6 Must-Have MacBook Accessories to Check Out in 2024

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When the iPad Pro debuted, many wondered if it was the beginning of the end for traditional laptops. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case, as Apple is still clearly putting effort into producing cutting-edge laptops for those of us who aren’t ready (or willing) to make the switch to tablets. SlashGear reviewed the MacBook Air M3 from Apple’s latest generation of laptops and found that it has a “beautiful design,” “top-notch performance,” and a few other things in its favor. But even with a top-of-the-line computer, there are accessories available that can further enhance your experience with the device.

I’ve been using a MacBook for over 20 years (technically, I used an Apple PowerBook in college — the MacBook Pro’s direct predecessor), including multiple generations of the MacBook Pro and the MacBook Air. I’m also a gadget geek, constantly on the lookout for any device, dongle, or gadget that will make my life just a little bit easier — which is why I’ve been writing about and reviewing technology products for the past few years.

Suffice it to say, I’ve paired a lot of accessories with my MacBook over the years. Some were completely useless and a complete waste of time and money, while others were so useful that they’ve become more or less permanent extensions of my laptop, even as Apple’s hardware and operating systems evolve. Based on my experience, here are six essential MacBook accessories you should check out in 2024.

USB hub

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MacBooks are powerful machines, especially since Apple started using Apple Silicon chips in the M1 MacBooks and beyond—when SlashGear reviewed the M1 Max MacBook Pro, we called it “the best computer in a decade.” But almost every MacBook suffers from the same common flaw: too few ports.

As part of an ambitious plan to make their laptops as thin and minimalist as possible, there are significantly fewer ports on the MacBook than there used to be — especially if you’re using a MacBook Air. While my current laptop, the MacBook Pro M3 Pro, includes three USB-C ports and a few other useful extras like an HDMI port and an SD card slot, it lacks USB-A ports. USB-A may be old and less advanced than USB-C, but considering how many devices still use the standard, the lack of a native USB-A port on a MacBook can be very frustrating.

Luckily, a USB hub can quickly solve this problem. These dongles don’t take up much space and aren’t terribly expensive, especially if you just want a few extra ports. However, if you really want to get the most out of your MacBook, a USB hub with a few different ports is a must-have accessory, like the 7-in-1 dongle I use with my MacBook Air. It connects via a single USB-C port and in return gives me two USB 3.0 ports, a USB 2.0 port, an SD/TF slot, a gigabit Ethernet port, a 4K-capable HDMI port, and a 100W USB-C PD port that can power your computer via a wall adapter. There are also docking stations that attach to the side of your MacBook — often using both USB-C ports — for a more natural way to expand your computer, like the Anker 547 USB-C hub .

Mobile hotspot

I hope Apple has a really good reason not to offer MacBooks with integrated 5G or LTE connections, because I don’t see why they wouldn’t. After all, you can get an iPad or iPad Pro with this incredibly useful feature, so it doesn’t make sense for MacBooks to be Wi-Fi-only, especially since portability is basically their whole point. If you’re working without Wi-Fi, you can use your iPhone as a hotspot for your mobile connection. There are ways to improve your iPhone’s hotspot, but the connection isn’t always great, since there are a bunch of other apps running on your smartphone that rely on bandwidth. Plus, it can eat up your phone bill if you don’t have unlimited data.

That’s why a must-have MacBook accessory if you’re working away from home or the office is a designated mobile hotspot device that will use mobile data to give you portable Wi-Fi routing capabilities. You can connect your MacBook, your phone, and other devices and stay connected as long as you’re within range of a cellular network or 5G tower. Some mobile hotspot devices also double as power banks to charge your devices off-grid. This includes the Solis 5G Hotspot and Power Bank , which may be a must-have accessory for any digital nomad to have. It can even include a lifetime subscription to 1GB of data per month, although — like most mobile hotspots — you can also pay for a monthly subscription to get the mobile data you need.

Power Bank and/or Adapter

Apple includes a wall adapter with your MacBook purchase, but it’s worth investing in an extra one. For example, I keep one under my desk and another in my travel bag so I don’t have to constantly unplug and plug the former. I also prefer wall adapters with multiple ports (both USB-C and USB-A) — especially when traveling — like the Anker Prime 100W GaN Wall Charger . That way, I can plug it into my hotel room outlet and simultaneously charge my MacBook, iPhone, Apple Watch, and other devices. You’ll need adapters rated at 65W or higher (I go for at least 100W) to power my MacBook and other accessories.

While Apple has been steadily improving the MacBook’s battery life, and the new MacBook Pro can last a full day before needing to be charged, batteries do get less efficient over time. You may also find yourself away from a power outlet for extended periods of time, such as when traveling. That’s why, in addition to your wall adapter, you should have a power bank that can charge your MacBook when you don’t have access to an outlet.

There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to power banks, like the Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC and the Baseus Blade , which are two of the best portable laptop chargers. Just make sure they have the right connector for your MacBook (USB-C or MagSafe 3, unless it’s an older model) and that they have enough power to power your laptop. The higher the capacity, the more often you can charge your MacBook on the go — I try to carry at least a 20,000mAh power bank with me for my computer.

Mouse

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Honestly, I prefer using a trackpad over a mouse — even on desktops. But many people prefer using a mouse, which is easy to pair with your MacBook if you want. You can connect a wireless mouse via Bluetooth or use a wired one using one of your MacBook’s USB ports, such as the inexpensive Lenovo 400 USB-C Compact Wired Mouse . Apple fans can also opt for the wireless Magic Mouse, which has a Multi-Touch surface for additional control.

Another reason you might want a mouse is gaming, which is more convenient than ever as the Apple M3 MAX chip has more GPU cores than the Apple M3 Pro and makes the MacBook a better gaming platform than ever before. In that case, you should make sure to choose the best gaming mouse that is specifically tailored for this hobby, such as the Razer Viper V3 Pro.

You don’t necessarily need a mouse pad when you’re using a mouse, although they often come in handy, so you might want to add one to your cart if you’re outfitting your MacBook. You can also opt for a computer mat — like the AmazonBasics Large Extended Computer Rectangular Mouse Pad — which acts as a surface for both your laptop and your mouse, as well as other accessories. Not only does this give your mouse more room to maneuver, but it can also tidy up your workspace (e.g., by easily collecting crumbs and fingerprints) and make it look more presentable.

Case/Cover

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MacBooks are often not cheap, so you want to make sure they’re well-protected when you’re traveling with them. One option is to use a case that attaches directly to the laptop, such as the hardshells sold by Incase. I’ve used one for years, but with my new MacBook Pro M3, I decided to get rid of it and rely solely on the case when traveling. While this exposes my laptop to more scratches, it does make the computer thinner and doesn’t add any extra weight to the display.

The Tomtoc 360 laptop sleeve I use provides plenty of padded protection for my laptop when I carry it in my regular backpack — and there are a few other high-quality sleeves that can do the same. These sleeves are often tailored to specific models and sizes — my Tomtoc 360, for example, is designed to fit a 14-inch MacBook Pro M3. While you could go for a larger one, having a sleeve that fits your computer snugly means it won’t shake around in your pocket as much and is less likely to suffer knocks.

You can also opt for a fully dedicated laptop bag or backpack that has a dedicated laptop compartment with extra protection designed specifically for computers. Some, like the Razer Rogue 16 Backpack V3 Chromatic, can also provide some water-resistant protection from light rain. You can also expect the best-rated laptop backpacks for school or work to have more designated pockets for cables, dongles, and other accessories than a regular backpack.

Headphones

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No one wants to hear your Zoom meetings or job interviews when you’re using your MacBook at your local coffee shop or other public place. For your own privacy, and out of respect for those around you, you should always use headphones with your laptop if you’re not alone. Active noise-cancelling (ANC) headphones may be an even better choice, as they can help you focus more on your work. It doesn’t matter what kind of headphones you use, as long as they keep the volume low enough that only you can hear it — you can choose in-ear headphones, on-ear headphones, wraparound headphones, or whatever works for you.

If Apple does anything right, it’s making its various products work well together. That’s why Apple’s newer headphones can be a very convenient accessory for your MacBook. I use third-generation AirPods, which automatically connect to my laptop the moment I put one in my ear. The nice thing about AirPods — and many of the best Bluetooth headphones — is their built-in microphones, which also let you use them for calls and video conferences on your MacBook. If you’re considering Apple headphones, there are a lot of pros and cons to weigh between the on-ear AirPods Max and the AirPods Pro 2. In our SlashGear review of the Apple AirPods Pro (2022), we noted that if you’re not a fan of Apple products, you might want to skip this one. However, if you’re looking for a must-have audio accessory for your MacBook, these could very well meet your needs.