Our top pick, the Nacuwa 360, is a well-rounded protective sleeve that won’t break the bank. If you’re interested in other options, see our complete list of the best laptop cases and sleeves below. The outside shell is soft and attractive with a strong carrying handle, and the case even provides some degree of water resistance. An outer pocket has room to store chargers, external hard drives, or other accessories. While the brand name might not be familiar, the level of protection and overall quality at this remarkable price point elevate the Nacuwa to our top pick. Capacity: 13-inch laptops and tablets | Durability: 360-degree and drop protection | Waterproof: Water-resistant | Pockets: One external The exterior front pocket has dedicated pouches for accessories, including your smartphone, charging cables, power brick, while the exterior back pocket can comfortably hold your tablet or other belongings. It also has a detachable shoulder carrying strap, plus a smaller handle on the top. The bag may be a bit bulky, but it gets an A+ for its intended purpose: holding all your gadgets and accessories in an organized fashion. Capacity: 15 to 17 inches | Durability: Padded compartment | Waterproof: No | Pockets: Front and slip pocket While there are no extra compartments and external dividers, this attractive but pricey case is by far the most durable case out there. The enhanced durability comes from its heavy-duty polyurethane clamshell design with reinforced corner and edge protection, a rigid exterior, and a padded interior. Capacity: 15 to 16-inches | Durability: Rigid exterior, padded interior, and corner protection | Waterproof: No | Pockets: None The polyurethane faux leather is remarkably high quality, and the bag’s opening is a fold-over that works a lot like a classic pocketbook. Perhaps the best part is that it comes in eight colors, ranging from metallic tan leather to soft seafoam green to a dark, jewel-tone purple. Whatever your style, there’s probably a color on offer from Kalidi to match. The case fits laptops as large as 14 inches, such as the MacBook Air. Keep that in mind if you’re trying to figure out if your Windows or ChromeOS device might fit. Capacity: 13-inch laptops and tablets | Durability: Velvet interior | Waterproof: No | Pockets: None The clips that clasp the bag closed use a magnetic quick-release that allows you to securely lock the bag or open it up easily with a single hand. For fast access to the camera pocket, there’s a dedicated zipper. The D-ring straps are another handy feature. These straps serve to both lock the bag to your rolling carry-on suitcase as well as affix it behind you when holding it on your shoulder so it won’t slide forward during a bike ride. Capacity: Various sizes available | Durability: Padded | Waterproof: Yes, on the base | Pockets: Numerous compartments This MOSISO case is built out of rigid plastic with impact-resistant bumpers along its edges to prevent damage from drops. Since it clips onto your laptop, it also keeps the exterior of your device from scratches, and an included keyboard cover helps prevent damage from spills. The bottom of the case features vents for heat dissipation, as well as anti-slip feet to keep your MacBook from sliding around. Capacity: Apple Macbook Pro Model Number A2141 | Durability: Rigid exterior with corner protection | Waterproof: No | Pockets: None This case’s water-resistant nylon material protects your laptop from an unexpected coffee spill. Though it’s not as resilient as some other laptop cases you can buy, it boasts a polyester foam padding layer for protection against bumps, shocks, and drops. This case is also compatible with most 15.6-inch laptops and features an attractive two-tone exterior. Capacity: 15.6-inch laptops and tablets | Durability: Padded sleeve | Waterproof: Water-resistant| Pockets: Mesh pocket internal
Design
If you’re tucking your laptop into a larger bag, you’re probably fine buying just a sleeve. However, if you’re carrying a laptop on its own, you’ll want a case with a handle or strap that makes toting around your device more convenient. Similarly, if you’ll often be packing chargers, cables, notebooks, or other extras, then you should look for a case with extra pockets. Make sure the case is large enough for your laptop, but not too large otherwise, it won’t be as secure and well protected.
Checkpoint-Friendly
Going through security at the airport used to require removing your laptop from its case for screening, but TSA now allows you to keep your device inside, assuming its case provides for a clear and unobstructed image of the laptop when undergoing X-ray screening. If you travel a lot, choose a laptop case that meets this requirement—most likely a top-loading sleeve design—so you can breeze through security without extra hassle.
About Our Trusted Experts
Andy Zahn has written about computers and other tech for Lifewire, The Balance, and Investopedia, among other publications. He has reviewed numerous laptops and PCs and has been building gaming PCs of his own since 2013. Andy is a frequent traveler and a constant laptop user, so he knows the importance of protecting his devices with a good case. Andy personally uses a Thule Gauntlet case, which has saved his devices from drops and spills on numerous occasions. David Beren is a former tech and commerce writer for Lifewire with 10+ years of experience. He has written and managed content for companies like T-Mobile, Sprint, and TracFone Wireless and contributed to sites like WebGeekStuff and MakeTechEasier.
