Working, round trips and business road trips: Top 10 best laptop sleeves
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Writer’s note: The following listicle was originally published on June 25, 2020 at the now-defunct website Lifestyle Reviews. There were originally 15 options, five of which are no longer available. The listicle has been lightly edited for technical details and readability, along with updates on health stats. (If you’re interested in reading more top 10-, 15- and 20 lists for your home upgrades, home offices, tech shopping and everyday living, click here. If you’re a pet lover, you may enjoy this collection as well.)
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So you’re getting ready to go out of town. You’ve weighed all of your luggage and counted the number of bags. Your laptop must come with you, but it just won’t fit securely into your favorite camping bag, luggage or backpack.
Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, having a laptop sleeve is a convenience for your trip. Many have built-in handles. Others are slim and durable enough to slide into your current suitcases and backpacks. Most laptop cases have pockets big enough to fit memory cards, a computer mouse, chargers and more, if you need a few extra supplies without carrying a bulky laptop bag.
Recommended Read: “Top 10 of the best laptop stands ~ The shopping trip you didn't know you needed to take”
If you travel light, laptop cases with lightweight material may be all you need. But if you’re someone who needs a lot of stuff in your bag (such as the supplies mentioned above), skip straight to padded versions. While we want your laptop to be secure, we also want all of your other items to travel securely and efficiently too.
1. Mosiso
While this particular bag is designed for a 13- to 13.3-inch laptop, there are seven size variations (from 12.3 inches to 18.5 inches) to choose from. And with these size variations comes 42 color options, too, to personalize your laptop sleeve exactly as you see fit.
Key Features
Front vertical pocket
Spill-resistant polyester surface
Soft internal fluff cushion
With double top-opening zippers to easily open and pull out your laptop, this laptop sleeve case can fit into your backpack, briefcase and even some tote bags. The extra pocket in the front can hold loose office supplies (ex. power bank, adapter, pens, smartphones).
Pros
Shockproof sponge
Waterproof laptop sleeves
Cons
Multiple users complain that the bag size did not fit their laptops
No handles
If you’re concerned about bumping and shock absorption, the polyester foam padding layer and fluffy fabric lining keeps the laptop secure during a transport. This laptop case is compatible with various MacBooks, HPs, Lenovos, Chromebooks, etc.
2. Lacdo
Bumps and scratches happen. This is why shockproof soft lining, such as the one included here, is an important feature for laptop sleeve bags. In addition to protecting your laptop, this environmentally friendly bag (made from recyclable fabric) also helps avoid accidental scratching and bumping from items in the other pockets.
Key Features
Available in six sizes
Velour padding
High-resilience buffer layers
Use the three extra pockets of the laptop sleeve to store loose items in convenient spots. Avoid overstuffing to keep its slim appearance intact. Additionally, the entire bag is waterproof and guards against vapors, which helps secure additional electronics such as chargers. Then slide all of the above in your favorite backpack, suitcase or bag.
Pros
Anti-static
Water repellent exterior canvas material
Cons
Multiple complaints about the laptop not fitting properly
No handles
This laptop case is compatible with Acer Aspire/Predator, Toshiba, Dell Inspiron, ASUS P-Series, HP Pavilion, Lenovo, MSI GL62M and Chromebook laptops.
3. ProCase
While handles are not mandatory on a laptop sleeve, they certainly help. If you just want a durable sleeve for your laptop but don’t want to carry around a backpack or briefcase, a laptop case with a hand strap assists with easier transporting.
Key Features
13 x 9.5 x 1.25 inches
Front zipper pocket
Double zipper for 180-degree opening
Chances are if you’re carrying this laptop sleeve case by hand, that you’ll want to guard against rough weather. Not to worry with this one. It has a water-resistant exterior, and soft-touch microfiber to keep your electronics safe and bump free when sitting the case down.
Pros
Extendable hand strap for easier carrying
Dustproof canvas exterior
Cons
One user reported three cracks in the handle
Multiple complaints about potential laptop falls because of the zipper on one side and the opening facing downward
This laptop case is compatible with Samsung, Sony, ASUS, Acer, Lenovo, Dell, HP, Toshiba and Chromebook laptops.
4. JETech
This three-layer protection laptop case is splashproof with shockproof sponging and soft, internal cushioning.
Key Features
Available in four sizes
Available in 14 colors
Extra front pocket
With a large storage space and wide compatibility, this laptop case provides room for your laptop to comfortably be housed inside, along with extra pocket space for your remote working needs.
Pros
Dustproof
Splash-proof exterior for easy cleaning
Cons
Inside fluffy lining may catch on the zipper if not opened carefully (Note: Some images of the inner casing have a fluffy appearance while others do not.)
No handles
This laptop case is compatible with MacBook Pros, MacBook Airs, Surface Pros, Surface Laptops,’ MacBook Pros and MacBook Air laptops.
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5. Kinmac
This vertical-style laptop sleeve with thick rebound material comes in 10 designs. Choose one, choose five. Slide your laptop in the main opening of your laptop case, and your laptop and charger in the front pocket, and be on your way to your next meeting.
Key Features
Comes in four sizes
Large pocket on front zipper
U-shaped zipper
The soft material on the inside hugs most of your laptop into place to guard against scratches. And this sleeve is big enough to hold all of your electronic essentials if you don’t want to carry a laptop backpack along with the sleeve.
Pros
Shockproof
Fluffy inner lining to guard against bumps and scratches
Cons
No inside padding along the edges
No handles
This laptop sleeve is compatible with MacBook Pro, Microsoft Surface laptops and Surface Books.
6. Tomtoc 360°
Glance at the average laptop sleeve, and there’s light fabric around the sides to prevent bumps. But with the 360-degree cushioning inside of this gray briefcase-like sleeve, your laptop is pretty much getting a warm hug all around.
Key Features
Available in four sizes
CornerArmor trademarked rubber material
Side-opening design
Available in four colors, the military-grade CornerArmor technology helps you avoid damage from accidental drops and bumps. Additionally, the front pocket has an elastic that’s firm but easy enough to store bulkier items such as a computer mouse or charger. And the case, made of recycled fabric with a handle included, protects from spills too.
Pros
Retractable PU leather handle
360-degree protection
Cons
A few users were disappointed that their bags arrived creased and/or wrinkled
A couple users took pics of the handle unraveling from its stitching
This laptop sleeve is compatible with various Dell, Asus, Acer, Thinkpad and Samsung Laptops, along with Ultrabooks notebooks. Additionally, you can get a 12-month, worry-free warranty.
7. Mosiso
Although it’s a little big to be considered a purse, this diamond-style wrapped design can be pulled off for more formal events. Available in nine colors, this bag houses your laptop, along with a small storage pouch bag (same color) for your other office supplies.
Key Features
Available in two colors
Small case (additional) to store accessories
13.3 inches
This case is sturdy enough to guard against shocks, scratches and bumps, but lightweight and slim enough to slide into a bag or carry by hand with ease. The top-loading zipper should be easy to slide on the sleeve. And it’s eco-friendly, made from premium, water repellent lycra material.
Pros
Spill-resistant neoprene surface
Shockproof sponge inner lining and foam cushioning
Cons
Couple users complained that their zippers broke in a matter of weeks
No handle
This laptop sleeve is compatible with MacBook Airs, MacBook Pro Retinas, Dells, HP Elitebooks, Lenovo IdeaPads, Asus ZenBook/Chromebooks, Acer Swift 1s, RAZER Blade Stealth laptops and more.
8. Shockproof Briefcase Bag
The ergonomic handle on this gray laptop sleeve is designed for comfort and days in which you may carry the laptop for long periods of time. If you’d rather just carry a sleeve instead of an entire bag of items, this bag with its additional front pocket (wide enough for a mouse, cell phone and charger) could work.
Key Features
16.14 x 11.42 x 0.91 inches
Side handle
Front pocket
The soft flannelette interior guards your laptop against shocks and scratches. The waterproof nylon canvas fabric will help you feel confident carrying your laptop during rainy and/or misty days. And unlike some laptop sleeves with handles that may pull and change the shape of the bag, this one reportedly will not. (However, it is a good idea to not overstuff the laptop sleeve to avoid too much weight inside.)
Pros
Dust-free
Waterproof
Cons
One user got a bag and a replacement with faulty zippers
Separate user said a zipper broke too
This laptop sleeve is compatible with Acer Aspire E15, ASUS VivoBook, Toshiba, Dell Inspiron, Lenovo, MSI, HP notebooks and more.
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9. Lymmax
Laptop sleeves either have no handle or have obvious side handles. In the case of this gray laptop sleeve, the padded handle is a bit more subtle. Use it or ignore it, but just know that it’s there for the carrying should you want to.
Key Features
Available in three sizes
Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) material on the sleeve
Velcro closure
Made from EVA waterproof material and shockproof, this grey laptop sleeve has a fluffy inner lining to keep your laptop safe. The slot pockets on the 14- and 15-inch laptop cases can be used to store credit cards or business cards as well.
Pros
Shockproof
Padded handle
Cons
13-inch laptop sleeve has no handle nor zipper pocket
Velcro closure may wear after repeated use
This laptop sleeve is compatible with HP, Dell, Lenovo, Asus, Acer and LG laptops. It also includes a one-year warranty.
10. Kalidi
This breathable laptop sleeve is more flexible than the average suede bag. And the foldable sleeve can be converted into a soft desktop and portable mouse pad.
Key Features
13.7 inches x 10 inches (larger bag)
4 inches x 2 inches x 6 inches (smaller pouch)
Suede polyurethane texture
With soft lining and neat stitching, this slim-edge laptop sleeve has a light gold alloy to add a classy touch. The exterior will also win over environmentally friendly customers. Pack your earphones, mouse, charger and any additional computer equipment inside of the additional, matching pouch. Use the invisible magnet buckle to open and close the larger bag, and the durable zipper for the smaller pouch.
Pros
Scratch and dustproof
Water resistant
Cons
Laptop sleeve does not fit laptops with hard shell cases
No handle
This laptop sleeve ideally fits most MacBooks and laptops.
Bottom Line
While reading the pros and cons of the 10 selected laptop cases above, keep in mind that everyone’s wear-and-tear activity is different. Where you may see five-star reviews, there will more than likely be one-star reviews. That doesn’t mean every bag is a bust, but it does mean you should be aware of the weight and size requirements of each bag before you pack your electronics and supplies.
As with all laptop sleeves, make sure to buy one that is personalized just for you. Some laptop and notebook owners prefer zippers on top while others are cool with zippers along the sides. A common complaint is the zipper being in a place where the laptop could easily fall out if not successfully secured. However, the same argument could be made with a purse, backpack, briefcase, makeup bag or any other item that keeps loose items in a contained environment.
The inner lining and exterior lining are also important. If you’re going to carry your laptop sleeve for an extended amount of time, make sure that the inner lining guards against scratches and/or bumps. And make sure the exterior lining is comfortable on your shoulders and arms. The size of pockets (and what you want to store in them), the zipper position, the cushioning, the slim fit (and whether your hard-corner laptop fits inside), the color and most importantly your laptop’s material all matter too.
If you’re on the fence or not quite clear on all of the above, ask the seller ahead of time to avoid having to deal with refunds and warranty issues later on. While all of these options may seem like a lot to figure it out, remember this. Your laptop is worth hundreds or thousands of dollars. Laptop sleeves usually range somewhere between $15 to $50. Be choosy now to make sure you’re not spending hundreds of dollars later to replace your laptop.
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