Whether you’re a student, a business traveler, or just someone who likes to work from home, you need a laptop case that protects your computer from scratches and bumps while also keeping your accessories secure and organized. But deciding what type of laptop case to get isn’t an easy task. There are so many options to choose from—and they vary significantly in form factor and style. You can find sleeves, briefcases, backpacks, and even rolling cases. Each one has its own benefits and disadvantages.
Sleeves are designed to fit your laptop cases for every journey and offer a layer of protection during transport, but they don’t typically include handles or straps. This makes them best used as a carry-on item for air travel or when placed inside another bag, such as a messenger or travel backpack.
Our favorite sleeves, like this black matte Hollyhock version from Kate Spade, strike the right balance between adding some pizazz and avoiding looking too flashy. This slim case fits a 13-inch MacBook Pro and provides light padding to cradle the device while keeping it safe from scrapes and dings. It’s also roomy enough to fit essentials for remote work, like wireless earbuds, a pack of wet wipes, and slim eyeglasses cases.
If you’re a Dell user, you can’t go wrong with this durable case from NOMATIC. The neoprene sleeve with soft Nylex interior liner fits Dell computers like a glove and slides easily into most luggage, messenger bags, or travel backpacks. It’s also roomy enough for extra accessories, like a phone charger, a power bank, or a small field notebook, and it’s available in multiple colors to suit your style.
This clamshell case from iCozzier unzips a bit like a briefcase, making it an ideal choice for travelers and commuters. It’s also roomy enough in this 15.6-inch size to hold most computers from Apple, Dell, Acer, and HP, along with additional accessories like a mouse and a power cord. It’s padded and water-resistant, and has bonus pockets for organizing pens, pencils, and travel documents. This sleeve also includes elastic straps for holding your laptop upright, which is especially useful when carrying the case hands-free while in transit. It’s also compatible with most backpack clips, so it can be tucked into the straps of other bags. The leather exterior ages beautifully over time, and it’s available in several sizes to fit any device. What’s more, it’s made from recycled and upcycled materials and produced using eco-friendly production methods.