Best Laptop Locks for MacBooks iMore 2021
A lock on your MacBook will deter the casual thief from swiping your MacBook off of your desk or table. Most laptops have a built-in Kensington security slot, but MacBooks do not, so you'll need some adapter to use a Kensington lock. Each of these includes an adapter or other workarounds. Not every lock on this list is compatible with every model, so be sure to check compatibility before you buy it. Here are some of the best laptop locks you can buy for your MacBook.
- Universal and adhesive-free: Kensington MacBook Laptop Locking Station
- Universal bargain: 13C Laptop Cable Lock
- Universal combination: 13C Laptop Cable Lock Combination
- For 2015 and older MBPs: KGear Security Lock Bracket
- For older MacBook Air: Maclocks Slot Adapter
- For MacBook Pro with Touch Bar: Maclocks Slot Adapter
- For all MacBooks: Compulocks Blade MacBook Lock
- Extra accessory: Kensignton Desk Mount Anchor
Universal and adhesive-free: Kensington MacBook Laptop Locking Station
Staff FavoriteKensington's design is a locking station that attaches to the back of any MacBook or other thin laptops without having to use any adhesives.
Universal bargain: 13C Laptop Cable Lock
With an included anchor plate that can be adhered to anything, this lock is universal. It's a key lock, and two keys are included.
Universal combination: 13C Laptop Cable Lock Combination
Similar to the other 13C lock with an anchor plate and a cable, but instead of a key lock, this one has a four-digit combination lock.
For 2015 and older MBPs: KGear Security Lock Bracket
This lock bracket is fairly unobtrusive, but be aware that it can possibly scratch your MacBook. It has a combination lock and a 6-foot cable.
For older MacBook Air: Maclocks Slot Adapter
This unobtrusive slot adapter offers an elegant solution for the MacBook Air. A 6-foot cable and combination lock are included. Please note, this won't work with the 2020 MacBook Air.
For MacBook Pro with Touch Bar: Maclocks Slot Adapter
This is the elegant solution for MacBook Pro with Touch Bar models. Along with the slot adapter, you get a cable with a combination lock.
For all MacBooks: Compulocks Blade MacBook Lock
No matter what model MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro you own, even if you have a non-Apple laptop, this will lock it securely. It's got industrial strength 3M VHB adhesive and can withstand 100 pounds of force.
Extra accessory: Kensignton Desk Mount Anchor
This is not a laptop lock, but rather an anchor just in case your desk doesn't have any place to wrap a cable around securely.
Which one should you choose?
No lock can keep a determined criminal from stealing your laptop, unfortunately, but any of these will act as a theft deterrent. My personal pick would be the Kensington MacBook Laptop Locking Station. I like the fact that it's compatible with any MacBook or any laptop up to 15 inches and that it doesn't require any adhesives or permanent modification to your MacBook. It will not interfere with your MacBook's Touch Bar. There no modifications to your MacBook necessary, no adhesives, nothing permanent that could affect your warranty. Scratch-resistant bumpers along the back protect your MacBook from cosmetic damage. You can choose either a keyed lock or a combination lock when you order. Kensington offers a two-year warranty and lifetime technical support.
If you're looking to spend less, I'd go with the 13C Laptop Cable Lock. Don't worry about size or compatibility at all. You can stick this onto any laptop, tablet, phone, or any other item you wish to protect as long as it has a hard surface for the anchor plate to adhere to. The security cable is 6.5 feet long and can be attached to any fixed object. You get two keys that fit the lock head. Obviously, a determined thief could remove the anchor plate, but only with some difficulty. As I mentioned, a laptop lock is a deterrent, not an infallible theft-prevention tool.
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