a bag that you’re happy with but are looking for a sleeve to keep your laptop safe, investing in something hardy like theThule Briefcaseshould keep your laptop safe from harm during transit.
TIMBUK2 Lane Commuter
The Timbuk2 Lane Commuter is comfortable, compact, and weather-tight for transporting your laptop around town in any weather. It features 18 liters of space and reflective panels to ensure you stand out in the dark, plus it’s backed by a lifetime warranty.
Boost Productivity With a Portable Monitor
Portable monitors aren’t for everyone, but additional screen real-estatevital to boosting your productivity. A good portable monitor should be thin and lightweight while having decent enough battery life to keep you going for a few hours of work. We’ve got suggestions for every budget and use case in ourbest portable monitor roundup.
For MacBook users, theAsus 15.6-inch ZenScreen Goticks most of the boxes. The 1080p monitor manages four hours of battery life with both USB-C (for MacBook Air) and micro-HDMI (make sure you’ve got the right cable) inputs. On top of this, it’s got fast charging and doesn’t cost the earth either.
ASUS ZenScreen Go MB16AHP
The 15.6-inch Asus ZenScreen Go is a full-HD (1920x1080) portable monitor with around 4 hours of battery life, USB-C and micro-HDMI connections, and a slim form factor.
Get Gaming with an Xbox Controller
Who said you can’t game on a Mac? Apple computers now enjoy native support for many games via Steam or the Mac App Store,Apple’s own Arcade subscriptionservice, and the ability to remote play from a PlayStation, Xbox, or cloud gaming service. Arguably the best controller for gaming on your MacBook isMicrosoft’s Xbox Series X/S controller.
Xbox Core Wireless Controller
One of the best controllers you can buy, regardless of platform. The Xbox Core controller was designed with the Xbox Series consoles in mind but works great on a Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, and more.
Not only is itnatively supported by macOS(appearing under “Game Controllers” in System Settings), it’s well-priced, comfortable, has good battery life when paired with aplay and charge kit, and feels great in the hand. you’re able to also use it to play games with your Xbox Series console, iPhone and iPad or Android mobile device, or a Windows PC to boot.
If you’re looking for games to play, consider thatmodern MacBook models with Apple Silicon are emulation powerhouses.
Back Up Your Mac With an External Drive
Backups are boring but necessaryfor peace of mind. For best results, you should have a backup that isn’t permanently plugged into your Mac (and ideally stored elsewhere, just in case). you may do all sorts of things to automate your Mac backups (likeusing a Raspberry Pi over the local network), but for most the solution is obvious: an external drive of some sort.
Pick adecent USB hard driveor a moreresilient and faster solid-state drive. You can evenuse a standard flash driveas long as it’s big enough. Something like theSanDisk 1TB Extremeis a solid choice. It’s more rugged than a standard hard drive, available in a range of sizes, and has a USB-C connection that’s perfect for modern MacBook models.
SanDisk 1TB Extreme
A small form factor combined with a rugged design at a $119 means that this little drive will last you a long time.
Unfortunately,you can’t use iCloud to back up your Maclike you can on an iPhone. While many of your most important folders are synced to iCloud Drive, Apple’s implementation is designed around convenience of access rather than data security. You’ll have to go ahead andpick a good online backup serviceto set and forget instead.
Grab Some Awesome Mac Software Too
Some of these accessories may be surplus to requirements, while others are must-haves. Software is subjective too, but make sure youcheck out our favorite daily driver Mac apps, most of which are free.
