The Best Laptop Sleeves
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Laptop computers are essential workhorses. But because they’re so portable (and expensive), carrying one can feel a little precarious. One less-than-stable perch and the machine can go from fully functioning to snapped in half and in need of repair. This is where laptop sleeves — relatively inexpensive cases that can come in handy while transporting pricey machinery from place to place — enter the chat.
Laptop sleeves’ decidedly utilitarian purpose might make them seem like a dull product, but believe it or not, the best laptop sleeves are exciting, whether that’s due to premium materials, much-needed additional storage space, or a stylish look. Of course, the number one job of a laptop sleeve is to protect the laptop inside, and all of the best options accomplish that task with aplomb.
This kind of protection costs anywhere from $20 to $60, though it’s certainly possible to spend more. With decent laptops starting in the $1,000 range, a sleeve in that price range is a reasonable investment to make.
What the Experts Say
Sources within the tech industry say that laptop sleeves are non-negotiable. For this story, SPY talked to tech expert and founder of Insider Techie Michael Xavier, TEKPIP product engineer Kenneth Jimmy, and other laptop power users to sort through the best laptop sleeves available now.
“A good laptop sleeve is essential to protect your device from bumps, scratches, and spills while traveling,” Xavier says, adding that, over the long-term, “it will extend the life of your laptop and provide peace of mind.”
Jimmy says that there are a few key things to look for when shopping for a laptop sleeve, starting with a snug fit that keeps the laptop secure inside the sleeve. “The outer material should be well-stitched, durable, and water-resistant to save the laptop from spills and even rain.” Nice-to-haves include pockets that can hold small accessories like a charger, though Jimmy says he personally prefers a sleeker design.
Price-wise, both Xavier and Jimmy say $50 is about as much as they’d spend on a laptop sleeve, with $20 to $30 as the lowest price one can pay while still getting adequate protection.
BEST OVERALL
Tomtoc 360
For less than $25, this laptop sleeve packs a resilient hard outer bumper, spill-resistant fabrics made from recycled, and sturdy YKK zippers. It’s the sleeve of choice of David Ciccarelli, founder of Voices.ai, an AI development platform, because it offers both drop and liquid protection. “Many favor this option for its corner armor patent design, which guards against drops and bumps,” he says, referring to Tomtoc’s CornerArmor x4 technology. The case has high-resilience edges and a proprietary design that helped this sleeve pass the 810H-516.8 drop test, a widely used military standard in product testing.
For those who are more likely to knock a cup of coffee onto their laptop sleeve than drop it, Ciccarelli says “the spill-resistant zipper is a boon for those constantly on the move.” Together with the spill-resistant recycled fabric, they former a barrier that will keep laptops nice and dry. The outer pocket is big enough to hold a charger and cables, while the attached internal strap is perfect for attaching keys or an AirTag.
BEST MINIMALIST
Incase Icon
Made For: Laptop sleeve haters.
What It Is: At just half a pound, the Incase Icon is among the lightest of laptop sleeves, but the use of engineered materials Woolenex (exterior) and Tensaerlite (bumpers) mean there’s no compromise on protection. Travel blogger Yulia Saf says it “ticks all the boxes” and has “saved my laptop from unexpected mishaps, like when my son accidentally spilled water” on it. This is the slim, feels-like-nothing laptop case that those who hate laptop sleeves should buy.
Coolest Feature: The magnetic snap closure is strong enough to keep a laptop in place but is easy (and extremely satisfying) to open and close.
BEST SLEEVE-BAG HYBRID
Think Tank My 2nd Brain
Made For: Multi-purpose enthusiasts.
What It Is: The My 2nd Brain laptop sleeve is also a bag that’s big enough to fit a laptop and a tablet. Professional photographer Tim Daniels uses his to carry a small Wacom tablet for on-the-go photo editing, and he says that it’s the perfect size for the extra gear and, crucially, his 11-inch laptop. “Think Tank seems to be one of the few brands that actually measures the products that their bags and cases are designed to hold, so there’s no sliding around from my laptop when it’s in its case.”
Hot Take: Vertically aligned laptop sleeves, which are definitely the minority in the category, might be better. Daniels says that the “real game-changer” for him is that “the laptop is held in the vertical position, with a handle in the right place and a shoulder strap, so I can free up my hands for my camera.” This laptop orientation also makes the laptop sleeve fall in line with one’s body, limiting the space it takes up in front and behind of the hip and generally making it feel less awkward.
BEST STYLISH
Saddleback Leather Laptop Sleeve
Who It’s For: Stylish but clumsy people.
Why It Stands Out: It’s the leather. Most laptop sleeves are made of synthetic, engineered fabrics and foams, so the choice to use a single piece of full-grain leather certainly stands out. Refine Packaging CMO Alex Jasin says that “from boardroom presentations to product demonstrations in the field, I can rely on this sleeve to withstand the rigors of travel while maintaining an impeccable appearance.”
Coolest Feature: By wrapping and stitching the leather around itself, the designers constructed a V-shaped seam that creates an air pocket, which provides additional cushioning if the laptop falls to the ground.
BEST FOR STAYING ORGANIZED
Cocoon Graphite 15" Sleeve with Built-in Grid-IT! Accessory Organizer
Who It’s For: Accessory lovers.
Coolest Feature: The secondary pocket has Cocoon’s proprietary Grid-It! system, an interwoven system of elastic bands that’s impressively flexible and reliable. No matter the specific shape of the smaller items the sleeve can store, there’s a band there to hold them firmly in place. The days of fitting what one carries into a not-that-usable set of compartments — or simply settling for a cluttered mess — are no more.
Why It Stands Out: The unique combination of materials. Xavier says that “the ideal laptop sleeve is padded yet slim, with a soft inner lining to prevent scratches.” The faux fur lining in this sleeve is soft, and the wooden zipper pulls show dedication to nailing the basics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laptop Sleeves
What are laptop sleeves made of?
There are some leather options, but most laptop sleeves are made out of a water-resistant synthetic on the outside and something soft, from a microfiber material to faux fur, to prevent the laptop from getting scratched on the inside. Zippers are the most common closure, though there are some that have magnetic latches.
Are laptop sleeves really necessary?
According to Xavier, they definitely are, especially while traveling. They provide an extra layer of protection for laptops in bags, and a way to travel light with only a laptop and perhaps a few accessories—the essentials for a modern computer worker.
What if I never drop my laptop?
This is the FAQ section, not famous last words.