Do Hard MacBook Cases Damage your laptop?

Your MacBook is something you use every day. It travels with you, sits on your desk, moves between cafés, meetings, and quiet evenings at home. So weather you are working from home, taking it to Uni, or doing some extra work on the go, it makes sense to want to protect it, but also to question anything that could potentially affect how it works.

Recently, I’ve seen a few concerns come up around hardshell MacBook cases and weather they are safe to use, especially when it comes to hinge damage and overheating. And as someone who has been using and creating these cases for over ten years, I wanted to share some honest reassurance.

Firstly, Do Hard MacBook Cases Damage the Hinges?

This is probably the most common worry I see. 

So will a hard MacBook case damage your laptop's hinges? A well-designed hardshell case doesn’t interfere with the hinge mechanism at all. It simply clips onto the outer surface of the MacBook, allowing the top lid to move free and exactly as intended. The screen opens and closes smoothly, just as it would without a case.

Weight is another concern people often mention. The worry is that Apple didn't account for the 'extra' weight when designing the laptop. Properly made cases are lightweight by design. They add protection, not strain. 

I’ve personally used this style of case on my own MacBooks and in my shop, for over a decade, and I’ve never experienced hinge issues. The same goes for my customers. In fact, many of them return years later to buy a new case when they upgrade their laptop.

While very bulky or poorly made hard MacBook cases could potentially cause imbalance, a thoughtfully designed hardshell case simply becomes part of the laptop — protecting it quietly, without interfering. 

And if you are still not convinced, think of it like this. If Apple didn't account for any 'extra' weight, would they be selling their own hard plastic MacBook cases?

Do Hard Plastic MacBook Cases Cause Overheating?

Another myth I hear often is that plastic MacBook cases trap heat and damage the battery. 

Most hard MacBook cases include ventilation gaps that allow airflow where it’s needed. The newer MacBooks are also engineered to regulate heat more efficiently, so in normal day-to-day use, most people never notice any difference at all. 

Are Hard MacBook cases safe to use?

Yes — when designed correctly, a hard MacBook case is one of the easiest way to protect your laptop. 

It doesn’t interfere with performance. It doesn’t damage the hinges or the battery. It simply adds a layer of protection against the small, everyday moments that slowly wear things down over time.

And if you are still using your laptop naked because of these myths, don't!
Check our full collection of clear or full print hard MacBook Cases here and protect your laptop.