MacBooks are renowned for their sleek design, powerful performance, and reliability, making them a favorite choice for professionals, creatives, and students alike. While your MacBook already offers a powerful set of features, you can enhance your productivity by incorporating the right accessories.
These accessories not only improve the functionality of your MacBook but also create a more comfortable and efficient workspace. Whether you are looking to enhance your ergonomic setup, boost storage capacity, or streamline your daily tasks, the right accessories can transform how you use your MacBook.
Best MacBook Accessories for Increased Productivity
1. External Keyboard and Mouse
Overview:
While the MacBook’s built-in keyboard and trackpad are well-designed, using an external keyboard and mouse can drastically improve your workflow, especially during long hours of typing or intricate design work.
Best Accessories:
- Apple Magic Keyboard: Known for its sleek design and excellent key travel, the Magic Keyboard is a favorite for MacBook users. It offers a wireless connection, a full set of keys, and a responsive typing experience that mimics the feel of a desktop keyboard.
- Logitech MX Master 3: This mouse is a powerhouse for productivity. With customizable buttons, precise tracking, and ergonomic design, the MX Master 3 is ideal for long hours of use. It works seamlessly with your MacBook, and you can pair it with multiple devices for seamless switching.
- Apple Magic Mouse 2: For users who prefer Apple’s aesthetics, the Magic Mouse 2 is a great option. It’s minimalistic, rechargeable, and supports multi-touch gestures, making it perfect for browsing, design, or editing tasks.
Why it’s a must-have:
An external keyboard and mouse improve ergonomics and comfort, particularly for those who find the built-in keyboard and trackpad less comfortable for extended use. These accessories are also essential if you’re working at a desk, enhancing your efficiency with shortcuts, customizable buttons, and more precise control.
2. Laptop Stand
Overview:
One of the most common complaints when working on a MacBook for extended periods is neck and back strain. A laptop stand elevates your screen to eye level, promoting better posture and reducing physical strain during long work sessions.
Best Accessories:
- Rain Design mStand: This aluminum stand is widely regarded for its solid build quality and sleek design. It raises your MacBook to a comfortable viewing height, improving posture and ergonomics. It also features cable management to keep your workspace tidy.
- Twelve South HiRise: This adjustable stand allows you to change the height and angle of your MacBook, giving you more flexibility. The stand’s premium design complements the MacBook’s aesthetics, and it also has a space for storing accessories.
- MOFT Z Stand: For those who need a portable, lightweight solution, the MOFT Z Stand is a great option. It folds flat and can be easily carried in your bag, making it ideal for on-the-go use, whether at a coffee shop or at a co-working space.
Why it’s a must-have:
A laptop stand promotes better posture, helping to avoid neck and back pain that often results from hunching over your MacBook. It also offers additional benefits, such as improved airflow to prevent overheating and a more organized desk setup.
3. External Storage Devices
Overview:
MacBooks typically come with limited internal storage, which can quickly be consumed by high-resolution photos, videos, and large software files. Having an external storage device allows you to offload files and maintain a more efficient workspace.
Best Accessories:
- SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD: Offering fast read and write speeds, this portable SSD is perfect for users who need to transfer large files quickly. It’s compact, durable, and offers ample storage, making it a great solution for professionals and creatives who deal with large files.
- Seagate Backup Plus Hub: With up to 10TB of storage, the Seagate Backup Plus Hub is an excellent option for those who need significant backup space. It connects via USB 3.0 and is known for its reliable performance and ease of use.
- G-Technology G-Drive Mobile SSD: This drive is another solid option for MacBook users. It provides lightning-fast data transfer speeds and is designed to be durable, making it suitable for on-the-go users who need reliable external storage.
Why it’s a must-have:
External storage devices allow you to keep your MacBook’s internal storage free for essential tasks. They also provide a safe place to back up your important files, ensuring data security and more efficient file management.
4. USB-C Hub
Overview:
MacBooks, especially recent models, come equipped with only USB-C ports, which can be limiting when you need to connect multiple peripherals. A USB-C hub allows you to expand your connectivity options, enabling you to connect USB-A devices, HDMI displays, SD cards, and more.
Best Accessories:
- Anker PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: This affordable USB-C hub offers a variety of ports, including USB-A, HDMI, SD card readers, and a charging port, allowing you to connect multiple devices at once.
- HyperDrive Duo 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Specifically designed for MacBooks, the HyperDrive Duo offers additional ports such as HDMI, USB-C, USB-A, and SD card slots. It’s compact and easily attaches to the side of your MacBook for a seamless experience.
- Satechi Aluminum Multi-Port Adapter: With a sleek design that matches the MacBook’s aesthetics, this hub offers USB-A, HDMI, and Ethernet ports. It’s an excellent choice for users who need a reliable multi-port solution for their desk setup.
Why it’s a must-have:
A USB-C hub provides the essential ports for connecting all of your devices, whether it’s external monitors, storage devices, or peripherals like printers and cameras. It expands your MacBook’s capabilities and ensures you’re not limited by the fewer ports on the device.
5. Portable Power Bank
Overview:
Although MacBooks offer impressive battery life, sometimes you may need a little extra juice during long work sessions, especially when traveling. A portable power bank allows you to charge your MacBook on the go, so you don’t have to worry about running out of power during an important meeting or flight.
Best Accessories:
- Zendure SuperTank Pro: With a 26,800mAh capacity and multiple USB-C ports, the Zendure SuperTank Pro is a high-capacity power bank that can charge your MacBook multiple times. It’s compact enough to carry around and is known for its fast charging capabilities.
- Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD: This portable charger offers a large battery capacity and USB-C Power Delivery, providing fast and efficient charging for your MacBook. It’s also compatible with other devices like smartphones and tablets.
- Mophie Powerstation USB-C: Known for its slim profile, the Mophie Powerstation provides up to 18W of power and is ideal for MacBook users who need a lightweight solution for charging their device on the go.
Why it’s a must-have:
A portable power bank ensures that your MacBook remains powered throughout the day, even when outlets aren’t available. This accessory is especially useful for traveling professionals who need to work from various locations.
READ ALSO: How to Upgrade Your Desk with These Tech Accessories
6. MacBook Sleeve or Case
Overview:
A sleeve or case helps protect your MacBook from scratches, dust, and potential damage while on the go. With frequent use, it’s essential to have something that shields your MacBook from the daily wear and tear of transport.
Best Accessories:
- Tomtoc 360 Protective Sleeve: This sleeve offers excellent protection with its corner armor and water-resistant fabric. It’s lightweight, slim, and fits easily into a backpack, ensuring your MacBook stays safe during travel.
- Incase ICON Sleeve: A stylish and functional sleeve, the Incase ICON offers great protection without adding bulk. It’s designed to fit the MacBook perfectly and has a soft faux-fur lining to protect the screen from scratches.
- Thule Gauntlet 3.0: If you need more rugged protection, the Thule Gauntlet 3.0 offers a tough exterior and padded interior for maximum safety. It’s perfect for users who need a durable case for more adventurous travel.
Why it’s a must-have:
A protective sleeve or case keeps your MacBook safe from scratches, drops, and other damage. It’s an essential accessory for those who frequently take their MacBook on the go or simply want to ensure it stays in pristine condition.
7. Webcam and Microphone
Overview:
While the MacBook’s built-in camera and microphone are adequate for casual video calls, a dedicated external webcam and microphone can significantly enhance your video conferencing and content creation experience.
Best Accessories:
- Logitech C920 HD Pro Webcam: This popular webcam offers 1080p video quality and excellent low-light performance, making it ideal for video calls, streaming, and content creation.
- Blue Yeti USB Microphone: A top-tier microphone known for its exceptional sound quality, the Blue Yeti is perfect for remote work, podcasting, or virtual meetings.
- Razer Seiren X: This compact and affordable microphone delivers clear and crisp sound for streaming, video calls, and voiceovers, making it a great option for those who need excellent sound quality without taking up too much desk space.
Why it’s a must-have:
An external webcam and microphone are critical for anyone who participates in virtual meetings or creates online content. These accessories ensure better video and audio quality, leaving a more professional impression during calls or presentations.
FAQs
What are the best accessories for improving ergonomics?
To improve ergonomics, consider a laptop stand, external keyboard, and external mouse. These accessories promote better posture, reduce strain, and make it more comfortable to work for long hours.
Can I charge my MacBook with a portable power bank?
Yes, you can charge your MacBook with a portable power bank that supports USB-C Power Delivery. Look for power banks with sufficient capacity (such as 26,800mAh) to fully charge your MacBook.
How do I choose the right external storage for my MacBook?
When choosing external storage, consider the type of files you work with. For fast data transfer, an SSD (solid-state drive) is ideal, while a traditional HDD offers more storage at a lower price. Make sure to choose one that is compatible with your MacBook’s ports (USB-C or Thunderbolt).
How do I know if a USB-C hub is right for my MacBook?
Ensure the USB-C hub supports the devices you want to connect, such as monitors, USB-A peripherals, and SD cards. Check that it’s compatible with your MacBook’s USB-C ports and offers enough bandwidth for your needs.
Are there any accessories specifically for MacBook travel?
Yes, accessories like a protective sleeve, portable power bank, and external hard drive are great for travelers. They help protect your device, ensure you stay charged, and expand your storage while on the go.