Photo-Illustration: Courtesy HBO Whether you have a top-of-the-line laptop tricked out for gaming or video-editing, or a cheap, bare-bones machine for basic word-processing and internet surfing, the last thing you want is to drop or spill something on your computer and end up spending hours — and lots of cash — at the Genius Bar. A sturdy case, laptop sleeve or proper laptop bag goes a long way to keep your laptop safe from accidental damage. Whether you need a custom leather case, a sleeve that looks like a North Face Puffer Jacket or a portfolio case with an integrated pocket for holding cables theirs a wide variety to choose from. To find out which cases are best for different types of users, we asked some tech and stylish people as well as three computer-repair experts who know all too well the dangers of not using a case.
HDE Clear MacBook Pro 13-inch Case
A hard-shell case, which attaches to your laptop, protects against dents and scratches without any added bulk. It can work on its own for daily use, or serve as an added layer of protection if you’re carrying your laptop in another bag (like one of the backpacks or messenger bags below). Benson Chou, founder of Work Hard Anywhere, a community and app for freelancers, likes that he can customize these basic HDE cases with stickers, changing them up as the mood strikes. “I think this solution not only helps with protecting the laptop, but also gives me the flexibility to change my mind often.” Chou adds that the very affordable hard-plastic case is “keeping my laptop scratch free.”
Incase Neoprene Sleeve Plus
The neoprene Incase sleeve has thick, cushiony padding with a relatively simple design and comes in a variety of colors. Christina Guan, a travel blogger at Happy to Wander who always has her laptop with her, says she has “tried a lot of laptop cases over the years” and Incase is her personal favorite. It has a faux-fur-lined interior to keep your laptop safe from any scratches or abrasions and a cushioned interior border to prevent damage from any drops or dings. “If you’re looking for a sturdy laptop sleeve that does its job at an affordable price point, I can definitely recommend this one,” says Guan.
Leatherology 13-Inch MacBook Sleeve
Christiane Lemieux, designer and founder of Lemieux et Cie, says she uses this 13-inch Leatherology sleeve for travel “since everywhere is the office now.” She likes to add a custom monogram for a sleek, personalized touch. “It makes me think I am traveling old-school on a steamer — even if it’s just for work,” she says. The Leatherology sleeve comes in six colors, ranging from neutrals like black and brown to richer shades like bordeaux and scarlet. Know that the leather can vary from a soft fine grain to a more rugged pebble grain, which the company says depends on the hide. The sleeve is lined in suede and has fabric guards along the edges to protect your laptop from any collisions.
Baggu 13-Inch Puffy Laptop Sleeve
Strategist senior writer Liza Corsillo praised the Baggu 13-inch laptop sleeve as one of the best things she bought last year. She thought most of the cases sold online or in stores were practical but boring until she saw this gem. “I was thrilled to find the Goldilocks of laptop cases just in time. Unsurprisingly, I discovered it at Baggu, a brand that has solved a number of my other shopping quandaries with its colorful, well-designed tote bags, zipper pouches, and backpacks.” This puffy sleeve, which Corsillo describes as a miniature sleeping bag, comes in a variety of decorative designs and solid colors. It’s quilted and stuffed with recycled Poly-fil, and it has a square-inch Velcro closure. “I ended up buying two — solid neon pink and black with white daisies — that I use for my laptop and 12-inch iPad,” she says. In fact, Corsillo likes and trusts Baggu to keep her stuff safe so much that she bought a smaller quilted case for her glasses.
Incase Icon Sleeve for MacBook Pro 13
Most laptop users who aren’t taking their computers into extreme conditions can get away with using a laptop sleeve. “Sleeves are great when you don’t need maximum protection, but simply an insulation against bumps and scrapes within a larger bag,” says Matt Ham, of LaptopMD and Computer Repair Doctor. “They’re light, not bulky, and they come in plenty of sizes to be formfitting.” Peter Lopez, also known as Brooklyn Tech Guy, likes Incase sleeves, and this one is a favorite of Justin Tse, a content creator who co-curates the workspace Instagram account iSetups and whose tech-review YouTube channel has 485,000 subscribers. Tse likes that the case is made with foam that “serves like a bumper around the edges of the computer,” and that’s it’s thin, good for travel, and can withstand being dropped.
Mosiso Water Repellent Lycra Sleeve Bag
Lopez recommends that people look for “cases made specifically for their make or model laptop,” especially since a snug fit is essential. He says Mosiso cases work well for Macs as they come in very specific sizes (like 13.3 inches and 15.6 inches) that line up with Apple’s laptop measurements. This case also includes an extra pouch for storing a charger.
Von Holzhausen MacBook Portfolio 13-Inch
The Von Holzhausen MacBook portfolio has a fold-over flap design that lets you safely store your laptop and any additional cables. Jenna Levine, founder of LINNE Botanicals, is a fan of the integrated storage pocket, which she says can house “all of my cords, pens, loose papers, and other small essentials.” The case is made of Technik-Leather, a 100 percent vegan fabric made from recycled plastic. It’s lightweight and scratch, stain, and water resistant, making it easy to wipe clean with soap and water. “It’s perfect for me as I’m always taking my laptop into the formulation lab, where ingredient spills would quickly ruin anything delicate and precious,” Levine says.
Elvis & Kresse Folio & Laptop Case
For something a little more unique, Muchaneta Kapfunde, who blogs about the intersection of tech and design at FashNerd, recommends this sleeve, which is actually made from recycled fire hoses. Kapfunde likes that the British company that makes it, Elvis & Kresse, is “sustainable, ethical, and transparent,” and says the durable cases (they’re lined with reclaimed parachute silk) are worth the price.
Thule Gauntlet MacBook Sleeve
For situations where you’ll need extra protection — like putting your laptop in a checked suitcase that’ll likely get jostled in transport — Ham says “you want a hard-shell bag or at least a bag with stiff corners. The hard shell will better insulate the laptop from rougher conditions.” Tse likes Thule’s rugged and dependable cases for “heavy-duty” protection. This one has a rigid exterior for insulating your computer from outside impact and a soft, padded interior to prevent the case from scratching or denting your laptop.
Aqua Quest Storm Waterproof Laptop Sleeve
One of the most common causes of broken laptops is water damage. “Laptop cases are usually thrown in backpacks and will easily get wet from drinks,” says Joe Silverman, founder and CEO of New York Computer Help. “Being waterproof will protect against damaging liquid spills.” He recommends the Aqua Quest Storm case because it’s completely waterproof and also padded for extra protection.
Manhattan Portage 13-Inch Deluxe Computer Bag
As Lopez points out, students’ laptops are “the ‘hub’ of their portable office — their book bag,” so many often look for laptop-friendly (a.k.a. protective) bags with lots of pockets for computer accessories, books, pens, notebooks, and whatever else they’ll need throughout the day. This Manhattan Portage bag, his pick for college students, features a number of compartments, including four pockets underneath the front flap for items that need to be accessed easily, and a padded laptop sleeve.
Kopack Slim Business Laptop Backpack
If you prefer using a backpack to tote your laptop from class to class (or between home and the office), Silverman says to look for one that “is waterproof, padded, has compartments for books, and charges phones on the fly.” He says this Kopack backpack — which we’ve singled out before as one of the best-reviewed laptop backpacks on Amazon — does all of these things and more. A detachable USB port keeps your phone charged all day, and a lockable zipper on the hidden laptop compartment helps prevent theft.
Topo Designs Travel Bag 30L
Sean Kelly, a lead product designer for stylish desk-accessory brand Grovemade, likes this Topo Designs bag, especially for keeping his laptop and tablet from banging against each other. “[The bag] has a padded back pocket for the laptop, which I can access from its own opening on the outside of the pack, and there is an interior pocket that fits my iPad and keeps it well protected without needing a case,” he says. “In fact the pack has so many wonderfully placed compartments that I can keep all my gear separated so it is organized [and] easy to find.” The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best women’s jeans, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, ultra-flattering pants, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change. Every editorial product is independently selected. If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission. |
