If you want to keep your laptop safe but you’d rather not carry around a bulky laptop bag, a sleeve could be a great solution. While they don’t provide the same level of protection against bumps and falls that a more heavy-duty case can offer, they’re a small and streamlined solution that can provide decent protection against dust, debris, and liquids.
While it may seem at a glance like one laptop sleeve is just like any other, we don’t recommend picking up the first one you see on the shelf. Materials, construction, and individual features can have a major effect on the quality of a laptop sleeve. That’s what this guide is for. We’ve narrowed down our results to 10 of the best laptop sleeves so you can shop with confidence.
- The 10 Best Laptop Sleeves
- ProCase Laptop Sleeve
- Thule Gauntlet 12” MacBook Sleeve
- AmazonBasics Laptop Sleeve
- MOSISO Neoprene Sleeve Bag
- Arvok Sleeve
- Lacdo Waterproof Laptop Sleeve
- Evecase Neoprene Laptop Sleeve
- amCase Chromebook Case
- tomtoc 360 Laptop Sleeve
- Canvaslife Canvas Laptop Sleeve
- Laptop Sleeves Buyer’s Guide
- A Note About Sizing
- Laptop Size
- Materials
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What’s the Point of a Laptop Sleeve?
- Are Laptop Sleeves Worth It?
- How Do I Choose a Laptop Sleeve?
- What is the Difference Between a Laptop Sleeve and Case?
The 10 Best Laptop Sleeves
| Award | Design | Laptops | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secure, Reliable, and Convenient in Equal Measure |  | Check Price | |
| Armor for Your MacBook |  | Check Price | |
| Basic in Name, Reliable in Function |  | Check Price | |
| Affordable Yet Wholly Dependable |  | Check Price | |
| Sophisticated Design for Sturdy Protection |  | Check Price | |
 | Check Price | ||
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ProCase Laptop Sleeve
Secure, Reliable, and Convenient in Equal Measure
Most normal-sized laptops and ultrabooks can fit comfortably in the ProCase laptop sleeve, and ProCase has paid as much attention to making sure it’s ecologically friendly as they have to ensuring it will keep your laptop safe. The materials used in its construction are fully environmentally sound while still being soft to the touch. There’s even an extra pocket to hold pens, keys, or cables and chargers.
This is a laptop that’s both secure and reliable yet also perfectly easy to access when you need it to be. It can open up to a full 180 degrees for greater accessibility, and it’s available in sizes suitable for most laptops on the market today. It’s one of the simplest laptop sleeves we’re featuring on this list, but it gets all the fundamentals right.
| Laptop Size | 14-15.6″, 12-12.9″, 13-13.5″ |
| Enclosure Materials | Fabric |
| Dimensions | 15.8 x 11.2 x 0.3 inches |
| Weight | 7.8 ounces |
Pros
- Spill and shock-resistant
- Available in seven colors
- Spacious, separate front pocket
- Made from environmentally friendly materials
Cons
- Side pocket is a little small
Thule Gauntlet 12” MacBook Sleeve
Armor for Your MacBook
Need a laptop sleeve that can survive just about anything? The Gauntlet by Thule has you covered, although it will cost you quite a bit more than the ProCase laptop sleeve we covered above. It sports a clamshell design that makes it incredibly easy to access your laptop while still making sure that it’s safe and secure. Special attention has been paid to the edge and corners so that there aren’t any points of weakness, and the interior is fully padded for the safety of your laptop.
This laptop sleeve was specifically designed for the proportions of MacBooks, but it should work fine with any laptop with the appropriate dimensions. Make no doubt about it. The Thule Gauntlet is one of the most expensive laptop sleeves on the market, but it will also fit your MacBook like a glove.
| Laptop Size | 12″ |
| Enclosure Materials | Polyurethane |
| Dimensions | 11.8 x 1.2 x 8.7 inches |
| Weight | 10.58 ounces |
Pros
- Built with MacBooks in mind
- Sturdy polyurethane design
- Available in four colors
- Extra protection for the corners and sides
Cons
- Sports a relatively bulky design
AmazonBasics Laptop Sleeve
Basic in Name, Reliable in Function
If all you care about is the basics, the AmazonBasics line provides some solid, no-frills, budget-level solutions for a wide range of different products. Their laptop sleeve is no different. With an asking price of just over $10, it’s one of the best laptop sleeves for customers with more limited resources, and it does a surprisingly good job of offering quality design in the process. This is one of the best choices for offices because you can order these laptop sleeves in bulk and get some pretty substantial savings on top of the already low price.
Unlike many laptop sleeves which are designed to work with a range of different sizes, Amazon has made their laptop sleeve specific to some of the most standardized screen sizes so you can rest assured that your laptop sleeve will fit your computer comfortably.
| Laptop Size | 7″, 8″, 10″, 11.6″, 13.3″, 14″, 15.6″, 17.3″ |
| Enclosure Materials | Fabric |
| Dimensions | 16.9 x 0.8 x 12.3 inches |
| Weight | 7.46 ounces |
Pros
- Small enough to fit in a bag
- Precisely sized for specific laptops
- Available in five different colors
- A great price that’s better in bulk
Cons
- Only includes one pocket
MOSISO Neoprene Sleeve Bag
Affordable Yet Wholly Dependable
This laptop sleeve from MOSISO is priced almost identically to the AmazonBasics model, and if you’re just looking to buy one or two, it’s one of the best deals around. Since this sleeve is made from neoprene, it’s highly resistant to water and incredibly flexible in terms of design. This laptop sleeve is available in a staggering array of different colors, so you’re very likely to find one that will match your own unique personality.
This is another laptop sleeve that’s built with MacBooks in mind, but Apple fans will especially benefit from the inclusion of an extra, smaller bag that’s designed to carry an Apple mouse and earphones. The inside is also lined with fleece, adding an extra level of padding to protect your laptop against shock and impact. Despite that, it sports a slim profile that lets you carry it with you or in a separate bag
| Laptop Size | 12.3″, 13″, 13.3″, 15″, 16″ |
| Enclosure Materials | Neoprene |
| Dimensions | 13.97 x 10.04 x 0.79 inches |
| Weight | 0.75 pounds |
Pros
- Available in over two dozen colors
- Fleece lining for extra protection
- Comes with a free, matching pouch
- Built with the MacBook in mind
Cons
- Doesn’t include a dedicated handle
Arvok Sleeve
Sophisticated Design for Sturdy Protection
Arvok’s laptop sleeve will only cost you about $15, but it takes one of the most sophisticated approaches to design, with three protective layers to keep your laptop safe. The outer neoprene surface layer is highly water-resistant so you don’t have to worry about a sudden rainstorm destroying your laptop when you’re on the go, while the interior neoprene layer is highly flexible and soft to prevent scratches on the surface of your laptop. In between is a shockproof material to minimize the risk of damage from blunt force.
And no matter what your style, you can find an Arvok sleeve that fits your needs. These laptop sleeves come in sizes suitable for any standard laptop size, there are tons of different colors and patterns to choose from, and the zipper slides smoothly for easy access to your computer.
| Laptop Size | 11.6″, 13.3″, 15.6″, 17″ |
| Enclosure Materials | Triple layer neoprene |
| Dimensions | 16.25 x 1.25 x 12 inches |
| Weight | 10.6 ounces |
Pros
- Triple layer fabric build
- Very slim and lightweight design
- Comes in 16 colors and patterns
- Backed by a 12 month warranty
Cons
- Gives off a slight chemical smell
Lacdo Waterproof Laptop Sleeve
Let’s be honest. Most of us probably couldn’t pick out one laptop sleeve from another in a lineup, but this laptop case from Lacdo is the exception to the rule. It may only cost around $15, but the fabric used here offers a great sense of style regardless of which color option you choose to invest in. The zipper operates smoothly and can open up at a full 180 degrees to provide you with ready access to your laptop whenever you need it.
Adding even more to the utility of this case is the inclusion of a front pocket. While it’s not enough to carry some heavy gear in it, you can absolutely use this pocket to carry documents, chargers, pens, or even a tablet. The canvas outer fabric is water repellent, while the interior is soft, static resistant, and shockproof.
| Laptop Size | 11-11.6″, 13″, 14″, 15.6″ |
| Enclosure Materials | Water-resistant polyester |
| Dimensions | 13.9 x 1.2 x 9.8 inches |
| Weight | 5.6 ounces |
Pros
- Some of the best style sense
- Spacious front exterior pocket
- Soft and plush fabric interior
- Available in seven colors
Cons
- Comparatively limited color options
Evecase Neoprene Laptop Sleeve
Evecase’s laptop case is another choice that has a lot of personality. The textured diamond exterior sets this model apart from practically any other laptop sleeve, but it also serves a practical purpose. The foam offers some serious protection from drops, bumps, and other minor shock damage. That neoprene padded foam is also resistant to splashes or spills of water, so you can even bring it out in light rain.
The interior fabric is just as thoughtfully designed. The microfiber used on the interior is foam-lined for another layer of protection and extra thick as well. It can even protect your laptop from dust. The top-loading zipper makes it easier to extract your laptop whenever you need to. And despite the slightly larger profile, it can comfortably fit in most laptop bags or briefcases.
| Laptop Size | 11.6″, 13.3″, 15.6″ |
| Enclosure Materials | Foam padded neoprene |
| Dimensions | 13.4 x 9.7 x 1.2 inches |
| Weight | 4.97 ounces |
Pros
- Highly textured diamond exterior
- Dust resistant, thick foam interior
- Slim and lightweight design
- Compatible with a wide variety of laptops
Cons
- Only one color choice
amCase Chromebook Case
Smaller laptops need love too, and that’s something that amCase accounts for. They may offer a severely limited selection in terms of sizing, but that just means that they can customize their cases to specifically suit the needs of traditionally smaller Chromebooks. With 15.6-inch laptops being the standard laptop size yet Chromebooks becoming more popular, that’s one of the best niches that anyone could fill.
Other than that, things are largely business as usual with this case. A neoprene exterior makes this laptop sleeve water resistant, and it even comes with a carrying handle so you can treat your laptop sleeve like a briefcase. It even includes an additional pocket you can use to hold cables, chargers, paperwork, or anything you might need to carry with you on the go.
| Laptop Size | 11.6-12″ |
| Enclosure Materials | Impact foam padded neoprene |
| Dimensions | 12.4 x 0.98 x 8.66 inches |
| Weight | 8.8 ounces |
Pros
- Built specifically for smaller Chromebooks
- Exterior pocket for additional storage
- Uses neoprene impact foam padding
- Comes with a convenient carrying handle
Cons
- Only available for smaller laptops
tomtoc 360 Laptop Sleeve
Despite being built for the specifications of the old MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, this sleeve from tomtoc will nonetheless work great with basically any smaller laptop you might own. The YKK zipper is specially made to offer the best service even after extended use, and tomtoc has even patented their design for protecting the vulnerable corners of your laptop: a design known as Corner Armor. And in addition to interior padding, special attention has been paid to make sure that the space around the zipper is fully cushioned as well.
If you’re looking to keep things light while still carrying everything you need, this laptop sleeve comes with a dedicated pocket for holding accessories, paperwork, or any other small odds and ends comfortably. Tomtoc is offering all of this for a reasonable price of right around $20.
| Laptop Size | 13-13.5″, 12″ |
| Enclosure Materials | Spill resistant polyester |
| Dimensions | 13.3 x 9.8 x 1.1 inches |
| Weight | 8 ounces |
Pros
- Durable and compact design
- Patented Corner Armor tech
- Well-padded interior
- Available in a number of different patterns
Cons
- Sizing options are very limited
Canvaslife Canvas Laptop Sleeve
Canvas isn’t the most common material used for a laptop case, but it is one of the most attractive. This Canvaslife laptop sleeve really plays to their strengths by complementing their already handsome-looking sleeve with a pretty rose patterned design. And since it’s made from strong treated canvas, it’s also a highly waterproof laptop sleeve.
The zipper design is one of the best around, too. The Canvaslife sleeve makes use of a U-shaped zipper design and employs some sturdy engineering to prevent any issues that could cause you to accidentally damage your computer sleeve. And then there’s also the front pocket, which is large enough to hold small tablets or important gear like chargers, mice, and more portable headphones like earbuds.
| Laptop Size | 13″, 14″, 15″ |
| Enclosure Materials | Water resistant canvas |
| Dimensions | 13.6 x 10 x 3.6 inches |
| Weight | 7.2 ounces |
Pros
- Made from waterproof canvas
- Above-average U-shaped zipper
- Extra front pocket for accessories
- Great padding across the board
Cons
- Only available in a rose pattern print
Laptop Sleeves Buyer’s Guide
Above, we’ve outlined the best laptop sleeves available, but if you want to find the best laptop sleeves for your specific needs, that’s only half of the story. Below, we’ll help you understand why the specs we’ve chosen are important and help you recognize the features that are most commonly in a laptop sleeve so you can better understand what you should be looking for.
A Note About Sizing
Most laptop sleeves come in a variety of different sizes, and that means that different models are going to have different weights and dimensions. For the sake of our guide, we’ve focused on a specific size for each sleeve, even if there are multiple versions. The laptop sizes listed in our specs are our reference points, and the dimensions and weight are appropriately scaled to them. While this type of case is usually only slightly larger than the computer it’s designed to hold, the dimensions listed can provide a great frame of reference when you want to get the best case.
Laptop Size
The one thing you absolutely want to do before you get a sleeve-style case or bag is to make sure that it fits your laptop. If your case is too small, your computer won’t fit inside. If it’s too big, it won’t be properly protected. Fortunately, the dimensions for most laptops are standardized, and case and bag designs are similarly built for them. The ideal sleeve is one that fits. In other words, be sure to get a 15.6-inch bag if your computer is 15.6 inches in size.
Materials
The exterior of a sleeve is most typically constructed of fabric. Neoprene is an especially popular choice because it’s both flexible and highly water-resistant, but you can get a great bag or case made from a variety of different materials if you know where to look. Treated canvas also tends to offer a high level of water protection – and while nylon and polyester are a little rarer, they offer that same advantage.
You should also pay attention to the materials used on the inside. This type of case doesn’t offer a whole lot of protection in its own right, but a little bit of solid cushioning can make all the difference in the world. Our choice of the best models will offer multiple layers of protection. Typically, the exterior will be more heavy-duty and designed to resist damage, a middle layer will provide extra cushioning against bumps and shock damage, and the interior layer will be soft. That can help prevent scratching the surface of your computer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Point of a Laptop Sleeve?
A sleeve provides a low-profile, narrow, and lightweight alternative to carrying around a heavy case or bag for your computer. They offer a decent amount of protection and often come with a handle, and their incredibly slim designs mean that you can even carry them in a separate case or bag, giving you easier access to your things without having to unzip a lot of pockets or root around through everything.
Are Laptop Sleeves Worth It?
Considering most sleeves are available for around $20 or less, we think they’re definitely worth it. But whether or not the best laptop cases for you are sleeves depends on what you need. A more serious and sturdy bag or case can provide greater protection and more storage space, but they aren’t nearly as portable as the best laptop sleeves are.
How Do I Choose a Laptop Sleeve?
Generally, we recommend that you pick one that matches your style. Sleeve-style laptop cases don’t tend to vary that much in terms of design and features. And while we suggest that you pay attention to the quality of their construction and additional features, you’ll want to find a sleeve that you’ll be comfortable taking with you every day.
What is the Difference Between a Laptop Sleeve and Case?
That’s easy. All laptop sleeves are cases, but not all laptop cases are sleeves. Both fulfill the job of keeping your laptop safe and providing you with an easy way to carry it, but sleeves sport smaller than average designs, typically being only slightly larger than the laptop inside the sleeve. Laptop cases can vary from sleeve-sized models to more serious bags and luggage.
Wrapping Up
A sleeve for your computer is a great alternative to a traditional case, and the truth is that there isn’t always a huge distinction from one model to the next. We think our guide should offer all the information you need to shop for the best model with confidence. We encourage you to share your opinions on any of the models we’ve outlined using the form below, and you can check out our guide to the best laptop cases if you want to expand your search a little.
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