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It feels like our laptops come everywhere with us these days. While we aren’t complaining about the increasing ability to work from anywhere, it means that we have to be extra diligent about protecting our precious and very delicate computers. That’s where a good laptop case or laptop sleeve comes in, which I find especially important when traveling with a bag that doesn’t have a dedicated laptop compartment.
To help you choose the best case to keep your laptop safe, we tested a variety of cases and sleeves in a range of materials, styles, and protection levels so that even if your bag takes a beating, your laptop won’t. We looked for cases that were easy to slide our computers in and out of, had soft interiors, and just enough padding to absorb shock without being too bulky. These are our favorite laptop cases tested by our editors, running the gamut from hardshell snap-ons to sleeves.
This versatile, protective sleeve from UAG fits a few different laptop sizes. T+L editor Taylor Fox uses it for her 13-inch laptop, but found it has enough wiggle room to fit a slightly large computer. She’s even traveled with both her laptop and iPad in this case, and still had the extra front pocket to keep smaller items like a phone, notebook, or slim wallet. It also has room for a passport in this outer pocket during air travel, and we’re happy with how easy it is to access.Â
The polyester build is well padded and structured, and it closes with a strong magnet (and optional pass-through strap) that feels secure for extended use during travel. We’ve been testing this laptop case for about a year now and haven’t noticed any excessive wear and tear, and no compression in the padding. The only downside is the limited color options. Some feel a little dreary, while the lighter colors will probably get dirty pretty fast.Â
The Details: 14 x 9.6 x 1 inches (13-inch version), 17 x 10.4 x 1.3 inches (16-inch version) | Polyester
This stylish leather laptop sleeve comes in 13-inch, 14-inch, and 15/16-inch models. T+L associate director Morgan Ashley Parker uses it for her 13-inch laptop, and it just fits her computer and a compact charging cord if needed. This is one of the softest laptop cases we’ve used, with beautiful full-grain leather and ample padding with a microsuede finish that looks and feels top quality.Â
Despite the slim design, there’s plenty of padding and we’re comfortable putting our laptops in here without any extra protection. And for those who love their tech personalized, you can get up to 15 letters in multiple design and application options. Parker also opted for the matching passport wallet from Leatherology to complete the look. Our only warning is for people who tend to toss bottles in their bags. This is a quality case we find ourselves being careful with, so if you’re prone to getting watermarks on your gear, maybe opt for a more utilitarian style.Â
The Details: 13 x 9Â x .8 inches | Leather
Along with external cases, we love a good snap-on hardshell. These affordable and fun Velvet Caviar cases have the internet in a chokehold right now. This patterned hardshell comes in a range of sizes that fit MacBook Airs and Pros from 13 to 16 inches, and arrive as a two-part cover that snaps onto the top and bottom of your computer. They also come with a silicone keyboard cover to keep your keys protected from dust and grime.Â
We use this instead of a laptop case when we don’t need to keep our laptop extra protected in a suitcase, and feel fine slipping it into our bags with nothing else on. It has kept our computer in pristine condition, and unlike other hard cases we’ve tried, we haven’t noticed any dings or cracking in the polycarbonate. We’ve had this particular model on our computer for nearly two years and have been impressed with its longevity and durability, though it’s worth noting you’ll need to know your exact model to make sure the snap-on dimensions fit properly.Â
The Details: 13.89 x 9.8 x 1.02 inches | Polycarbonate
These boldly patterned cases come with over 300 design options, all available for both 13 and 16-inch laptops. T+L senior testing editor Jackie Cucco actually opted for the larger size for our 13-inch computer, looking for a little extra space to carry cords and any small necessities. This leaves her with room for charging cables, a notebook, a separate mouse, and even a phone charger, while sizing directly for your computer can feel pretty tight.
This is a simple design—just a shockproof neoprene sleeve with a watertight zipper and no extra features. This is fine by us though, and we love how protective and thick the case feels when traveling, commuting, or tossing into a larger bag. It’s helped keep our computer safe from accidental drops and spills, and though it does feel like a tight squeeze, especially if you get one specifically sized for your laptop.
The Details: 13 x 9Â x 1 inches (small), 16 x 11.6 x 1.4 inches (large) | Neoprene | Water-resistant
Harber London offers a range of sizes to fit virtually any laptop, and T+L associate editor Anna Popp use hers for her 13-inch Macbook Pro. This is a very slim-fit case, and holds only a laptop (note: it won’t fit the laptop if it’s in a hardshell case). Keep that in mind when picking your case, but if you want a stylish and sleek envelope-style, this pick is ideal. This beautiful sleeve is on par with the most expensive leather laptop sleeves, and has a soft exterior with moderate shock absorption and a wool felt interior that helps keep laptops scratch-free.Â
The leather has a renewable treatment to help repel grime and stains, and the magnetic closure is incredibly secure and doesn’t come open unless we really work to pry it off. We’re huge fans of the look and design of this laptop sleeve, and appreciate the range of sizes which means you can size up if you want to fit a notebook or tablet in the case as well.Â
The Details: 13 x 9.6 x 1 inches | Leather, wool felt
At first glance, this case seems completely flat with no padding. While it does have less impact protection than others on this list, it actually comes with an internal divider where you can stash charging cables and a wall charger. We were pleasantly surprised to see that it holds more than you’d think, and the backside’s neoprene stretch pocket has an additional three inches of stretch to accommodate a phone, notebook, and writing utensils. The internal slot can hold a license or credit card, making this an incredibly versatile and deceptively sleek option.Â
It comes in two sizes that fit either a 14 or 16-inch laptop, and it’s been quite useful for people who want to toss all of their necessities into a compact travel case that also offers a measure of protection. It unfolds into a conveniently angled laptop stand, holding your computer at a 15 or 25-degree angle. We would love to see future models sized specifically for a 13-inch laptop, but other than that, this case is near perfect.Â
The Details: 12.6 x 9 x .66 inches | Vegan leather
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With a zippered pocket, carrying handle, and water-resistant exterior, you get plenty of features for a low price.
This affordable case fits a laptop with ease, and also has a front pocket where you can store low-profile items like papers and charging cables, though T+L senior editor Jasmine Grant noticed that the full Apple charging block made the case too bulky. This sleeve itself has a soft flannel interior that has felt sufficient in protecting Grant’s laptop from scratches, and the lining is thick and protective against moderate bangs.Â
Grant tested this in a work tote full of hard and clanky items, and never worried about her laptop getting dinged. It has added protection in the water-resistant exterior, and she has been impressed with the quality, look, and performance for such an approachable price point. It has a carrying handle somewhat unique to this category, and the zipper has been reliable and strong after consistent use. It did come with a snap-on hard sleeve that left much to be desired, and wound up cracking after a few months.Â
The Details: 13.6 x 9Â x .8 inches. | Nylon, neoprene | Water-resistant
This laptop case comes in both 14-inch and 16-inch sizes, but is roomy enough to fit larger computers and a few extras. T+L associate director Morgan Ashley Parker tested the 14-inch version with her 13-inch Macbook, and was also able to fit a portable monitor, monitor cable, computer cable, and charger in here without everything feeling crammed.Â
The Monos Metro also comes with a handy trolley sleeve that we’ve used as a handle when we carry this case outside of another bag, and we haven’t noticed any scratches or blemishes on the water-resistant faux-leather exterior. The interior is a smooth cotton twill, and this would make an excellent carry-on personal item and is designed to be compatible with Monos carry-on luggage. Similar to several others we tested, we would love to see this in a 13-inch laptop size, although we do appreciate the extra space.Â
The Details: 13.4 × 10 × 1.1 inches (small), 15 × 10.8 × 1.1 inches (large) | Faux leather, cotton twill | Water-resistant
I finally caved and added this laptop sleeve as another accessory in my carry-on this year, and I’m glad I did. I spent too long with my computer banging around in unpadded internal sleeves (or the occasional hydration reservoir pocket) and it was time to get something to protect my computer. I have the 13-inch case and it just barely fits my 13-inch MacBook Air, so much that the zipper stretches just a little bit to get around the corners. I actually appreciate this since it means there will be less room for the computer to get bumped around.Â
This is an incredibly rugged sleeve, made with Thule’s bluesign-approved 800-denier polyester exterior and DWR treated for water resistance. The interior is made of EVA foam with a ribbed, brushed surface material, and the zippers are sturdy and show no signs of failure despite heavy use this season. It has one exterior pocket that I can fit a phone and a travel wallet in (and my passport if needed), but I have a hard time fitting cables and a wall port in here—so it’s not the best choice if you want your laptop case to fit all of your accessories. However, for a rugged and protective option, this is my top pick. Plus, it comes in a range of dimensions for both Macs and PCs.
The Details: 13.4 x 9.6 x 2 inches, 14 x 10.2 x 1.4 inches, 16 x 11 x 2 inches | Polyester, EVA | Water-resistant
Our Testing Process
T+L editors didn’t have to look far to come up with the top recommended laptop cases, as almost all of us (and many of our contributing writers) use these accessories every day. Each of these laptop cases has been thoroughly tested and vetted, and are suitable for commuting, travel, and daily work. These cases have been around the globe on work and leisure trips, including domestic and international, and have proven themselves on extended road trips as well. Many of these cases have been with us for years and show little signs of wear and tear.Â
Tips for Buying a Laptop Case
Consider your travel needs
A good laptop case will be with you for everything from bike commutes to international business travel, and the best ones can do it all. Think about what you’ll need this case for, and consider features like exterior pockets for quick-grab items, additional storage if you’re using this as a bike commuting bag (and if you need straps or handles), and whether you want a pass-through trolley sleeve for a carry-on friendly design.Â
If your laptop case is mostly going inside a pack or briefcase, you can forgo most of those bells and whistles and opt for a slim envelope-style that can tuck into the pocket of a tote or backpack. Finally, if your briefcase already has a padded laptop sleeve, you don’t need as much protection as someone who’s bag doesn’t offer much shock protection.Â
Measure your laptop accordinglyÂ
Each laptop case comes in a few different sizes specifically for most standard laptop dimensions. Unless you’re looking for extra space, make sure your laptop case or sleeve fits the exact dimensions of your laptop to properly protect your computer. The easiest way to find your laptop’s dimensions is to do an internet search for your model’s specific measurements, but you can also do it yourself.
To measure your computer yourself, shut the laptop and measure across the whole thing lengthwise. Next, measure vertically from top to bottom. A lot of modern laptop cases are designed for slim Macbooks, so if you have a regular laptop, measure the depth as well. Cross-check your measurements to the specs on the laptop sleeve to make sure you have the right fit.Â
Never sacrifice protection for style
Our best advice is to find a case made from sturdy material, preferably with some sort of internal padding like neoprene or EVA foam. If it fits your aesthetic, consider it a bonus! Also, assess how you’ll be carrying the laptop. If your computer is usually inside a padded sleeve inside your laptop bag, you can get away with aesthetics first, since some protection is better than none. If you expect your computer to be banged around in transit, consider a more protective and shock-proof case, and accept that you’ll look like a James Bond character instead of someone from the Devil Wears Prada.Â
Frequently Asked Questions
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What’s the difference between a laptop sleeve and a laptop case?
Some people use these terms interchangeably, but a laptop case usually refers to a more substantial type of laptop carrier, and can be made of a hardshell material or come with handles and extra pockets. Laptop sleeves, on the other hand, are usually less padded, soft-sided, and designed to mostly fit your laptop and very few other items. And aside from a select few options, laptop sleeves usually don’t have carry handles, while cases have a lot of extra features.Â
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What is the most protective option when traveling with a laptop?
Our top pick for maximum protection is a shock-proof, drop-proof, water-resistant (or waterproof) hardshell case. We prefer these to have shock-absorbing foam on the inside, and to fit your laptop snugly without any room to move. However, these are pretty bulky for air travel, so the next best option is a padded neoprene case with a water-resistant exterior stashed safely in your personal item or carry-on.
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Can you bring a laptop on a plane without a case?
Yes, you can bring a laptop on a plane without a case. We are guilty of doing this quite often. However, we found it to be better for the computer to have some level of protection while traveling, even in the form of a minimalist envelope-style leather case.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Maggie Slepian is an avid traveler and remote worker who brings her laptop wherever she goes, whether it’s abroad for a month at a time, exploring the U.S. on a road trip, or downtown to a local coffee shop. She’s also always testing a variety of travel bags—some that come equipped with reinforced laptop pockets and some that don’t. For this piece, she uses her own testing background with protective laptop cases, as well as feedback and notes from the internal T+L editorial team to compile this list.
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