The 7 Best Laptop Cases and Sleeves to Buy in 2017

Incase’s ICON Sleeve with Tensaerlite stands just a little bit taller than its peers. Unfortunately, PC owners are a little out of luck on this one as this case is made specifically for Apple’s laptop line. With that said, the neoprene and Tensaerlite design combine to offer shock-absorption protecting against falls and adding a sense of security for the price. The interior is lined with a furry material that helps cushion your laptop from the inside. Edges are constructed to have increased protection, almost mirroring the iPhone case design, which adds extra material to the corners for an added sense of durability. The magnetically-sealed flap receives rave reviews by owners amidst claims of a near-perfect fit. Secure and snug, there was nary a peep online regarding concerns that the laptop would just slip out. Thin enough to fit inside a larger backpack or messenger bag, Incase has pulled off something extra special with the ICON sleeve and it’s an instant recommendation for Mac owners. 

This EveCase takes its job of protecting your laptop seriously. It features a layer of shock-absorbent and water-resistant diamond padded neoprene, which keeps your device safe from minor bumps, drops and splashes. Meanwhile, a soft foam fabric lining on the interior defends it from scratches.

The sleeve itself comes in four different sizes (11.6 x 12.5 inches, 13.3 x 14 inches, 15 x 15.6 inches and 17 x 17.3 inches) and four different colors (black, blue, purple and hot pink). The top-loading design gives you easy access to your device and is approved by TSA, so you don’t have to remove your laptop from this sleeve while going through airport security. It lacks additional pockets to stash chargers, documents or other accessories, but that’s the price you pay for such a slim and lightweight case.

Sometimes, simple is better and that’s the case with the AmazonBasics laptop sleeve. This basic neoprene sleeve is available in 11-inch, 13-inch and 15-inch varieties. If you’re looking for something basic, simple and inexpensive that will help prevent scrapes or minor impacts, the AmazonBasics case is perfect for you. Padding on every side and a well-tailored fit help create 360-degrees of protection. Zipper action is smooth and doesn’t offer any hint that this sleeve is budget priced.

A handle on a laptop sleeve isn’t for everyone, but as a lot of people don’t enjoy larger bags for quick trips, a handle would be welcomed. Separately, we wouldn’t mind a few additional color options, but limitations aside, it’s hard to say no to Amazon’s private label laptop sleeve.  

When you’re on the move with your laptop in tow, you normally need a handful of accessories as well. This canvas Case Logic laptop case 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 separate 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 pockets for your smartphone, charging cables, power brick and more, while the exterior back pocket can comfortably hold your tablet or other belongings. The zipper unzips the case three-quarters of the way, so your laptop is easily accessible. It has a detachable over-the-shoulder strap, plus a smaller handle on the top, so you can carry it any way you please. Some Amazon reviewers complain that the bag is a bit bulky, but it gets an A+ for its intended purpose: holding all your gadgets and accessories in an organized fashion.

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. The price might sound a little steep for a laptop sleeve, but the polyurethane-hardened Gaunlet offers a number of pockets, elastic bands and slips inside the sleeve.

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. And the dense foam interior adds one final layer of protection. Realistically, this sleeve is best for day trips, as you’ll struggle find the additional space to fit your charging cable and plug, but such is the price for protection against bumps and bruises.

Half messenger bag, half sleeve, the STM Blaze is built from a fabric exterior, and it looks as good as it feels to the touch. The inside foam padding feels protective and offers 360 degrees of total protection. There’s a dedicated front pocket for your phone, a zipper front pocket for both cables and comfort, a remove adjustable shoulder strap and a quick-grab handle.

Available in both 11-inch, 13-inch and 15-inch sizing, there’s nothing fancy about the design, so if looks are your top priority, this isn’t the bag for you. What you get is a multipurpose bag that’s built for the casual and professional user and does exactly what it promises to do, nothing more, nothing less. That you can add a laptop, iPad, MacBook charger, notebook, phone and keys with extra room to spare tells you your money is going to be very well spent.

Let’s get the lone caveat out of the way: this is manufactured for MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air owners. Made with real leather and designed to look like a classic book, you’ll quickly fall in love with the vintage look and feel. Inside the BookBook, you’ll find elastic straps that hold the top corners of the MacBook display, which helps fix the position of the computer when typing. Realistically, there’s a chance you can get some non-Apple computers to fit, but the design is definitely intended for Apple models.

There’s no doubt this sleeve will turn heads as you walk into a coffee shop or boardroom and turn on the computer. The plush velvety interior offers good protection against jostles and bumps, and with a zipper that closes full around the sides, there’s little risk of it falling out of the sleeve.