Every time you drop your laptop on the floor, you’re at risk of damaging it. The same goes for when you carry it around in your work tote with other things, like sharp pens or heavy books. Laptop cases can help protect your gadget’s shell and increase its durability, according to tech experts.
Below, we rounded up the best laptop cases, including hardshell options and laptop sleeves, so you can pick one that suits you. We also break down the differences between the two. We included expert recommendations and laptop cases and sleeves that the NBC Select staff has tested.
SKIP AHEAD How we picked the best laptop cases | The best laptop cases | How to shop for laptop cases | Why trust NBC Select?
How we picked the best laptop cases
We spoke with technology experts about what makes a good laptop case and the difference between hard and soft shell cases. We also considered NBC Select staff favorites. Here’s what we kept in mind when sourcing products:
- Laptop type and size: We included options for various laptop types, including MacBooks and Chromebooks.
- Water-resistant design: Some of our recommended cases are water-resistant, which experts recommend if you’re carrying lunch, water bottles or other liquids in the same bag as your laptop. Don’t confuse water resistance with waterproofing, a few drops of liquid on your case is okay, but soaking it in water is a definite no-no, according to our experts.
- Material: You can find laptop cases and sleeves in various materials, including neoprene, plastic, leather and nylon. Neoprene and nylon, for example, are the lightest options, according to Arthur Zilberman, president of laptop repair company Laptop MD. Plastic hardshell cases, on the other hand, may be the most durable, but they’re generally only available for specific models, which makes them harder to shop for, says Zilberman.
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The best laptop cases in 2024
The options below are either direct recommendations from NBC Select staff or our experts. We’ve included hard and soft shell laptop cases, and every option on our list weighs 1 pound or less.
Mosiso Hard Shell Laptop Case
- Lightweight
- Multiple color options
- Limited to Apple MacBooks
Former associate commerce editor, Nishka Dhawan used this laptop case with her 13-inch MacBook Pro, and apart from a chip in the bottom part of the case, she had not seen any significant wear and tear. The brand specifies which models it’s compatible with, so she recommends checking before you buy. She likes that it easily snaps onto her computer and it is surprisingly lightweight, which prevents her device from feeling too bulky. She owns the purple colorway, but you can choose from more than a dozen other colors.
Compatibility: Apple MacBooks | Weight: 0.55 pounds | Dimensions: 12 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches
Tomtoc 360 Protective Laptop Sleeve
- Compatible with many brands
- Padding around corner
- Zipper pocket
- Nothing to note at this time
NBC Select reporter Harry Rabinowitz likes the design of this protective laptop case: the case, which has a zipper closure, has extra layers of padding around its corners to protect your device from bumps and bruises. “It makes me feel reassured that my laptop is secured and isn’t going to get un-buckled or slide out somehow,” says Rabinowitz. An added zipper pocket can also store any extra cables or your earbuds if needed. Rabinowitz owns the MacBook-compatible version of this case, but it is also compatible with other 13.5-inch, 15.6-inch and 17.3-inch laptops.
Compatibility: MacBooks, Microsoft Surface Pro laptops, HP, Dell, Lenovo and Acer laptops | Weight: 0.6 pounds | Dimensions: 13.8 x 9.5 x 1.2 in.
Thule Gauntlet Sleeve
- Water-resistant
- Padded interior
- Nothing to note at this time
Zilberman recommends this case if you’re more prone to dropping your laptop and need something very sturdy. It’s both water-resistant and shock-absorbent and fits most 14-inch laptop models, according to the brand — though we recommend checking your device dimensions against the case to make sure it will fit. It has a padded interior for additional protection and a clamshell design so you can work on your laptop with the sleeve still on. It’s heavier than other options on our list but offers the most protection, according to Zilberman.
Compatibility: Apple MacBooks, laptops less than 14 in. wide | Weight: 0.8 pounds | Dimensions: 15.35 x 1.18 x 12.01 in.
Baggu Puffy Laptop Sleeve
- Easy to clean
- Various sizes
- Not as durable
This sleeve comes recommended by NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio and NBC Select editor Lindsay Schneider. Both like the padding on the case: “It provides my computer with a great amount of protection and prevents it from sliding around in my bag,” says Godio. Schneider also adds important documents to her laptop sleeve to keep them from getting bent or wet while commuting. The case itself is machine washable, making it easy to clean. It is built for 16-inch laptops and has various colors and prints available to choose from.
Compatibility: 16-inch laptops | Weight: n/a | Dimensions: 13 × 10.25 × 0.75 in.
Calpak Padded Laptop Sleeve
- Water-resistant
- Lightweight
- Multiple pockets
- Nothing to note at this time
“I take my laptop with me to cafes when I work remotely, as well as on planes, trains and car rides while traveling,” says Zoe Malin, NBC Select associate updates editor. “When I’m in transit, this padded sleeve puts a barrier between it and whatever else I have in my bag, like a water bottle, notebooks and my keys,” she says. The Calpak sleeve has a big exterior zippered pocket and smaller slip pocket, which Malin uses to fit multiple chargers. The outside of the case is made from a water-resistant material, which is great for blocking out rain during a light drizzle, “I don’t have to worry about a couple water droplets getting inside my tote and onto this case,” says Malin.
Compatibility: 13-14 inch and 15-17 inch laptops | Weight: 0.7 lbs | Dimensions: 13-15”: 10” x 14” x 1.25” or 15-17”: 11.3” x 15.75” x 1.25”
Incase Hardshell Case
- Durable
- Clip-on design
- Heavy
Incase is a brand I personally use and love — it’s also a favorite of Zilberman’s. I have been using this clear case for about two months, and I like that it blends into my computer’s design, while also protecting it from any bumps. It also doesn’t cover any of the fans, which keeps my laptop well-ventilated. In my experience, it’s a little on the heavier side, but the durability this case provides is worth it.
Compatibility: Macbooks | Weight: 1 pound | Dimensions: 14.5 x 10 x 1 in.
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How to shop for laptop cases
If you’re looking to buy a new laptop case, our experts recommend keeping these things in mind while shopping:
Material
This can determine how lightweight and how durable your case ultimately is. Here’s a breakdown of every material we recommend above, according to expert guidance.
- Plastic/Polycarbonate: These materials are usually found on hard shell cases and are generally lightweight, flexible and have a ‘glass-like’ surface, says Zilberman. They’re great at protecting the cosmetic look of your laptop and are made to fit particular laptop models — which means you won’t be able to reuse them with another device.
- Nylon: Nylon laptop cases are water-resistant to accidental spills. It’s also typically a lightweight and durable material — it doesn’t wear out over time, even with continued use, according to Zilberman.
- Leather: If you prefer something more stylish, consider a leather case. Zilberman recommends avoiding leather, unless aesthetics are the most important factor to you, since it’s usually pricier and not water-resistant.
- EVA: EVA stands for ethylene vinyl acetate and has the best water protection of any case on the market, according to Zilberman. It also has shock absorption, insulation and durability. They are definitely heavier and bulkier than other materials like Nylon, but if you are susceptible to constantly dropping your laptop, this is a great option, according to Zilberman.
Laptop model
Make sure to check the dimensions of your laptop against the dimensions of the case you’re buying. This is especially important if you’re buying a hardshell case since those are usually tailored to specific laptop models. For example, a Macbook Pro case will not fit a MacBook Air case and vice versa.
Water-resistance
“Water and electronics don’t mix so it’s always best to do whatever you can to protect sensitive items, like laptops, from any water exposure,” says Carl Prouty, a product specialist at Abt Electronics, who has more than 20 years of consumer electronics experience. That said, certain laptop cases made from nylon and polyester are water-resistant, according to our experts.
Style and design
“There are lots of different styles and colors available to choose from so be sure to take your time and find which one fits your needs the best,” says Prouty. If shopping in person, he also suggests taking your laptop with you.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Arthur Zilberman is the president of tech repair company Laptop MD. Laptop MD launched in 1999, and Zilberman has been in the laptop repair business for over 20 years.
- Carl Prouty is a product specialist with over 20 years of experience in consumer electronics sales at Abt. Since Abt sells laptop cases, we only spoke with him about technical shopping guidance and did not ask for specific product recommendations.
Why trust NBC Select?
Nishka Dhawan is a former associate commerce editor at NBC Select. She’s covered the tech space for more than three years and has written articles on IP ratings, phone cases and best practices for cleaning tech. For this article, she spoke to Select staff about their favorite laptop cases and also interviewed product experts about what to keep in mind while shopping.
Jordan Bowman is an editor at NBC Select who writes and edits stories on various tech topics including smartwatches, headphones, Bluetooth speakers and projectors. I have covered major shopping holidays and other events for over five years. I also frequently test new tech products including headphones, speakers and computers.
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