By designing Macs minimally, Apple leaves out many accessories that might be helpful to users. As a result, you’ll have to invest in these accessories separately, to ensure your Mac perfectly suits your needs. These accessories can range from protective gear to external hard drives.

Below, we’ll round up the top nine accessories that you’ll probably find useful as a Mac owner.

1. Carry Case

MacBooks are portable, yet delicate computers that need proper protection when you’re moving them around. Investing in protective carrying cases can help. If you own a MacBook, go with the carrying case style that suits you the most:

  • Sleeve: Easy-to-use and made from EVA or neoprene
  • Side bag: Bulkier and usually made of faux leather or polyester, with more room for accessories
  • Backpack: A larger bag with a dedicated laptop section
  • Sleeve with handle: A laptop sleeve with a carrying handle

MacBooks aren’t the only Apple computers people regularly move around. If you own a Mac Studio or Mac mini, you can use either of the co2CREA or RLSOCO pouches, depending on the one you own. For iMac owners, the CURMIO carrying bag works well.

2. Surface and Screen Protectors

For physical MacBook protection, surface and screen protectors can help prevent scratches and scuff marks.

As for other desktop Macs, you can use skins to protect their metallic surfaces from damage. Since purposely shaped protectors for these Macs are hard to find, you have to apply raw skins—like the one by 3M—on your Mac’s surface, and cut off the extra edges.

Although it can be somewhat tricky to apply, you can try the Forito screen protector on your iMac’s screen, if you want to add a layer of protection to it.

3. Mouse, Keyboard, or Trackpad

Depending on your usage, an external mouse, keyboard, or trackpad may be useful. While it’s obvious in the case of desktop Macs, you may be wondering why MacBook users would need external peripherals. Well, there are a few reasons for that, for example:

  • You’ll need an external mouse and keyboard to use a MacBooks on a stand.
  • They help with tasks such as graphic designing and editing, which require precision.
  • They can be more comfortable and ergonomic to use for extended periods.
  • They are easier to use for older MacBook users.

We’ve rounded up the best alternative keyboards and best wireless mice for Mac users, so that you’re not just stuck with Apple’s Magic accessories.

4. External Storage Drive

Using External Drive with Mac

External storage drives are useful for all Mac owners. Backing up the Mac’s data, storing excess files when the internal drive is full, and transferring large files or folders between your computers at high speeds are a few examples of when these come in handy.

Our favorite is the Sandisk Extreme Portable (1TB version), which offers everything: design, portability, transfer speeds, reliability, and connectivity, all at a reasonable price.

5. Dongles and Docking Stations

Since most Mac models—except for the Mac Pro—have limited ports, users often have to carry around a bunch of USB-C adapters. A good solution to this is using a dongle, USB hub, or docking station, which is a device with a range of different ports that help expand connectivity of a Mac.

Dongles are smaller and more portable. Anker’s USB-C hub is our favorite, as it adds seven ports to your Mac and provides high transfer speeds.

Docking stations, on the other hand, are bigger, bulkier devices that not only provide more ports for your Mac, but also power it up. OWC’s Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock is a great option if you want to go with a dock.

The key difference between the two is that dongles are portable, and they drive power from your Mac, while docking stations are a desk accessory, and power both the Mac and the connected devices.

6. Cleaning Equipment

MacBook cleaning equipment

Cleaning your Mac is very important. Mainly, you’ll be needing two items to do this: a cleaning spray and a microfiber cloth.

Apple recommends using isopropyl or ethyl alcohol sprays to clean your Mac’s body. But using such a spray to clean your Mac’s screen can strip away any coating. So, using a lightly dampened cloth will do just fine.

As for microfiber cloth, you can use either a third-party product or the one from Apple. Remember, it’s important to use a microfiber cloth as it’s not abrasive and prevents accidental scratches, which everyday household spare fabrics used for cleaning might cause.

A bonus piece of equipment for cleaning is the GoodGrips laptop cleaner by OXO, which is a two-sided tool with a brush on one end and a screen cleaner on the other. The brush helps you clean the dusty keyboard, while you can use the screen cleaner with a spray on the screen to remove fingerprints and smudges.

7. Camera Cover

If you use a Mac that has any form of webcam, you may want to use a camera cover to minimize privacy risks. For most webcams, you can use the Yilador camera cover. If you’re using an external one, keep it disabled or disconnected from your computer when you’re not using it.

If you’re using a webcam cover on a MacBook, be sure to remove the cover before closing your laptop to avoid damaging the screen.

8. MacBook Stand

Use MacBook with a Stand

If you’re a MacBook user, another nice addition to your desk setup could be a laptop stand. There are two types of stands: a pedestal and a vertical holder. The pedestal type of stand elevates your MacBook, helping you maintain a better posture while working, whereas the vertical holder facilitates the clamshell mode for working with an external monitor.

A desk stand can be really useful for pre-M1 MacBook models, which get hot easily. It helps with ventilation, thus preventing them from overheating. For options, check out our roundup of the best MacBook stands.

9. Desk Mat

Leather desk mats can be a great additional Mac accessory to improve your desk setup. These mats are great for three reasons, they:

  • Improve the traction of devices (mice and keyboards) on the surface of your desk
  • Protect your desk from scratches that the mouse and keyboard movements cause
  • Add an aesthetic appeal to your workspace, making it look cleaner and better organized

Untap Your Mac’s Full Potential

Macs are more powerful when they’re used in combination with other devices. While it’s best to go with other Apple devices and enjoy the ecosystem, adding accessories like MacBook stand and cleaning kit ensure can be a great way to enhance your Mac experience.

But such accessories alone are not enough to guarantee you get a long use out of your Mac. By taking measures like replacing worn out batteries, servicing your Mac’s ports periodically, and not using third-party adapters, you can make your Mac last as long as possible.