We've tried dozens of MacBook accessories, and here are five of our favorites from the $17 range.

We've tried dozens of MacBook accessories, and here are five of our favorites from the $17 range.

The MacBook Air is Apple's most popular laptop and one of the most sought-after laptops on the market. But with all the different accessories available, including docks, chargers, peripherals, stands, and cases, it can be hard to know which one to buy.

You can check out my entire collection of recommendations in this YouTube video.

To show you everything you need to get the most out of your new laptop, I've tried out some of the best MacBook Air accessories I've found. A few of these accessories are designed specifically for the new MacBook Air 13-inch M3 and MacBook Air 15-inch M3, but in most cases they are also great for the MacBook Pro and other best MacBooks.

Like my cell phone, I am someone who is never caught using my MacBook without a case. But if you're buying a metal laptop, a case is a must. I've tried many different cases over the past few years, and Spigen's Urban Fit is the best. The flimsy plastic ones I've used in the past wore out or cracked quickly, but not the Urban Fit.

If you don't have a MacBook in your bag, the soft case is worth checking out. First, there's the deceptively sturdy Belkin Sleeve ($17 @ Amazon) with a built-in retractable handle; the Spigen Klasden ($42 @ Amazon) is a bit of a step up and a bit more scratch and water resistant; and the MOFT Sleeve ($42 @ Amazon) is a bit more durable, with a built-in handle. Finally, there is the MOFT Sleeve ($59 @ Amazon). While it is a sleeve, it can be instantly folded and bent to transform into a stand, with two height adjustments of 15 and 25 degrees for better viewing and typing.

Although MacBooks have built-in keyboards and trackpads, wireless peripherals can be a great help in working more efficiently. The Logitech MX Master 3S is one of my favorite mice for productivity. It's the mouse I've been using every day for the past few years, and it's the best mouse ergonomically speaking. When paired with a Logitech keyboard, I can quickly switch between other devices by simply sliding the mouse to one side of the screen. As someone who has a MacBook for work and a PC for gaming, being able to easily switch between the two is very cool.

For an all-in-one solution, the Logitech Casa Pop Up Desk ($179 @ Amazon) is a good choice. It holds a mini wireless keyboard and trackpad, and has a small compartment for small cables and small items. It looks like a school zippered binder and weighs about as much as a binder. And if you want a small, lightweight, unique-looking keyboard/mouse combo, you should check out Logitech's Pebble Keys ($37 @ Amazon) and Pebble Mouse 2 ($24 @ Amazon). Logitech MX-Mini Keys ($99 @ Amazon) is my favorite multi-device keyboard.

I've kind of accepted that the MacBook only has two USB-C ports, but that doesn't mean I have to stick with it. For the past few months I've been using the Pluggable TBT4-UDX1, which has only two Thunderbolt 4 ports but makes up for it with four USB-3 Type A ports, an HDMI 2.0 port, Ethernet 2.5, and an SD card reader, perfect for older accessories.

One of the least frictionless solutions is the Anker 7-in-2 USB-C adapter ($54 @ Amazon), which extends two USB-C ports on the side to two full-sized USB Type A ports, full-sized HDMI, SD and Micro-SD card readers, etc. The Belkin 5-in-1 USB-C Hub ($199 @ Amazon) is another sleek solution that offers four Thunderbolt 4 ports and one USB 3 Type-A.

A laptop stand can make your desk a little cleaner: the Twelve South BookArc Flex has a very minimalist design and takes up very little desk space; a MacBook fits snugly between its rubber feet; and a laptop stand can be used to hold a MacBook or a laptop. This is one of the best looking stands I've tried and matches many desktop setups.

Twelve South Curve Flex ($77 @ Amazon) is similar to the Casa Pop Up Desk, but with adjustable height and angle. The Plugable PTStand1 ($24 @ Amazon) is a hidden hero. This pick is really meant for tablets, but it is strong and flexible enough to hold a small laptop like a MacBook open.

It's amazing how efficient the MacBook has become, but when it comes to charging, whether stationary or on the go, here are the best choices. Starting with the smallest, there's the Belkin BoostCharge 67W, which offers nearly as much power as the 70W option Apple sells, but with two additional USB-C ports to make it smaller and lighter. power a MacBook while simultaneously charging a cell phone or other can easily charge a second smaller device at the same time.

The Anker Prime 100W ($84 @ Amazon) is nearly the same size, but has significantly more power output. It replaces one of the USB-C ports with a USB-Type-A, perfect in a pinch. Have one power-hungry device; Spigen's 140W charger (which was $99, now $49 @ Amazon) is about twice as big as Belkin's and about twice as powerful if you need a super-fast charger. If you don't mind being a little bigger, the Anker Prime 200W +100W Charging Base (was $184 now $159 @ Amazon) is the ultimate all-in-one charger for at home and on the go.

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