Must-have accessories for your new 13-inch MacBook Pro
- nov
- 14
With the launch of the new 13-inch MacBook Pro, you may find yourself in need of a few extra items. New computers inevitably call for accessories. Still, when it comes to Apple's MacBook Pro, they're especially vital: The computer's USB 4/Thunderbolt 3 ports may find you needing dongles, entirely new devices, and more. Whether you're buying one of the brand new MacBook Pros, or jumping on one of the best Macbook deals, here are the best MacBook Pro accessories you can get to make sure you get the most out of your MacBook Pro.
USB-C Hub
Satechi Multi-port adapter
Staff Favorite
Satechi's multi-port adapter doesn't support high-speed data transfer or dual-4K displays. Still, it does have just about everything else you'd need to run your peripherals with your MacBook Pro, like SD and microSD card readers, 4K HDMI, Gigabit, and three USB-A ports.
Stand for your MacBook Pro
Twelve South Bookarc for MacBook
When you're not using your MacBook Pro, you need somewhere to put it where it can be up and out of harm's way. Twelve South's Bookarc is the perfect solution. This arc-shaped stand holds your MacBook Pro up on its side, which clears up desk space and keeps your laptop safe from someone putting something down on top of it. This also lets you use your laptop in "closed-clamshell" mode, which means you can connect an external display, a keyboard, and a mouse, and use your laptop as a desktop.
USB-C external drive
G-Technology G-Drive 2TB
The G-Drive by G-Technology is an excellent USB-C hard drive for most people. It has STB of storage and features a quick drive speed of 7200RPM, with transfer rates of up to 136MB/s, thanks to USB 3.1. It comes in silver, as well as Apple-exclusive colors: gold, rose gold, and space gray.
$100 at Apple$95 at Amazon$100 at Best Buy
Classic USB external drive
Seagate Backup Plus Slim 2TB
If you want a reliable external hard drive that still uses the classic USB, has decent storage, is super easy to carry around, and has a very affordable price tag, the Seagate Backup Plus Slim is the best option for most people. Formatted for Windows and Mac right out of the box, it's easy to carry all your essential documents from desktop to laptop without missing a beat. Of course, you will need some sort of dongle to plug it into your MacBook Pro; however, it's super useful if you need to use your hard drive with a device that doesn't have USB-C.
Bluetooth earbuds
AirPods
The MacBook Pro still comes with a headphone jack — but Bluetooth headphones like Apple's AirPods are often a much nicer proposition. There are lots of great Bluetooth headphones options out there, but the $159 AirPods are especially nice if you plan on using them with multiple Apple devices due to the simpler and fast pairing, thanks to Apple's H1 chip.
From $129 at Amazon From $159 at Apple
Beautiful USB-C monitor
LG 27UK850-W
LG's latest 4K display is perfectly sized for most people at 27-inches. It supports a wide range of peripherals, including USB-C, USB-A, DisplayPort, HDMI, and standard headphones. The best part of this monitor is its ability to power your MacBook while acting as a display so that your battery does not limit you. It can even power the 13-inch MacBook Pro with ease.
$450 at Amazon $595 at Walmart
Carry it in style
Waterfield Field Muzetto
The Waterfield Field Muzetto is handmade in San Francisco; it costs more than your usual bag, but it sure is worth it. The bag is waxed, cotton canvas that repels water, a padded inner compartment holds your laptop, and another front pouch for accessories. If you like the vertical, flip-style for over your shoulder, check out the Field Muzetto.
Noise-canceling headphones
Sony WH-1000XM3
Without a doubt, the WH-1000XM3 is the best active noise canceling (ANC) headphone on the market, period. In addition to the stellar ANC, the battery lasts up to 30 hours on a single charge with fast charging capabilities when your headphone is dead. The sound signature out of the box is warm and dark. The bass, while smooth and even, is boosted quite a bit, giving it its warm sound signature.
Accessories can take your MacBook Pro to the next level
You likely don't need every accessory on this list, but a few key accessories allow you to work harder, play longer, and use your MacBook Pro to its fullest potential all the time. Just remember that the best MacBook Pro accessories are the ones that fit into your life, and make it easier to do the things you do every day.
Take the Satechi Multi-port adapter as an example. This USB-C hub ensures you don't need to buy a plethora of other dongles to use your MacBook Pro with all your favorite and most used peripherals. It only uses one of the four Thunderbolt 3 ports featured on the MacBook Pro, which means you can still use your other ports for charging,
The MacBook Pro is portable and getting a high-quality laptop bag, like the Waterfield Field Muzetto can make carrying your MacBook Pro, all your accessories, and even some smaller items everywhere with you. This bag will last you a long time, and it protects your MacBook Pro from a light drizzle, so you don't have to fear the rain.