The 7 Best Laptop Cases and Sleeves of 2021

Best Overall: Nacuwa 360 Laptop Sleeve

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The Nacuwa 360-degree coverage sleeve is fully zippered and measures 13 inches. It comes in a light or dark gray color and offers all-around protection with an internal egg-crate-style padding. The case is very capable of keeping your devices cushioned from the worst impacts, which is great because when you’re transporting your MacBook or your PC, accidents can and do happen. Extra reinforcement has been added to the corners as a strategic additional layer of protection.

The outside shell is a soft, heather gray design that is attractive and provides some water resistance. There's also a strong carrying handle and even an outer pocket to store chargers, external hard drives and more. The brand name might not be familiar, but 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}

Best for Extra Pockets: Case Logic 15.6-Inch Laptop Case (VNCI-215)

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When you’re on the move with your laptop in tow, you normally need a handful of accessories as well. This Laptop Case from Case Logic has room for all your chargers, secondary devices and more.

Fitting devices up to 15.2 x 1.7 x 10.5 inches, the bag has an interior slip pocket to hold notepads and other documents separately from your computer. A velcro strap keeps your laptop secured in place, and padded compartment walls provide extra protection. The exterior front pocket has dedicated pouches for your smartphone, charging cables, power brick and more, 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: 15-17 inches | Durability: Padded compartment| Waterproof: No | Pockets: Front and slip pocket}

Best Protection: Thule Gauntlet 3.0

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When it comes to laptop protection, there are few names that stand out more than Thule. The company's new Gauntlet 3.0 case can hold 13-inch laptops and is marketed squarely at Apple buyers, but can fit a number of other laptops as well. The price might sound a little steep for a laptop sleeve, but the polyurethane-hardened Gauntlet is one of the most rugged on the market, and is my personal choice for protecting valuable, delicate hardware.

Overall, there are three compartments cordoned off by two stretchy mesh dividers. A nylon strap runs from top to bottom, joined by a Velcro fastener, which helps secure the laptop inside the sleeve. The dense foam interior adds one final layer of protection. The one major caveat is that you’ll struggle find the additional space to fit your charging cable and plug, but such is the price for the best protection against bumps and bruises.

_{Capacity: 13-inch laptops and tablets | Durability: Rigid exterior, padded interior, and corner protection | Waterproof: No | Pockets: None}

Best Design: Kalidi Laptop Sleeve

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Anytime your laptop sleeve looks like a high-end handbag or pocketbook, you know you’re doing something right in the design department. This Kalidi sleeve gives you visually luxurious leather-esque class without the eye-watering, genuine leather price tag. At just under $20, this won’t break the bank, but it'll definitely turn heads. The case measures in at 355 x 255 mm, so it’s designed for 13-inch computers, and more specifically they’re advertising it for the MacBook Air, so keep that in mind if you're trying to figure out if your Windows or ChromeOS device might fit.

The faux, PU leather from which it's made is remarkably high quality and the opening of the bag 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.

_{Capacity: 13-inch laptops and tablets | Durability: Velvet interior | Waterproof: No | Pockets: None}

Best Splurge: Tenba Messenger DNA

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The Tenba Messenger bag is a serious splurge for a laptop bag, but while it is very expensive, it offers basically everything you could want in a messenger bag and then some. There are various models available to accommodate a wide range of laptop sizes, and it has has pockets capable of containing a large DSLR camera, a travel coffee mug, all of your chargers, or even folders and notebooks. All of these pockets are compartmentalized so that everything stays organized and accessible.

The clips that clasp the bag closed utilize a magnetic quick release that allows you to securely lock the bag closed or open it up easily with a single hand. For fast access to the camera pocket, there's a dedicated zipper. This means that you can quickly swap lenses without showing the whole world all the other expensive gear you have in your bag. Finally, on the back, there are D-ring straps that 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: 13-inch laptops and tablets | Durability: Padded | Waterproof: No | Pockets: Numerous compartments}

Best for Macs: MOSISO Laptop Sleeve Bag

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The MOSISO is an attractive laptop sleeve bag made of polyester. It has a top opening zipper that's easy to unzip, and the main pocket is padded, giving your MacBook some protection despite the slim and lightweight build. The bag is designed for the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air and comes in various sizes, ranging from 11.6-inches all the way up to 17.3 inches. There's an additional pocket on the front to keep accessories like a mouse, earphones, pens, and notepads.

_{Capacity: 13.3-inch laptops and tablets | Durability: Polyester foam padding, fleece fabric lining | Waterproof: Water-repellent| Pockets: One exterior}